The Life is Strange series mixes storytelling, gameplay and player choice in an exciting way.
We’ve had fourLife is Strangegames so far, and they’ve all shone in their own way. We fell in love with Max and Chloe in the supernatural adventure of the first game, and we learned more about Chloe and Rachel in its prequel,Life is Strange: Before the Storm. InLife is Strange 2, Sean and Daniel’s tumultuous journey hooked us. AndLife is Strange: True Colorsmight not have been as supernatural as the games before it, but we fell in love with its characters and setting. And so, if you’re looking for more games like the Life is Strange series, we’ve rounded up the best of them right here.
The question is, however, what makes a game like Life is Strange? Is it the gameplay? Is it the engaging, human storytelling? Or is it the supernatural themes that run through? The answer is all three. Or a balance of them, at least. Not every Life is Strange game delves deep into the supernatural, but every game does put storytelling and character building as a top priority.
The games we’ve rounded up here, then, might have similar themes, but they all focus on storytelling at a human, personal level. Nothing else might be quite like the Life is Strange series, but the games we’ve chosen below are the closest you’ll possibly come.
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This list was originally published in March 2019 and has been updated periodically since.
1. Tell Me Why
- Available on PC and Xbox
Of all the games likeLife is Strange,Tell Me Why might just be the closest.Why? Well, it’s developed by Dontnod Entertainment, the team behindLife is StrangeandLife is Strange 2. Not only does it tell its story in a very similar way, allowing the player to make choices, it also dabbles slightly with supernatural themes. It’s also episodic, with its narrative running over three episodes, each lasting around two hours.
InTell Me Whyyou play as twins Alyson and Tyler, both returning to their childhood home after 10 years away. It’s also the first time they’ve seen each other in as long. Not only do they need to adjust to being back in their hometown, they need to get used to being in each other’s company again. Over the course of the three episodes, you’ll learn more about the pair, and uncover the tragic and mysterious events that transpired 10 years ago.
Without a doubt,Tell Me Whyis one of the best games like Life is Strange – and not just because they share a developer. This is an excellent game in its own right, and it deserves to be played.
Read our review ofTell Me Why
2. What Remains of Edith Finch
- Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and PC
What Remains of Edith Finch is a fascinating journey through adolescence, life and loss. Playing as the titular Edith, you revisit your family’s home for the first time in several years. Built by Edith’s grandparents, the house is unique, with new rooms and towers added to it over time as the family has grown. Now empty, all that’s left is the memories of the Finch family – and the supposed curse that’s befallen them all. You see, each Finch has died too young, often in tragic circumstances. As Edith, you’ll venture through your family tree, revisiting each day that a family member passed away.
It sounds rather sombre, and whileWhat Remains of Edith Finchhas plenty of heartbreaking moments, it’s also funny and uplifting, too. Exploring the Finch’s family home is fascinating; you find yourself crawling through secret passages, finding hidden doorways and more. It’s packed with secrets, and unravelling the story of Edith and her family will keep you gripped.
If you’re looking for the best games like Life is Strange, this one definitely needs to be on your list. It has numerous differences – you’ll have no story-defining decisions to make, for example. But its focus on characterisation and storytelling in a way that hooks you right in puts it up there with the best.
Read our review of What Remains of Edith Finch
3. Gone Home
- Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and PC
Gone Home tells the story of 21-year-old Kaitlin who returns to her parents’ home after being away for a year. One thing is wrong though: her family isn’t there. She expected them to be waiting to greet her, but instead she’s faced with an empty house. Where are they? What’s happened?
Gone Home builds suspense for the entire game in a masterful way; even though the house you’re exploring looks ordinary, walking around is thrilling simply because you never know what’s waiting for you around the next corner. And that’s the best part. It’s also packed with 1990s nostalgia; band posters, VHS cassette tapes and more – if you’re a child of the 90s, you’ll get a big kick out ofGone Home‘s neat little touches.
Telling stories of teenage years, romance and family woes, the themes ofGone Homeare much like those inLife is Strange. And just as the other best games like Life is Strange, it’ll have you desperate to push on and find out what’s happening.
Read our review ofGone Home
4. Detroit: Become Human
- Available on PlayStation and PC
In this story-driven adventure, you’ll take on the role of three different androids, set in a futuristic imagining of Detroit. Kara is a domestic service android living with a young girl and her abusive father, Connor is an android assisting the police in investigations, and Marcus is a companion to a famous painter. Each of the three androids struggle with independence and what it means to be human.
