Let's Play Life is Strange: Before the Storm with writer Zak Garriss

[@aliciakelley990]

I seriously hope you guys get to play with Zak again for the rest of the episodes. His dev stories are so interesting and the three of you have great screen chemistry!

[@nation_army]

Zak’s voice is so... hypnotic

[@clearb3332]

ksenia prcll I know right!?

[@cpard2d2]

Zak Garriss is like a LIS character, so smooth and cool xD. Now it all makes sense!

[@tristan7122]

cpard2d2 agree XD

[@thechillywinds5810]

A game dev/writer that actually shares their opinions on the game?? Im in awe.

[@Dont_Spoil_Act_3]

I'm so glad Zak mentioned how much effort went into the motion capture and animation of Chloe's physicality, to me it really made Chloe feel like a teenager and I was very impressed by it.

[@cynicalidealist11]

I want this guy to read me bedtime stories.

[@Mr._Du]

That would either put you to sleep immediately or keep you from ever sleeping again.

[@kellenlionel1371]

dunno if you guys gives a damn but if you're bored like me atm then you can watch all of the new movies on InstaFlixxer. Been streaming with my brother for the last weeks xD

[@santanamayson2872]

@Kellen Lionel Definitely, I have been watching on InstaFlixxer for since december myself :D

[@iitu2]

Zak has such a smooth and enjoyable voice. Love this commentery!

[@TheLunaOne]

"Maybe in a friendship way." "NO!" That was my reaction. Completely.

[@Dont_Spoil_Act_3]

14:14 You can see Rachel dancing :D I never noticed that until now.

[@EkaterinaPorSuerte]

It's the most hilarious and awesome thing, the way you guys are swooning over Rachel every time she's on screen!

[@mikepatterson1]

I shed a tear at the same moment Johnny did at 2:26:45 . That was a beautifully emotive moment.

[@leGrille200]

same here. Even after watching and playing multiple times... It's just SO sad.. Like the saddest moment in the whole story.

[@lko1117]

Holy shit ! This was so good. I wish you could have Zak back for the other episodes aswell.

[@jamesxavier20]

lko1117 speaking of which, did you record episode 2 with him or was it only episode 1 that you recorded with him. I would love to get commentary from him on Episode 2 as well.

[@pichirandoms8301]

and I also love how aoife just went and admitted she jumped ships into amberprice like... same girl (I mean, I'm more like a multishipper but how can you not fall for them? they're just to cute)

[@STRAYFOX]

Honestly couldn't stop smiling throughout this whole video! Thanks for this, you 3 are amazing

[@Fajar.Nugroho]

It's refreshing to watch let's play with developer as a guest. Hope to see more of this for another series. Probably with other development sides like art director or even programmer. Awesome video! Keep up the good work guys!

[@samloveless]

this is so cool and interesting. so many details Zak tell us that i really had no idea before. Like Steph's pencils hidden story, the backdrop on the stage, ect...wow! Aoife and Johnny, haha you guys really are the best, love how you both are Chloe's stan and Amberprice shippers.

[@CraigfromOmaha]

1:44:30 I’ve just now noticed that the place where they get on the train is where Chloe got her foot stuck in the train tracks in the first game.

[@ashscorner5888]

Bae over Bay everytime

[@Korbin0815]

That was awesome! I hope you'll do that for ep2 and 3 again. I don't think anyone would have ever figured out what happened to all the pencils, lol. Though I'd have loved to hear about the different versions they considered for the changing scene (Chloe gives Rachel the belt) and what they debated (1:41:12). Also, his voice sounds so familiar. I'm almost sure I've heard it somewhere before, I just can't remember where...

[@niceshotpl]

This is just pure gold! Awesome stuff folks!

[@dmmcdermott7489]

This was such a great watch! Zak seems like a cool dude, thanks for making this happen!

[@masuts8683]

This is gonna be hella awesome! Did I used that right? I dont know but lets roll with it! Thank you for uploading this, you guys are the best for real.

