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Life is Strange: True Colors

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Life is Strange: True Colors
Item: Life is Strange: True Colors
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Interactive Movie, Romance, Drama, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableSep 10, 2021

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperDeck Nine Games

Overview

Life is Strange is a series of award-winning and critically-acclaimed narrative adventure games. Discover a universe where everyday heroes wield supernatural powers, while dealing with real challenges, real relationships, and real emotions. It's our world... with a twist of the strange. No matter your choices, the experience will stay with you forever. Deep in the mountains of Colorado, you'll find Haven Springs, a small mining town filled with beauty and mystery. As Alex, you'll discover the shocking secrets behind your brother’s death in an emotional roller-coaster of an adventure, using your psychic power of Empathy to change fate and change lives.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Life is Strange: True Colors has been largely praised for its emotional depth and protagonist Alex Chen's compelling journey through grief and self-discovery. Critics laud its unique narrative, blending themes of empathy, personal growth, and community dynamics in the vibrant setting of Haven Springs. However, some reviews highlight flaws in pacing, narrative focus, and dialogue, which can detract from the experience. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus is positive, recognizing the game's heartfelt exploration of connection and loss as a significant contribution to the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The narrative of Life is Strange: True Colors has garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, highlighting its emotional depth and the compelling journey of the protagonist, Alex Chen. Reviewers such as GameSpot and NME commend the game for exploring profound themes of grief, empathy, and personal growth, with Alex’s empathic abilities serving as a unique narrative device that enriches the storytelling. Critics like IGN Italia and Gaming Age appreciate the gentle yet impactful approach to serious topics, noting how the narrative effectively weaves together Alex's investigation into her brother's death with her personal journey of self-discovery and emotional healing. The setting of Haven Springs and its community dynamics also received positive mentions, with several critics, including Worth Playing and Cubed3, praising the engaging cast of characters that contribute to the story's richness. However, not all reviews are uniformly positive, as some critics point out notable flaws in the narrative structure and execution. GameMAG and Slant Magazine highlight issues with the pacing and focus of the story, suggesting that it becomes unfocused as it attempts to juggle multiple plotlines, particularly the crime thriller aspect of Gabe's death. BaziCenter and RPG Fan echo these sentiments, describing the narrative as clichéd and at times shallow, which detracts from the overall impact. Additionally, some critics, like Digital Trends and Video Chums, mention instances of cringeworthy dialogue and filler content that disrupt the otherwise engaging experience, indicating that while the story has strong elements, its execution can falter. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of Life is Strange: True Colors, with many considering it a worthy addition to the series. While there are criticisms regarding pacing and narrative coherence, the emotional resonance and character development are frequently highlighted as strengths. Critics like Shacknews and KeenGamer emphasize the engaging nature of the story, despite its flaws, suggesting that the emotional journey of Alex Chen and the themes of connection and loss resonate strongly with players. This duality of praise and critique reflects a complex narrative that, while imperfect, offers a heartfelt exploration of its themes, making it a significant entry in the Life is Strange franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Life is Strange: True Colors impresses with its empathic gameplay and rich character interactions, allowing players to dive deeply into emotional narratives and explore Haven Springs with engaging side missions. However, critics flag the game's linearity and simplistic use of Alex's powers, which reduce emotional conflicts to basic choices without meaningful consequences. The pacing can feel slow and repetitive, detracting from the urgency of the story. While it excels in emotional storytelling, it lacks the depth and challenge fans expect, resulting in a mixed experience that may leave some players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Life is Strange: True Colors has garnered a range of positive remarks from critics, particularly regarding the unique mechanics introduced by Alex's empathic powers. Reviewers such as Pocket Tactics and Game Rant highlight how these powers enhance character interactions and emotional engagement, allowing players to navigate the narrative more deeply. The exploration of Haven Springs is frequently praised, with critics like WellPlayed and Hobby Consolas noting the freedom to explore and engage in optional side missions, which adds variety to the experience. Additionally, the inclusion of mini-games and side activities, as mentioned by Worth Playing and Cultured Vultures, enriches the gameplay, providing players with engaging diversions that complement the main story. Despite these strengths, many critics express concerns about the gameplay's overall depth and complexity. Multiple reviews, including those from IGN Spain and GameSkinny, point out that Alex's empathic powers feel underutilized and overly simplistic, reducing emotional conflicts to basic choices that lack meaningful consequences. Critics like GamesBeat and Jeuxvideo.com echo this sentiment, describing the gameplay as linear and lacking in significant puzzles or challenges, which detracts from the potential for deeper exploration of moral themes. Furthermore, the pacing of the game has been criticized for being slow and sometimes repetitive, as noted by Power Unlimited and PC Invasion, which can lead to a diminished sense of urgency in the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Life is Strange: True Colors offers a compelling emotional experience through its unique gameplay mechanics, it ultimately falls short in delivering the depth and complexity that many fans of the series may expect. Reviewers like The Loadout and Digital Chumps acknowledge the engaging character interactions and decision-making elements but also emphasize that the impact of choices feels less significant compared to previous entries in the franchise. The game is seen as a mixed bag, with its strengths in emotional storytelling and exploration overshadowed by criticisms of linearity and a lack of challenge, leading to a somewhat simplified experience that may not fully satisfy all players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Life is Strange: True Colors impresses with stunning visuals and vibrant colors that enhance storytelling, praised for motion capture and immersive environments. However, criticism arises over outdated graphics, particularly on Nintendo Switch, with performance issues and visual glitches noted. Overall, it marks a significant visual improvement for the series, despite some technical shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Life is Strange: True Colors have garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the improvements made over previous entries in the series. Many reviewers, such as GameSpot and IGN France, praised the stunning visuals and vibrant colors that enhance the overall aesthetic of Haven Springs, contributing significantly to the storytelling experience. The use of motion capture technology has been highlighted by critics like Hobby Consolas and Cultured Vultures, who noted the impressive facial animations that effectively convey character emotions. The detailed environments and picturesque design of Haven Springs have been described by several critics, including The Loadout and GameSpew, as immersive and charming, further enriching the game’s narrative and emotional depth. