Game Review: Life Is Strange Episode 4 (Dark Room) SPOILERS!!

 WARNING: SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 1,2&3 OF LIFE IS STRANGE as I'll be discussing the choices I made in the game and why. If you want to see a no/mild spoiler review (Click here) for episode 1 and for episode 2 (Click Here). Episode 3 review (Click Here) is filled with spoilers so BEWARE. We are at the point where I can get into spoiler territory for Episode 4 so yes this review will contain spoilers for episode 4 Dark Room as I go into more details of my thoughts of the game play and narrations

Title: Life Is Strange Episode 4 (Dark Room)

Developer: Dontnod Entertainment

Publisher: Square-Enix

Genre: Episodic, Contemporary, Supernatural, Mystery, interactive drama, adventure

Platforms played: PC

Official Game Description (Source) :

Life Is Strange is a five part episodic game that sets out to revolutionise story based choice and consequence games by allowing the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future. 

You are Max, a photography senior who saves her old friend Chloe by discovering she can rewind time. The pair soon find themselves exposed to the darker side of Arcadia Bay as they uncover the disturbing truth behind the sudden disappearance of a fellow student.

Meanwhile, Max begins to have premonitions as she struggles to understand the implications of her power. She must quickly learn that changing the past can sometimes lead to a devastating future.

Features
• A beautifully written modern adventure game
• Rewind time to change the course of events.
• Multiple endings depending on the choices you make.
• Striking, hand-painted visuals
• Distinct, licensed indie soundtrack

 

WE ARE ALL GONNA DIE!!!

I AM NOT KIDDING this episode probably eff up my emotions and state of mind that I might need a support group or a counseling as after playing this episode I AM NOT OKAY. 

Gonna run and buy stocks in Ben & Jerry and Kleenex as they might be a good investment for episode 5.  

Normally I'll play an episode twice as I want to see how each episode diverges and this is probably one of the and most diverge 'adventure game' I've played so far where each choices you make whether big or small really makes a difference. Also i accidentally deleted my safe file so I had to re play the entire game (i had to anyways) to get to episode 4. Long story short this was the most emotionally painful episode to re play.

The Plot

 

Max faces the consequence of her decisions of changing the past. Meanwhile the investigation behind Rachael's disappearance comes to a conclusion leading to the Dark Room and what lies within. Enter the Dark Room... if you dare...

Game Play

The game play while in some ways is repetitive, it improves familiar mechanic from previous episodes. Also from what I gather, as each episode progresses Max uses less of her rewind powers unless necessary for certain puzzles. 

Episode 1 to 3 took me about 3 to 4 hours to beat and I usually can play it in one sitting or an episode in a day. This episode gameplay and story wise took 4 days to play! Its not because the gameplay is difficult but its challenging as you need to think back to the previous episodes and make use of your inventory and game mechanic to help solve the puzzles.

The consequences to our choices in previous episodes are now weighing in and diverging the story line even more. In this episode the choices are some of the hardest decisions I've made in the game. I'll go more in depth in my game discussions but I really like how the game take into account of the layer decisions. I'll admit this episode had some of the more provoking and really making me think but I still like it as it gives us players the opportunity to roll up our sleeve, grab a pen an paper and to be involve with the story and playing detective with Max and Chloe. 

Favorite Game play : searching for 'blues clues' with Max and Chloe on the chalk board. Its challenging but fun rolling my selves, taking notes and playing CSI arcadia bays. Also if you do get stuck 1) use your logic thinking 'as a person I'll ...' and 2) Max's inner dialog is there to help you along the way.

Least favorite game play: getting into the barn not because it was terrible but cause once we got into the place I felt physically sick on what I saw and had to pause playing the game. Also I was a bit of a dummy in this part as I took a while to realise I needed to attach the rope to the pad lock door before it will open.

Bonus Scene

This game is finally showing the consequences of our action in the long run. On of my favorite thing about the episode is rewarding players who save Kate in episode 2 with a bonus clip but also for those who choose to answer her call which caused Chloe to be a bitch to Max, we see Chloe apologizing for her behavior. 

When Max said 'There is one more thing we need to do, we need to visit the hospital' I was bouncing off my seat in excitement as I wanted to see Kate so badly! This is a great addition not only a great 15 to 30 minute worth of additional footage that is for once positive and heart warming but also seeing the character changes with both Kate and Chloe. We finally see Kate being all smiles and looking healthy and so for Chloe finally realizing that she needs to stop acting like a brat and owe up to her shitty behavior. From my other safe file where she dies and talking to my friends who didn't safe Kate, We don't get this additional scene but she is heavily mentioned with other characters we talk to at the school.

