The first game may not be perfect, but by hanging its narrative on Max and Chloe’s close bond as they work together to uncover the secrets behind Rachel Amber’s mysterious disappearance, Life is Strange remains rooted in a strong foundation. Max’s rewind ability was a fun and unique mechanic, and the nuanced exploration of small-town life was just the right background for the two friends to rekindle their relationship. The other Life is Strange games have found their own success, but none have really come close to replicating what Max and Chloe were able to introduce.
RELATED: Life Is Strange: The 15 Most Important Choices You’ll Have To Make In The Game
Chloe And Max’s Unique Bond In Life Is Strange
At first, Max Caulfield may have seemed like a run-of-the-mill character, but her creativity, determination, and undeniably cool rewind powers made her a force to be reckoned with. She was the anchor for the emotional story of the first game, and seeing the relationship develop once more between her and her old childhood friend Chloe was a beautiful journey, even among the darker elements to the narrative. The decision that gamers were faced with at the end of the last episode was masterfully complex, with either option leading to a massive sacrifice centered on Max’s love for Chloe.
Max and Chloe’s friendship was key to the success of the first game, and helped to set a precedent for the Life is Strange series and all the games that have come after it so far. The prequel Life Is Strange: Before the Storm may have also featured Chloe and focused on her relationship with another girl, but Rachel and Chloe’s bond didn’t quite seem as magical as the one in the first game. Other games have improved on certain elements and evolved the Life is Strange formula, but the Max and Chloe dynamic hasn’t yet been improved upon.
Why The Life Is Strange Series Has Struggled To Repeat It
The Life is Strange series has explored some deep, emotional, and diverse narratives. It’s highlighted both troubled relationships and blessed ones and has presented players with plenty of special moments. Shifting from Oregon’s seemingly picturesque Arcadia Bay to a road trip down to Mexico, and finally to mountainous Colorado, the Life is Strange series has shown a selection of varied settings and characters from all walks of life while still maintaining its core charm. Subsequent titles have done well critically and commercially, in particular the affecting Life Is Strange: True Colors, but none have quite managed to top the first.
There have been other memorable pairs that players have come to love, like Alex and her brother Gabe, or Sean and his younger brother Daniel, but these haven’t proven to be quite as strong a central duo as Chloe and Max. After some tragic events, Life Is Strange: True Colors mainly revolved around Alex, Ryan, and Steph, which definitely worked well. However, the three characters didn’t quite capture the same success as Chloe and Max’s original pairing, and couldn’t emulate the sweet yet heartbreaking tale they presented.
Life Is Strange: Arcadia Bay Collection is currently available on Nintendo Switch.
MORE: The 5 Best Butterfly Effect Games for Beginners
