I'm worried about Life is Strange's future

[@higantegamerYT]

CORRECTION: DontNod’s Lost Records has no definitive release date as it was only labeled as “late 2024” before it got delayed. I assumed it will be released around October while writing the script. My bad! But the point remains that DontNod had to adjust the release schedule to avoid conflict with Deck Nine’s Double Exposure. Thus, giving both games their own time to shine in their respective release dates.

[@Einfach_Ben]

I am afraid that Square Enix and DeckNine have adopted a new philosophy on the franchise. Instead of "tragic stories with a twist of the strange" we now get "Max solving murder mysteries in small towns". Tbh I am bit tired of murder mystery since playing True Colors

[@higantegamerYT]

This. They reused this murder mystery plot in True Colors and now again in Double Exposure. I hope they would come up with something fresh just like Life is Strange 2. That’s why I’m kinda more excited for Dontnod’s Lost Records because it feels fresh and new. 💜

[@sonyviva308]

I was really hoping they'd bring some cool characters from the other comic they made. I've read some and there are interesting characters tho. I guess they were scrapped.

[@txgoldrush]

True Colors isn't a murder mystery, and in fact, Double Exposure would actually be the first whodunnit in the series.

[@JabamiLain]

What a shame. It was that formula that made me fall in love with the series, and it's my main inspiration when playing interactive stories or writing fanfic.

[@michihiro1074]

still can't believe the collector's edition without the game is an actual thing. just pure greed.

[@higantegamerYT]

@@michihiro1074 for real like.. they’re not even trying to hide it anymore 🥱

[@justpuchi1099]

I wouldn't call it pure greed since it benefits PC players like me who still want to enjoy all the goodies of having a collectors edition

[@10cloudss]

These are EXACTLY my thought. I missed the Lis1&2 vibes. Dontdod felt authentic and always tried to create new ideas. You can tell that they rehashed the story beats of the first game with the “quirky girl inside a small town with a power who solves a murder mystery and has a possible punk love interest whilst a bigger upper power gets in their way and a trusted male figure turns on them when they least expect it” for True Colors as a way to replicate the success but it still fell short and lacked substance. Decknine just doesn’t feel the same to me in their games and feel more like fanservice. Their storytelling is not even comparable to Dontnod. I felt more emotionally connected to Sean than Alex and he didn’t even have any powers. Just guiding his brother though the world trying to teach him right from wrong whilst on the run - dealing with their problems mixed in with supernatural elements that didn’t feel forced or actually had an impact whilst addressing serious topics related to the real world. Funny, that reminds me of the first game. They have same dna yet tell two completely different stories all whilst existing in the same universe. I’m More excited for Lost Records and to see what Dontdond cooked.

[@JabamiLain]

If I was making the upcoming game, the person Max would be trying to save would be an older Daniel Diaz, as she would find out about his powers, and after the two connect, Max tries everything in her power to keep the only other person who might understand what she goes through alive.

[@MaximilianoMendivilMorales]

The detail at the end was genius,love it

[@higantegamerYT]

glad you love it! 💜💜

[@diwa2360]

im still sad Dontnod isn't making LiS games anymore, and i still hate that LiS 2 is considered a flop because it's so so interesting and *new* both storywise and mechanics-wise. like imagine if Dontnod had more opportunities to tell more of those stories (which i guess they do with Lost Records but still), we couldve watched their writing grow along with the franchise

[@JabamiLain]

I know ! I loved the second game ! If I was making the upcoming game, the person Max would be trying to save would be an older Daniel Diaz, as she would find out about his powers, and after the two connect, Max tries everything in her power to keep the only other person who might understand what she goes through alive.

[@ryefieldshiningsun]

crazy that lis 2 is considered a flop because it was genuinely beautiful

[@RicVin1320]

This video captures the LiS vibe so well! You also articulated the concerns we’ve been having. I’m a bit disappointed about the game now, but let’s still look forward to seeing how it turns out. Thank you!