[@TheOnlyGhxst]

"Hella amazeballs" would be more appropriate :P

[@Murdstone12]

It’s pretty awesome that you both got the opportunity to meet one of the writers of the game :D great vid as always :)

[@marinamentor3425]

You guys should try and do the other 2 episodes with him, it would be amazing

[@realQuiGon]

That was really interesting. It's great you guys got the opportunity to do this! Besides all the insights Zak gave (that were, again, very interesting), I was also happy to see that you guys now saw many things that you missed the first time (e.g. Skip who is a well designed character Johnny ;-). It's always a bit frustrating for me to watch you guys just walking past so many interesting things without looking at them in the LiS let's Plays. I hope you could be a bit more patient in the last episode and take a bit more time to check out all the things that offer interaction (at least looking at them). I would really appreciate this, although I already enjoy your LPs sooo much :)

[@rj_ay8172]

Please have Zak back again for episode 2

[@ren9821]

REMEMBER is the alternate time line, David was the bus driver but in the regular timeline, Skip is the bus driver. I’m Calling it now. Skip becomes the bus driver. Also in the dark room wasnt there a binder with ‘Samantha’ on it....

[@RogueIRL23]

no, there wasn't.

[@laiscosta9787]

AWESOOOOME, can't believe you guys brought himmmmm

[@FreekHoekstra]

this is so awesome... I love to hear about the thoughts behind the process, fantastic stuff!

[@rawr40k]

Play part 2 with Zak!

[@HeyBuddiesClips]

He is awesome! I hope the franchise stays in his very capable hands.

[@piersyfy4148]

*WHAT?* NOBODY TOLD ME IT'S CHRISTMAS ALREADY

[@leopoldleoleo]

This was such a great play through series! I love the sincerity with which they approach the game

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

Zak Gariss has a cool voice. Reminds me of Tom Hall A.K.A. Walton Simons from Deus Ex and a founder of iD Software and Ion Storm.

[@thepinkhobbit]

Hugely enjoyed this was really nice to hear these little insights to the story. Obviously you're all busy people but if you were ever able to do this again for the other episodes would love to hear more. And also get to see Chloe doing the darkest timeline!

[@clearb3332]

After finishing ep. 3 and coming back to watch this, with the amazing commentary by Zak Garris, I am right there with him when he's struggling to hold back story elements from the end. This was soo great! Thank you Eurogamer! You guys are the best! And thank you Deck Nine for how amazingly well you added to the LiS story. You guys love this world and characters even more than me. ❤ Cannot wait for ep. 4 Farewell ( it's gonna be rough lol)

[@regis387]

This was so enjoyable. Please try to get him back for eps 2 and 3.

[@stanthechanman]

Chloe was wearing a CITY ON FIRE t-shirt to the Firewalk concert. I think that's a play on the band Alexisonfire, and City and Colour (which is the solo project of Alexisonfire's lead singer). Also, an obvious foreshadowing.

[@Sznfctm]

I've seen your playthrough of both season 1 and Before the Storm, but this feature is such a cool, fun, enjoyable addition to that experience, I ended up not being able to stop watching. If you get the opportunity, it'd be awesome to have more videos like this, involving devs of games that you adore and play a lot. Even if it does not happen though, thanks a lot guys (again), your great work on this video really made my day! :)

[@angryl7070]

I like when Zak said he couldn't get past the part in LiS when David hit Chloe. As much as I enjoyed LiS, it was terrible that dontnod tried to portray him as a "good" character after showing he was capable of that.

[@BradBurnian]

Do they though? I personally think what's so great about the characters of LiS is that as Samuel says, no-one is just one thing. A lot of the characters to a mixture of good and bad things, some tipping over into one side or the other. I personally feel empathy for David but I can't like because of some of the things he does (knowing he could hit Chloe included) but I acknowledge that he does indeed save Max's life. I don't think Dontnod were ever trying to force into thinking one way or the other about David, it comes down to however you want to see him.

