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Title: Astro’s Playroom Developer: Japan Studio (Team Asobi)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5
Released: November 12th, 2020
Platforms Available: PlayStation 5
Article Reading Time: 10 minutes

As with every generation of PlayStation, we’re treated to a cute little robot named Astro and his more minor but very detailed game that, as always, introduces players to new hardware options and an integral controller when they purchase the console.
Of course, with the new 5th generation PlayStation, there are once again a lot of new things that this console from Sony can offer and show off thanks to several times the performance of its predecessor, the PlayStation 4 from 2014, and several new technological features processed into the new Dualsense controller. The biggest attraction of the previous generation, specifically the DualShock4 controller, was the vibrations that deepened the gaming experience and immersed the player even more in the action. However, the Dualsense controller goes one step further than its predecessors…

New Haptic Response Technology in Adaptive Triggers

With the PlayStation 5 controller, Sony is breaking with the DualShock gamepad series that began in 1997. But the new DualSense controller truly lives up to its name, as it conquers our senses with significant innovations – adaptive triggers and haptic response. The adjustable “triggers” can change the resistance applied when squeezing, allowing the player to sense, for example, the gradual tightening of a bowstring or an empty magazine, indicated by a twitch of the controller’s trigger.

The haptic response replaces the pair of vibration motors, after which the DualShock series controllers are named. Technologically, however, based on sound waves, haptic response allows the player to get the feeling that something is happening in a particular part of the screen, for example, and combined with the built-in speaker, the developers can then let the player know that their character is moving through, say, a snowstorm or swimming, using only their sense of hearing and touch, without having to look at the screen at all.

Initial fears that this would be an unused “gimmick,” i.e., a seemingly exciting feature that developers won’t use as a result, have gradually disappeared. Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback are used extensively not only by PlayStation exclusives but also by multiplatform games.

This should sum up what the new DualSense controller is about, and we can finally talk about the game itself.

Genuine Platformer

ASTRO’s PLAYROOM is, first and foremost, a platforming affair like the legendary Crash Bandicoot or Ratchet & Clank, which is precisely the kind of game genre that, unfortunately, never really appealed to me. However, I was still curious about what the game could offer to showcase a new generation of consoles and controllers.

Right from the start, the aforementioned haptic feedback comes into play, which is literally at every turn in this game, and you’ll encounter it in almost everything there is to do in the game, from simple walking to jumping and climbing to punching enemies or shooting guns and bows. Each action has a unique resonance and will make you feel like an integral part of the game. While you’ll feel a light touch in your hands when walking, you’ll feel solid impacts and pressure when punching enemies and shooting, depending on direction, as the Dualsens controller combines left and right independently. On the other hand, when climbing, you’ll feel the adaptive trigger in the L2 and R2 buttons for individual grips on rocks and walls. The whole thing is also varied with a motion sensor, for example, in passages requiring correcting the character’s balance in the air or when crossing over a chasm on a rope.

Level Design with Context

As previously stated, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM is a genuine and unadulterated platforming affair, and this is also wholly subordinated to the level design with a massive amount of verticality and frequently occurring passages with puzzles that are fun to solve. More than once, I was left wondering how elaborate they were, and overall, I felt a constant motivation from the game to push myself further and witness what the game would have in store for me in the coming hours. The levels consist of four main sections, forming smaller chapters that hide several collectibles closely related to PlayStation and Sony products. The primary levels are, for example, the so-called SSD highway, the cooling beach, or the graphical jungle, which represent, in a way, the critical internal parts of the console. With this, the player (with more reserve and in a playful way) can get a slightly more profound insight into what is happening in the console and what mediates the game’s launch and subsequent operation.

Each level is very thematically visually and gameplay-wise. You will meet some familiar characters from previous Astro installments, including a variety of easter eggs from previous PlayStation exclusives, with whom you can often interact in a certain way and witness a nice or sometimes even comical animation that adds variety to the experience of moving around the locations and exploring them in minute detail.
Each level also has its own unique music, which, by the way, is in a particular retro style of games from the nineties, and these songs are subordinated to the environment and level. The music was one of the finest for me and was very in tune with the individual passages. During the gameplay, I always had the feeling of a complete experience in which the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly.

Furthermore, it is also necessary to mention the visual aspect of the whole game, which is very pleasing to look at although it is a cartoon graphics, so it definitely hides a great charm esp, especially in 60FPS, which is another standard for the upcoming games that this new console promises a very smooth and pleasant experience.

