title image

Life Is Strange

Choice-Based Narrative Game

Ratings

Age

16+

Category

Adventure

Languages

English

Life is Strange is a five-part episodic game that sets out to revolutionize story-based choice and consequence games by allowing the player to rewind time and affect the past, present, and future. You are Max, a photography senior who saves her old friend Chloe by discovering she can rewind time. The pair soon find themselves exposed to the darker side of Arcadia Bay as they uncover the disturbing truth behind the sudden disappearance of a fellow student.

Dinsun Expert Review

Our Expert Score

95/100

Life is Strange is more than a game; it's a deeply emotional experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. The mobile port is remarkably well-done, preserving the beautiful painterly aesthetic and the hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack. The touch interface for rewinding time feels natural and intuitive, making the central mechanic even more satisfying to use.

The story of Max and Chloe is handled with such nuance and empathy. It tackles heavy themes—bullying, loss, and the weight of destiny—without ever feeling exploitative. The branching choices actually feel significant, often leaving you paralyzed in thought before you commit to a decision. It’s a masterclass in narrative design that turns the mundane halls of a high school into a high-stakes supernatural mystery. If you haven't played this, you are missing out on one of the finest stories in modern gaming.

Dinsun reviewed on: Wed Feb 25 2026

Features

1

Award-winning storytelling

2

Unique time-rewind mechanic

3

Beautiful hand-painted visuals

4

Licensed indie soundtrack

Tips & Walkthrough

Gameplays

Screenshot

screenshot 0screenshot 1screenshot 2screenshot 3screenshot 4screenshot 5screenshot 6screenshot 7screenshot 8screenshot 9

Q&A

Yes, Episode 1 is typically free to play, with subsequent episodes available via In-App Purchase.

Ratings & Reviews

Mixed Review. Caution: Contains spoilers
Sat Jan 22 2022 BrennaBiserka

I really liked this game in the beginning. The music, atmosphere, characters, and mysteries are very compelling. I liked the camera games. Max’s powers are fun in every way, and so I didn’t like the message in the last episode that the cost of using her powers had to lead to death or destruction. Shame, fear and depression dominated the ending, leaving a bad aftertaste. The game was addictive and exciting and I was very caught up in it, but it went from a charming story about friendships and growing up to a dark place where I hated to see the story go. I don’t think the many choices I made changed major things in the plot- just minor ones. I was disappointed in the end. I’m middle-aged, and so it was a treat to get to play an 18 year old. It brought up some good memories from that time of my life. At first it was strange, and then it became fun and nostalgic. I will give this review 4 because it was a highly creative, original, and captivating experience, but in some ways, it deserves a 3. There needed to be at least one way to avoid the dark outcomes for it to have been a 4. I want to add that for people who have experienced sexual abuse, hiding in the dark from someone with a flashlight is a difficult thing to endure just to get through to the ending. I think the game needs a trigger warning of some kind. I read several reviews where PTSD was triggered.

Never been more in love, :)
Sat Jul 07 2018 Nicole Guiga

This game brings such amazing problems to light and the fact that it also comes with so many details is why this game has become so popular over the past years. I fell in love with this game and it’s YOUR choices, the way you want it. I remember that when this game came out, i did HELLA research and watched everyone’s point of view and decision from every youtuber who decided to post their experience online. Now the directors of this game has also created a Before the Storm series which is amazing, so glad they decided to keep it going. If somehow this lands in the eyes of the creators of life is strange, then i would like to say thank you because this game not only has brought me joy, it has also brought be peace of mind with the excellent soundtrack that i occasionally here every now and then to calm myself down. To anyone wondering if you should actually try it and keep going, you won’t regret it, you should experience the many events and twists and turns the creators will show you! Thank you.. also add before the storm on the App Store!! SPOILER! PS.. if any creator who sees this or has contact with them, they should consider to continue the story after the storm. Maybe with two different storylines, because in the end there are two different options to save chloe or save the town, you should do a continuation of the story because many love it so much. Or you can somehow integrate the two options in the end? I don’t know, but what im trying to say is PLEASE KEEP CREATING IT! :) Much love.

I have *ONE* complaint.
Tue Apr 16 2024 bad, unoriginal, name.

