Life Is Strange is an episodic, single player, mystery game created by DontNod Entertainment.
Gameplay begins with the protagonist in an unfamiliar setting, unsure of how they got there. The game hinges on three main mechanics: walking, interacting with objects/people in the environment, and reversing time. It is through walking that players are able to identify interactive objects or people with whom they are able to speak with. When nearby a person or object, players are then able to “look” at the object/person or interact with them in some way. This mechanic in particular is instrumental in advancing the narrative, for it is through interacting with the environment that additional information is revealed to the player. Reversing time is also an important mechanic for it allows for players to take different actions than they initially did, in turn allowing for the narrative to take a different form than how it originally played out.
The mystery of Life Is Strange comes from the narrative being interwoven into the inspection of objects and dialogue between characters. Because information is hidden in the game’s environment, a dynamic is created in which players are motivated by the mystery to explore as much as possible such that more and more information can be obtained.
In addition to narrative being revealed via inspection of objects or dialogue, Life Is Strange’s narrative is also largely revealed via cut scenes. In comparison to Life Is Strange’s other narrative techniques, the use of cut scenes is much more straight forward since they simply deliver information and are not directly dependent on player action. In this sense, the cut scenes serve as sort of narrative arcs that introduce new elements of the mystery.
What makes the narrative of Life Is Strange stand out however is the mechanic of reversing time. It is through this mechanic that narrative loops are formed by the player. Not only are players able to create literal loops where they can retrace their steps, but they are also able to tactfully exit the narrative loops at different points through the use of their acquired knowledge. Players thus have the ability to shape the narrative to their liking once observing the sort of butterfly effect that takes place with each action.
On one hand, the mechanic of time travel takes away from the mystery behind the narrative of Life Is Strange. With the knowledge of what consequences ensue as a result of player actions, and the ability to reverse said consequences, the stakes of the game don’t feel quite as high. On the other hand though, the mechanic of time travel itself is a mystery. It is unclear as to where this ability came from and the protagonist is on a search for answers as to why they are experiencing time in the way that they are.
Overall Life Is Strange takes a unique twist on the typical loop and arc narrative structures of games. Through the mechanics of walking, interacting with the environment, and of course time travel, Life Is Strange expertly blends narrative into a mystery based game.
