As a fan of the Life is Strange series you may have found yourself looking at the series and debating which game is the best and you would not be alone in doing that. After all, many of us like pitting the things we love against each other in a battle royale to see which of them comes out on top. Of course, you could also just be wondering which of these gold-standard episodic adventures is worth playing, if you were to only experience one.
No matter the reason, and your reasons are your own, we’ve ranked every game in this wonderful series, starting from “Least Best” to “Most Best”. We’re reluctant to use the word Worst here in any sense because they’re all incredibly enjoyable games. Without any further delay, let’s dive into it – remember, this ranking is just our opinion and opinions aren’t facts.
5. The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
We feel a little bad about putting this adorable free game last on the list, but as the shortest entry in the series, it’s undeniable that it lacks the weight of the other games, despite it being incredibly sweet in its own right. Set in the broader Life is Strange universe, you take on the role of 9-year-old Chris, who’s trying to navigate life now that his mother has passed away. Leveraging his amazing imagination, you must help him to process his grief via a variety of fantastical adventures, mini-games and puzzles set in the mind of this super-hero-obsessed kid.
4. Life Is Strange: Before The Storm
A prequel set three years before the events of the original game, Before the Storm earns its 4th place position due to the fact it doesn’t feel like a Life is Strange game. What do we mean by that? Well, although it has the same solid writing and relationship-heavy focus as the rest of the series, the departure from the supernatural superpowers just makes it feel somewhat disconnected from the wider world it’s set in. As for the story, you play as Chloe as she explores her relationships with those around her and forms a new, unlikely friendship with the popular girl, Amber.
3. Life Is Strange 2
Despite the name, our third-placed entry is actually the fourth entry in the series following the releases of Before the Storm and The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, which actually served as the precursor demo to Life is Strange 2. Conceived as a ‘road trip’ game, Life is Strange 2 follows the story of Sean and Daniel, two brothers who have been forced on the run. As the older brother, Sean has to navigate trying to not only look after Daniel but also try to raise him whilst struggling with his brother’s new powers and his own emotions. It’s a game steeped in mystery, and while it doesn’t always hit the mark, the ending is certainly worthy of the Life is Strange name.
2. Life Is Strange: True Colours
The latest entry in the series – well, until Double Exposure arrives – True Colors is a great entry in the series but isn’t quite good enough to top this list. In True Colors, you play as Alex who has the gift of Empathy, the ability to experience, absorb and manipulate the emotions of others and in true Life is Strange style, when her brother dies in an accident she must deploy these powers to get to the truth. It’s a fascinating tale that – like many of the best entries in the series – centres on the character’s tragedy to really pull at the heartstrings. Don’t let its place on this list dissuade you – it’s definitely worth your time and attention.
1. Life Is Strange
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the best game in the Life is Strange series is also the one that kicked the whole thing off. Whilst not quite a lightning-in-the-bottle situation – although it’s damn close – the original Life is Strange earns the top spot simply for how significant it was. Demonstrating the Life is Strange concept in its purest form, you play as Max who, after witnessing her friend Chloe being shot dead, unlocks the power to rewind time to save her. Full of the small-town mystery that would define later entries, Life is Strange also packs an ending that is a thing of beauty and only achieavable via the medium of video games. It’s a game for the ages and not to be missed.
Looking for the latest entry in the series, Life is Strange Double Exposure? Why not head over to the Green Man Gaming store to secure your copy and embark on another quintessential Life is Strange episodic adventure.
