Life is Strange Double Exposure review: "Feels like it's laying the groundwork for something bigger"

GamesRadar+ VerdictLife is Strange Double Exposure draws you into a mystery full of intriguing twists and turns in a fresh university setting. The new shifting ability that allows for parallel timeline hopping works well in the context of a murder investigation, but can make it harder to feel like you’re truly connecting with the characters. Overall, Max’s return feels like it finds its feet towards the end, and is building towards something bigger.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$49.99at Amazon$49.99at Walmart$49.99at Best BuyPros+Spins an intriguing mystery+Diverse cast of characters+Visually expressive facial animationsCons-Not enough time with characters-Dual timelines can get in the way of emotional investment GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict Life is Strange Double Exposure draws you into a mystery full of intriguing twists and turns in a fresh university setting. The new shifting ability that allows for parallel timeline hopping works well in the context of a murder investigation, but can make it harder to feel like you’re truly connecting with the characters. Overall, Max’s return feels like it finds its feet towards the end, and is building towards something bigger.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$49.99at Amazon$49.99at Walmart$49.99at Best Buy Life is Strange Double Exposure draws you into a mystery full of intriguing twists and turns in a fresh university setting. The new shifting ability that allows for parallel timeline hopping works well in the context of a murder investigation, but can make it harder to feel like you’re truly connecting with the characters. Overall, Max’s return feels like it finds its feet towards the end, and is building towards something bigger. TODAY’S BEST DEALS$49.99at Amazon$49.99at Walmart$49.99at Best Buy TODAY’S BEST DEALS$49.99at Amazon$49.99at Walmart$49.99at Best Buy TODAY’S BEST DEALS$49.99at Amazon$49.99at Walmart$49.99at Best Buy TODAY’S BEST DEALS $49.99at Amazon$49.99at Walmart$49.99at Best Buy $49.99at Amazon $49.99at Amazon $49.99at Walmart $49.99at Walmart $49.99at Best Buy $49.99at Best Buy Pros+Spins an intriguing mystery+Diverse cast of characters+Visually expressive facial animations Spins an intriguing mystery Diverse cast of characters Visually expressive facial animations Cons-Not enough time with characters-Dual timelines can get in the way of emotional investment Not enough time with characters Dual timelines can get in the way of emotional investment Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. What would you do if one day you discovered you had a supernatural power? This is the question the Life is Strange series has asked and explored time and again, beginning with the first game centering on Max Caulfield as she juggled the highs and lows of adolescence with the power to rewind time. Now,Life is Strange Double Exposurerevisits Max as a character for the first time (in a game, anyway) – and she might be older and wiser, but the question is more pertinent than ever. The distressing events of Arcadia Bay – that had her grappling with her own morals surrounding a murder plot, and more tragedy besides – are never far from her mind, and after seeing what the consequences can be for using or not using a supernatural ability, this question is once again put at the forefront when Max discovers her powers have changed. As she faces another tragedy when her close friend Safi is murdered in the new setting of Caledon University, her rewind power alters. No longer able to hold down a trigger to reverse time, it now allows her to simply Shift between parallel timelines. Discovering what happened to Safi and trying to find out if there’s a way to prevent it becomes the main driving force behind the story of Life is Strange Double Exposure. While the actual Shift ability offers up a novel way to try and get to the bottom of mystery, going between different timelines often ends up producing a bit of a disconnect with the diverse cast – and I found myself really wanting to get to know them better. As a result, it took some time for me to feel really invested in the goings on at Caledon, and the game as whole feels like it really only gets going towards the latter half, acting as the set-up for something more. Ultimately, where it really shines is through its exploration of what it means to have the power that can make a difference and all of the baggage that comes with that. If I could turn back time (Image credit: Square Enix) Bringing back a character like Max Caulfield is no easy task, especially when you’re also trying to spin a murder mystery at the same time. Life is Strange Double Exposure not only has to try to establish her loaded past to newcomers (and square that with the versions fans played in the original game), but it also has to try to explain how she’s come to Caledon,andset up her new relationships. Being drawn into the circumstances surrounding Safi’s murder provides ample ground to explore these points, while also examining how Max is trying to deal with her past decisions, and how it shapes the exploration of powers throughout the story. While we might lack her powers, what uni-going teen doesn’t have some regrets? It makes Max an easy character to connect with, whether you’re a Life Is Strange diehard or a newcomer. (Image credit: Square Enix) After the murder, the need to find out what happened leads Max to discover she can Shift between a timeline where Safi is dead, and another where she’s still alive. Throughout the university, there are set spots where you can Shift between the two – usually hidden or obscured so no one can see you. “Living” with an orange circle, or “dead” with a blue circle written at the top of the screen will indicate which one you’re in, with the color-coding also reflected in the dialog. At certain points, I did completely lose track of which timeline I was in, such as when I was flitting between them so often to try and crack my way into a locked suitcase. I even ended up saying the wrong things to certain characters because I forgot which timeline a conversation took place in. It can get a little messy to keep track of, but it’s all part of Deck Nine’s way of trying to wrap you up in the mystery and test your ability to remember what happened where. However, alternating between timelines did on occasion make me care less about the choices I was making, because I’d forget what subtle consequences had happened in each. The shifting mechanic also feeds into the puzzle scenarios not unlike the Rewind power. While there are some less interesting ways you can use the timelines, such as getting a certain object from one timeline to help you in another, the Pulse ability is a highlight, allowing you to see ghostly forms of people or objects that show you what happens in the parallel timeline to the one you’re in. This lets you eavesdrop on conversations, keep an eye on a character’s location (a bit like Batman’s Detective Vision), or follow tracks a la Geralt’s senses inThe Witcher 3, and I wish there were more instances I could actually put it to use within the context of the story. With great power (Image credit: Square Enix) (Image credit: Square Enix) The timeline mechanic doesn’t have as much impact as the original’s Rewind power – which had you replay choices over and over again as you struggled to decide which decision you wanted to accept. Rather than allowing you to replay dialog branches to unfurl more about a character as you could with Rewind, shifting left me unsure where I stood with many of them at times. And yet, Life is Strange Double Exposure manages to use the parallel timelines to explore an intriguing mystery full of unexpected twists. While the ending works well on its own, it feels like it’s laying the groundwork for something bigger. In fact, without spoiling anything, it’s as though the game as a whole is acting as the set-up for a wider narrative to come - it isn’t a bad thing, but it sometimes feels like leaving some doors open came at the cost of making Double Exposure shine as well as it could have on its own merits. The last two chapters, in particular, are a high point and succeeded at drawing me in, delivering some memorable moments that raise some curious questions about the future of the series. Above all, its exploration of powers left me wanting more. Fans of Life is Strange will likely get more out of the experience than those going in cold turkey, but Double Exposure is worth checking out if you’re looking to get stuck into a twisty mystery - though I’d still say it’s worth trying the original first. Just as those choices in Arcadia Bay made a lasting impact on me, they’re still very much affecting Max, and I love the way her return continues to ask and explore that same question: what would you do if you had supernatural powers? 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magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”