Spring Must-Play Review: Life is Strange: Double Exposure (PlayStation 5)

Looking for a story-driven game where your choices shape the narrative? Craving a cinematic experience that feels like an interactive movie? Dive into Life is Strange: Double Exposure, crafted by Square Enix.

If you’re new to the series, Double Exposure keeps you guessing; veterans of the first game will catch subtle nods but still face surprises. Max’s journey involves snapping photos to progress the story, slowly unlocking powers like rewinding time and shifting between two timelines to unravel the campus mystery. The world feels alive, with items that unlock puzzles or dialogue enriching the Vermont setting. The soundtrack, a 2025 nominee for the GMS Award for Best Music Supervision in a Video Game, elevates every moment with its evocative melodies—perfectly complementing the narrative.

From the moment you launch the game, you’re greeted with stunning visuals, a haunting guitar melody, and a soulful voice setting an ominous tone. The title screen alone sparks curiosity about what lies ahead. You step into the shoes of Max Caulfield, voiced by the talented Hannah Telle, reprising her role from the original Life is Strange. Telle, a 2024 nominee for Best Performance at The Game Awards, also lent her voice to Murdered: Soul Suspect and appeared in films like I’d Kill for You and Turning Home. The story unfolds at Caledon University in Lakeport, Vermont, kicking off with Max and her best friend Safi (voiced by Olivia AbiAssi) exploring an abandoned bowling alley. Their witty, heartfelt banter shines as Max hunts for the perfect photo with her camera. But things take a strange turn when a near-miss with her “perfect shot” hints at something supernatural. Back on campus, they visit the Snapping Turtle Bar, where a potential love interest sparks playful dialogue and new characters emerge. Then, tragedy strikes unexpectedly, rocking the community and thrusting you into detective mode. To avoid spoilers, I’ll leave the story there—play it to uncover the gripping mystery!

The visuals are a standout, with detailed environments and lifelike character animations. From Max’s introspective monologues to sweeping campus vistas, the game invites you to soak in the scenery. Clothing textures, camera angles, and special effects are meticulously crafted, though minor glitches keep it just shy of perfection.

The voice cast breathes life into every character. Hannah Telle’s nuanced performance as Max captures her vulnerability and strength, while Olivia AbiAssi’s Safi feels like a genuine friend. Every line, from casual chats to emotional outbursts, feels authentic and immersive.

The gameplay is intuitive yet engaging, letting you focus on the story without overwhelming mechanics. You’ll use Max’s camera to capture key moments and her phone to trigger conversations or catch up on plot details. Your choices—whether in dialogue or actions—shape the outcome, encouraging exploration to unlock new possibilities. While the pacing starts slow, the “strange” elements ramp up quickly, keeping you hooked.

With multiple outcomes per chapter, there’s incentive to replay and experiment with different choices. Will you blackmail a character? Eavesdrop for clues? Each decision opens new paths, making you wonder “what if?” While not action-heavy, the rich world, compelling story, and engaging mechanics make every playthrough feel fresh.

Square Enix delivers a masterpiece, earning nominations for Hannah Telle’s performance and the game’s stellar soundtrack. Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games, offering a world where choices matter and life is, indeed, strange.