Life Is Strange: Before The Storm Episode 1 Review - 7 Ups & 2 Downs

Another big strength of the first Life Is Strange was that for an episodic adventure game, a genre typically synonymous with being very linear, it was incredibly open-ended (emphasizing the Butterfly Effect.) Before the Storm wisely follows suit.

Between the big choices are smaller ones that have numerous ways to go about them, which can either help or hurt you down the road (if you decide to make the choice at all).

For example, in one of the first areas you can choose to either steal some cash from a vendor, or leave it and avoid potential consequences. However, if you choose to take it, you can spend it right away on some pot from Chloe's dealer. But if you think to hold onto it, you can then give it to Joyce, Chloe's mother with financial issues, later on.

There's also certain dialogues and events you can entirely miss, but can be worth it if you go out of your way, either because you can get some useful information, or just sheer entertainment.

For instance, you can play through an optional, but hilarious Dungeons & Dragons sequence with some of Chloe's classmates (which has numerous choices itself), having fun and potentially making new friends for your impending journey.

All of this adds a new dimension to the element of choice, makes the player feel in control and encourages exploration.