Although Detroit: Become Human deals with very different themes to Life is Strange, there is some overlap in their different takes on science fiction. It’sDetroit‘s gameplay that earns it a place on this list of games like Life is Strange, however: it’s heavily influenced by the choices you make. The decisions you make while playing Detroit: Become Humancan drastically change the outcome of the game. There are literal life and death decisions to be made.
Read our review of Detroit: Become Human
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5. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
- Available on: PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and PC
In this haunting first-person exploration game, you play as Paul Prospero, a detective who receives a disturbing letter from a boy named Ethan Carter. Prospero is worried about the boy and decides to try and find him at his home in Red Creek Valley. Unfortunately, in the wake of an awful murder, Ethan has gone missing.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter breaks up some of the exploration with puzzles here and there, but for a lot of the time, you’re free to explore at your own pace. This allows players to get fully immersed in the world without being bogged down by mind-bending puzzles. You’ll uncover the mystery of Ethan’s disappearance as well as what on Earth is going on in Red Creek Valley. Just like Life is Strange, everything you experience in the game is shrouded in a bit of mystery that’ll have you desperate for answers.
Read our review ofThe Vanishing of Ethan Carter
6. Beyond: Two Souls
- Available on PC and PlayStation
Another title from Quantic Dream, Beyond: Two Soulstells the story of Jodie Holmes who has a link with a supernatural being named Aiden. Aiden can perform telepathic acts, many of which have caused problems for Jodie throughout her life. As a young child, her parents became unable to cope, and Jodie was eventually put into the case of the US Department of Paranormal Activity, where she grows up under the watchful eye of scientists.
Jodie’s link to the spirit world isn’t unlike Max’s time-controlling abilities in Life is Strange. The supernatural themes may be at the forefront of both games, but underneath it’s the human story of the characters that really matter. InBeyond: Two Souls, players follow Jodie through numerous stages in her life: slow moments where she’s living out in the wilderness, and edge-of-your-seat moments where you don’t possibly know what’s going to happen next. It’s a brilliant game in its own right, but Beyondis certainly one of the best games like Life is Strange there is.
Read our review of Beyond: Two Souls
Check latest prices ofBeyond: Two Souls
7. The Quarry
- Available on PlayStation, Xbox and PC
If you’d like a similar experience to Life is Strange, but with more horror and terror, look no further. Supermassive Games’The Quarrysees you take control of a group of camp counsellors on their last day of camp. They should have gone home already, but they’ve having to stay an extra night. Little do they know there’s a reason camp ended when it should: something very unnatural lives out in the woods. And their lives are in grave danger.
The game’s perspective changes between multiple characters, and for each one you’ll need to make snap decisions about what to do. The choices you make can literally spell out life and death inThe Quarry, so you’ll want to think carefully about what you do. For horror fans, there are no better games like Life is Strange – we think you’ll love it.
Read our review of The Quarry
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FAQs
The Best Games Like Life is Strange – GameSpew? ›
What is Life is Strange? Life is Strange is a series of award-winning and critically-acclaimed narrative adventure games. Discover a universe where everyday heroes wield supernatural powers, while dealing with real challenges, real relationships, and real emotions.
What type of game is life is strange? ›What is Life is Strange? Life is Strange is a series of award-winning and critically-acclaimed narrative adventure games. Discover a universe where everyday heroes wield supernatural powers, while dealing with real challenges, real relationships, and real emotions.
What should I play after Life Is Strange 1? ›Life Is Strange: Before The Storm
Even if you could have a point by playing the series accordingly to its chronological course of events, you should play BTS right after Life Is Strange to emphasize the narratives and stories told.
- 16 Beyond: Two Souls.
- 17 Firewatch. ...
- 18 The Wolf Among Us. ...
- 19 Tell Me Why. ...
- 20 Night In The Woods. ...
- 21 Gone Home. ...
- 22 Broken Age. ...
- 23 Oxenfree. Oxenfree is a graphic adventure game that was developed by Night School Studio. ...
Arcadia Bay is a fictional, picturesque seaside town in Oregon, United States, and the setting of the original Life is Strange. It reappears in the prequel game and very briefly in Life is Strange 2. Arcadia Bay was originally inhabited and founded by Native Americans, as mentioned by Ms.
