As I delved deep into the enigmatic world of Double Exposure, I found myself grappling with some of the most challenging choices I’ve encountered in this series since its inception. Some decisions felt a tad undercooked, but they were far outnumbered by the weighty, impactful ones that left me pondering long after I’d put down my controller.
As a gamer, what hooked me on Life Is Strange wasn’t just its gameplay, but the unique, edgy vibe that sets it apart in the genre. Three days after wrapping up the game, the catchy soundtrack is still echoing in my mind as I reminisce about the epic moments and stunning cinematic shots from Max’s time at Caledon University. And let me tell you, I’m still pondering over whether my decisions were right on multiple occasions!
The Characters of Caledon
In this revised version, we find ourselves catching up with Max Caulfield, the somewhat reserved photographer from Arcadia Bay, now living as an artist-in-residence at Caledon University a few years later. She’s attempting — unsuccessfully — to move past her previous experiences and make peace with the past. Among her new circle of friends are Safi, a vivacious and self-assured writer brimming with talent, and Moses, an incredibly intelligent astrologer who wears his heart on his sleeve. The trio appears inseparable, bringing out the best in each other, sharing laughter, and coming close to revealing everything.
Following their narrow escape from near-fatal peril, the duo reunites with Moses at the university to witness a meteor shower. However, strange events begin unfolding: Max experiences bizarre headaches, an enigmatic owl appears, and tragically, Safi seems to have been murdered under equally puzzling circumstances as the owl itself.
In despair and unwilling to accept the premature death of someone she deeply loves, Max embarks on a mission to discover who is responsible. Eventually, she finds herself in a parallel world where Safi is still alive. With the power to move between timelines, Max aims not just to solve the mystery of Safi’s murder but also to prevent it from happening again in this timeline.
In simpler terms, “Double Exposure,” much like other installments in the series, is most enjoyable when you don’t know too much beforehand. The latest chapter of Max Caulfield’s saga keeps you guessing, startling, and intrigued at every turn. Each discussion was captivating, and every decision required careful thought. Interacting with objects wasn’t a tedious task; it was a chance to delve deeper into the world’s history. I found myself deeply engrossed in the corridors of Caledon itself.
On several instances, I had a feeling that I’d experienced something similar before, not exactly identical to events from the series, but just enough to evoke a sense of familiarity. This somewhat diminished Double Exposure’s unique character, though it didn’t significantly affect my overall enjoyment of the game. Your perception of this might differ based on your knowledge of the series, but it did momentarily break the immersion for me.
As a devoted fan, I can tell you that there are potential romantic connections for your character, Max, if they seem fitting. These relationships serve to draw out a less reserved side of Max, offering moments of respite from the intense source material. These encounters also lend an authentic dose of adolescent tension, a staple of the series’ narrative and character development.
In the narrative, various characters make appearances, and while certain figures such as Vinh or Professor Hunter quickly win over fans, some others appear underdeveloped or not fully exploited. For instance, Reggie, a student of Max’s grappling with severe self-confidence problems, serves more as a plot device than a character with depth. Apart from a brief conversation near the game’s end and occasional text messages, his personal struggles are rarely delved into, resulting in a less impactful impression compared to other well-rounded side characters from previous series installments.
Decisions, Decisions
In essence, Life Is Strange’s classic gameplay remains unchanged. You’ll continue to interact with items, engage in conversations with diverse characters at Blackwell Academy, face challenging choices that impact the storyline’s progression, and gather collectibles – now as Max snaps her own photos and discovers hidden polaroids scattered across the environment. However, a fresh addition to this time’s experience is the use of Max’s unique abilities.
Instead of turning back the clock, Max now has the ability to move between two different time realities. This gives her an opportunity to engage with characters in one world who might be more upbeat, or in another where significant events that have made them wary haven’t occurred yet. Moreover, she can ‘fluctuate’ into an alternate reality, eavesdropping on conversations in the other timeline without fully transitioning into it. This power is ideal for a detective and keeps each case feeling unique. However, Max doesn’t have free reign to move between realities whenever she pleases; instead, she must locate a shimmery spot nearby to use as a stepping stone.
Moving between different timelines repeatedly, especially when it happens frequently and quickly, can make the gameplay feel somewhat repetitive or lengthy. You might find yourself conversing with a character, then dashing to a specific location for 20-30 seconds, only to reappear in the same character or area within a new timeline. Soon after, you’d have to go back to that spot again in the original timeline. This constant switching back and forth can be justified by the storyline, but it may unintentionally slow down the overall enjoyment of the game due to its frequent repetition.
In Life Is Strange, a key aspect is the tough choices you’re compelled to make. Some are straightforward, while others leave you pondering on your screen, flipping between options as you weigh their consequences. Double Exposure maintains this trend, presenting some of the hardest decisions I’ve encountered since the initial game. However, a few choices seem not fully developed. Though they may affect a following conversation, they don’t appear to impact later decisions with specific characters in subsequent episodes. These instances are rare compared to the numerous heavy, significant decisions, and were not immediately noticeable during gameplay. It’s only upon deeper reflection after my 10-hour journey that I perceive some of the intricacies of such a complex narrative experience.
Even though there are numerous similarities in my playthroughs at Caledon’s Caulfield timeline, the choices I make still feel significant and compelling enough for me to continue exploring different scenarios. The final decision, in particular, carries a weight that matches earlier ones, with an intriguing twist that adds a fresh element to the gameplay without revealing too much detail here.
Hella Stylish
One glance (and listen) at Double Exposure will confirm it’s a game from the Life Is Strange series. The visuals, boasting exceptionally lifelike facial animations that capture emotions beautifully and give characters more dimension, retain the playful aesthetic the franchise is known for. Dramatic sequences are frequently accompanied by catchy indie tunes that you’ll swiftly add to your Spotify playlist, and the cinematic camera during Max’s moments of relaxation align perfectly with these tracks as well.
As a gamer, I find myself immersed not just in the art, cinematography, and music of this game, but also in the intricate details and hidden treasures Deck Nine has meticulously crafted. The allure of these surprises makes me stray from the main path, exploring every nook and cranny of Caledon to fully appreciate its charm. This immersive experience does demand a longer playthrough time, which might not suit everyone given the game’s already leisurely pace. Yet, for those who can’t get enough, each Polaroid discovered or overheard conversation between students offers a precious extension of my stay in this captivating world.
Final Verdict
In simpler terms, Double Exposure offers more of the captivating, gritty storytelling that fans have grown accustomed to in the Life is Strange series. Unlike previous games where I didn’t feel an immediate urge to replay after finishing, I’ve already started a second playthrough with Double Exposure. This shows how much I appreciated the game compared to others in the series. The engaging plot, relatable characters, and thought-provoking choices are part of what made it so compelling. I wasn’t ready for my journey at Caledon or the series to end. If there were any doubts about Deck Nine’s ability to carry on the series, they can now be put to rest. Life is Strange is in capable, supernatural hands.
[Disclosure: A free copy of the game was provided to PGG by the publisher for review purposes.]
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2024-10-29 08:24