Haven for Collectors

Now for the part of the game that has pleased me as a PlayStation lover perhaps by far the most, and that is the collectibles mentioned above that have been made up of Sony and PlayStation products since the first console sold on the market until today. Some of the most famous items are all four significant generations of consoles and even versions such as the FAT and Slim variants, handheld consoles such as the PlayStation Portable, and complete accessories even for the VR headset. Perhaps the best part about this is that all of these collectibles are stored in what’s called the PlayStation Lab, where you can examine these items in detail and even perform various interactions with them, from turning on the display, opening the drive, or lighting up the indicator light and so on and so forth… In short, a lot adds to the game’s length even after playing the primary levels, but especially for me, a form of education in Sony products. I learned a lot of new information, and the game showed me the existence of various game consoles and accessories, which I just discovered today…

In conclusion, one last thing mainly aimed at trophy hunters is that it is 100% a straightforward game suitable, especially for beginner trophy hunters motivated to collect these glittering trophies.

Last Words on Another Great Astro Iteration

ASTRO’s PLAYROOM is, therefore, a game that will show you what Sony has prepared for you with its new console through the new Dualsense controller technology in a very motivating and playful way that will teach you maybe one or two things you didn’t know about Sony, looking back at the almost 30 years of PlayStation history and on top of that it will also offer you maybe another platinum trophy for your collection. In short, this game has perfectly fulfilled its purpose down to the smallest detail, and there is nothing to fault it.

Download Astro’s Playroom in the Playstation Store

A Plague Tale: Requiem – Beautiful, But Not Better Than the First.

Petko

A Plague Tale Requiem Front — A Plague Tale: Requiem

_{Title: Plague Tale Requiem
Developer: Asobo Studio Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5
Released: October 18th, 2022}
_{Platforms Available: PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, PC,} _{Nintendo Switch}_{(Cloud Only)}
_{Article Reading Time: 7 minutes}

A Plague Tale Requiem : Amicia and Hugo — A Plague Tale: Requiem – Amicia and Hugo

Déjà Vu in a Time of Pestilence

“A Plague Tale: Requiem” is a game that brings back the familiar world of its predecessor, “Innocence.” Players will find comfort in the core gameplay mechanics, such as using a sling, alchemical tricks with light and shadow, and stealthy navigation around guards and rats. However, this may feel repetitive for those who have spent countless hours playing the first game.

Adding a crossbow and refined dodge mechanic offers a fresh take on combat, but they are still small changes in the grand scheme. Players may wish for a more significant revamp of Amicia and Hugo’s arsenal to make it feel more exciting.

The Story: Threads of Triumph and Disappointment

“Requiem” opens with a compelling narrative hook, thrusting us into a medieval world on the brink of collapse. The plight of Amicia and Hugo, their desperate struggle against both plague and human cruelty, instantly draws sympathy. Yet, as the hours on, the tale stumbles. The middle chapters lose tension; the urgency that propelled the opening is replaced with a slower, less gripping pace. While this allows some interesting character moments, it dilutes the sense of imminent danger.

Thankfully, the story rebounds as it nears its conclusion. The dramatic revelations about the Prima Macula, the ancient legacy fueling Hugo’s powers, are genuinely riveting. Even with its uneven pacing, “Requiem” weaves a tale worth experiencing, though it sadly never quite reaches the heart-pounding, relentless tension of the original.

A Plague Tale Requiem : Boss Fight — A Plague Tale: Requiem – Boss Fight

A Masterpiece of Misery

Visually, “Requiem” stands as a triumph. Artists have meticulously crafted a vision of 14th-century France ravaged by the Black Death. Grotesque beauty emerges from scenes of decay: crumbling villages awash in vibrant wildflowers, abandoned chateaus bathed in the eerie glow of rat swarms. The meticulous detail in every environment is remarkable, a testament to the developers’ artistry.

This macabre beauty is mirrored in the haunting score. Mournful melodies and discordant notes underscore the constant dread and desperation. It’s a testament to the power of music in games, amplifying the emotional resonance of “Requiem’s” world.

A Journey Cut Short… Or Perhaps Just Right?