I don’t have the vocabulary to describe this game in a manner that will do it justice. Life is Strange is just that unbelievably incredible. I can say however, that it is one of the best, if not *the* best, games I’ve ever played. The reasons why are… difficult to articulate, but I think that it almost certainly deserved every award and 5/5 review it has received. I would have given it one as well, (a first for me) if not for two reasons: one, I am not convinced that there is such a thing as a perfect game; and two, episodes 2-5 are only available if you pay! I understand why that is so and, much as the paywall infuriates me, I can’t say that would have done anything differently. Still, if you ever have enough funds to do so, maybe make one or two more episodes available for free? I guarantee that it would make all of us who love the game, but lack credit cards, very, very, *VERY* happy. Thank you for reading this, and thank you so much for making such an amazing game. I hope that things will only get better in the future. With the highest respect, An anti-whaling part-time gamer.

This game is REAL!
Sun Dec 23 2018 Nate Van Der Linden

When I first started the game I had kinda low expectations but after half an hour of playing it, I couldn’t stop. Everything from the commentary, to the soundtrack is spot on! As for the story it’s awesome that you get to be a part of it. You have the complete freedom to make the choices you want in extremely dire situations, like pulling a trigger or saving someone’s life! Also, it’ll make you think hardcore, to find solutions to some crazy problems. I really love how this game points out to the player what kind of morals they have, and how good they are finding solutions. Even though the game is virtual it’ll pull you in and make you feel like you’re really doing it in real life. I promise this game with all its five seasons is totally worth the price and will get you feeling like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. If you have a pretty boring life (like me) and want some crazy drama, this game will give it to you! I just finished it and I’m on my way to play the next “Life is Strange””Before the Storm”, and I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. This game is REAL and you’re gonna love it! I promise. Just try it out ( the first season is free) and you’ll see what I mean!

Riotously infuriating update - PLEASE READ
Thu Aug 01 2019 WillDaBeast496

First and foremost—this is a beautiful game. I love absolutely every aspect about it. It is nearly perfect in every way. You’re probably wondering why I gave it two stars now. A few months ago, it said an update was required if I wanted to keep playing. When I tried to download the update, it wouldn’t work. I tapped it, an arrow orbiting clockwise appeared, and then the exact same thing popped up—an update is required. I went from place to place—at home, at Walmart, outside, in the passenger seat of a traveling car, and nothing changed. I made the conclusion that I should probably delete the app and then reinstall it, and that should reset whatever is wrong, so I did. But when I try to download the game, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENS. And now, I can never play this game again. What’s worse, I BOUGHT the second episode (the first one is free) before the update, and never got the chance to finish it. It’s been like this for a few days now, so I decided to edit my previous five-star review. I warn you, if you play the first episode of this game, you will be hooked, and you WILL download the episodes after (I only had enough money left in my iTunes account for one), but if you encounter this fatal flaw, you can kiss that eight dollars goodbye, because that’s how much you’ve wasted on absolutely nothing.

Great Game, but I got stuck in Episode 2 due to bug
Thu Dec 27 2018 guesswho!!

I purchased all episodes and I got stuck in Episode 2 after Max took the shower, listened to the conversation of Victoria and her friends and then needed to get back to her room to get dressed and pick up Kate‘s book. My problem is that I am unable to enter Max‘s room. The room is not activated. It does not show that it is Max‘s room (no white arrow saying „Max“) and there is no function to open the room. It looks like an inactive graphic. It is definitely Max’s room (room 219 with the white board saying „Max“). I tried to rewind time, I tried to go back to the last checkpoint, I quit the game and restarted it, I restarted the iPad, I even uninstalled Episode 2 and reinstalled it. Nothing helped. When the game continues at the last checkpoint I am standing in front of Max‘s room but I cannot enter it. It is obviously a bug and I can’t proceed, because I need to get into Max’s room before the game lets me leave the dormitories. Its a shame, because I would like to play the game over the X-mas/New Year break. I wont have time for it after. I contacted the developer and now I am waiting for a response. But my fear is that they are on holiday break as well. Keep you posted. Update. Did not receive feedback from developer yet. I will have to claim to get reimbursed, because I can‘t continue playing the game. Stuck in Episode 2.