[@higantegamerYT]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'm excited too hence I didn't talk about Double Exposure's story because I want to judge it myself when it comes out. 💜💜

[@TurboNym]

From what I've seen Double Exposure doesn't feel like LIS, it feels more like True Colors which also didn't feel like LIS. And Max looks too different. I know people change as they grow up but this feels off. They handled Steph beautifully so I'm not sure what went on with Max in the art department. I'll take comfort knowing I can just replay the originals whenever, if LIS DE doesn't hit the mark.

[@engagingweirdo]

This is exactly what I feel about it. I feel disconnected from max and I agree they did Steph much better than what max is rn. Tc was decent but not spectacular. I can’t see Chloe returning at all. It feels as if they’re re doing what lis 1 was but making it worse ish. Everyone keeps saying Chloe will make an appearance but my gut says no. The good thing is that we can always replay lis 1 if de flops. It’ll make oct end better

[@sleepyboy9654]

I wont to be negative or something but I am not a huge fan of DeckNine and what Square Enix have done to this franchise. I think they really dont understand how Life is strange "works". Square Enix made the desicion to hire DeckNine to produce other Life is Strange games besides DontNod. It wasnt DontNods desicion that DeckNine works on this franchise too. I read an article from Micheal Koch (one of the directores of Life is Strange 1 and 2) and he said that they want to put much more details in this universe but at the beginning the plan was to produce just one game without any prequel or sequels. After the success of the first Life is Strange game, Square Enix came back to DontNod and want them to make a secound game, but this time Square Enix watched more over DontNod and want things to be different so DontNod had to changed the secound game how Square Enix want it to be. He also said that he wished they had more "free hand" to continue this franchise and put more connection to the first game in Life is Strange 2. I love Life is Strange 2 but not as much as the first game and I think it has a lot to do that DontNod cant do it 100% how they want to do it. Michael Koch found it pretty difficult to made the sequel with some connections to the first game because the first Life is Strange was a finish story (as I mentioned it before, it should be just one game in the first place). So the story of the first game was written with the background there will be no sequels. But all in all I have not much hope for Double Exposure , the vibe is totally different, no nostalgic feeling at all... you cant continue or copy the art from an artist... DontNod had a wonderful vision for Life is Strange and the first game is truly a masterpiece, made with so much love, details and passion... I am really sad that DontNod cant continue this franchise and had to change Life is Strange 2 because of the rights and the publishers. From the beginning I wish DontNod could make this games completly by themself without any changes from other comapnies. But at the other hand Square Enix believed in the vision/idea of Life is Strange and without them maybe Life is strange wouldnt excist...but after the succsess of Life is Strange 1 I have the feeling its just about money and succsess. I know Double Exposure is not even out yet but I think its just a tragedy what DeckNine/Square Enix made of this franchise...they ruined it (in my opinion)...and thats pretty sad because the Life is Strange universe would have so much potential as you can see from the first game. Tbh I was not a huge fan from True Colors and Before the Storm... and the new look of Max and her new power? I dont like it at all. But now I am really excited for Lost Records even more because its completly made by DontNod and its so Life is Strange 1 coded. I am still sad that DontNod dont work on Life is strange games anymore. And you cant change my mind but there will be just one development studio that can produce good Life is Strange games and that is DontNod themself.

[@ilyachap]

To me, it was pretty obvious that they brought Max back just because they wanted the game to sell. This story could’ve easily been told without her, even her character model looks nothing like Max. Square Enix is greedy as is, and Deck Nine is a mess and losing money, so of course they are bringing a beloved character back. These cash grabby tactics are just another example of corporate greed.

[@higantegamerYT]

I bet the reception would be not as huge if it didn't feature Max. Smart move from square enix I must say, but they're still greedy as hell. Paying more to play 2 chapters in advance really sold it for me that all they care about is money. 😒

[@skarra3796]

They might bring chloe back too..if that's the case

[@javiergonzalez.6150]

I agree with you. I think Deck Nine is just lazy and thinks that LiS franchise was A L L about LGBT stuff and fanservice.

[@Bluejaythesamuri]

Yeah you can say that. But I don't think the deck nine and square enix understand that the romances is based on your choice. Your character can be gay, lesbian, or straight/heterosexual.

