Life is Strange: Double Exposure

67%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,627 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • music
Life is Strange: Double Exposure Game Cover
Life is Strange: Double Exposure is filled with the same powerful moments as the original, with fresh new characters and clever gameplay.
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"Life is Strange: Double Exposure" is an upcoming supernatural murder mystery game where players can pre-purchase the Ultimate Edition to access the first two chapters early and with no playtime limits. The Deluxe Edition includes two additional outfit packs for the protagonist, Max. The Spooky Outfit Pack allows players to embrace their ghost-hunting and monster-wrangling passions, perfect for Halloween or any time of the year. Saves automatically carry over to the full game.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

67%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,627 reviews
story385 positive mentions
optimization32 negative mentions
  • The return of Max Caulfield is nostalgic and well-executed, showcasing her growth and maturity since the first game.
  • The graphics and animations are stunning, with impressive facial expressions and a beautiful art style that enhances the overall experience.
  • The soundtrack is engaging and complements the emotional beats of the story, adding depth to the gameplay.
  • The story loses focus in the later chapters, feeling rushed and leaving many plot points unresolved, particularly in the final episode.
  • Choices made throughout the game often feel inconsequential, with little impact on the overall narrative or character development.
  • The handling of Chloe's character and the romantic options feels forced and unsatisfying, undermining the emotional connections established in the original game.
  • story1,509 mentions

    The story of "Life is Strange: Double Exposure" has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over its execution compared to the original game. While the initial chapters are praised for their engaging narrative and character development, the latter parts of the game are criticized for being rushed, convoluted, and lacking the emotional depth that defined the earlier installments. Additionally, the handling of key characters, particularly Chloe, has left some fans feeling that the story undermines the choices made in the first game, leading to a sense of disconnection and dissatisfaction with the overall plot.

    • “The story is engaging, pulling you back into that cinematic experience where choices matter, and every decision feels like it could change everything.”
    • “Returning to Max's story was a genuine delight, and I found her and the other characters' performances satisfying and compelling.”
    • “The story takes so many twists and turns; I couldn't put it down until I finished it.”
    • “The queer-themed angst is there, just like in the first game, but seems more a distraction than a useful storytelling element.”
    • “The entire story gradually loses its connection, and at a certain point you can no longer understand what is actually happening.”
    • “The plot is lost, the story starts making less sense, and choices don't even matter.”
  • graphics341 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals, detailed environments, and improved character animations, marking a significant upgrade from previous installments. However, numerous players have reported performance issues, including graphical glitches, blurriness, and demanding system requirements that hinder gameplay. Overall, while the artistic direction is appreciated, the technical execution has left some players frustrated due to optimization problems.

    • “The visuals are stunning, with meticulously designed environments, detailed textures, dynamic lighting, and impressive visual effects.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, each scene beautifully capturing the emotions and nuances of the story, and this attention to detail really brings the game to another level.”
    • “Graphically, the game is absolutely gorgeous, the voice acting is great, the motion capture and facial emotions are amazing.”
    • “From the inability to play it without the graphics on lowest settings (I have an Alienware laptop and have never had this issue before) to the rushed storyline that just seems like set up for a part 2 (or part 3 for the max line of games).”
    • “I own a relatively high-end PC and also used GeForce Now, but the graphics still looked bizarrely blurry and I encountered a fair amount of bugs.”
    • “The graphics are a blurry mess, especially when playing in 4K.”
  • music266 mentions

    The music in the latest installment of the "Life is Strange" series has received mixed reviews, with many praising the soundtrack as a highlight that complements the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. While some fans feel it lacks the impact and memorability of previous titles, others appreciate the diverse song choices and the nostalgic feel it brings. However, issues with audio balancing and abrupt music cuts during gameplay have been noted, detracting from the overall experience.

    • “The music team has created a beautifully atmospheric score that perfectly complements the game’s tone and setting, enhancing the emotional depth of key scenes.”
    • “The soundtrack deserves special mention.”
    • “The music is always extremely well done in these games and it always amazes me just how well they do with it, personally one of the best parts in the whole series to me is how well they use the music to match with the tension and around story beats.”
    • “The music isn’t terrible, but it lacks emotional impact.”
    • “However, I did miss a certain impactfulness of a well-timed banger of a song at any important turning point in the game.”
    • “The soundtrack may be the strongest part of this game and possibly my favorite from the series.”
  • gameplay209 mentions

    The gameplay in this installment of the "Life is Strange" series has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it solid yet repetitive and lacking in depth compared to previous entries. While the new timeline-shifting mechanic offers some interesting puzzle-solving opportunities, it often feels underutilized and leads to tedious backtracking. Overall, the gameplay is described as more of an interactive experience with minimal challenge, which may disappoint fans seeking complex mechanics and meaningful choices.