[@angryl7070]

I definitely think they wanted to portray him as a sympathetic character, or even, protagonist by the end. It also suggests that the end may justify the means. It's a pretty irresponsible creative decision to present domestic violence as just a layer of complexity or even a trait of a "good" guy.

[@BradBurnian]

I get where you're coming from. Obviously only DONTNOD know what they were ultimately intending/expecting players to think regarding any of the characters but I'd be an idiot to not see how you can think using domestic violence the way they did is a bad decision :)

[@sockfish123]

The original LIS didn't portray anyone as good, including Max. Sure David saves you in the final episode but that's an obligation not something he did because he's such a good person.

[@bob1757]

"It's a pretty irresponsible creative decision to present domestic violence as just a layer of complexity or even a trait of a "good" guy." No it isn't, domestic abusers don't live in a vacuum of evil and again, David isn't necessarily a "good" guy. It's just your right not to like the guy but don't act like it's irresponsible that's such lame criticism.

[@snakesnacc9599]

It was so nice and interesting to get some background knowledges - loved this video so much like the other LiS videos - Thank you very much

[@cerrobueno]

What an awesome surprise!

[@cerrobueno]

The insights that Zak provides here are so interesting, and it's great that Aoife and Johnny are absolutely loving it. Also, I wonder how many people actually saw that bit with the pencils in the Drama room before seeing this video?!

[@icafed]

this is so cool!

[@Frostum21]

did you guys talk about the musics? fuuuuck the musics, so beatiful, and sooo emotional...

[@rheidaovan5840]

I love that you are playing ths game (and "Life is strange"). I feel like I would not have much fun with this game (not really my type), however watching it you playing, with your humor and comments is amazing! I also would like to thank you for Outlast 2 - I really enjoy watching you, however I would be to scared to play it on my own

[@BeinIan]

Zak’s voice reminds me of Cryaotic. It should be creepy, but it’s just soothing and wonderful.

[@emotionalsupportviking]

Please bring him back for episode 2 and 3. This was pure gold. And please seat him closer to the mic next time :-P

[@Squiidwards]

soo cool you guys!!!

[@oceansupernova4712]

zak gives me Samuel the janitor vibes. he's the coolest. Also, i love how you guys are so into amberprice Aoife is literally me everytime Rachel says something

[@FroSStVipeR]

YESSSSS LOVE YOU GUYS

[@hasna7542]

zak garriss should do asmr tbh

[@laiscosta9787]

Are you guys gonna play episode 2?

[@erikamador888]

This is awesome

[@sarahisquiethere]

I'm really amazed that you chose arcadia bay over chloe the first time around. The only regret I had was that chloe's mom didn't make it and it was kind of weird that chloe was so cool with her mom dying. But that's where the 'life is strange' comes in, I guess. I really enjoyed this, ya boy was a delightful addition and I loved his insights.

[@ukokira9852]

Sarah The diner seems perfectly fine after the storm, it seems unlikely that Joyce died unless she just decided to leave the Blue Whales

[@sarahisquiethere]

ukokira that is the kind of positive thinking I appreciate. Also all things told, I don't think Chloe would have been as chill as she was, if her mom had just died. #Joycelives

[@valen8902]

I'm excited

[@squishykittykat]

i played lis a long time ago but never went past 1 bc there were people saying this wasnt as good bc no powers but holy crap it is soooo beyond amazing. the scene with her dads car in the junkyard has got to be my favorite. as a kid, to b so alienated and fucked up and then to see the car her father died in.... 😳😢 with blood still staining it. and to see that the whole drivers side is just caveddd in.... holy fuck man... and then god the nightmares she has too. 😳😳😳 to see the truck hit them so violently again and again so suddenly, it's done so so so well. it makes me cry violently over and over. everytime i watch, multiple times an episode. holy fucking hellll goddamn. 😭😭😭🙃🙃🙃 this is fr my all time favorite game now. i need to play it, and play allll the rest of the games too. i cannot believe how good this is. like lis was great but it was cheesy asf and is an older game so the gameplay isnt as seemless, and the emotions arent as good, i thought that since this was done by a different studio that it would b bad. thats usually what happens with games, like every time. fuck man thank you guys for helping me discover my favorite game of all time.

