Life is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 1: Awake – Back to the Feels

There’s no question that Life is Strange took the world by storm (pun intended). Suddenly, from out of nowhere, this game managed to teach Telltale a thing or two about stories with actual consequences. Obviously, with such critical and commercial success, a sequel was immediately greenlit.

But before we know anything about Life is Strange 2 (which will feature a completely new story and characters), we’re treated to an unexpected prequel focusing on Chloe and Rachel before all hell breaks loose. But… just what the hell were they thinking? What are they going to do without the time rewinding powers of Max Caulfield? And with a different developer, Deck Nine? Great, it’s milk-it time, it seems.

Oh, how wrong was I – and many of you, surely. Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a three-episode prequel that learns from the original game and replaces the rewind ability with Chloe’s backtalk – the sassy teenager uses this feature to insult or reason with the other person by choosing clever replies, mostly based on sarcasm or by putting a twist on what her target just said. It’s an interesting feature and while optional, it’s fun to see the discussion unfolding. It’s just not as exciting as the main gimmick of the first Life is Strange, but at least they came up with something that adds value to the game.

For the first couple of hours on Episode 1: Awake, there isn’t much going on. It’s more of a way to introduce you to Chloe’s pre-Max life (or should I say, while Max was gone and apparently unable to pick up a pen or send a text), and once again see Chloe’s mom, David the stepdouche, and stumble across the mysterious and popular girl Rachel Amber. In the first Life is Strange there was this ominous sense of mystery and impending doom, but Before the Storm starts as a love story unfolding between two young girls. Kudos on the devs for not being afraid of exploring this Chloe/Rachel relationship beyond the usual BFF syndrome, or at least hinting at something more than that.

Yes, it’s often awkward, but I know you like experimenting with the different options and seeing where it takes you.

Along the way, you’ll get some distractions that may strengthen your bond with Rachel, including stealing a bottle of wine from a decidedly naive couple, or breaking some stuff in the very familiar junkyard. And suddenly, it’s not just random acts of foolishness; things begin to fall apart and Chloe shows the damaged and needy self that she has become after the death of her father. And it stings. Before the Storm is now much more than a couple of new friends having fun and becomes somewhat puzzling. Rachel is having personal issues and we’re not quite sure what’s going on.

Talking about Before the Storm Episode 1 without spoiling its major plot points is a tough task. All we can say is that the ending is incredibly powerful, emotional, it’s like a punch in the stomach. You’ll probably hear one of the most heartfelt screams ever made for a videogame, and you’ll share the pain. The soundtrack, once again, fits perfectly with the story and each and every moment.

In the end, I was left wondering if this was going to be a regular teens-with-issues story or if something supernatural could actually come into play. As I’m replaying episode 1, I’m not quite sure and I’m still wondering if episode 2 will go this or that way.

One thing I know for sure: no matter where they choose to take it, you can count me in for the ride. I know it will be worth it.

Final rating: 8.5/10

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