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CRITIK

Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads
Item: Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Interactive Movie, Single Player

AvailableSep 27, 2018

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperDONTNOD Entertainment

Overview

Two brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz, 16 and 9, are forced to run away from home after a tragic incident in Seattle. In fear of the police, Sean & Daniel head to Mexico while attempting to conceal a sudden and mysterious supernatural power. Life on the road is tough and now totally responsible for his much younger brother, Sean begins to realize that his decisions will impact their lives forever…

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads has garnered significant praise from the majority of critics for its engaging and emotionally impactful narrative. Critics like Game Revolution, GameSpace, and Cubed3 commend the game for focusing on the bond between the two brothers, Sean and Daniel, as they navigate through challenging circumstances. The story's exploration of themes such as survival, brotherhood, and social issues like racism and immigration, as highlighted by Push Square and Gamer.nl, adds depth and relevance to the overall experience. The emotional storytelling and well-crafted sequences, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and AusGamers, contribute to creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did express minor criticisms of the game. GameSpew pointed out Sean's lack of a compelling power compared to the original Life is Strange, which could have potentially enhanced the gameplay experience. GamingTrend mentioned that the beginning of the game felt forced, indicating a possible issue with pacing or narrative setup. These critiques, while valid, appear to be relatively minor in the grand scheme of the overall positive reception of the story. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Story of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads is a compelling and emotionally resonant experience that effectively tackles important social issues and delivers a poignant narrative. Critics like Critical Hit and RPG Site praise the game for its strong narrative that raises the stakes quickly and addresses political and racial issues head-on. The relationship between the two brothers, as emphasized by God is a Geek and Xbox Tavern, serves as the heart of the story, resonating with players on a deep emotional level. The game's ability to blend grounded storytelling with fantastical elements, as highlighted by Game Informer, further adds to its appeal. In conclusion, the majority of critics found the story of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads to be very good, showcasing its strength in storytelling, character development, and thematic depth.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads impresses critics with its emotional narrative about two brothers facing tough challenges. The game explores themes like survival, brotherhood, racism, and immigration, creating a thought-provoking experience. While some critics noted minor flaws like the lack of a standout power for the protagonist, overall, the game is praised for its compelling storytelling and deep emotional impact. Critics commend its handling of important social issues and the strong bond between the brothers, making it a highly recommended experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of several videogame reviewers regarding the gameplay of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads, it is evident that there are some positive aspects highlighted by the critics. GameGrin appreciates the protagonist's artistic abilities as a fun distraction, while Gamer.nl praises the rewarding experience of exploring and interacting with objects and characters. Additionally, Gamersky commends the introduction of a money management system, adding depth to decision-making during the journey. These elements contribute to the immersive and interactive nature of the gameplay, as noted by GamingTrend, where the mechanic of worrying about money adds tension to the experience. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics have pointed out. Jeuxvideo.com and GameSpace criticize the sketching feature, describing it as lacking depth and clunky, respectively. Furthermore, Game Revolution and GamesRadar++ mention a lack of depth and interactivity in the gameplay, with the latter highlighting mind-numbing moments in the sketching mini-game. These criticisms suggest that certain gameplay elements may not have resonated well with all reviewers, impacting the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the gameplay of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads being more focused on narrative and character development rather than traditional gameplay mechanics. Critics like Digital Spy and PlayStation Universe appreciate the impact of player choices on character development, while Metro GameCentral notes the influence of decisions on the character of Daniel. Despite some criticisms regarding specific gameplay features, such as the sketching mechanic and limited interactivity, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's strength in storytelling and decision-making mechanics. The gameplay may not offer intricate puzzles or fast-paced action, but it succeeds in creating an emotionally engaging experience centered around the bond between the two brothers, as highlighted by critics like Critical Hit and XGN.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads for its immersive gameplay elements like protagonist's artistic abilities and money management system, adding depth to decision-making. However, some reviewers criticize aspects like the sketching feature and lack of interactivity. Despite mixed opinions, the game excels in storytelling and character development, emphasizing player choices and emotional engagement.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics generally praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads for its improvements over the first game. GameWatcher noted that the graphical fidelity had been enhanced, while Gamer.nl highlighted the clear technical improvement in the environments and character movements. BaziCenter and COGconnected both commended the significantly improved visuals, beautiful graphics, and natural character animations, with Xbox Tavern specifically mentioning the overhaul in graphics and animations, resulting in more humanistic characters and beautiful scenic moments. TheSixthAxis and Everyeye.it also acknowledged the improved lighting effects, animations, and emotional depth that enhanced the overall experience of the game. On the negative side, some critics pointed out issues with the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. GameGrin and RPG Fan mentioned concerns with facial animations and character quality, with RPG Fan specifically noting that lip syncing and character quality could be off. Gaming Nexus criticized the inconsistent visuals, load-in issues, and strange visual anomalies, while mentioning low-resolution textures and washed-out colors. Cubed3 highlighted technical issues like jittery character models, and Metro GameCentral noted technical limitations and bugs despite the improved graphics and distinctive art style. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of the Graphics and Visual Design of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads. The enhancements in graphical fidelity, character animations, and environmental details were widely appreciated, contributing to a more immersive and emotionally engaging experience for players. Despite some criticisms regarding facial animations, technical issues, and underutilized game elements, the majority of critics found the visuals to be a significant improvement over the first season, with a unique art style that effectively captured the beauty of the Pacific Northwest setting. The game's ability to convey emotions and atmosphere through its visuals was a common point of praise, with many critics noting the impact of the enhanced graphics on the overall storytelling and player immersion.