“Requiem” offers a more concentrated journey than its predecessor, “Innocence”. This brevity will likely be a point of contention among fans. Some may mourn the shorter playtime, yearning to spend more hours lost in the game’s grimly beautiful world. Others might welcome the focused narrative, finding it thrillingly paced and free from the bloat that can sometimes plague longer adventures. Could the shorter length imply a tighter, more impactful story? Or does it leave players wanting more time to explore this unique world and its characters? This question will likely fuel lively discussions within the “A Plague Tale” community.

Familiar Footing: Strengths and Stumbles in Gameplay

“Requiem” offers a feast for the eyes and ears, immersing players in a world of extraordinary visual detail and a haunting soundscape. However, when it comes to gameplay, it treads familiar ground. The core mechanics of stealth, resource management, and those ingenious light-and-shadow puzzles will all feel immediately recognizable to veterans of “Innocence.” This familiarity offers a certain comfort, a seamless return to the tense rhythms of navigating a hostile world. Yet, for players craving a revolutionized gameplay experience, this adherence to the established formula might feel underwhelming. “Requiem’s” gameplay is not inherently flawed, but it lacks the bold innovation that might entice those entirely new to the series. Seasoned fans will likely find it satisfying, but newcomers might need the stunning visuals and compelling narrative to hook them in honestly.

The Enigma Fades, But Intrigue Remains

One of “Innocence’s” most potent elements was its veil of mystery, a palpable sense of the unknown hanging over every twist and turn. “Requiem,” while retaining a degree of the enigmatic, feels less shrouded in secrets. A more focused narrative replaces the initial thrill of discovering the world and its dangers. This doesn’t mean the story lacks intrigue; instead, the intrigue shifts. Instead of the wide-eyed wonder of unraveling a world’s secrets, “Requiem” offers a more somber fascination with the legacy of the Prima Macula. It draws the player into the unfolding tragedy of Hugo’s fate, fueling a desire to understand the ancient power that both plagues him and offers a sliver of hope. While this may be less exhilarating than the first game’s revelations, it carries its own weight of curiosity and anticipation.

A Plague Tale Requiem: Rats — A Plague Tale: Requiem – Rats

“Requiem” poses a unique challenge for reviewers, demanding a delicate balancing act between appreciation and critique. At its core, “Requiem” delivers a captivating experience with its stunning visuals and an emotional, if occasionally uneven, story. It’s a world expertly crafted to evoke both awe and despair. However, it exists firmly in the shadow of its predecessor, and direct comparisons are impossible to avoid. “Requiem” excels in artistry, painting a more vibrant and sonically rich world than “Innocence”. Yet, its gameplay and narrative feel less like bold leaps forward and more like iterations on a well-established formula. As a standalone game, “Requiem” shines, but weighed against its predecessor, it reveals a lack of the same transformative power that made “Innocence” so unforgettable.

Epilogue: A Gripping Yet Flawed Gem

“A Plague Tale: Requiem” stands as a worthy successor to “Innocence,” a testament to the enduring appeal of Amicia and Hugo’s story. While the familiar mechanics and a slightly diminished sense of mystery might disappoint those hoping for radical innovation, “Requiem” still delivers a profoundly atmospheric experience. It’s a world painted with harrowing darkness and surprising beauty, where rat-infested ruins coexist with lush, sun-dappled meadows. The relentless tension of the first game may ebb at times, but it’s replaced by a growing sense of dread and the bittersweet pain of watching Amicia and Hugo struggle against their intertwined fates. “Requiem” may not be a perfect sequel, but its moments of brilliance – both in narrative twists and the stunning visual artistry – ensure that this journey through a plague-ravaged world will stay with you long after the final credits roll.

Buy Plague Tale: Requiem
PlayStation Store . Xbox Store . Steam . Epic . Nintendo Switch (Cloud Only)

Mafia 2: Still a Classic, But Does the New Shine Hide the Scuff Marks?

