Life is Strange: Reunion Review – Together Again

Life is Strange: Reunion Review

Max’s story gripped gamers when it launched the sensational series back in 2015. A touching, narrative-driven adventure, its mature themes, nuanced storytelling, and diverse cast of characters resonated with modern audiences, filling a niche in the industry. Although each mainline entry in the franchise has told a fresh tale starring a new protagonist, 2024’s Double Exposure revisits Max years later. With a new location and new relationships, fans quickly fell back in love with the series’ original lead, immersing themselves in her latest exploit. Reunion marks a first, directly following the events of its predecessor to conclude her story. Bringing back fan-favourite Chloe, will this be a fitting final chapter for the trilogy, or will this return risk undoing what made her story so special?

Taking place after the events of Double Exposure, yet carrying forward narrative threads from the original, Reunion is the culmination of Max’s story. After receiving multiple panicked messages from friends about the school, she heads to investigate, only to find the building and its grounds engulfed in flames. Moses, a close friend, is trapped on a balcony. With no other choice, she decides to use her powers once more, rewinding time to change events and avoid certain tragedy.

She’s Back!

Running parallel is Chloe’s story. Prior to your playthrough, you can select outcomes from previous events to tailor the experience. If the free spirit died at the end of the first game, you’ll receive an explanation for her return; if she survived, you’ll learn what she’s been doing in the interim. The same applies to romance options and more, helping continue the story you began over a decade ago. Regardless of these choices, Chloe is plagued by nightmares in which she witnesses Max shooting her. Shaken, she sets out to find her former partner in crime, searching for answers about the origins of these visions, helping to uncover the perpetrator of the fire, and to learn about Safi’s intentions.

The decision to bring Chloe back is a contentious one. Many may struggle with the notion of her reintroduction to the series. Whether you visited her grave or drove off into the sunset together, the ending touched players, instigating a love for the franchise. However, Deck Nine leans on the franchise’s science-fiction roots to bring the two back together in a manner that feels natural within the world.

Instantly, the chemistry between the two characters is electric. From quiet, tender moments to intense bursts of joy, there’s something magical about them being on screen together. Hannah Telle and Rhianna DeVries deliver their dialogue with a natural authenticity that strengthens the relationship. Combined with nuanced animation that offers further insight into their emotions, it helps create a believable duo, one you root for throughout. As the narrative shifts between the two, you learn more about their distinct personalities, making their individual moments feel more personal. This culminates when on screen together, as you can shape the conversation, choosing responses for both to reach your desired outcome.

Use Your Words

The ability to shape conversations from both perspectives with Max and Chloe is a wonderful addition. Differing from other interactions, you can select responses that help form the kind of relationship you want to see. As fans of the franchise are so invested in the pair, it’s a joy to be part of that process, guiding them toward the outcome you feel is right.

Gameplay remains largely the same, with small environmental puzzles and Max’s rewind ability taking centre stage. Although puzzles are not particularly challenging, they are well designed, requiring you to experiment with your supernatural powers to progress. This also seeps into conversations, as you may learn something from your first discussion, rewind and use this knowledge to open up new conversational points. Although special abilities are not new to the franchise, their implementation in Reunion is among the best. Chloe, however, has the gift of the gab. This means you can use your words to argue and convince people of your way of thinking. It’s great to see the return of this mechanic, and combined with others, this helps to diversify the experience.

Lookin’ Good

The presentation is strong, carrying that signature art direction and soundtrack that have become cornerstones of the franchise. Although stylised with a high-quality, cinematic animation ethos, this doesn’t diminish the emotions stirring within each character. Deck Nine’s expert use of animation, combined with emotive tracks, helps create a heartfelt presentation that is both endearing and immersive.

Life is Strange: Reunion is a fitting conclusion to Max’s decade-long story. Bringing Chloe back is a great decision; she’s witty, brash, and the perfect counterbalance to Max’s caring, tender nature. Together, they merge to create a memorable duo that lingers long after the credits roll. Although the game plays it safe, not evolving beyond its tried-and-tested formula, it still delivers a memorable tale of one of the greatest video game couples in the medium.

***PlayStation 5 code provided by the publisher for review***