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers, including Digital Trends and Softpedia, pointed out that the graphics can feel outdated at times, with issues such as blurry textures and less detailed character models. The Nintendo Switch port received particular scrutiny from critics like LevelUp and Pocket Tactics, who noted significant performance issues, including low-resolution textures and frame rate drops that detract from the visual experience. Additionally, Push Square and Windows Central mentioned visual glitches and texture pop-in as problems that hinder immersion, indicating that while there are significant advancements, technical shortcomings still exist. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Life is Strange: True Colors represents a notable step forward in graphics and visual design for the series, with many praising its vibrant art style and improved character animations. While there are valid concerns regarding performance issues and occasional graphical inconsistencies, the majority of reviews reflect a strong appreciation for the game’s visual presentation. Critics like GameGrin and NME encapsulate this sentiment, emphasizing that the visual improvements contribute positively to the emotional storytelling and immersive experience, making it a visually appealing entry in the franchise despite its flaws.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Life is Strange: True Colors has received acclaim for its emotionally rich soundtrack and sound design, enhancing the game's narrative and visuals. Critics praise the contributions of artists like Angus & Julia Stone and Radiohead, highlighting the immersive audio experience. However, some noted issues like unmemorable tracks and awkward music placement that slightly mar the overall impact. Despite these flaws, the consensus is that the audio elements significantly elevate the game's storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Life is Strange: True Colors have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising the emotional depth and atmosphere created by the soundtrack. Reviewers such as IGN Italia and GameByte highlighted the integral role of the music in enhancing the game's emotional narrative, while others like Stevivor and WellPlayed noted how the soundtrack beautifully complements the visuals and overall tone. The inclusion of notable artists such as Angus & Julia Stone, Radiohead, and mxmtoon has been particularly appreciated, with critics like Power Unlimited and Vgames acknowledging the diverse range of music that contributes to the game's immersive experience. Many reviewers also pointed out the effectiveness of the sound design, with ambient sounds and diegetic music enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes, as noted by MMORPG.com and New Game Network. Despite the overall praise, some critics pointed out shortcomings in the sound design and music integration. Riot Pixels expressed disappointment over the lack of memorable tracks, suggesting that this detracted from the overall atmosphere of the game. Video Chums raised concerns about the music being played too loudly at inappropriate moments, which could disrupt the emotional experience. Additionally, Power Unlimited mentioned that some musical choices felt clichéd and forced, indicating a lack of subtlety in conveying feelings. Critics like Adventure Gamers and GameMAG also noted that while the soundtrack has its strengths, certain music choices can feel out of place, impacting the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Life is Strange: True Colors features a well-crafted and emotionally resonant soundtrack that enhances the game's narrative and atmosphere. While there are some criticisms regarding specific aspects of sound integration and music selection, the majority of reviewers agree that the audio experience is a significant highlight of the game. Critics such as Easy Allies and Gaming Nexus emphasized the soundtrack's ability to resonate with players, making it a strong component of the overall gameplay experience. The positive sentiment surrounding the sound design and music indicates that, despite some minor flaws, Life is Strange: True Colors successfully delivers an engaging auditory experience that complements its storytelling.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Life is Strange: True Colors is widely praised for adding emotional depth and character authenticity, especially Erika Mori's standout performance as Alex. Critics laud the immersive storytelling, bolstered by technological advances. However, some note inconsistencies in NPC voice quality and localization issues that can disrupt the experience. Overall, the voice performances are deemed a significant asset, enhancing the game's narrative despite a few flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Life is Strange: True Colors has garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, highlighting its contribution to the game's emotional depth and character development. Reviewers such as Game Informer and Digital Chumps specifically commend Erika Mori's performance as Alex, noting her ability to convey vulnerability and authenticity, which resonates deeply with players. Critics from outlets like MGG and Game Rant also emphasize the strong performances across the cast, contributing to a relatable and immersive experience that enhances the storytelling. The emotional weight of the narrative is further supported by the lifelike portrayals made possible through advancements in technology, as mentioned by Gfinity and Attack of the Fanboy. However, not all feedback is uniformly positive. Some critics, such as PC Games and MGG, point out inconsistencies in the quality of voice acting, particularly among non-playable characters (NPCs), which can detract from the overall immersion. PC Games specifically mentions that localized versions may suffer in quality, impacting the experience for non-English speaking players. Additionally, GameByte notes issues with abrupt cuts in dialogue due to sound mixing problems, which can disrupt the emotional flow of scenes. These criticisms suggest that while the main performances shine, there are areas where the voice acting could have been more polished. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Life is Strange: True Colors is a strong asset to the game, with many praising its ability to evoke emotional responses and enhance character relatability. The majority of reviews, including those from NME and We Got This Covered, affirm that the voice performances significantly contribute to the game's narrative impact. Despite some noted inconsistencies and localization issues, the positive reception of the voice acting, particularly in its ability to connect players to the characters, underscores its importance in the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Life is Strange: True Colors boasts solid performance on Nintendo Switch (30fps) and impressive visuals on PS5 and PC. However, it suffers from critical performance issues across platforms—frame rate drops, long loading times, and graphical downgrades plague the experience, especially on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Overall, strong narrative but inconsistent tech execution suggests a pressing need for optimization.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

