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In part this is because Life is Strange suffers from the old adventure game problem of having to battle the designer’s frequently impenetrable logic. Its no surprise that the game hangs so much on its story and characters as, in isolation, the puzzling gameplay would feel empty. Max is a particularly good example, with her running narration of events feeling believable even in the surreal situations the game places her. This helps you relate to each of the teenagers (with some being quite likable and other being total jerks), a connection aided by nice vocal performances and an expressive art style. The success of this is down to the focus Dontnod's writers have clearly given their work. Fortunately, each element is handled with the care and attention it deserve.
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With so many themes, it would be easy for them to feel scatter shot and throwaway.
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