    • “The gameplay feels solid and familiar, and if you enjoyed the unique storytelling and emotional depth of the first game, this one will hit you right in the feels.”
    • “The new gameplay mechanics are very interesting and fun to play around with.”
    • “Max’s ability to switch between universes offers plenty of exploration opportunities and extends the gameplay time, especially for those like me who enjoy exploring and playing at a relaxed pace.”
    • “The gameplay and problem solving with the timelines is also much less engaging than the rewind power was.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, there is not much to do, but that is the thing with these types of games; they are more of an interactive show than a game.”
    • “The gameplay loop of 'find x to cause y' feels outdated, and while Max's sexuality is given clarity, forcing her into a specific romantic path feels disconnected from the first game, where she could explore bisexual options.”
  • emotional150 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Life is Strange: Double Exposure" has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment compared to the original game's profound emotional depth. While some moments resonate and evoke nostalgia, the overall narrative lacks the impactful character connections and weighty choices that defined earlier installments, leaving players feeling less invested and emotionally engaged. Despite its beautiful visuals and atmospheric score, the game struggles to deliver the heart-wrenching experiences fans have come to expect from the series.

    • “The music team has created a beautifully atmospheric score that perfectly complements the game’s tone and setting, enhancing the emotional depth of key scenes.”
    • “Life is Strange was more than a computer game; it was a heartfelt story that touched millions of people around the world.”
    • “Double Exposure isn’t just a game; it’s an emotional journey that lingers long after the credits roll, reminding players of the beauty and pain woven into life’s smallest moments.”
    • “lis2 had plenty to love but was ultimately a deeply boring story, boring characters, a boring power, and very poorly written all around.”
  • optimization126 mentions

    The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with many players reporting poor performance even on high-end hardware, frequent stuttering, and crashes. While the graphics and character performances are praised, the overall technical state is described as disastrous, leading to a frustrating experience for many users. Overall, the consensus is that significant improvements are needed to address these optimization issues before the game can be recommended.

    • “There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking, but it’s enjoyable and runs smoothly without any issues or notable flaws.”
    • “The UE5 graphics are beautiful as ever, and I also didn't run into any of the bugs or performance issues that some people complain about.”
    • “So far in this 2 chapters I have 0 complaints, the characters are good so far even though we really haven't had time to really meet them and the graphics and performance are excellent, I really don't get how people are having issues.”
    • “Junky performance even on high-end hardware.”
    • “The game looks absolutely awful: it’s blurry as hell, the textures are sometimes missing, there’s something really weird going on with the lighting and shadows, and the optimization is a joke.”
    • “This is one of the most poorly optimized PC games I’ve encountered.”
  • stability61 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and performance issues, including audio inconsistencies, visual artifacts, and character animation problems. Many players experienced crashes and lag, particularly during cutscenes, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly on high-end systems, the overall consensus is that it remains a buggy and unpolished product, especially for a paid release.

    • “The game itself looks great and, apart from minor issues, runs smoothly. It has an intriguing story, although some parts feel a bit forced and out of the player's control. Still, it manages to maintain a great experience throughout.”
    • “Early access is not as buggy as I thought it would be; the graphics are good, and the game is pretty stable otherwise.”
    • “It's a buggy, laggy game.”
    • “This game is nothing more than a mess of bugs, glitches, and game-breaking issues.”
    • “Crashes and freezes frequently, to the point where it's unplayable.”
  • atmosphere46 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its haunting beauty, enhanced by a stunning soundtrack and visually captivating graphics that evoke a cozy yet emotionally charged environment. While many reviewers appreciate the nostalgic elements that connect it to previous titles in the series, some note that technical issues and a shift in focus dilute the original's introspective charm. Overall, the game successfully captures a rich atmosphere that resonates with both new and returning players, despite some criticisms regarding its execution.

