On July 11, 2025, the first episode ofLife is Strangeintroduced the world to Max Caulfield and her life-changing ability to rewind time. Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix, the game quickly captivated audiences with its blend of supernatural storytelling, relatable characters, and choice-driven gameplay. Its focus on queerness, predominantly female protagonists, and socially conscious themes set it apart, creating a ripple effect that continues to shape narrative games today.
At its heart,Life is Strangewas more than a game about superpowers—it was about navigating the complexities of life as a teenager. Max’s return to Arcadia Bay, her reunion with Chloe Price, and the unraveling mystery of Rachel Amber’s disappearance laid the groundwork for a deeply emotional journey. The player’s ability to rewind time not only underscored themes of regret and consequence, but also made each choice feel intensely personal. This innovation solidifiedLife is Strangeas a game that transcended its medium.
Expanding the Life is Strange Universe
Over the years, theLife is Strangeseries has expanded its universe with entries that pushed boundaries while staying true to its roots.Life is Strangehas introduced players to some great charactersalong the way.
Before the Storm
In 2017, Deck Nine took the reins to deliverLife is Strange: Before the Storm, a prequel that explored Chloe Price’s life before Max’s return. The game introduced the Backtalk mechanic, a dialogue-based system that reflected Chloe’s rebellious nature and gave players more meaningful choices. It also delved into Chloe’s relationship with Rachel Amber, bringing new depth to the character whose absence haunted the original game. Through their bond, players witnessed a raw exploration of grief, anger, and the desire for connection.
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Released in 2018,The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spiritwas a short but impactful gamethat bridged the gap betweenBefore the StormandLife is Strange 2. Focusing on a young boy named Chris and his imagination-fueled escape from a troubled home life, the game introduced emotional storytelling mechanics that would become central toLife is Strange 2. Chris’s world, tinged with both wonder and sorrow, resonated with players as a poignant metaphor for resilience.
Life is Strange 2
In 2019, Dontnod shifted focus to new characters withLife is Strange 2,which followed Sean and Daniel Diaz, two brothers on the run after a tragic encounter with the police. Daniel’s telekinetic powers added a sci-fi twist to their journey, while the game tackled themes like racism, police brutality, and immigration. It was a bold departure from Arcadia Bay, proving the series could address broader social issues while maintaining its emotional core.
True Colors
In 2021,Deck Nine returned to helmLife is Strange: True Colors.This entry introduced Alex Chen, a young woman with the ability to sense and manipulate emotions. Set in the picturesque town of Haven Springs, the game combined stunning visuals with deeply personal storytelling. Alex’s journey of self-discovery and her relationships with the townspeople showcased the series’ commitment to empathetic narratives. The inclusion of a more cohesive, single-episode structure marked a new chapter for the franchise.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure, The Next Chapter and Needed Shift
Fast forward to 2024, andLife is Strange: Double Exposurereturned to Max Caulfield’s story, bringing the series full circle. Set nearly a decade after the events of the original game, Max is now a photographer-in-residence in Lakeport, Vermont, struggling with the emotional scars of her past. The introduction of her new ability to “pulse” between parallel timelines adds a fresh layer of complexity, allowing players to navigate two distinct realities while unraveling a murder mystery.
Max’s investigation into the death of her friend Safi Llewellyn-Fayyad demonstrates howDouble Exposurebalances the supernatural with the personal. The evolving dynamic between Max and the world around her reflects not only her growth as a character, but also the growth of the series. By revisiting Max’s story, Deck Nine pays homage to the series’ origins while exploring new narrative possibilities. Long time fans are rewarded with a story that both taps into nostalgia but also addresses the bittersweet understanding that time always flows forward.
Reception forLife is Strange: Double Exposure, however, has been mixed, and has prompted some shifts within Deck Nine. Max, standing as a symbolic bookend of the decade-longLife is Strangesaga, is now a representation of a crossroads for the series. Tough decisions like where the series should go from here linger in 2025. Arguably adding to the bittersweet nature of Max’s recent journey, Deck Nine and Square Enix will need to further make changes to the beloved series to keep its head above water.
Life is Strange Has Completed a Decade of Narrative Impact and Reflection
Regardless of the struggles the series continues to face, its impact on the gaming world continues to be felt. Over its ten-year history, theLife is Strangeseries has become a cornerstone of narrative-driven games. Its focus on diverse representation, social issues, and emotional storytelling has left an indelible mark on the industry. From Max and Chloe’s journey inLife is Strangeto Alex Chen’s empathic exploration inTrue Colorsand now Max’s return inDouble Exposure, the series has consistently pushed the boundaries of what video games can achieve.
Looking ahead, fans are left to wonderwhat’s next forLife is Strange. The originalLife is Strangestory featuring Chloe and Max was remastered as part of theLife is Strange Arcadia Bay Collectionin 2022. The ending ofDouble Exposurereveals to fans that Max’s story will continue. To what capacity is yet to be seen. There were also hints that one of the more minor characters may take the lead moving forward. WithDouble Exposureclosing the loop on Max’s journey, the series serves as a reminder that, while it’s not possible to rewind time, it matters to cherish the moments that shape one’s life.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure
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Max Caulfield, photographer-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University, discovers her closest new friend, Safi, dead in the snow.Murdered.To save her, Max tries to Rewind time – a power she’s not used in years… instead, Max opens the way to a parallel timeline where Safi is still alive, and still in danger!Max realizes the killer will soon strike again – in both versions of reality.With her new power to Shift between two timelines – can Max solve and prevent the same murder?ORDINARY GIRL, EXTRAORDINARY POWERMax is thrust into a thrilling supernatural murder mystery – more dangerous than ever before!TRAVERSE TWO TIMELINESForge allies and pursue suspects across two versions of reality, shaping both timelines through unforgettable choices.RACE AGAINST TIMEA relentless detective has Max in his sights, and Safi’s killer grows closer with every clue uncovered. Can Max survive long enough – to do the impossible?DECIDE THE FATE OF CALEDONExplore two versions of a vivid winter campus, each packed with clues, secrets, and tough decisions.