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praised the enhanced graphics and visual design of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads, noting improvements in graphical fidelity, character animations, and environmental details. Despite some issues with facial animations and technical limitations, the majority of critics found the visuals to be a significant improvement over the first game, with a unique art style that captured the beauty of the Pacific Northwest setting. The game's ability to evoke emotions and enhance player immersion through its visuals was widely appreciated.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads, highlighting its positive aspects. GameGrin appreciated the pleasant music and CPU-intensive screensaver-like sections that added to the characters' humanity. IGN mentioned the acoustic guitar strumming over the title screen and the touching and beautiful moments created by the music, emphasizing its emotional impact. BaziCenter commended Jonathan Morali's music for effectively complementing the story and conveying feelings of loneliness and the brothers' journey well. DualShockers noted the use of soulful acoustic guitar tunes to enhance the personal connection and emotional depth in the narrative. TheSixthAxis acknowledged that the soundtrack from the same composers as the first series captured the tone just right. These positive comments indicate a strong foundation in the sound design and music that resonated with many critics. On the other hand, some critics expressed mixed feelings or minor criticisms regarding the sound design and music of the game. GameWatcher felt that the soundtrack lacked the same impact as the original game due to a lack of identification with the characters and setting. COGconnected mentioned that the music didn't grip them as much as the first game, although they found the voice acting compelling and the character dynamics interesting. RPG Fan noted that the music in Episode 1 felt a bit shy compared to previous titles, suggesting that it may not have stood out as much. GamesRadar++ mentioned one duff track in the soundtrack, which slightly detracted from the overall experience. While these criticisms exist, they appear to be minor in comparison to the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads. Many critics praised the quality soundtrack that enhanced the emotional storytelling of the game, with specific mentions of how the music added depth and resonance to the characters' experiences. The immersive experience created by the soundtrack and sound design was highlighted by multiple reviewers, such as GameSpace and PlayStation Universe. Despite some minor criticisms about the impact of the music compared to the original game or specific tracks, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music significantly contributed to the overall enjoyment and emotional engagement of the players, making it a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised the sound design and music of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads for enhancing emotional storytelling and character depth. Positive comments highlighted the music's ability to resonate with players, while some critics had minor criticisms regarding the soundtrack's impact compared to the original game. Overall, the consensus leans heavily towards the strong foundation in sound design and music that significantly contributed to the game's immersive experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the voice acting in Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads, highlighting various positive aspects. GameWatcher described the voice work as "consistently stellar," while BaziCenter commended Gonzalo Martin and Roman Dean George for delivering "top-notch voice acting," bringing the characters to life with emotional performances. IGN Spain also lauded the voice acting as "top-notch," emphasizing the complementing accurate Spanish subtitles. Additionally, COGconnected found the voice acting to be "compelling," and Wccftech praised it as "superb," with both Sean and Daniel's performances being described as "believable and astonishingly emotive." On the flip side, Xbox Tavern pointed out that some voice actors were notably better than others, suggesting a slight inconsistency in the overall quality of performances. However, they also noted that this issue became less noticeable as players became more invested in the characters, indicating that any initial discrepancies in voice acting quality were overshadowed by the engaging narrative and character development. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans heavily towards the positive side, with the majority praising the voice acting in Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads. The performances were described as immersive, emotionally impactful, and instrumental in conveying the depth of the characters and the racially-charged moments within the game. Despite minor criticisms regarding the consistency of voice acting quality, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics like PlayStation Universe even going as far as to describe the voice acting as "almost perfect." The collective opinion suggests that the voice acting significantly enhances the overall experience of the game, contributing to its success in creating a compelling and engaging narrative for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the voice acting in Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads, praising it as stellar, top-notch, compelling, and superb. While some noted minor inconsistencies, the emotional performances brought characters to life. Overall, the majority of critics agree that the voice acting enhances the game, with immersive and impactful performances contributing to a compelling narrative.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the positives for the technical performance of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads, GameGrin on PC noted that the game runs smoothly and consistently, indicating a well-optimized experience on this platform. IGN Spain on PS4 also highlighted an overall stable frame rate, with only minor technical glitches like floating objects, suggesting a relatively stable performance. SpazioGames on PS4 further supported this by mentioning evident technical improvements with enhanced graphics and smoother animations, showcasing enhancements in visual quality. On the flip side, there were notable negatives in the technical performance as mentioned by several critics on the PS4 platform. BaziCenter expressed that the game was not completely polished technically, indicating room for further improvements in future updates. Cubed3 pointed out technical issues such as overlapping dialogue and jittery character models, which could impact player immersion negatively. Metro GameCentral reported experiencing bugs and a game crash, highlighting significant technical issues that could disrupt the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads leans towards a mixed reception. While there were positive remarks on platforms like PC and some improvements noted on PS4 by SpazioGames, the general sentiment suggests that there are technical issues present, especially on the PS4 platform. PlaySense's feedback on occasional frame rate drops impacting gameplay experience and Cubed3's mention of immersion-breaking technical issues indicate that addressing these aspects could significantly enhance the overall player experience. Despite some technical shortcomings, the game still manages to deliver a compelling narrative experience, as highlighted by GameGrin's positive feedback on the game's smooth performance on PC.