Positives Across Platforms: Critics have noted several positives regarding the technical performance of Life is Strange: True Colors across various platforms. On the Nintendo Switch, reviewers like TouchArcade and NintendoWorldReport acknowledged that the game runs stably at 30fps, with only minor texture loading issues, making it a commendable port for handheld gaming. The PS5 version has received praise for its overall performance, with critics such as Digital Chumps and Multiplayer.it highlighting its robust execution and improved visual fidelity, particularly in character modeling and responsiveness. The PC version also garnered positive feedback, with Player 2 noting a polished experience, better than previous titles, and Adventure Gamers reporting no major technical issues, showcasing a generally smooth performance. Negatives Across Platforms: Despite the positives, there are significant concerns regarding technical performance across all platforms. On the Nintendo Switch, both Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics pointed out severe graphical downgrades and performance issues, including frame rate drops and slow texture loading, which can disrupt immersion. The PS5 version, while generally well-received, has been criticized by several reviewers, including Push Square and Trusted Reviews, for experiencing significant frame rate drops, glitches, and long loading times that detract from the overall enjoyment. Similarly, the Xbox Series X version has been flagged by Power Unlimited and TrueAchievements for performance issues like low frame rates and long loading screens, which can break immersion and negatively impact the gaming experience. Overall Consensus: The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Life is Strange: True Colors offers a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay, its technical performance is inconsistent across platforms. Reviewers generally agree that the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions suffer from notable performance issues, particularly with frame rates and loading times, as highlighted by critics like KeenGamer and Xbox Achievements. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch version, while stable, faces severe graphical limitations that hinder its performance, as noted by Pocket Tactics and Nintendo Life. In summary, while there are commendable aspects to the game’s technical execution, the persistent issues across platforms indicate a need for further optimization and patches to enhance the overall player experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on the replay value of Life is Strange: True Colors. Some praise its multiple endings and impactful choices that encourage revisits, while others criticize its linear narrative and limited decision consequences, suggesting it lacks compelling reasons for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the game is seen as having potential but ultimately suffers from structural limitations that hinder replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Life is Strange: True Colors, it is evident that several reviewers appreciate the game's potential for replayability. Critics like IGN and But Why Tho? highlight the multiple endings and the impact of player choices, suggesting that these elements encourage players to revisit the game to explore different outcomes. Additionally, GameCritics and TierraGamer note that the decisions made throughout the game linger in the player's mind, hinting at a desire to experience alternative narrative paths. The ability to revisit chapters and make different choices, as mentioned by Jeuxvideo.com, also contributes to a sense of replay value, particularly for those interested in uncovering all secrets within the game. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's overall replay value. Reviewers such as Atomix, MGG Spain, and GameMAG point out the linear nature of the narrative and the limited impact of choices, which may lead to a perception of low replayability. Critics like XGN and Hardcore Gamer emphasize that the game can be completed in one sitting, which may make it less appealing for players seeking a more expansive experience. Furthermore, the notion that the variations in endings are not as diverse as desired, as noted by Meristation and Game Rant, reinforces the sentiment that while there are choices, they may not be compelling enough to warrant multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed outlook on the replay value of Life is Strange: True Colors. While some reviewers, like Gaming Nexus and Digital Trends, advocate for its replayability due to branching choices and emotional depth, a considerable number of others, including Everyeye.it and Stevivor, argue that the game’s linearity and limited consequences from decisions restrict its potential for multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, while there are elements that may entice players to return, the overarching sentiment leans towards a recognition of limited replay value, primarily due to the game's structure and the nature of its choices.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

