Strange things happen every day. In Square Enix’s newest episode of their captivating choose-your-own-adventure game for PC, Life is Strange 2 titled Episode 3: Wastelands, this couldn’t be any more true. Exploring the lives of two boys on the run from the law, players experience even more gameplay than ever in this new episode. Witnessing what happens when you have nowhere to turn and being forced to make one difficult decision after another, life certainly can become strange.
For those of you who were captivated by the first two episodes, get excited! Wastelands continues the sci-fi story that kept you on your toes and gives even more opportunity for gameplay and critical decision-making! Throwing you in the middle of their epic escape to Mexico, the player participates in a variety of rather thought-provoking tasks in order to accomplish one objective after another. For those who are just now jumping on the bandwagon? The accessibility of Life is Strange 2 is what makes it such a great series; you don’t have to start at episode one to get the just of what the boys are going through. A quick recap at the beginning of Wastelands catches players up and shows the relationships, objective, and overall meaning behind the game. While it is helpful to have played the first two episodes -and I highly suggest you do because they are phenomenal- I want to note that it is not entirely necessary to enjoy this thrilling episode, though it might be more enjoyable if you have!
Controls are self-explanatory, however, movement is unforgiving. Navigating around the campsite is a hassle and changing the point-of-view is simply… awkward. This makes things such as searching or talking to other characters tiresome. After all, the player must be at a specific angle to select things but sometimes that cannot be achieved due to the camera movement restrictions. If I were to improve one thing it would certainly be the control fluidity.
Like the former episodes, every choice the player makes will have consequences. While this is a large determinant in the outcome of the player’s game, I want to note choices should be made based upon personal beliefs rather than what is assumed to yield the best result. You might think one selection will bring a certain outcome when in reality you are completely wrong! This is because the game is based upon a butterfly effect, every choice you makes stacks on top each other. So, relax, go with what you feel, and see where the game takes you!
For those who have played the previous two episodes, get excited. Life is Strange 2 Episode 3 ups the ante and includes even more gameplay than before! As players participate in a variety of activities like trimming weed, training with Daniel, and chores around the compound, they become even more involved in these two rambunctious brother’s journey to Mexico! While the cut-scenes are captivating and inevitably vital to the game, allowing players to participate in entertaining gameplay makes this long wait for episode 3’s release well worth it. I want to note although I mentioned before I thought the movement was restrictive, while doing tasks like weed trimming I found the controls were simplistic and very well executed!
Whether you’ve been following Life is Strange 2 since it’s release or looking to jump on the bandwagon now, Episode 3 Wastelands is the perfect way to join in. In this episode we see our two favorite runaways dive further into emotional turmoil as they attempt to survive in a world they don’t belong, providing an opportunity for even more gameplay and showing what might happen if you don’t choose carefully. So, check out Life is Strange 2 Episode 3: Wastelands and let us know how you fared!
Score: 9/10
Take a Look at the Life is Strange 2 Episode 3 Trailer:
Steam Review
My name is Haylee, but everyone calls me "Haylz". Gaming has been a passion of mine since my grandma bought me The Sims for PC and my love for gaming flourished from there. Currently, I'm a Senior studying English at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi and spend most of my time gaming and leading my school through collegiate competitions as President of the eSports club! Despite being a dedicated vegetarian, my favorite games tend to be First Person Shooters and I'm naturally drawn to blood and gore! Chances are, if you can kill in it, I'll play it... I just won't eat it (unless it's a Fallout perk)!
I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.
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