Petko

_{Title: Mafia 2 (And Definitive Edition)
Developer: 2K Czech (formerly Illusion Softworks) Publisher: 2K Games
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4
Released: August 24, 2010 (Original release)}
_{Definitive Edition Release: May 19, 2020}
_{Platforms Available: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC (Mafia 2: Definitive Edition is available on PS4, Xbox One, PC)}
_{Article Reading Time: 6 minutes}

The Lowdown on Vito’s Rise

The game’s story is set in the 1940s and 1950s in the fictional city of Empire Bay in the USA, where the game’s protagonist, Vito Scaletta, initially born in Sicily in 1925, moved as a child with his parents and younger sister. Since childhood, Vito has been friends with Sicilian-born heavyweight Joe Barbaro, who got into a lot of trouble until he was arrested in 1943 and was offered the option of either going to prison or going to the war that was currently underway. Vito chose the army and was deployed during Operation Husky when the Allies invaded and occupied Sicily as a staging post for another move. Vito was later wounded there and sent home on leave. At home, he met up with Joe again, and they began planning their future together. Joe even arranged fake discharge papers for Vito from the army, and they were able to embark on their dream of getting rich and making a name for themselves in the criminal underworld, but this time, it was just to work for the Mafia.

To add historical context, the backdrop of the 1940s and 1950s was a time of significant change in America. The aftermath of World War II brought about economic prosperity, changing social norms, and rising organized crime activity. Vito and Joe’s ambition mirrors the era’s entrepreneurial spirit, albeit channeled into less-than-legal enterprises.

Empire Bay: A City with Bite

The most striking thing about the second installment of Mafia is the time and the setting. The 40s and 50s in the US had their charm, which is also true in a game where the player can feel this atmosphere from every corner. The whole of Empire Bay, in which Mafia 2 takes place, is visually beautiful and, at first glance period, accurate and believable. The game’s map can be considered a small open world, but apart from the occasional gun and clothing shop or petrol station, expect little content; it’s more of a highly detailed backdrop for frequent travel within the story. Naturally, you move around the city in a variety of period cars that are lovely to look at and whose driving model is quite pleasant and less responsive than its older 2002 predecessor. Even on ice or snow, the cars are pretty maneuverable, and therefore, you’ll enjoy driving around this beautiful city in a more arcade-style design.

Empire Bay isn’t merely a backdrop but a character in its own right. The game designers likely drew inspiration from real-world cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, notorious hotbeds for Mafia activity during this period. Keen-eyed players might even spot visual references to iconic landmarks of these cities.

The Look, The Feel, The Deal

What definitely didn’t offend me was the visuals of the game, which are very solid considering its time and the fact that a major studio didn’t develop it. While the Definitive Edition offers a visual upgrade, it’s not perfect. Cutscenes sometimes lack polish, particularly facial details, feeling like a downgrade from the original in certain aspects. You might also experience occasional texture flickering, especially on the map and in-car views, as well as some quirky NPC behavior. Even clothing textures on your main character can bug out.

Beyond the eye-catching neon and period cars, Empire Bay also showcases subtle visual storytelling. Observe the changing fashion and architecture as you progress through the decades. These details create a strong sense of immersion, making your journey through time feel authentic.

Packing Heat and Making Moves

Mafia 2, like its predecessor, is controlled from a third-person camera perspective but with a distinct difference, this time in cover shooter-style gameplay. Closed cover shooters like Mafia often have a problem with difficulty balance in the form of damage taken, enemy counts, scripts breaking the game’s naturalness, and so on, which is not a problem with the second Mafia. The missions are just so long; you don’t feel like you’re killing half the city in each one, and you don’t have to worry too much about your health on the higher difficulty levels either; it’s just an excellent and balanced cover shooter with a solid fluidity of progression through the individual encounters, whether with rival Mafia or police, and the game overall.

Mafia 2’s cover shooter mechanics were ahead of their time in some ways. Notably, the fluid movement between cover and the destructible environments made for dynamic gunfights for the period. Compare this to other, more static popular titles from the same era for even greater appreciation.

A Soundtrack with a Smooth Hustle

The previously mentioned music has a special place in the second mafia game, as in every game in the series… Songs from the 40s but especially from the 50s by artists such as Bing Crosby, Richard Penniman, or Dean Martin are emblematic of the era, which are complemented by many other well-known songs and, as a whole, form an excellent soundtrack for the game, which will make you feel like you’re in the authentic “50s” when driving through the streets of Empire Bay, for example.

Music holds thematic significance in Mafia 2. The upbeat swing and rock ‘n’ roll hits often play in stark contrast to the darker acts Vito commits. This juxtaposition highlights the moral complexity of the characters and the allure of the criminal lifestyle that the soundtrack embodies.