Life is Strange: True Colors has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, who praise its compelling narrative, emotional depth, and character development. Reviewers like Game Informer and NME highlight the strong storytelling and the exploration of complex themes such as empathy and personal growth. Critics such as Easy Allies and Multiplayer.it commend the game's engaging gameplay and impressive visuals, noting that it successfully builds on the series' legacy. Additionally, many reviewers, including XboxEra and WellPlayed, consider it one of the better entries in the franchise, showcasing a rich emotional experience that resonates with players. However, the game is not without its flaws, as many critics point out various technical issues and narrative inconsistencies that detract from the overall experience. GamesBeat and Power Unlimited mention that while the narrative is compelling, gameplay and technical aspects hold it back from perfection. Critics like IGN Spain and Launcher express disappointment over the game's pacing and coherence, suggesting that it glosses over important themes and lacks depth. Furthermore, some reviews, such as those from XGN and Windows Central, indicate that the game does not quite match the emotional impact of its predecessors, making it feel less substantial in comparison. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Life is Strange: True Colors is a strong addition to the franchise, celebrated for its emotional storytelling and character development, yet hindered by technical shortcomings and pacing issues. While many reviewers, including Comicbook.com and WellPlayed, regard it as one of the best entries in the series, others like IGN Spain and Launcher caution that it may not fully satisfy those looking for the depth and coherence found in earlier titles. Ultimately, it appears that the game is well-received, particularly by fans of the series, but it also leaves room for improvement in future installments.

TL;DR

Life is Strange: True Colors has been well-received for its emotional storytelling and character development, with critics praising its narrative depth and gameplay. However, it suffers from technical issues and pacing flaws that prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessors. While many see it as one of the franchise's best, some caution it lacks the depth and coherence fans expect. Overall, it's a strong entry but leaves room for improvement.

MONSTER

Reviews

219 reviews found

100

App Trigger

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

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

Life is Strange: true Colors is a masterfully crafted game that combines a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and emotional depth, making it a standout title in the series.

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100

WellPlayed

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

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

Life is Strange: true Colors is considered the best entry in the series, offering a profound exploration of empathy and human connection. It serves as a benchmark for future titles.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Sep 8, 2021

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

Life is Strange: true Colors is highly praised for its story, characters, and gameplay innovations, marking a positive evolution for the franchise.

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100

GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

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

The review concludes that Life is Strange: true Colors is the best game in the series, highlighting its flawless storytelling, characterisation, and worldbuilding.

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100

TheGamer

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

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

Life is Strange: true Colors is praised for its emotional depth and character development, making it a standout title in the series that resonates with players on a personal level.

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100

Player 2

Sep 12, 2021

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

Life is Strange: true Colors is a powerful and emotionally resonant game that successfully builds on its predecessors, offering a rich narrative and engaging gameplay.

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Universo Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Feb 15, 2022

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

The game is praised as a top-tier entry in the franchise and a must-have for fans of the genre, regarded as the best port of 2021.

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GameCritics

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2021

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

Life is Strange: true Colors is deemed an emotionally-driven masterpiece that combines a compelling narrative with engaging gameplay, making it a standout title in the series.

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Wccftech

PlayStation 5

Sep 8, 2021

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

Life is Strange: true Colors is described as a masterpiece, with well-developed characters and a strong emotional impact, marking another success for Deck Nine.

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SpazioGames

PlayStation 4

Sep 8, 2021

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

Life is Strange: true Colors is a compelling narrative-driven game that successfully explores deep emotional themes through engaging gameplay and strong character development.

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