[@drsyn9136]

I like failing the back talks segments to see the extra lines you get (pending on how many chances you have to lose).

[@JamboJoker]

Brilliant!

[@hugo4254]

So exicited! Great job guys :D

[@inspirationmediatube]

"gonna fight with David, gonna fight with Joy, gonna fight with the principal" was I the only one who added "Gonna fight Durguron"?

[@wearywanderer7018]

Weird Beard Durface

[@ashhinton]

Totally loved this!

[@pikaparty]

Cool insights! Thanks Zak!

[@spookysoft]

Are you going to do episode 2 with Zak? :)

[@clearb3332]

Cosmic I hope so!

[@pichirandoms8301]

are you going to do a full "darker timeline" with this game? that would be awesome! I mean think of the posibilities... gosh I love this game and the effort that were put on the little details... also, you rock!! your comentaries and reactions are so on point. its nice to see how much you love and apreceate this saga so yeah... thanks :')

[@Phil8719]

I wish I could click thumbs up many more times - this was fascinating

[@ymainee.m.7056]

Do episode 2 too PLEASEEEE...

[@canisqmajoris]

Well its my eighth time bursting into tears during this video, and I'm only at 32:00. Honestly not sure if I can make it.

[@Venserql]

Ashly Burch was one of the writers and it makes me wonder what parts were written by her. I imagine some of Chloe's dialogue.

[@maytalacedo2942]

I didn't notice chole wearing a lighthouse shirt. thought she was wearing a penguin shirt. but damn it foreshadow season 1 of this game.

[@maytalacedo20]

one day they'll play the remaster of this.

[@Zero4ph]

he should be in game that would be cool.

[@Alphabetbubi]

Help! I need to find the artwork they are talking about at 2:25:29 ! Can anyone help me?

[@MrBlooDeck]

I am loving my dark side playthrough.

[@NiallJ]

Love you guys 💛 Zak is so awesome, it's so interesting hearing what he has to say P.s. I noticed the word "ansia" written on Chloe's hand at 2:33:53 ... translates from Italian to "anxiety"... that's gotta mean something right? 😂

[@shay5555]

This made my entire life.

[@linevoight]

This was awesome!!!

[@AdmiralCify]

Does anybody know the fanart they are talking about? The one of Chloe in the burned car?

[@MontroseChloe]

I have a serious question I would love to ask Zak, (SPOILERS!!! for anyone reading this). How much research/knowledge of parental separation trauma or "primal wound" was purposefully done for Rachel Amber and did it inform the actions she takes in the game. To elaborate, many people have the perception that her reactions in the game and specifically after she sees her dad meetup with sera but before she knows the truth is exaggerated for dramatic effect. I don't claim to be an expert, but I have read a fair amount and have deep personal experience. To me, it is extremely realistic. (my opinion) Because the loss of her mother happened when she was a baby, she has never been able to cognitively process the loss or grief and it (like the fire symbolism) explodes her emotions in moments of stress or events that trigger a sympathetic pathway to the buried emotion causing a seemingly disproportionate response, even to herself. I just want to know if that was intentional and informed decisions on her character. For a little more info, (again I am no expert), The "primal wound" is a term used in psychology to describe the trauma experienced by a child from the separation of its parent(s) at a young age, before it has the cognitive faculty to understand what is happening. Because of this, it's common to be overwhelmed by emotions that you cannot understand. Like a webpage of grief with no meta tags or SEO. This is typically exacerbated when the child is sheltered from the knowledge or not allowed to process it. The later being even trickier because as a child grows and the cognitive faculties develop through the stages of greater complexity, the process of greaving needs to be revisited. There is the moment after the revelation when Rachel talks about her bracelet and says she kinda always knew, while that bit of exposition might be a little too self aware and coherent than is typical, it rings true. The fact that it was hidden from her and her father was lying about something. That betrayal feels personal, and it has a direct link to her early trauma in the form of fear of abandonment. It has a direct trigger to her trauma. The developing mind is an insane place. The things it can do are extraordinary and shocking. I just feel this really strong and am not surprised but mildly frustrated at the difficulty in portraying this facet of her character. Not Deck Nine's fault, I have spent most of my life trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to get my family to understand it. ... In fact, It took most of my life for ME to understand it. I would love to have some validation from the writers on this, because I think it is a beautiful and accurate portrayal and a great way to help spark a dialogue about this issue. It's really tough to talk to someone about yourself in this manner, but having someone play this game and being able to discuss it through Rachel Amber is immeasurably helpful. Or......... I could be HUGELY projecting. Mabey it was all just to force drama into the end scene. Or maybe there are other things I am just too blinded by my own trauma to see. I'm not an expert.