The Wrap-Up

Mafia 2 might not rewrite the book on open-world action games, but it delivers a tightly-crafted experience. Its evocative setting, smooth gunplay, and a story that grapples with the allure and consequences of the gangster lifestyle make it a worthy play. If you’re craving for a well-paced crime saga with a satisfying dose of period atmosphere, Vito Scaletta’s tale in Empire Bay is an offer worth considering. Just be prepared for a few visual inconsistencies if you opt for the Definitive Edition, which may be your only option because the original game is challenging to get online these days.

Buy Mafia 2: Definitive Edition
PlayStation Store . Xbox Store . Steam . Epic . GOG

Rediscovering Mafia in the Definitive Edition

Petko

_{Title: Mafia: Definitive Edition
Developer: Hangar 13 Publisher: 2K Games
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4
Released: September 25, 2020
Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Article Reading Time: 9 minutes}

Echoes from Lost Heaven: The Rebirth Review

The first installment of the now cult Mafia was initially developed in 2002 by IllusionSoftworks studio, which was a very popular story shooter that rightfully won the hearts of all players, especially those from the Czech Republic, where the development studio comes from and has permanently been etched in their hearts as perhaps the best game that is being developed in their native country… whether it was in terms of good gameplay, story, music or the legendary and absolutely amazing dubbing that everyone loved and still remembers. After many years of working on other parts of this already-can-be-said series, Hangar 13 Studio took over, and after the not-so-successful Mafia 3, they decided to recreate this game or remake the original episode after more than 18 years.

Tommy’s Transformation and Salieri Saga

Since this is a remake of the original work from 2002, the story again plays the leading role of the originally Italian immigrant from Sicily named Tommy Angelo, who works as a taxi driver in the American city of Lost Heaven in 1930. The country is still feeling the effects of the world economic crisis of 1929, which is one of the reasons why Tommy is forced to work the night shift, which earns more. At the end of one of these night shifts, he first meets a couple of members of the local Mafia working for Don Salieri, whose family is in a long and drawn-out war with the Morello family. The men mentioned above are Paulie and Sam, who are just on the run from members of a rival mafia in a car chase when a crash occurs just around the corner where Tommy is standing with his taxi and Paulie. Sam is looking for a replacement getaway car.

The first person they see on the street is Tommy, of course, and so with a bit of persuasion at gunpoint, they force him to pick them up and drive them to safety. Once safely transported, Tommy receives a decent amount of money from Sam as compensation for the damage to the taxi, services rendered, and a job offer. Still, Tommy accepts only the money and goes back on his way. The next day, he returns to work again but is attacked by Don Morello’s men in the middle of his day shift for helping Paulie and Sam as their enemies. Tommy manages to escape, however, and after a long chase through the streets of Lost Heaven, he escapes to Bar Salieri for help, saying that he has changed his mind about the job offer. Don Salieri accepts it on the condition of passing the test, and Tommy becomes a full-fledged family member. His first years as a member of the Salieri mafia family are relatively quiet, but as the war between the rival mafia families escalates, Tommy begins to have a progressively different view of all the bloodshed he often comes into contact with or is even part of.

Cover Shootouts and Strategy in the Streets of the 1930s

One of the aspects of the game that players of the original Mafia fondly remember is the gameplay, which was traditionally a bit harder in period games but excellent and nicely balanced. This can’t be said about the new Definitive Edition right off the bat. The fundamental way the Definitive Edition’s gameplay differs from the original is that it is, like Mafia 3, a strict cover-shooter, often only partially positively influenced by the level design.

But if we start with the enemies, for example, they sometimes take an exaggerated amount of damage. At the same time, they deal (especially on higher difficulty levels) damage that is sometimes absurd, not to mention their sometimes impossibly good shooting accuracy and reaction time.

Another thing that underlines the negative side of all this is that the number of enemies you encounter in each mission is sometimes even enormous. It doesn’t help that explosive barrels have been added to certain “levels,” which seem to be more for laughs than for any significant use in the game, as the enemies are often so numerous that after killing a few of them, you can’t do much damage by exploding a barrel in their ranks. Also retained from the original game are the first aid kits placed in the missions, which heal a large part of your health, but you lose this health early on at a higher difficulty. The only thing that keeps you alive in the following first aid kit is the health regeneration of up to about 15%, which is simply an incomprehensible move by the developers to have a classic HP system and regeneration simultaneously.

