Episode 3 ups the stakes and takes narrative risks that we rarely get to see: it expands the game’s universe not only forward, but outward… and the very last scene makes you question every single decision you’ve made so far, even down to the random photos you’ve taken around the Bay. We say that without a hint of hyperbole, without a hint of drama. Chaos theory in action, indeed.
Easily one of my favorite games of the year.
It's something new, with great characters and a fantastic atmosphere.
The dialogue is a bit weird in the first two episodes, but other than that, the character development is superb.
Everyone, give it a shot.
This is truly the episode of Life is Strange that proves the potential the game really has. Episodes 1 and 2 were a little lack luster in my opinion, but still continued to improve. This episode is much more engaging and throws in some big plot revelations into the mix. Now is a better time than ever to begin playing the series. I personally can't wait for episodes 4 and 5.
Dontnod outclasses its former self with the best episode of Life is Strange yet. You'll be thrown on an emotional rollercoaster that won't leave your head anytime soon. On to the next!
Prior to this episode, the pace of Life is Strange was a bit all over the place with a very slow first episode and a rushed, but exciting, second chapter. With this third episode, Dontnod seems to have found the balance in character development and furthering plot points.
So, episode three is your typical middle episode, then. Full of exposition for the most part and then giving you a twist that makes you wish episode four was out tomorrow.
Chaos Theory has two big things going for it, the character of Max and its final cutscene. If it wasn’t for these two factors, our time of enjoying Life Is Strange may have been up. Its gameplay has become rather tedious and the lack of elaboration in Max’s time travelling usage is a severe let-down.
One of the most exciting episodes in all history of this genre. It can be compared with masterpieces like 2nd episode of Walking Dead or To the moon's plot. They made a fantastic groundwork for the final of the season - I am waiting already
The good: Astounding game that made me feel all sorts of emotions, I'm completely invested in the story and characters, and I would say that Dontnod does the formula better then telltale. Going off of telltale I have not experienced any immersion breaking graphical glitches (unlike telltale games where you will have body parts/ weapons fading through clothing etc) and the game tries to keep it so that the information you need to remember is provided within each episode (with one exception), which is handy since the business model has the episodes coming out every 2 or so months. The time travel mechanics are also very fresh (and thus unclear) and makes me wonder at the possibilities for time travel in future games.
The good: Astounding game that made me feel all sorts of emotions, I'm completely invested in the story and characters, and I would say that Dontnod does the formula better then telltale. Going off of telltale I have not experienced any immersion breaking graphical glitches (unlike telltale games where you will have body parts/ weapons fading through clothing etc) and the game tries to keep it so that the information you need to remember is provided within each episode (with one exception), which is handy since the business model has the episodes coming out every 2 or so months. The time travel mechanics are also very fresh (and thus unclear) and makes me wonder at the possibilities for time travel in future games.
The bad: Some have pointed out issues with lip syncing but I have not noticed, also there is one exception to what I previously stated in that you do need to remember how the time travel mechanics work (which isn't very clear in the first place) from previous episodes, for example there were two puzzles in episode 3 which had me stumped for a good 10-15 minutes each, the first puzzle relies on using time travel mechanics in an unconventional way that you may or may not figure out as the game doesn't tell you (or if it does I don't remember it telling me which is a fault in clarity and guiding the player as several others have experienced this problem). The second puzzle I can't really get into without spoiling, but it was a failure in terms of game design, but not one that relies on the time travel mechanics.
The ugly: Now for the business model, I abhor this business model (the episodic business model) and is one of the oldest tricks in the book in terms of television, it makes you want the next episode encourages you constantly thinking about it throughout the weekly, month;y or yearly, release schedule. This is a common marketing ploy used to keep you thinking about a product and is very effective in making you want more. However I am still willing to give this game a 10, which I suppose speaks to its effectiveness.
TL:DNR Great game, while not a "game changer", like games such as Telltales the Walking Dead, it is still one of the finest examples of the genre and of storytelling in video games.
[Minor Spoiler] My God! The story line twisted so surprisingly and this game is now my favorite game forever! I really appreciate all the details in the objects scattered in the game, and Max's ability to rewind just never gets old and now just got upgraded!
SummaryIn the third installment of Life is Strange, Max & Chloe ramp up their investigation to find out what exactly is going on at Blackwell Academy and the whereabouts of Rachel Amber. Secrets will be uncovered and Max will find another use for her power.