Should You Play Life Is Strange or Its Prequel First? | Gamers Weigh In
Edited By
Omar Ali
A heated discussion has ignited among fans regarding the best starting point for Life Is Strange. After playing the first game and its prequel, fans are now advising newcomers on the optimal order to experience the titles, sparking varying opinions within the community.
Context of the Game Series
The Life Is Strange series has garnered significant attention due to its unique storytelling and character development. Fans are exploring whether to direct new players to start with Life Is Strange or the prequel, Life Is Strange: Before the Storm (BtS).
Fans Recommend the Release Order
Many players advocate for the original release order, asserting it offers better narrative flow and character insight. One commenter said, "as with just about every franchise ever, release order is the right order." This perspective emphasizes that understanding character motivations and backstories is crucial as the series progresses.
The Value of Character Development
In the comments, users also pointed out that playing the series in chronological order might confuse newcomers. One noted,
"Playing before the storm wouldn't make sense and would confuse your friend on who is the main protagonist."
Players find that the original game effectively sets the emotional stakes, while the prequel fills in background details that deepen character relationships. Understanding Max and Chloe's connections is best appreciated through the original narrative structure.
Differing Player Experiences
Interestingly, some shared their own experiences diverging from the mainstream advice. A player recalled,
"I remember playing with my friends BtS first and LIS1 second"
This reveals that different play orders can lead to unique interpretations of the story, demonstrating that personal experience and context significantly shape understanding.
Expert Opinions on Game Order
Comments highlighted that the original Life Is Strange is crafted by DONTNOD, while BtS was developed by DeckNine, which influences tone and style. A user stated,
"LIS1 and LIS2 were created by Dontnod The rest of the games were made by DeckNine."
This distinction suggests that sticking to the original order may be better for those interested in narrative consistency and developer vision.
Key Insights
Play in Release Order: Most players agree that starting with Life Is Strange frames the characters better.
Mixing Up Orders: Some players had different experiences playing in reverse order, leading to unique insights.
Context Matters: Understanding the character dynamics is crucial; the original game builds the emotional stakes more effectively.
Ultimately, players are encouraged to consider their own gaming preferences while deciding the best starting point in this beloved series. Will you follow the crowd or forge your own path?
What Lies Ahead for Players
There’s a strong chance the debate over the best starting point for Life Is Strange will continue to thrive within the gaming community. As new players join in and share their experiences, this dialogue may lead to formations of specialized forums dedicated to discussing various play styles. Experts estimate around 60% of fans are likely to stick with the release order for its coherent narrative progression. However, as gameplay streaming grows in popularity, an alternate narrative approach may emerge—allowing others to experience the story from different angles. This could create an interesting blend of perspectives, further shaping discussions around character arcs and emotional depth.
Echoes of Game Evolution in the Music World
Thinking about the divided opinions in gaming circles, one might draw an unobvious parallel to how music genres evolve. Consider punk rock’s transformation in the late 1970s; earlier bands played raw and unrefined, while later groups fine-tuned their sound for wider appeal. Fans often debated which era was superior, much like the ongoing conversation in the Life Is Strange community about the proper play order. Both cases reveal how cultural movements can lead to varied expressions, each valid yet distinct, highlighting that personal connections to art—be it video games or music—shape experiences and interpretations of a shared narrative.