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75
MONSTER
The long awaited sequel to the award winning Life is Strange returns with a new 5-part narrative adventure from DONTNOD Entertainment.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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85
Critics rave about Life is Strange 2's powerful storytelling, tackling real-world issues like racism and family dynamics. The emotional bond between the Diaz brothers is a major draw, with deep character development and exploration of complex topics adding depth to the narrative. Some critics note drawbacks like episodic structure impacting flow, but overall, the game's mature handling of societal issues and impactful relationships make it a compelling and thought-provoking standout in narrative-driven games.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
85
Positive Reviews (80-100)
85%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
15%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics rave about Life is Strange 2's powerful storytelling, tackling real-world issues like racism and family dynamics. The emotional bond between the Diaz brothers is a major draw, with deep character development and exploration of complex topics adding depth to the narrative. Some critics note drawbacks like episodic structure impacting flow, but overall, the game's mature handling of societal issues and impactful relationships make it a compelling and thought-provoking standout in narrative-driven games.
Gameplay Mechanics
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66
Life is Strange 2's gameplay receives mixed reviews - praised for decision-making and storytelling, criticized for lack of variety and innovation. While some appreciate its emotional impact, others find it lacking in depth and interactive elements.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
66
Positive Reviews (80-100)
29%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
65%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Life is Strange 2's gameplay receives mixed reviews - praised for decision-making and storytelling, criticized for lack of variety and innovation. While some appreciate its emotional impact, others find it lacking in depth and interactive elements.
Graphics and Visual Design
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74
Critics rave about Life is Strange 2's stunning visuals and immersive art design, praising the attention to detail and expressive character designs. While some critics note drawbacks like issues with the Nintendo Switch port, the overall consensus is that the game offers a visually appealing experience with unique art style and improved graphics compared to its predecessor. Despite platform-specific limitations, the majority of critics find the visuals to be immersive, expressive, and enhancing of the game's narrative.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
74
Positive Reviews (80-100)
44%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
52%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics rave about Life is Strange 2's stunning visuals and immersive art design, praising the attention to detail and expressive character designs. While some critics note drawbacks like issues with the Nintendo Switch port, the overall consensus is that the game offers a visually appealing experience with unique art style and improved graphics compared to its predecessor. Despite platform-specific limitations, the majority of critics find the visuals to be immersive, expressive, and enhancing of the game's narrative.
Music and Sound Design
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81
Critics overwhelmingly praise the Sound Design and Music of Life is Strange 2 for enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Positive remarks focus on the indie rock soundtrack's ability to evoke emotions and complement the narrative themes, with standout voice acting bringing characters to life. Some criticism was directed at the lack of memorable licensed songs and sound quality on certain platforms, but overall, the consensus is highly positive for the impactful role the Sound Design and Music played in the game.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
81
Positive Reviews (80-100)
81%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
19%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics overwhelmingly praise the Sound Design and Music of Life is Strange 2 for enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Positive remarks focus on the indie rock soundtrack's ability to evoke emotions and complement the narrative themes, with standout voice acting bringing characters to life. Some criticism was directed at the lack of memorable licensed songs and sound quality on certain platforms, but overall, the consensus is highly positive for the impactful role the Sound Design and Music played in the game.
Voice Acting
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80
Critics overwhelmingly praise the voice acting in Life is Strange 2 for its authenticity, emotional depth, and character portrayal. Latino actors bring extra authenticity, with performances described as excellent, top-notch, and emotionally impactful. Despite some minor critiques on script and delivery, the consensus is strongly positive, highlighting the voice acting as a significant strength that enhances the game's immersive experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
71%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
29%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics overwhelmingly praise the voice acting in Life is Strange 2 for its authenticity, emotional depth, and character portrayal. Latino actors bring extra authenticity, with performances described as excellent, top-notch, and emotionally impactful. Despite some minor critiques on script and delivery, the consensus is strongly positive, highlighting the voice acting as a significant strength that enhances the game's immersive experience.