[@higantegamerYT]

Which contradicts with Square Enix’s vision because they don’t want Life is Strange to be seen as the “gay game”. Ever since this franchise was handed to Deck Nine it felt like the stories are just fanservice at this point.

[@Bluejaythesamuri]

Yeah, I heard about all that sick ungodly stuff about deck nine from Domthebomb and podcast now videos. I'm just glad this Don'tnod move away from square enix and deck nine.

[@higantegamerYT]

@@Bluejaythesamuri samesies! I’m genuinely happy that DontNod are making games with passion at their own pace without the pressure from publishers like Square. 💜

[@sonyviva308]

@@higantegamerYT Heck they even made a comic series for post True Colors story which was made for the "beloved fans" of the game. A comic which totally serves for the people who buys the Alex-Steph story. Total unfair to those who didn't go with Steph like me.

[@Redfield76]

You ate that

[@higantegamerYT]

aweeee thank you 💜

[@maxcaulfield11]

I absolutely love your video format! The opening “menu” sequence was so cute, and I love how the entire video is inside of a Polaroid frame, with the captions (being in LIS’ caption font, no less) being on the part where you’re supposed to write on. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and this was one of the comfiest and coziest LIS videos I’ve ever watched! (And I’ve watched A LOT over the years XD). And you captured my concerns so perfectly! I’m excited for DE’s release… but I’m also incredibly nervous about them butchering a story that means the world to me. Max’s story means so much to me, she was the only character in a piece of media that I actually could relate to. The original game, like you said, was crafted out of love and passion, and that’s what made the game so special. If DE is just a cash grab, it’s not going to have that emotional connection. It’s not going to feel as special. What made LIS so unique compared to all the hundreds of other choice-based video games out there, was how hand-crafted and imperfectly perfect it was. It was as comforting as a homemade meal! And that’s the difference between DONTNOD’s games and DeckNine’s games… Especially under the pressure of Square Enix, I’d imagine. Everyone in LIS1 was flawed. While playing TC felt nice, because everyone was cute and wholesome, it also hit less hard. LIS1’s characters had so much more depth and were a lot more morally grey, which is what made them feel so realistic. I’m worried that DE is just going to shatter that depth of realness… I have absolutely all faith in DeckNine and Lost Records. Tell Me Why was beautiful. I know they are so capable of making more heartfelt stories.

[@higantegamerYT]

I'm glad you enjoyed the vid! I love experimenting with stuff during editing, and I ended up replicating the LiS menu to match the mood. 💜 Still excited for DE and I hope Deck Nine can change my opinion once we can play it this October. All the while I'm also looking forward for Lost Records because the atmosphere and vibe of the game really caught me! 😄

[@JabamiLain]

What a shame. It was the original formula that made me fall in love with the series, and it's my main inspiration when playing interactive stories or writing fanfic.

[@higantegamerYT]

Same! the original had this special vibe to it that only Dontnod can create, and this carries on to Life is Strange 2 as well. Hence I'm so excited for Lost Records to come out because it feels like a spiritual successor to the OG life is strange. 💜

[@JabamiLain]

@@higantegamerYT only time will tell.

[@redhoodmashups5045]

I think LIS: BTS deserves to get a pass since it’s supposed to look more into Chloe’s backstory before Max came back from Seattle with the illusion of having choice (other than whether you let Rachel see her mom or not). Choices wouldn’t really matter since we know what happens in the original game, and it’s pointed out to us at the ending with the camera flashing with 17 missed calls from Chloe However you’re still right about a lot of things. Majority of LIS games are murder mysteries (which is cool, but shouldn’t be overdone). Hopefully the new game does murder mystery right like it did with LIS1 (not trying to knock down LIS: TC, but I saw through Jed during my play through since he kept on not wanting to talk about how he “saved” the construction workers)

[@sonyviva308]

I honestly believe the developers are either stuck with listening to the fans or they just don't know how to deal with the divided LiS community nowadays. I mean the margine between those who are excited and not excited for Double Exposure is pretty large. This is what happens when you make a game with split choices, there will be war between the fans. But still, I'm not too excited about the new LiS game, more on Dontnod's new game. Dontnod creates art. Decknine just makes the same game.