Either way I'm so happy we got to see her and that she's finally getting some help and recovering from what she went trough in episode 2! I have a soft spot for Kate and as mention in episode 2 related to her story not to mention I went trough something similar earlier this year. If anyone who play the game is going trough/ went trough something similar to Kate, I hope this scene will show/ motivate you that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and that you can move on.

Characters

Wowsers is the character development just keep getting better and better! We get to see sides of character we never see before from the side characters like Daniel, Brooke and Luke to the major characters like David and Victoria.

Max in this episode is at her strongest. I love how she's more bolder and confident in this episode. She is also starting to realize the consequence of her actions and feels guilty for certain choices she makes.I wonder how she manages to stay sane especially after the ordeal in the first part of the episode. If I were in her place I'll probably have a mental breakdown. Also what happen to her in the end WTFFFFFFF!!!

I my love for this blue hair rebel has been boost to a whole new level! I love how her character has developed in this episode especially when she owes up to her behavior and actions in the previous episode at the same time showing tone down and vulnerable side to her character. Poor Chloe can't seem to catch a break *cried*!

Seeing Chloe at the end of the last episode broke my heart! Her alternative self was surprisingly no different from the Chloe we know which surprise me as I was expecting them to write about her being all 'positive and full of unicorns and shitz' but no instead of a girl who is strong in the outside but broken in the inside we have just a very broken girl *more cries*.

I usually don't talk about voice acting but her voice actress Ashly Burch steals the show and seriously nailed Chloe's character through the series especially in this episode especially on how Chloe's character's been portrayed emotionally. Before this my favorite voice actor in a video game was either Nolan North from Uncharted or Ashley Johnson from Last of Us but Ashly Burch is like my new favorite video game voice actor and if any of you guys don't know she also have her own YT show called Hey Ash Whatcha Playing which I highly recommencement as its flipping genius and hilarious. Its basically she acts out skits and quick review based on video games with her dad and brother.

The friendship and relationship between Max and Chloe is what makes the game for me. While yes I know some people view their relationship as romance I actually view as sisterly love. Though then again the last game where i saw a relationship similar to (last of us: Left Behind) theirs turned into a 'romantic' relationship. The only thing that annoyed me about their relationship is HOW FREAKING CARELESS the wonder twins are at with their detective work! Heck when I was replaying the game I keep pin pointing how they could easily be there, leaving evidences like breaking the padlock in the storm bunker, leaving the files on the table and even in Chloe room they left their CSI board as it is. That was the only thing that annoyed me when replaying the episode! For a second I thought if Chloe were  to go back to school she'll make a great cop but now... I take back my praise! Gahhhhh!!

SINCE WHEN DID WARREN GET ALL ALPHA MALE???

When i first saw his scenes in the trailer I was cheering for him but when I saw that scene a part of me was 'awwww he's trying to protect Max' and another part of me was 'ok Warren that's enough'. There is something really off with Warren in this episode and I have been pondering my thoughts on what's up with him. Also to those who think his character is weird/creepy, lets just say the developers hear you guys and are winking from behind the camera, breaking the forth walls when warren said 'I'm a pain in the booty' lolz!

Through the game because we are playing from Max's POV we are often forming opinions based on Max's thoughts. During my first play trough I was freaked out in many ways on how EFF up his character is and all the hidden shit he's been going through. I totally see why his character act with such frustration and rage. Nathan is one of the most complex and misleading characters through the game and I love how they portray him. Once again yes he is a freaking jerk and bully but this episode we see all the flaws and problems he's been going through and get to know a bit more of his life. I am really scared on what's gonna happen to his character in the last episode (heck as scared as I am for Max I'm more scared for his character's) as he has a lot of problems and deep shit and needs professional help! Also I might be the only one but I really want to see Nathan calm down and smile for more than 5 second and be that 'cool and chill' guy that his friends say he is.

Depending on the choices you made in the earlier episodes, your interaction with Victoria (and pretty much every other side characters) will differ where you'll love to hate her or actually like her and maybe even be her friend. For me as mention in all my discussion and walk trough posts I wanted as little bad blood with as many characters as possible and was freaking nice to Victoria all the way. Its really great how the game rewards you with the relationship building and in interaction with all the side characters and yes I finally am starting to like Victoria as a character

I sided with David in the previous episode so like Victoria I got a 'good' version of the character. I can officially cross him off my list of suspects in this episode and I actually like the conversation he had with Max in this episode.