Is Life is Strange a AAA game? ›They are still developed by large groups of people spread across multiple offices, but they do not have the scale and reach of AAA games. Some examples of AA games are Life is Strange, A Plague Tale: Innocence, and Remember Me.
Is Life is Strange 2 better than 1? ›8 Life Is Strange 2 Is Better: It Is More Of A Journey
This is an epic undertaking that feels like an adventure. It is more book-worthy in terms of story. You are introduced to new characters in every chapter and end up in new places as well.
Life is Strange: True Colors is the third mainline entry in the game, which, in a way, makes it Life is Strange 3. However, there are plenty of reasons why the number three wouldn't make sense. For starters, Life is Strange: True Colors isn't a direct sequel to Life is Strange 1 or Life is Strange 2.
Is Life is Strange remastered better or worse? ›Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection is a faithful remaster with its new visual enhancements greatly improving the overall experience. The Nintendo Switch version is a great way to experience these classic titles for the first time, especially with all the episodes in one place.
What is the 3rd Life Is Strange game? ›
Life Is Strange: True Colors.
Which version of Life Is Strange is the best? ›- 1.) Life Is Strange. I feel like every ranking post I write, I place the first installment at the top of my list. ...
- 2.) Life Is Strange: Before The Storm. ...
- 3.) Life Is Strange: True Colours. ...
- 4.) Life Is Strange 2. ...
- 5.) The Awesome Adventures Of Captain Spirit.
Life is Strange 2 is an entirely separate game from the original. While there will be some references and mentions of the events of the first game, it's not necessary to have played the first game beforehand.
How many endings Life is Strange has? ›While the two endings of Life is Strange may not have been a difficult decision for many players, players were upset that this decision was not made for them.
How many hours does it take to play life is strange? ›With that said, somebody's first playthrough of Life is Strange should take around 15 hours to beat, taking into account a little exploration. Those who wish to take their time examining every item, hunt for collectibles, and experience every conversation, could take over 20 hours to beat the first game in the series.
Is there romance options in Life is Strange 2? ›Life is Strange 2, a follow-up that chronicles the adventures of Sean and Daniel as they run away to Mexico, is way more explicit than anything that comes before it. By episode three, you have the choice to pursue two potential romance options, a boy and a girl.
What happens if I sacrifice Chloe? ›If Chloe is sacrificed to save Arcadia Bay from the oncoming tornado, Max will use the butterfly photo to travel back to the moment Nathan shot Chloe in Episode 1 of Life is Strange. Instead of stopping him, she will not intervene, and Chloe will die.
How old is Chloe from Life is Strange? ›| Chloe Price | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 14 (Farewell) 16 (Before the Storm) 19 (Life Is Strange) 20-22 (Comic Series) 23 (Life Is Strange 2) 24 (Wavelengths) |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) |
| Born | March 11, 1994 Arcadia Bay, Oregon |
Chloe Elizabeth Price (born March 11, 1994) is the deuteragonist of Life is Strange and a playable character in Life is Strange: Before the Storm. Though she does not appear in Life is Strange: True Colors, she is mentioned in the Bonus Episode "Wavelengths".
What does purple mean in Life Is Strange? ›Fear. Fear is expressed with a purple aura that jumps and spikes, like an EKG monitor. Inside a fear nova, the world is all jagged lines and dark shadows. The player can hear her heartbeat in her ears. There are jump scares around every corner.
Is Life is Strange True Colors a girls game? ›
Across its 10-15 hours, Life is Strange: True Colors tells an emotional story of a girl trying to find a new home while also reconciling with both her unique powers and her traumatic past.
Did Gabe call the mine? ›Turns out he did receive Gabe's call saying he, Alex, and Ryan were up in the mountains looking for Ethan at the time of the ill-fated blast. He attempted to have the blast called off, only for Typhon to ignore him and later coerce Mac into publicly denying the call.
Is Doctor Strange 2 too violent? ›Doctor Strange 2 is too scary to be rated PG-13. It's too violent. And scary. The film has plenty of gore in it, but some people argued that this rating is no different than what other movies have received.
Is Life is Strange good for boys? ›Life is Strange is described here as a “teen friendly” game rather than “kid friendly”, and is recommended for mature teenagers only, as it may be distressing for younger or less emotionally mature players.