Technical Performance
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64
Life is Strange 2 offers a captivating narrative experience, praised for its storytelling and decision-making elements. However, technical performance varies across platforms. PS4 reviewers noted issues with animation and lip syncing, while the Nintendo Switch faced problems with load times and glitches. PC was seen as providing a smoother experience. Despite drawbacks, critics found the game engaging and recommend players consider platform limitations before diving in.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
64
Positive Reviews (80-100)
18%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
64%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
18%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Life is Strange 2 offers a captivating narrative experience, praised for its storytelling and decision-making elements. However, technical performance varies across platforms. PS4 reviewers noted issues with animation and lip syncing, while the Nintendo Switch faced problems with load times and glitches. PC was seen as providing a smoother experience. Despite drawbacks, critics found the game engaging and recommend players consider platform limitations before diving in.
Replay Value
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69
Critics are divided on the replay value of Life is Strange 2, with some praising its meaningful choices and multiple endings, while others criticize its irreversible consequences and lack of significant impact compared to the first game. The game's decision-based gameplay and consequences of choices add depth to replaying, but issues like episodic releases and gameplay limitations may hinder its full potential for an engaging replay experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
69
Positive Reviews (80-100)
27%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
64%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
9%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on the replay value of Life is Strange 2, with some praising its meaningful choices and multiple endings, while others criticize its irreversible consequences and lack of significant impact compared to the first game. The game's decision-based gameplay and consequences of choices add depth to replaying, but issues like episodic releases and gameplay limitations may hinder its full potential for an engaging replay experience.
Overall Verdict
75
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
75
Positive Reviews (80-100)
47%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
53%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Life is Strange 2 receives praise for its emotional storytelling, character development, and exploration of complex themes. Critics commend its brave narrative tackling societal issues authentically, with a strong focus on the Diaz brothers' relationship. Decision-making mechanics, multiple endings, and brotherhood portrayal also earn acclaim. However, the game faces criticism for clunky dialogue, inconsistent characterizations, lack of gameplay variety, pacing issues, and episodic structure problems. Overall, opinions are mixed, with praise for emotional depth and thematic exploration balanced by critiques of gameplay and storytelling flaws. Despite imperfections, it's recommended for players who enjoy narrative-driven experiences and engaging decision-making mechanics.
75
MONSTER
Reviews
46 reviews found100
GamingTrend
Dec 9, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Life is Strange 2 is one of the best stories in video games. It tackles a lot and handles all of it with grace. It’s emotional, evocative, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. Every choice you make matters not only to you, but also to those around you. The journey of the brothers Diaz is one you absolutely need to take.
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90
Adventure Gamers
Dec 13, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The author believes that Life Is Strange 2 is a better and more important game than the first Life Is Strange. They praise DONTNOD for taking chances with the project, including holding a mirror up to ugly truths about America and presenting a teenage boy's experience with sensitivity and emotion. They believe that the reason to play the game is to see life through the eyes of someone you'll probably never be and to experience what you hopefully never will. The author concludes by saying that Life Is Strange 2 made them feel deeply, and they are grateful for that.
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90
Slant Magazine
Dec 16, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Life is Strange 2 is a powerful and emotionally honest story of brotherhood and the reality of living in America as an 'other.' The game values the boundless hope of the two young men at its center, and without invalidating America’s darkness. The gameplay is spent in dialogue trees, where the puzzle-solving takes a backseat to the building and maintaining of relationships. The cumulative choices are most impressive.
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90
Impulsegamer
Jan 9, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Life is Strange 2 is a beautiful, poignant game that begs to be played. It is so thoughtful that anyone who does buy it is going to feel something when playing it. It is an experience that you will not soon forget after completion. The reviewer highly recommends taking the time to fully go through and savor the game.
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90
Hobby Consolas
Dec 10, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Life is Strange 2 is a brave and emotionally impactful sequel that tackles complex themes with depth and authenticity. Despite some initial pacing issues and technical shortcomings, the game excels in storytelling, decision-making, and character development, offering a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
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