[@megaxind16]

Oh man, the dialogue, Max's geekiness and sometimes awkward. I love everything about Life is Strange the original first game. It's such a different game than i ever played. Too bad that the later games didn't go that well.

[@Bluejaythesamuri]

I don't understand why life is strange 2 is hated but life is strange true colors is a masterpiece. I'm guessing its because life is strange 2 didn't felt like a max and Chloe story and it had new characters but for some reason true colors probably felt like a Max and Chloe story with this whole murder mystery.

[@higantegamerYT]

Which is odd because I felt more emotional and connected with Life is Strange 2 than True Colors. The only problem I had with True Colors is that all your choices only make an impact during the council meeting, and the multiple endings are pointless and only based on who you romanced in the game. 🤷

[@Bluejaythesamuri]

I don't know. I mean I like Alex Chen. I think she was the bright spot in life is strange true colors and I also like Steph, Ryan, Gabe, Chorlette, Duckie, and the cat, but I feel like the villains like Jed and Diane were pretty lackluster. They didn't really felt like villains like Mark Jefferson or evan Merrill or Elizabeth from life is strange 2.

[@higantegamerYT]

@@BluejaythesamuriI agree with you on this. Jed was so predictable as a villian, I even suspected him on the first episode 😆 Also, I love Elizabeth so much you can definitely feel her as a threat and I didn’t even feel bad when I let her die. 🥱

[@Bluejaythesamuri]

Facts, I really love merrill and big joe as villains too and I wish they appeared more in episode 4 and 5.

[@turquoisedays444]

took the words right out of my fuckin face

[@michaeldost8155]

Man, it really is true money is the root of all evil. So many beautiful things ruined because of greedy companies…

[@higantegamerYT]

and Square Enix was one of these companies 😆

[@Bluejaythesamuri]

Don'tnod is very smart to make choices matter like telltale games and larian studios that made Baldur's gete 3. Deck nine is so lazy to make choices matters.

[@higantegamerYT]

I think Deck Nine are just too careful with their choices. Unlike DontNod who loves taking risks even though it means killing a character off when you opt for bad options.

[@redhoodmashups5045]

Well, I wouldn’t give too much credit to telltale as some of their decisions be like: A) 0 + 1 B) 2 - 1 C) 1 / 1 D) 1 x 1

[@michihiro1074]

great video man. you really put all my thoughts into words. couldn't have said it any better 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@higantegamerYT]

thank you so much and glad you enjoyed this video essay! it’s great to voice out our inner thoughts once in a while 💜

[@LOEKASH]

A special edition for playing 2 chapters in advance? Could the greed really be any more transparent than this? It used to be "play the first episode for free, and buy the rest all separately if think it's worth making it to the end". What's next? They're gonna charge double to play the full package only one week in advance? That is pathetic.

[@higantegamerYT]

Bringing back Max and locking 2 early-access chapters behind an expensive paywall is a smart move in corporate terms. But it feels very anti-consumer since they're going to left out people who are eager to play the game early but can't afford it. Hopefully, this won't do this again for the next LiS game in the future.

[@mattstansbeary3068]

Just go in Knowing Who Made the Game and Expecting Don't Nod out of Deck Nine Games your going in the wrong way. Don't Nod: We do what we want and make the Game base on our Player Character. Deck Nine Games: Yes Square Enix anything you say goes and yes we can bring Max Back.. Issue was Max suppose to be in the Game at all. meaning was it Deck Nine Games choice or did they just agreed to Square Enix. Like some say Steph could of been the Player Character in True Colors until Alex showed up.

[@habarvaz3142]

**first game spoiler ahead just in case you haven't played yet** I remember my first time playing and when I accidently wasn't good enough to help Kate... This haunts me until today that I couldn't save her and I wasn't good enough it felt so real and definitely changed me

[@hallohello3981]

Agree 💯 percent. Since true colours I lost my hope anyway 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@higantegamerYT]

true colors was "okay-ish" but I really hoped the gameplay was a bit better rather than just being 80% dialogue

[@saimonroe]

life is strange’s production history is kind of similar to the harvest moon series! its not a perfect parallel but harvest moon titles after a certain year were developed by different devs, while “story of seasons” is a continuation of the original harvest moon games by its original devs.

