Life is Strange: True Colors is the first game in the series to be released as a full pack – eschewing the episodic version on which the series is based. Now, developers can’t imagine going back.
in an interview Stone Paper ShotgunSenior Narrative Designer Philip Lawrence explains why the team wanted to try something new in the Life is Strange sequel, which is still split into separate chapters but released as a separate package.
“I can’t imagine we’re going back to the plot model,” Lawrence said. “The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. I think we were careful to keep this plot structure because it does seem to engage players. That’s what Strange Life’s DNA is all about. As you can imagine, it’s a story that gets talked about and agonized over. decision, but I think it was the right decision.”
Life is Strange: Primary Colors, released in 2021, tells the story of Alex Chen, a girl who develops supernatural empathy. This is the first full-length Life is Strange game from developer Deck Nine, who took over development duties from series creator Dontnod (before creating the spin-off Life is Strange: The Tempest).
While the game deviates from the episodic version, it still retains the essence of TV storytelling, revealing the plot in a structured way:
“Part of that is about player selection,” Lawrence said. “We’ve carefully built a story around five chapters, so the structure feels very much in line with the earlier Life is Strange title.”
Life is Strange: True Colors is structured more like a limited series than a video game, giving players the opportunity to enjoy the entire game or play it at their own pace. “So if players want to take a step back, reflect and enjoy those water cooler moments with the community, they can,” Lawrence added. “But for those who are going to be frustrated by the episodic release mode, we rescued them from those frustrations.”
Think of it this way — life is weird: True Color is more of a box than a weekly episode. Making it this way is clearly a free experience, and the structure of the story becomes secondary to the story itself. That means developer Deck Nine can focus on getting the plot right.
“I think from a creative standpoint, it allows us to focus on developing the story, put the script in a good position, and then make a game,” he explained. “So, we don’t have the awkwardness of that plot mode where you rush to make scripted content for the first episode and then move on to the next episode. I think it’s more coherent and organic to approach it that way.”
Whether we’ll find another Life is Strange game on the way remains to be seen. But even if there is, it looks unlikely to return to the old plot form.
Want to learn more about Life is Strange? If you’re stuck, check out our Life is Strange: True Color walkthrough and find out where all the game collectibles are.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment reporter and film critic for IGN.you can follow him Twitter.