EDIT: JOURNAL WORKAROUND!!!The game is Five Star, but journal error makes unplayable
Mon Jan 17 2022 Colton Bauer

My original review will stay because the game still needs to fix the issue; however in the interim I found a workaround that someone suggested on Reddit. If you go into your display settings in the IOS settings app and change to zoomed, then you will be able to at least exit the journal, the screen is not perfect, but especially for those like me who have played the game on an older iOS device or have already paid for the game, this will make it playable. But it is not perfect and this issue very much needs to be addressed! First off, this game is absolutely beautiful! The choices have a real impact on the people around you and how people think about you and interact with you. I picked this up years later After my friend recommended it, and can B only regret I did not play it sooner. However, I originally played this on iPhone 7, and it worked wonderfully, but now I went to play again in my iPhone 13, and have the Same error as many others in that the journal cannot be excited or properly navigate. This is making the game unplayable, and now I’m sad. :(

not compatible with iphone 13…PLEASE FIX ASPECT RATIO!
Wed Nov 23 2022 Via.4man

life is strange is my favorite franchise ever, and i play it almost monthly. a few years ago i saw it was cheaper to buy it on mobile, so i did just that. granted it’s not a great port, but it’s still a playable and enjoyable game. when the remastered came out, i bought it on pc and deleted the app. well, i had a 9 hour flight coming up, so i redownloaded the app on my new iphone 13 in hopes to play the entire game. i couldn’t get past the first 10 minutes. the aspect ratio is all messed up, and it’s impossible to exit the journal. shortly into the game, you are forced to look at your phone (connected to the journal) and you can’t progress unless you press the exit button, which doesn’t exist if playing on iphone 13. this is ridiculous. dontnod or whoever runs this app, please fix this. i didn’t loose any money on it as i played it in the past, but someone who buys the whole game before playing could easily lose money. there are several other reviews stating the same thing as i, and if you encounter this error, i urge you to leave one as well. maybe if we get the rating down far enough or have enough critical reviews, they’ll have to fix it. and if they don’t, that says a lot about them as a company.

Some Youtube Videos found!

News found!

Everything You Need to Know About Prime Video's 'Life Is Strange' Adaptation - Teen Vogue

Everything You Need to Know About Prime Video's 'Life Is Strange' Adaptation  Teen Vogue

Teen Vogue Tue Oct 13 2026

Prime Video's Life Is Strange series officially passes a major milestone - Polygon.com

Prime Video's Life Is Strange series officially passes a major milestone  Polygon.com

Polygon.com Mon Oct 12 2026

The Creators of ‘Life Is Strange’ Are Officially in Trouble - Collider

The Creators of ‘Life Is Strange’ Are Officially in Trouble  Collider

Collider Thu Sep 10 2026

Life Is Strange Studio Faces Possible Closure After Major Revenue Drops - Kotaku

Life Is Strange Studio Faces Possible Closure After Major Revenue Drops  Kotaku

Kotaku Thu Sep 10 2026

Life Is Strange Studio Warns This Year Could Be Its Last - Polygon.com

Life Is Strange Studio Warns This Year Could Be Its Last  Polygon.com

Polygon.com Tue Sep 08 2026

5 Best Video Games Like Life Is Strange - SVG

5 Best Video Games Like Life Is Strange  SVG

SVG Mon Aug 24 2026

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - Life Is Strange Analysis - Game Developer

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - Life Is Strange Analysis  Game Developer

Game Developer Thu Aug 20 2026

Arcadia Bay Comes to Life - Photos from the Filming of the Life is Strange Series Emerge - iXBT.games

Arcadia Bay Comes to Life - Photos from the Filming of the Life is Strange Series Emerge  iXBT.games

iXBT.games Mon Aug 17 2026

‘Life Is Strange’ adaptation will “disappoint” some gamers, says series co-creator - NME

‘Life Is Strange’ adaptation will “disappoint” some gamers, says series co-creator  NME

NME Wed Aug 05 2026

Life is Strange dev Don’t Nod warned it faces run out of funding this year - Nintendo Wire

Life is Strange dev Don’t Nod warned it faces run out of funding this year  Nintendo Wire

Nintendo Wire Tue Jun 16 2026

You may also like