[@moonmoon2479]

You seem to forget that even the guy who said that Max and Chloe’s story’s is over also said that he’s interested in this new game. “Time has passed” he said.

[@mattstansbeary3068]

He is being Nice about it. Like someone said Don't fall in love with your Characters one day you wake up and Find Someone else playing with them be it at Marvel or Square Enix. His Real words would be Please Don't .. But He also can't stop them and has to move on. He not happy about it but when the Game is out it's going to split the Fanbase for Life is Strange More then it's already Split. Anyone saying this isn't a Re-hush of Life is Strange 1 again isn't really Knowing Deck Nine Games. to Square Enix it's a Cash Grab and Hope it does Life is Strange 1 Cash. $50 Million for a Walking Sim and the others can't get to $20 Million Dollars. Other Game Studios your expecting to much out of them. Square Enix would kill of Life is Strange if they got what the other Studio get out of Walking Sims.

[@sonyviva308]

Its great hearing your voice again! ( I don't remember this is your voice )

[@higantegamerYT]

Thank you! glad to see you here again too hehe I miss your Life is Strange videos 💜

[@sonyviva308]

@@higantegamerYT I kinda missed making it too. But I think I want to cover other games

[@higantegamerYT]

@@sonyviva308 glad to know you’re considering that! I’m here to support you whatever other game videos you will put out soon 💜

[@MiguelVillanueva-b5o]

this made me MAD AS FCK lmao.. I won't be buying their life is FANFIC double exposure I'm sure it will turn out ASS

[@higantegamerYT]

I will judge it once it comes out. Hopefully it’s good though 😓

[@49HEALTH]

True colors and before the storm are shit. Double exposure looks better than true colors, but I just don’t know man…

[@txgoldrush]

Newsflash. Deck Nine is a Peabody winner for True Colors, which means that its narrative is held in high esteem. It was overall a success. Deck Nine simply put, has a far more optimistic and grounded style than Don't Nod, and they rely far less on character deaths than Don't Nod, with just one active death per game than the many that occurs in Don't Nod's titles. Hell Tell Me Why made by Don't Nod, fits into Deck Nine's model more.

[@VizzzyT]

XD the only reason they were given that award was for "asian and queer representation" D9's works are forgettable and superficial.

[@txgoldrush]

@@VizzzyT Or maybe because all jury members thought it was worthy. It takes unanimous vote to win a Peabody.

[@ha-bg7qo]

Just want to say that your opinion is, in no way, universal. Me, and many other people I know, consider LIS2 to be the worst entry in the francise. There are disagreements about what would be the second best entry (to me that is "Before the Storm", but others prefer "True Colors"). But most people, that I'm aware of, agree on the worst one. That would mean that being a Dontnod title means very little to the end result. I'm actually quite happy that we are going to have those two titles in close succession, because it will allow for a clarification on this discussion while, at the same time, giving us, fans, twice the games to enjoy.

[@Logan-dn6uv]

Life is strange is a game for lesbian now..

[@higantegamerYT]

That’s how I saw it when True Colors released because of Alex’s vibe.. until I read her texts and saw she actually hooked up with a guy. I think their sexuality will always depend on the player.. that’s how I always see it because we can choose between male or female romance options.

[@Logan-dn6uv]

@@higantegamerYT in reality I have nothing against LGBT characters, but I don't know it seems that life is strange is becoming a community of lesbians only

[@gammatheprotogen2185]

“Nothing against LGBT characters” then complains about lesbians liking the game, how contradictory.

[@snisoo7954]

@@Logan-dn6uvwell it’s a LGBT game 😍

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

@@Logan-dn6uvIn 2015 we LiS fans called ourselves _LiSbians._ I haven’t seen that term in a while.

[@Potinthepocket]

Jesus Christ this fandoms comments are all the same in a nutshell 😭 ‘Life is strange 2 is beautiful blah blah blah True Colors sucks blah blah blah Double Exposure is gonna suck blah blah blah’ This fandom is tiring, I’m glad I never interact with y’all 💀