Just like the original, the final edition takes place in a small open world city of Lost Heaven where the player has free movement but certainly can not expect from the city any side content or additional activities but only as a backdrop to the story, although the city is visually charming and does homage to its predecessor, the city has also been modified in some places to give a beautiful view of the surrounding area which adds to the aesthetics of the whole location.

Wheels of the Past

Speaking of the city, unfortunately, another stumbling block in terms of movement around it is the player’s limitation, specifically in missions… In the original game, it was standard to drive through the city at the end of most missions all the way back to the bar, enjoy driving through the city, and appreciate its unique 1930s atmosphere. The definitive edition needs to include this aspect. The missions mostly end with a cutscene, so the game doesn’t give the player the chance to drive around this beautiful city and enjoy it enough, which is a shame because the game itself is visually stunning, including a wide selection of cars that are also very nice to drive and have great audio. Lost Heaven itself also holds a lot of visual charm, yet it begs for more interaction. The driving of the vehicles in this game is delightful, and it is a sheer joy to go around the city with these old beauties from the 1930s based on actual period cars.

Dubbing and Dialogue

Last but not least, it is also necessary to mention that Mafia is very popular in the country of origin, and that is dabbing, which was perhaps the most significant advantage of the original work from 2002. In the definitive edition, the original Czech dubbing is again at a very high level, although some legendary voices have disappeared. As for the more substantial, English dubbing is on an entirely different level from the original; in the original game, the English dubbing was bland and woefully average without emotion, while in the remake, it is first-class work. Hangar 13 took great care in this direction and even chose actors of partial Italian origin for a significant part of the characters, which is noticeably felt in the given characters’ accents and adds to the authenticity of the whole feeling about them.

Soundtracking the Story

Towards the end of the review, it is appropriate to talk about the music, as with most games in general, which underlines the game’s overall experience. The music was great in the original Mafia and even better in the definitive edition. The game’s soundtrack was greatly expanded with new songs, which, however, are surprisingly nostalgic in the spirit of the original soundtrack, from which I felt as if I had heard this music before and it was not wholly new music. This definitely gives the game a big plus…

Legacy and Innovation

To conclude, this is a rather average and sometimes, unfortunately, very annoying cover shooter, which in individual missions, along with enemies and game filler, serves the player more quantity than quality, but with very high-quality dubbing, music, and a story that also hides a certain minor message which more than one player will think about

All this raises the question of how well this remake serves its purpose. Ultimately, Mafia Definitive Edition is a visually stunning, narratively strong experience. The core themes of loyalty, the allure of crime, and its cost resonate as strongly as ever. However, the changes in gameplay and the missed opportunities to breathe more life into the world might be a point of contention for returning fans. As a remake, it faces the eternal question: does it replace the original or exist alongside it as a different take on the classic tale?

If you like Mafia games we have another one for you – Mafia 2 Definitive Edition.

Buy Mafia Definitive Edition
PlayStation Store . Xbox Store . Steam . Epic

Life is Strange: True Colors – Will Alex’s Secret Tear the Town Apart?

Life Is Strane

Petko

Title: Life is Strange: True Colors
Developer: Deck Nine Publisher: Square Enix
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Released: September 10, 2021 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC; December 7, 2021: Nintendo Switch
Article Reading Time: 9 minutes

True Colors of Haven Springs

Life is Strange: True Colors serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the franchise, thanks to its standalone story and relatable protagonist. However, seasoned fans will find familiar themes, gameplay mechanics, and subtle callbacks to previous games that enrich the experience. But no worries, Life is Strange: True Colors can be enjoyed without knowledge of three previous installments.

Life Is Strange True Colors Montain View — Life Is Strange True Colors: Montain View

Having previously played the first Life is Strange, its prequel titled Before The Storm, and the sequel Life is Strange 2, I have to confess I fell in love with the emotional world full of unexpected twists and turns and difficult decisions that these games offer. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to immerse myself once again in this captivating series. I am excited about the latest Life is Strange series installment.

For those who have yet to hear of Life is Strange, it is an episodic graphic interactive story adventure game that is not particularly surprising in gameplay as it follows the tradition of previous installments. Still, the better pace of the story, along with containing a lot of decision sequences and frequent content of cutscenes and cutscenes forming the vast majority of the game, and between these sequences, the player can move around the visually very charming available locations in a visual treatment reminiscent of, for example, the games from The Walking Dead series by Telltale Games.