The only thing i have to say about him is is GO FUCK YOUR SELFIE YOU SICK BASTARD!!!! GAHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I FUCKING KNEW IT!!!!!!!!  #therageisreal #ICALLEDITINEPISODE2

Yah this was ALMOST me when i was done with episode 4... but sorry Minho I can't afford a new laptop :P Oh gosh I kid you not I was in tears and rage as I saw this coming since blaming him in episode 2 but THE WAY THEY SHOW IT!!! ITS MESS UP in 50 ways!!

Looks/Sounds

We are introduced to the barn/dark room and also see more of Arcadia bay's beaches in both the alternative and original timeline.

Once again the game manages to top its previous episode with how it looks/sounds. I seriously love the air of mystery in the atmosphere. I especially like the Dark Room and Barn scenes as it was really dark and eerie and anything in Chloe's room as it feels so well lived in by the girls as they put together the clues to find the dark room.

Also we finally got to see the boys floor of the dorm (and boy does it REALLY look like a boys dorm). We also got to see Nathan's room and how mess up he is as a person. This was before seeing the Dark Room so I thought that was the most eff up to the point I felt sick part of the game. Comparing this to the Dark room, Nathan's room is just down right creepy while the dark room is nothing but eff up sick!

The beach scenes in both timelines were just sad especially seeing all those dead whaled washed up.

Also I'm not a big party person but I love the party scene and will admit did a little dance in my seat. The music to the lighting was spot on awesome! Also dang that is some extravagant party the school can afford (oh wait its sponsored by the Prescott). Yes i was having a lot of fun playing this scene, recovering form the previous heart breaking scene, this was more bittersweet watching as I watch Max interact with everyone at the party.

My song in the episode is probably the only song I was familiar with prior to playing the game is 'In my Mind' by Amanda Palmer. Gosh was this the perfect song for the 'morning grope' scene and to recover ourselves from what happen in the alternative timeline!

The song just sounds calm, nostalgic and bittersweet. It reminds me of Joni Mitchell (aka one of my favorite singers) Circles Game, both having that acoustic guitar plucking and the indie folk pop sound. 

Narration/ Writing

As mention each episode keeps getting better. In some ways I'm glad that the game is episodic as the developers take players feedback seriously to enhance the experience. I LOVE all the foreshadows that is picked up through the game and the occasional wink from behind the camera fan service that they give for the fans. This episode totally suite its name as like procession photographs in the dark room, this episode answers a lot of question that has been set up since the start but also HAVE A LOT OF NEW QUESTIONS FOR US TO WAIT TILL EPISODE 5! When I was done with the episode, half of my fan theories went out the window.

This episode is more emotionally driven and intense but still like the whole series there is a good balance of dark and light moments (oh god i'm not starting to sound like shitterson). Yes there are some (actually no there ARE ALOT) of disturbing scenes that made me sick and pause playing the game but I still like where the game is going. I like that they are not sugar coating the plot and showing some seriously mess up shit!

Image Credit: Dontnod Entertainment (Click here for the full view)

This episode we learn a different side of the cast of characters and depending on your Max's interaction it will be be a good thing or a bad thing. Also I really like the layer of dialog for the conversations though some lasting for a good 15 minute depending on how much you want to dig and rewind aka how snoopy you wanna be, it still add a great dept to the story and character building. Heck I totally understand why this episode was delayed cause there were a HELLA LOTTA things to take into consideration from the four previous episode. Seriously the developers take into account all the big and small actions of the game affecting the dialogs and the choices we have to make. The best example is the whole Frank scene in the game where you can have multiple endings both good and bad. I obviously wanted the good ending (and boy was it one of the coolest) and I'm sorry Frank and Chloe but both of them keep getting hurt one way or another that I had to rewind like a dozen times to get the outcome I wanted.

Lastly I the alternative timeline, while I do wish we got to spend more time there, heck i don't mind if we spend half the episode there exploring, I do like how there are a lot of differences and similarities between both timelines. Obviously the biggest difference is William being alive and the state Chloe is in. Mostly I find this part gut wrenching emotional and like Max I felt guilty seeing the price of saving William (not a pun :P).
 

Also through Alternative Max diary entries and text messages you'll see how different she is from our Max (same goes for most of the other characters). From what I gather she's actually more confident (though still needs help from fairy popular parents Victoria and Nathan) and of cause into drugs/partying/smoking weed and all those fun shit *sarcasm*. Also can i just point out that AU MAX KNOWS ABOUT THE DARK ROOM and is buddies with NATHAN?!?!?! man parallel universe tends to mess people up ha?  Also being the snooper we are, looking around and going into rooms you get a sense on what's happened in this alternative universe since we kept William alive, learning that either way Chloe while being the badass we love is still broken but now physically instead of emotionally and is suffering deeply.

