Square Enix Livestream Unveils Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Square Enix recently hosted a special livestream event to showcase Life is Strange: Double Exposure, which was introduced during the Xbox Games Showcase last week. This 48-minute presentation featured in-depth discussions with the game’s developers and performers, providing insights into Max Caulfield’s comeback to the series alongside her new abilities, and offering a glimpse of extended gameplay.
Exploring the Storyline
The storyline of Double Exposure appears to take place several years after the initial Life is Strange events. Max has relocated far away from Arcadia Bay to start anew, now serving as an artist-in-residence at Caledon University in upstate Vermont. She has vowed never to use her time-rewind power again and has upheld this promise since the conclusion of the first game. Despite this, Max’s abilities have evolved, now allowing her to navigate between two timelines, a capability known as Shift. Unfortunately, she only realizes this power after encountering the sudden murder of her newfound friend, Safi.
Developed by Deck Nine, known for their work on Life is Strange: Before the Storm and True Colors, the game is described as a supernatural murder mystery. Players will accompany Max through two realities: her present world and an alternative timeline where Safi remains alive but is in grave danger. To uncover the truth behind Safi’s murder and prevent it, players will need to collect clues across both timelines and interact with two versions of each character. These interactions will vary based on the timelines, situations, and the choices made by players. Similar to True Colors, Double Exposure will be released as a single game divided into episodes.
Handling Life is Strange’s Endings
One of the main concerns for fans is how Double Exposure will address the two endings of Life Is Strange. Deck Nine has confirmed that the game will include a conversation between Max and Safi regarding Arcadia Bay, allowing players to select their preferred conclusion. This decision will essentially establish the canon for Double Exposure, impacting Max’s thoughts, journals, messages, and interactions with other characters moving forward. For instance, players will have the opportunity to define Chloe’s relationship with Max in a dialogue where Safi inquires about “the blue-haired girl.”
Gameplay and Mechanics
In terms of gameplay, Max no longer possesses her original time-rewind ability. Instead, she can swiftly shift between timelines at specific points to explore two different versions of the same area. This skill will aid her in solving puzzles and accessing previously unreachable locations. Max can use a “pulse” feature to enhance her supernatural senses, enabling her to identify weak points between timelines and observe shadowy glimpses of people and objects from the parallel reality without shifting entirely. This ability gives her a tactical advantage in eavesdropping on characters and tracking suspects stealthily.
Beyond the murder mystery, players can expect social drama as Max navigates life on a college campus. Tasked with the role of artist-in-residence, Max becomes a mentor figure for younger students, a position she could potentially exploit. An extended gameplay video offers a look at Max spending time with Safi and Moses during a meteor shower, showcasing various choices that can influence the outcome of the scene. Additionally, Max’s photography skills come into play, allowing her to capture moments with her friends, including events leading up to Safi’s untimely death.
Anticipated Release
Life is Strange: Double Exposure appears promising, and as a dedicated fan of the original game, I am excited to reunite with Max and partake in solving a new mystery. The game is set to launch on October 29 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.