Life is Strange: Double Exposure Review

This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure - Life, Loss, and Parallel Realities

Developer: Deck Nine
Publisher: Square Enix
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5
Genre: Adventure, Narrative-driven

Gameplay Mechanics

Building on the mechanics that made the original Life is Strange so innovative, "Double Exposure" swaps the rewind ability for a more nuanced "Shift" feature. This new ability lets players toggle between alternate realities, each with its unique clues and obstacles, adding a unique layer to puzzle-solving. For instance, if an area is blocked in one timeline, Max can hop to the other to proceed or find an item she needs to solve a conundrum in the first​.

The process feels rewarding but occasionally cumbersome, especially as back-and-forth toggling can turn repetitive if not strategically balanced.

Another small hurdle lies in the game's camera controls, which have always felt a bit clunky in the series and continue to be so here. Players may find themselves struggling to interact with objects, which can detract slightly from an otherwise immersive experience. However, the game’s customisation options go a long way to improve accessibility. Content warnings, timing adjustments, and options to confirm major choices before locking them in all enhance player experience and accessibility, particularly given the series’ tradition of handling heavy, often triggering themes.

Story and Themes

One of the most intriguing aspects of Double Exposure is its focus on adult life, shifting the traditional Life is Strange lens from teenage angst to mature themes of loss, grief, and recovery. The game carefully navigates how trauma reshapes us over time without diminishing its impact. Rather than attempting to retroactively assign moral value to the original endings, the game lets Max's experiences and emotional scars remain visible, reminding players that growth, not recovery, is the path she walks​.

The storytelling is deeply layered, with each reality revealing different aspects of characters and the relationships they hold with Max. Safi’s death (or lack thereof, depending on the timeline) permeates every scene, crafting a tale that is more about the people Max encounters than Max herself. The narrative also boldly uses the shift in perspective to highlight Safi’s character, who emerges as a more central figure halfway through, effectively adding a secondary protagonist who fuels Max’s journey​.

In addition to grief and identity, Double Exposure handles LGBTQ+ representation sensitively, with Max’s own complex relationships given room to breathe and develop. Max’s possible romance with Vinh, a charming but aloof co-worker, adds emotional depth to her character, though some players have noted a slight lack of chemistry between the two. Nonetheless, the game earns points for grounding its romantic arcs in the lived reality of its characters, who are now adults facing real-world complexities rather than schoolyard infatuations​.

Visuals and Audio

Visually, Double Exposure takes advantage of Unreal Engine 5, delivering a polished, atmospheric world that feels as rich as it does bleak. Deck Nine has truly invested in making Caledon University a beautiful yet haunting setting, with intricate lighting that emphasises the sombre mood while enhancing small details across the timeline shifts. Max's facial expressions and movements have noticeably improved, adding realism that pairs well with the game's themes of sorrow and introspection.

The soundscape complements this visual fidelity, with subtle, melancholic tracks that harken back to the first game’s distinct moodiness. Original voice actress Hannah Telle’s return as Max is as poignant as ever, bringing an authenticity to Max’s evolution from hesitant teenager to determined young woman.

Challenges and Criticisms

While Double Exposure shines in its storytelling and thematic depth, it’s not without flaws. The core gameplay loop of switching between timelines, though inventive, can wear thin due to the heavy reliance on puzzles that force players to repeatedly shift timelines for minor clues or items. Moreover, the game’s pacing struggles early on, leaving players with a slow-burning start that only picks up towards the latter half. Fans looking for constant thrills may find the game’s deliberate pacing a test of patience, though the climactic revelations make the journey worthwhile​.

The choice to return to Max rather than explore a new protagonist has sparked mixed reactions. While her presence adds continuity and emotional weight for long-time fans, newcomers might feel left out of the depth and history surrounding her character. However, the writers did well to ensure this isn’t a simple nostalgia trip but an evolution of Max’s story in a way that feels necessary for the franchise​.

Final Thoughts

Life is Strange: Double Exposure successfully blends a familiar formula with new mechanics and an emotionally resonant storyline. Max Caulfield’s return feels earned rather than fan service, as her journey through grief and acceptance resonates powerfully. Although it stumbles in its gameplay flow and camera controls, the rich, mature storytelling and thoughtful character arcs compensate for these minor drawbacks.

With its nuanced handling of trauma, identity, and the inevitable changes that come with time, Double Exposure proves to be a significant addition to the Life is Strange universe, particularly for those invested in Max’s character arc. As the series matures alongside its audience, it’s clear that Deck Nine has only scratched the surface of what’s possible for these deeply personal, choice-driven narratives.

Score: 8/10

Pros:

• Deep, mature storytelling that tackles themes of trauma and identity

• Innovative timeline-shifting mechanic for puzzle-solving

• Visually stunning with improved character animations

• Thoughtful LGBTQ+ representation and diverse characters

Cons:

• Slow pacing, particularly in the early chapters

• Timeline-switching mechanic can feel repetitive

• Clunky camera controls disrupt immersion

For fans of narrative-driven games, Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a must-play that redefines familiar territory while leaving plenty to be explored.