How old is Sean in Life is Strange 2? ›As sixteen year-old Sean, you're responsible for Daniel's safety, shelter, and teaching him right from wrong. Daniel's telekinetic power grows by the day, and it's up to you to decide the rules that will shape your journey, because as he grows up, Daniel will learn from every difficult choice you make.
How old is Alex in True Colors? ›Alex is 21 in the main game putting her at around 9 when her father died, however flashbacks indicate that he was still alive and present in her live up until she was 11, two years after he supposedly died.
How old is Ryan in True Colors? ›Game Information
Ryan Lucan (born: September 14, 1993) is a resident of the town Haven Springs in Life is Strange: True Colors. Ryan is one of the game's main characters, in addition to serving as one of two love interests for protagonist Alex Chen.
When focusing on the main objectives, Life Is Strange is about 14 Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 18½ Hours to obtain 100% completion.
Which is better Life is Strange or Life is Strange: Before the Storm? ›You should play the First Life is Strange. You need the background story from there and character building. After that you can play Life is Strange: Before the Storm.
How many endings in Life is Strange remastered? ›
Officially, there are six different endings you can see, but these are slight variations on two core outcomes you can choose from when it comes to the close of chapter 5. As with previous Life is Strange games, you'll be faced with many choices to make throughout your time in True Colors.
Is Max Caulfield in True Colors? ›Max features again in the franchise as the playable protagonist in Farewell (a bonus episode for the prequel game, Life is Strange: Before the Storm) and is most recently mentioned in fifth episode of Life is Strange 2 (determinant) and the bonus chapter of Life is Strange: True Colors (determinant).
How old is steph gingrich? ›Stephanie Gingrich, better known as Steph, (born: December 17th, 1993) is a resident of the town Haven Springs, Colorado in Life is Strange: True Colors and the protagonist of the bonus story "Wavelengths".
What city is Life is Strange 3 based on? ›Idaho Springs, Colorado is the real-life inspiration for Haven Springs. The state of Colorado is also where Denver-based developer studio Deck Nine Games is located.
Is Strange better than Wong? ›It was revealed in No Way Home that Wong came to occupy this role after Strange was turned to dust by Thanos' snap in Avengers: Infinity War. The ensuing 5 years without Strange, it is implied, meant that Wong was the world's most powerful sorcerer and received the high accolade because of it.
Should I play Life Is Strange or remastered? ›The improvements that come with the remastered version | Life is Strange is a special game because of the story and characters. This part is even better in the remastered version as facial expressions have been improved. It was a sore spot before but emotional moments have even more impact now.
Why is Life Is Strange rated 17? ›ESRB rating: M for Violence, Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Drug Use.
Is Life is Strange fully free? ›Episode 1 now FREE! Life is Strange is an award-winning and critically acclaimed episodic adventure game that allows the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future. Recent Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (392) - 95% of the 392 user reviews in the last 30 days are positive.
Do you play as Chloe in Life is Strange? ›Chloe Elizabeth Price (born March 11, 1994) is the playable protagonist of Life is Strange: Before the Storm, the prequel to the events of the original game, Life is Strange. She is the daughter of Joyce Price and the late William Price.
Is Life is Strange 2 a full game? ›Life is Strange 2 for the Switch contains all five episodes that were originally released over a staggered period of time back in 2019, as you would hope. Each episode will last you a couple of hours or so, so you're looking at roughly 10-12 hours to complete the whole package, give or take.
Should I take Pike's fear? ›
Unlike the decision to take Charlotte's anger or leave her alone, taking Pike's fear is actually the right decision to make if players want to get the 'good' ending. It's the only way to secure his allegiance to Alex during an important moment in Chapter 5.
Which ending is canon in Life is Strange 1? ›It's sad to think that the canon ending was Chloe's sacrifice, but LIS isn't known for having happy endings (even though LIS 3 came close, in my opinion). This is not a discussion of which is the best ending. It's my realization that the canonical ending is Sacrifice Chloe!.
Did I sacrifice Arcadia Bay? ›If you choose to sacrifice Arcadia Bay, Max rips up the picture and stands beside Chloe to watch the hurricane. The storm destroys Arcadia Bay, turning most of the buildings into rubble. And in Life Is Strange 2, David Madsen reveals that nearly all of the residents die.
