We often cannot control what happens. And while events by themselves can be devastating, their effect strongly depends on how they happen. For example, if one makes a mistake and tries to cover it up, it is likely to be much worse than if one admits it right away. The mistake itself is the same but the way in which it impacts how others around us feel is massively different, which may result in long-lasting ripple effects. This is the essence of the Life is Strange games. The games tell a story which apparently is almost the same in spite of the dozens of decisions that the player can make. But while the what barely changes, the how is poles apart. And this is key, because what we feel shapes how we perceive the world.

The protagonist is Alex, who arrives as a "transplant" to a small town in Colorado

The idyllic little town of course holds a few mysteries to be clarified

The three main characters get involved in a "David and Goliath" kind of plot

And indeed, the little town does hide a few not so nice secrets

Music plays a central role in the game as a key tool to express feelings

If a real guitar is not available, a broom will do

Headphones are omnipresent, often as a means to escape reality

The strength of the game lies in expressing what the characters feel

Slight expressions reveal the impact of the player's choices, in this case a joyful surprise

Fear is the most prevalent feeling in the game, just as in real life