Life is Strange: True Colors – Review

Our Score: 9/10

Life is Strange: True Colors is a story about how empathy can change lives. Not just your own but of the people around you. About how one act of kindness born out of empathy can start a chain reaction of positivity and growth. The idea of empathy being a superpower was something that developer Deck Nine wanted to explore since the early days of the game. Deck Nine, having previously developed the prequel game Life is Strange: Before the Storm, were handed the reins for this new story and I feel they’ve done quite well.

A bold new era of the award-winning Life is Strange begins, with an all-new playable lead character and a thrilling mystery to solve! Alex Chen has long suppressed her ‘curse’: the supernatural ability to experience, absorb and manipulate the strong emotions of others, which she sees as blazing, colored auras. When her brother dies in a so-called accident, Alex must embrace her volatile power to find the truth – and uncover the dark secrets buried by a small town

What is Life is Strange: True Colours?

The town of Haven Springs is where you’ll be spending your time in this game and it is one heck of a place. There’s no way a town like this exists because it is too picturesque and pretty. Imagine Stardew Valley but in 3D and you’ve got this place. It’s a sleepy little town that’s perfect for a vacation away from the troubles of city life. I could go on about how cozy this place is but I’d struggle to do it justice so let’s move on.

Haven Springs’ residents are warm and welcoming. Probably more so than usual because you’re the sister of the town’s most wholesome guy. You got the loveable father figure who owns the local tavern, a friendly sheriff that knows everyone by name, that one guy in town that everyone dislikes cause he’s a prick who happens to be dating one of the town’s most attractive and intelligent women and so on and so forth. You better prepare to spend some time with these people because exploration and side quests are vital. Simply sticking to the main quest will lead to missing out on some fantastic interactions and moments.

However, something that annoyed me throughout these parts was the game “reminding” me to go do the main quest. Alex would have only one line of dialogue that she would repeat about whatever the current main quest is and how she should get back to it. Chill game, I’m only trying to explore and get immersed in your world.

Choices

There are so many interesting stories you miss out on like Alex having a girl’s night or the first time Alex plays Tunnels and Chambers (in-game version of Dungeons & Dragons). It would have helped immensely with character development, while also making all of your choices even tougher.

Speaking of choices, there are multiple choices throughout the 5 chapters of the game. Some choices which I call “hard choices” are choices between two options and are not missable. They are part of the plot and you have to make a decision. The other ones which I call “soft choices” are missable and only happen if you spend time exploring and helping people. While “hard choices” are what majorly impact the direction of the story, “soft choices” impact what happens within that direction.

If you helped someone, they might have your back later on in the game OR if you missed out on helping them or chose not to, they might be indifferent or against you. There is an option in the Settings called “Major Choice Prompt” which when enabled will let you know that your response will affect the story and give you the ability to reconsider your choice. I played with it off but it’s there for those who want it.

Look and Feel

If you’re a fan of the series, you know Life is Strange features some great music- both original and licensed. And that continues here as well. Music is an important part of Alex’s story and the music team has done a wonderful job conveying that. You’ve got covers, you’ve got great original music and you’ve got licensed tracks that are used to absolute perfection during key story moments. If you enjoy a wide variety of music, you’re going to absolutely love the musical choices here.

Final Verdict

Life is Strange: True Colors has got a lot of heart, fun and interesting characters, and a great soundtrack. If you love story-based games then this is a no-brainer.