    • “The music team has created a beautifully atmospheric score that perfectly complements the game’s tone and setting, enhancing the emotional depth of key scenes.”
    • “This game has everything that makes Life is Strange something I love: a fantastically cozy atmosphere with a dangerous undertone, beautiful soundtrack, and characters and friendships that I care about and find deeply meaningful.”
    • “The graphics and atmosphere are stunning, capturing the essence of the original perfectly.”
    • “Doors don't work, characters do things they aren't supposed to, hair becomes invisible, etc. It's still fully playable, but these small details sometimes ruin that elegantly drawn atmosphere.”
    • “This shift toward a 'superpower' spectacle dilutes the introspective, grounded atmosphere that initially defined the series.”
    • “Completely lacks the atmosphere that made former Life is Strange games.”
  • monetization44 mentions

    The monetization of this game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers expressing disappointment over its reliance on nostalgia and the reuse of beloved characters without delivering a satisfying narrative. Players feel that the pricing is excessive for the content provided, and the game appears to prioritize profit over meaningful storytelling, leaving numerous plot holes and unanswered questions. Overall, the sentiment is that the game exploits the franchise's legacy rather than honoring it, leading to a lackluster experience for fans.

    • “It completely loses the plot after episode 3 and turns into a corporate cash grab that attempts to set up the foundation for a 'Life is Strange' MCU-style franchise and fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion to this game.”
    • “This game is simply a poorly disguised cash grab from developers who seem to have missed the heart of the franchise entirely.”
    • “Deck Nine, if you're reading this, just know it's possible to make a good game that makes a lot of money without cheap cash grabs; you just have to try harder and write a complete narrative and actually have the choices and characters matter.”
  • humor43 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the quirky, awkward charm of characters like Max and Moses, who deliver funny lines and dad jokes that evoke nostalgia. However, others find the humor inconsistent, often veering into cringe territory or feeling forced, with some dialogues lacking emotional depth. Overall, while there are moments of genuine laughter and clever writing, the humor sometimes feels overshadowed by a weak story and character development.

    • “Moses was a standout as a supportive sidekick, adding warmth and humor to the game.”
    • “Max feels just like her old, awkwardly funny self but more mature; the characters are intriguing, the story is compelling, and it's visually stunning.”
    • “It has the same charm and mystery of previous games, with a little new age humor and some surprisingly natural dialogue compared to the other games.”
  • character development34 mentions

    Character development in this installment has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over its lack of depth compared to previous entries in the series. While some appreciated the growth of Max as a character, others criticized the overall character arcs as shallow and forgettable, particularly for new characters and the handling of established ones like Chloe. The game is noted for its strong visual design, but this does not compensate for the perceived shortcomings in emotional engagement and meaningful character progression.

    • “Yeah, we don't have the characters from the other parts, but it's been 10 years for Max! She's moved on, and that's great to see the character development here.”
    • “I really enjoyed playing as Max again; it was nice to see her character development.”
    • “I really like Max's character development. I hope in the future, instead of introducing a new protagonist for the Life is Strange series, I'd rather have our original protagonist come back in a future series.”
    • “Character development is pretty poor overall.”
    • “However, I think it really lacks the emotional depth and character development of the previous Life is Strange games.”
    • “There’s no meaningful character development; the game feels empty and rushed, almost as if Max was added last-minute to lure fans and boost sales.”
  • grinding18 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often feeling like a slog due to recycled locations and unnecessary tasks that pad playtime. While some mechanics and powers are appreciated, they are frequently described as lacking the engaging quality of previous installments, leading to a less enjoyable experience. The dialogue and story elements provide some relief, but the gameplay mechanics can detract from the overall enjoyment.

    • “The mechanics around your power offer some cool solutions, but are overall tedious.”
    • “- it often feels 'grindy,' as though some sections exist just to pad the playtime with unnecessary tasks.”
    • “Recycled locations: you're forced to comb through the same five areas repeatedly, making gameplay feel both tedious and uninspired.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    The game's replayability is considered limited by some users, with many feeling that, despite some potential for replay, it does not significantly alter the story or experience after the initial playthrough. Comparisons to previous titles in the series highlight a perceived decline in replay value, leading to dissatisfaction among certain players.

    • “The replay value and conclusion are quite engaging.”
    • “There is definitely some replayability, but I'm sure it's not going to make a significant difference in terms of the actual story.”
    • “The replay value, even if it is there, is not as great for me as for others, at least after the first playthrough.”
    • “There is definitely some replayability, but I'm sure it's not going to make a difference in terms of the actual story.”
    • “For me, this game has no replayability, unlike Life is Strange 1 and 2, which were both made by the original developers, Dontnod.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

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Play time

11hMedian play time
12hAverage play time
9-19hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 10 analyzed playthroughs

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