This episode the most emotional scene that got me to break down, bawing to tears and sinking into my chair was not THE JUNKYARD SCENES but the scene where 13-year-old max tells Chloe she'll always have her back. Yes the scene before that was also sad but this scene is a hell lot sadder as we already know what's gonna happen to William and depending on what choice you make in the alternative universe, this scene will move your even more! Its touching seeing Max trying to assure Chloe she's not along and telling her in advance she does care for her.

Okay so the ending is seriously one of the most mess up thing I've ever seen in my life! I foreshadow it! Hell I called it from episode 2! If episode 3 ends in a emotional heart sinking 'I CAN'T BELIEVE I DID THIS' gut punch ending, this ends in a more 'WTF EFF I KNEW IT NO NO NO' sickly twisted thing I've ever seen in my life!

I kid you not if the nathan dorm and the dark room scene were disturbing, the way the episode ended was that times ten! I was screaming at my monitor when the episode ended and just sank back in my seat trying to process what just happen. I felt numb seeing what happened in the end and as excited as I am to see how the game concludes I am also scared for the characters and how this is gonna end. Comparing this to the WTF moments in episode three... haha I'm laughing at what I was scared at in the last episode.

Also the preview... is freaking painful to watch. I am seriously scared to see what they will do in the final episode.

Book Recommendations for Dark Room

The Every series by Ellie Marney is one of the best series I've ever read! This Aussie YA has mystery, crime, friendship and SWOON WORTHY ROMANCE! Follows best friends and next door neighbors Rachael Watts and James Mycroft as they team up to solve the mystery ala CSI Melbourne style! 

Like Max and Chloe in life is strange, Rachael and James are the ultimate partners in crime and their relationship building is one of the best! Also like life is strange the mystery in the every series is dark and twisted. Highly recommend this series if you love the concept of Life is Strange where its mundane teenage life with a twist . Heck SOMEONE CALL DONTNOD and tell them to consider this series for season 2 of Life is Strange!

Also as I'm looking back at my reviews, I realize another I love the blow up the door scene in episode 3 and why it felt so familiar! Its cause there is a similar scene in Every Word (which I read it prior to finding out about Life is Strange) so if you like the 'blow up the principle office' scene, you'll love what they did in Every Word.

Check out my reviews for

Every Breath (#1) -CLICK HERE-

Every Word (#2) -CLICK HERE-

Every Move (#3) -CLICK HERE-

I also highly recommended both 'The Maze Runner' and 'The Mortality Doctrine' series by James Dashner if you like the dark and edgy plot twist, fast pace mystery and the well written friendship and sidekicks in Life is Strange. 

Lastly, We All Look Up by Tommy Wallach (Review Here) as heck this is the episode before 'the end of the world' so I its fitting to recommend a book about mundane teen live as the world is ending. I read this a while ago and love the concept of the story! In fact the characters are very similar to the cast in life is strange that I can easily pin point who I'll fancast from the game. I recommend this book if you like the diverse cast of characters in Life is Strange, that 'indie movie feel' and the idea of end of the world. 

Overall 

Oh man was this a roller coaster of an episode! I seriously can think of anything I don't like about the game a part from the lip synch which I've gotten used to. I'll admit this episode was more slower paced and trivial but it totally set the tone for the game. Twisted, dark and emotionally mess up, episode 4 is the best episode yet and as I said I'm both scared and excited to see how the game is gonna conclude. Also I'm hoping they will have a physical release for this game and maybe even a season 2! Life is Strange is one of my all time favorite games and got me to remember why I love video games in the first place. 

I might post a fan theory discussion before episode 5 is released but till then THIS IS ONE GAME IF ANYONE NEEDS TO PLAY if you want to get into games or if you want a game with a refreshing concept PLAY LIFE IS STRANGE.

Now if you excuse me.. I need to go to some sorta support group/counseling as episode 4 really mess up my head. Then again writing my mine out is kinda therapeutic

#LISFINALE

As I was editing this post, the Developers  announced THE FINAL EPISODE IS AIMED TO BE RELEASED AROUND 20 OCTOBER 2015!!! Its a a lot longer than the '6 to 8 week' waiting period but as seen in this episode which was delayed by a couple of weeks on how ridiculously complicated the action/consequence dialog flowchart are, I don't mind them delaying the game's release as long as they take as much time as they need to perfect the final episode.

What are your thoughts of this episode? And what are you anticipating for the finale?

I'll definitely give my review and thought as soon as I played the game! 

Also Check out my Walk trough/Discussion post (Click Here) where I discuss the choices I made for the game.

Happy Playing !!!