TL;DR

technical performance

Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads impresses with smooth technical performance on PC and enhanced graphics on PS4, but falls short with glitches and bugs on the latter platform. Critics point out issues like floating objects and jittery character models, impacting immersion and gameplay. While there are positives like stable frame rates, the mixed reception suggests room for improvement in future updates to enhance the overall player experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally agree that "Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads" offers significant replay value due to the impactful choices presented throughout the game. Critics like GamesRadar++ and PlaySense appreciate how these choices, whether major or minor, have consequences that can influence the narrative and character development, encouraging players to explore different outcomes through multiple playthroughs. This aspect adds depth to decision-making and enhances the overall replayability of the game. Additionally, Gamersky and Xbox Tavern highlight the potential long-term implications of major choices and the money management system, suggesting that these elements could have a lasting impact on future chapters, thus increasing the replay value for players invested in the series. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the immediate impact of choices within the first episode. Game Informer and Gamersky note that while choices are presented as significant, the actual consequences in the initial chapter may feel minimal or unclear. This ambiguity regarding the extent of the repercussions of players' decisions could potentially diminish the perceived replay value for some individuals who seek more immediate and tangible outcomes from their choices. Furthermore, IGN Spain's mention of limited gameplay innovations suggests that the game may rely heavily on narrative depth rather than offering varied gameplay experiences to enhance replayability, which could be a drawback for players looking for more interactive elements in their gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that "Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads" offers compelling replay value primarily driven by its impactful choices and narrative depth. While there are concerns about the clarity and immediate consequences of decisions in the first episode, the potential long-term implications and the emotional engagement provided by the story are seen as strong factors that contribute to the game's replayability. The varying degrees of impact on the narrative, the character development of Daniel, and the promise of a captivating journey ahead are highlighted as key elements that make the game worth revisiting for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