[@moleshaman3040]

I agree with you and had a similar experience growing up. Her character and the way she reacts is just wonderful and so relatable , I loved watching her relationship with Chloe develop as you spend time with her and support her ("therapy session" , lovely discussion in her bedroom...) and of course the decision at the end (obviously "Tell the truth" :)) Not sure about Deck Nine but in an interview Dontnod mentioned doing a lot of research on the grieving process and the like so I'd imagine Deck Nine did the same as fans of the first game.

[@DexScene]

hahaha this is hella awesome

[@Nootje2000]

hella awesome!

[@coco.bean27]

i love this!

[@psychopompe387]

While watching this video for the 20th time, I've just noticed the rolling eyes of Chloe replying "It's not a big deal" ... are not rolling at all in the first playtrough. Could it be a very subtle accounting by the game of the differences in the dialog choices or just a bug (GFX settings look different in the two playtroughs)? With Zak Garriss always praising the animators job on the eyes, I'm wondering if they gone that far. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2fJfmSdidFgrJYh56m22s VS kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnyxn5yLnqpnmMUh56m00s

[@laiscosta9787]

Psycho Pompe I think it's a bug, when I played the first time she didn't, but then after a couple days I downloaded from another website and she did. I was like what the hell is this

[@laiscosta9787]

(and i made the same choices)

[@psychopompe387]

It's probably just a bug, like the breaking neck I've seen sometimes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKbFp4p8i9Z9bMkh57m22s ... Still, I think it requires a couple replay at home, just to be sure!

[@lau3582]

I love this game so much😘😘😘 thanks for it😘😘😘😍😍😍

[@lRudik16]

ничего конечно не поняла что вы говорите

[@PaulGPixelBike]

Wow, he doesn't look that excited.

[@Ash-jf4nl]

I clicked way too fast

[@elocus3712]

Decknine couldn’t kill the dog so dontnod had to do it for them

[@htaylor9677]

Dont let the love for the gay distract you from them sacrificing Chloe

[@thrashd]

Garriss sounds like Batman

[@RickLeMon]

It would be cool if you could get Zak back for a playthrough of episode three. He has a lot of explaining to do about the post credits scene.

[@tirivashemadziwana1874]

WHAT THE CAKEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[@MrJamieMonkey]

Chloe writes with her right hand on the saw...ambidextrous much?

[@jvwriter9028]

Life is spice: before the sausage.

[@Multistrangedude1]

You guys shoulda smashed the mirror

[@nerdherder9340]

He talks like he is narrating his inner monolaugue ala a lis protagonist

[@callamastia]

i liked warren. he was sweet and nerdy. unlike eliot.

[@dinofrog926]

Look at Rachel's feet at 2:01:02 the fuck?

[@notoriousbmc1]

Nice inhuman editing Aoife!

[@pooyaval]

2:16:40 so dont think about that ha? that was mysterious .... is rachel alive? why the f u just dont tell us the truth and be our writer for god damn once

[@geraldybayak9781]

Again