How long is Chapter 5 of Life is Strange? ›| Single-Player | Polled | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Main Story | 101 | 2h 45m |
| Main + Extras | 68 | 3h |
| Completionist | 61 | 3h 14m |
| All PlayStyles | 230 | 2h 58m |
On average, however, a playthrough of Life is Strange: Before the Storm should take around 10 hours to beat. Players who do like taking their time exploring and searching for collectibles could take over 15 hours to complete the prequel.
How long is Detroit become human? ›If you want to mainline the story, it'll take you 12 hours. This story-heavy game requires a lot of focus to absorb all the information. You'll be choosing responses and actions for each of the three playable characters, forming the story as you see fit.
Who is the Lgbtq hero in Dr Strange 2? ›The film features the character America Chavez, a lesbian hero who first appeared in Marvel Comics in 2011.
Is there a lgbtq character in dr Strange? ›Marvel bosses confirm America Chavez's LGBTQ+ identity in Doctor Strange 2. "She represents both the LGBTQ+ and Latinx community."
Who is the LGBT cast in Doctor Strange 2? ›The “Doctor Strange” sequel hasn't released yet or been reviewed, but the film does contain a new gay character, America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), who is likewise gay in the comic books.
Is Life is Strange a kids game? ›ESRB rating: M for Violence, Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Drug Use.
Is Life is Strange a linear game? ›
Life is Strange™ No matter how much you try to change the game with their choices, the story follows linear from the beginning until the end.
Can a 14 year old play life is strange? ›Life is Strange is described here as a “teen friendly” game rather than “kid friendly”, and is recommended for mature teenagers only, as it may be distressing for younger or less emotionally mature players.
How long to beat life is Strange? ›When focusing on the main objectives, Life Is Strange is about 14 Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 18½ Hours to obtain 100% completion.
Is Life is Strange a girly game? ›Yes, the main characters are girls and it starts in high school, but the game it's pretty good. "Yes, the main characters are girls and it starts in high school, but the game it's pretty good."
Can a 12 year old play life is strange true colors? ›Despite the game having romantic interests, there are no scenes with sex or nudity. The farthest it goes is an optional kiss. Overall, it's an amazing game, but still has mature themes, though they aren't anything anyone older than 12 can't handle.
Should a 13 year old play high on life? ›6: All in all, I would say around 11 - 13 is perfect to play this game. But always remember your child's maturity level. You only have one childhood. A little green blood and cursing isnt going to do anything that bad.
Which Life Is Strange is best? ›- 1.) Life Is Strange. I feel like every ranking post I write, I place the first installment at the top of my list. ...
- 2.) Life Is Strange: Before The Storm. ...
- 3.) Life Is Strange: True Colours. ...
- 4.) Life Is Strange 2. ...
- 5.) The Awesome Adventures Of Captain Spirit.
If you're a male character, you can be gay and romance male characters or be straight and romance female ones. There's nothing inherently wrong with the idea - it means a greater variety of people can relate to the romantic conquests of the hero. But it also means the character themselves isn't really queer.
What inspired Life Is Strange? ›Life is Strange was inspired by narrative-focused adventure games such as Gone Home, The Walking Dead and Heavy Rain, visual novels such as Danganronpa, and novels such as The Catcher in the Rye.
How old is Max in Life is Strange 2? ›| Max Caulfield | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Max |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 13 (Farewell) 14 (Before the Storm) 18 (Life Is Strange) 19-21 (Comic Series) 21 (Life Is Strange 2) |
How old is Chloe Price? ›
| Chloe Price | |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Relatives | Joyce Price (mother) William Price (father) David Madsen (step-father) Aaron Price (uncle) Dorothy (maternal great aunt) Unnamed (Grandparents) |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 14 (Farewell) 16 (Before the Storm) 19 (Life Is Strange) 20-22 (Comic Series) 23 (Life Is Strange 2) 24 (Wavelengths) |
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has a PG-13 rating in the US. According to the Motion Picture Association film rating system, a movie with a PG-13 rating means "some material may be inappropriate for children under 13... Parents are urged to be cautious."
Is Life is Strange: True Colors worth it? ›However, it's all over quickly and the mystery-solving portion is lackluster but it's an ultimately rewarding experience. Heartfelt and poignant, the only thing Life is Strange: True Colors trips over is its own words. Life Is Strange: True Colors is worth your time, and is a title you don't want to miss.