replay value

"Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads" offers significant replay value through impactful choices that shape the narrative and character development. Critics praise the depth of decision-making and potential long-term consequences, enhancing replayability for invested players. However, some express concerns about the immediate impact of choices and limited gameplay innovations. Overall, the game's emotional engagement and promise of a captivating journey make it worth revisiting for fans and newcomers, despite some drawbacks in clarity and gameplay variety.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics' opinions on Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads generally lean towards the positive aspects of the game. Many reviewers praised the game for its engaging storytelling, character development, and emotional impact. GameWatcher commended the game for its strong start to a touching story, while Gamersky highlighted the fresh and emotionally engaging story with a strong brotherly bond. TheSixthAxis even gave the game a score of 9/10, praising it for successfully continuing the series with new story and characters. Additionally, COGconnected appreciated the improved core mechanics, strong storytelling, stunning landscapes, compelling voice acting, and interesting character dynamics, making it a great game overall. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads. Metro GameCentral mentioned unconvincing teenage dialogue and lack of subtlety in the script, which detracted from the overall experience. Game Revolution noted stumbles in dialogue, while GameSpew highlighted the game falling short in terms of gameplay depth and the protagonist's lack of a compelling power. These criticisms suggest that while the game excels in many areas, there are still some aspects that could be improved upon to enhance the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads is a strong start to the series, with promising storytelling, character dynamics, and emotional impact. Critics like PlayStation Universe found very little wrong with the game and praised its dialogue, character development, and storytelling. While there are minor criticisms regarding dialogue, gameplay depth, and pacing, the general sentiment is positive, with many reviewers expressing excitement for the future episodes and the potential of the series. The game seems to have successfully captured the essence of the Life is Strange series while introducing new themes and characters, setting a hopeful tone for the continuation of the story.

TL;DR

Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads receives high praise for its engaging storytelling, character development, and emotional impact. Critics laud the strong start to a touching story with a compelling brotherly bond. Despite minor criticisms about dialogue and gameplay depth, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers excited for the series' future. The game captures the essence of Life is Strange while introducing new themes and characters, setting a hopeful tone for what's to come.

CRITIK

Reviews

132 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Sep 27, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the first episode of Life Is Strange 2, stating that it is nearly perfect and that the magic of the first game has returned. It recommends not missing out on the game.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Sep 26, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer finds very little wrong with Life Is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads and praises its dialogue, character development, and storytelling. The only complaint is the wait for the next episode. The overall verdict is positive.

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Wccftech

PlayStation 4

Sep 26, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Life is Strange 2 strikes out on its own with a captivating debut, offering great graphics, locations, fleshed out characters, and an incredible story. The survival mechanic might not work well in a narrative game, but overall, it's a brand new adventure worth checking out.

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Ragequit.gr

Sep 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gem of the new generation with high-quality writing and one of the best narratives in recent years, highly anticipated for its continuation.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Sep 26, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Life is Strange 2 was not only better than expected, but it would have been a hit even if no one had ever heard of the first game. The improved core mechanics, strong storytelling, stunning landscapes, compelling voice acting, and interesting character dynamics make it a great game. The slightly uneven pacing and occasionally heavy-handed writing are minor drawbacks.

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TheSixthAxis

Sep 26, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives the game a score of 9/10 and praises the first episode for successfully continuing the series with a new story and characters.

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RPG Site

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

This first episode promises a solid and tense story for the season, and the reviewer is cautiously optimistic for the rest of the season.

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BaziCenter

PlayStation 4

Oct 4, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Praised for storytelling, visuals, music, and voice acting, with room for technical improvements.

AusGamers

Xbox One

Oct 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads features a story with emotional weight and tackles real-world issues, but it leans more towards being an interactive piece of cinema than a traditional game. The narrative ambition outweighs the gameplay.

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Destructoid

Xbox One

Sep 26, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Life is Strange 2: Episode 1: Roads is a road trip worth looking forward to, even though it is born out of tragic circumstances.