Alex Chen: From Family Heartache to Mystical Might

In this game, the protagonist is a young girl named Alex Chen. She has gone through a lot of hardships in her childhood, as she lost her mother to cancer and her father left home. This unfortunate turn of events has led to her separation from her older brother, Gabe.

After spending many years in orphanages and foster homes, Alex, now an adult, is excited to finally reunite with her brother Gabe in Haven Springs, Colorado. Upon arriving in the small town, she quickly becomes close to her brother and other local community members. She even finds a place to live, making her dream of having a natural home a reality. However, as is typical in the Life is Strange series, things turn dark when a tragedy occurs, leading Alex and her brother on a quest for the truth. Their investigation involves the local mining company Typhoon, responsible for the Uranium mining operation in the Haven Springs area.

Life Is Strange True Colors Silver Dragon — Life Is Strange True Colors: Silver Dragon

Choices and Consequences

As you explore Haven Springs in this game, you will come across various places like a music store, a florist, a pharmacy, and the Black Lantern bar and restaurant. The town is visually appealing, with intricate details and a vibrant atmosphere. The game’s decision-making system plays a significant role in the gameplay, and every choice you make has consequences. However, I must admit that later in the story, the game does not follow through on its promise of impactful decision-making despite displaying the “your choice will have consequences” message in the top corner of the screen.

Life is Strange: True Colors — Life is Strange:True Colors – Alex and Friend Steph Gingrich, local DJ, “Queen of Nerds”

I instead got the impression that this was not always the case. Quite often, these consequences were not actually wholly consequences but just changed the final dialogue with certain characters and so on, which gave me the unwanted feeling that I didn’t have as much influence on setting the direction of the story as the game at first glance claimed. However, the story itself was very good, but in short, I felt slightly robbed of that feeling of “control over the action.” Another thing that influenced my view of the story is the fact that several familiar moments and situations could be seen in previous works, Specifically from the first Life is Strange and its prequel Before The Storm, which, as a die-hard fan, at first, I was very pleased with and had a strong sense of nostalgia, but later when it was my turn to think more deeply I wasn’t too happy with this decision by the developers DeckNine. Instead, it gave me the feeling that the developers were trying to feed on the fame of the already mentioned previous episodes, but on the other hand, I have to say that it didn’t hurt the story, and still, True Colors kept its own identity and uniqueness in terms of narrative, independent from the previous episodes.

Empathy’s Double-Edged Sword: Gift and Curse

The last and perhaps the most essential thing related to the gameplay that I must in no way leave out and that is necessary for Life is Strange
is the supernatural ability of the protagonist. Alex has had a “curse,” as she calls it, since birth, and that is that she can feel other people’s emotions and, in a way, read thoughts through them, such as sadness, anger, fear, or joy… An aura of a different color also depicts each emotion depending on the type of emotion. If a person is experiencing an emotion very strongly, Alex can feel and experience these emotions partly herself, which may not always be as lovely in practice as it sounds. For Alex, this can be a severe problem in places, which hurts her psyche.

Life Is Strange True Colors Alex — Life Is Strange:True Colors – Alex Sees Through People

Alex’s empathy can be both a gift and a burden. While it allows her to connect with others profoundly, it can also overwhelm her. There are moments when her inability to shield herself from strong emotions leads to internal conflict and difficult choices – should she prioritize helping others even at the risk of personal distress? Her powers become central to not only to unraveling the mystery in Haven Springs but also offer poignant commentary on the challenges of being highly empathetic.

Life Is Strange True Colors Flowers — Life Is Strange:True Colors – Flowers

True Colors of Sounscape

After the gameplay, we move on to the following extensive domain of the Life is Strange series: the music. This has always been the royal discipline of these games, and with Life is Strange True Colors, it is no different.
Fans will probably agree that I’ve heard better soundtracks in other titles, but that doesn’t change the fact that the game maintains its excellent standard within the brand. The choice of licensed music throughout the game is hilarious and enjoyable and often works well in the specific moments of the game in which the songs are set, as we are used to with the rest of the series.

While True Colors maintains the series’ affinity for emotive indie music, it deviates slightly from the melancholic melodies that defined its predecessors. Songs by artists like Novo Amor and Angus & Julia Stone provide a familiar touch, but the soundtrack often leans towards brighter, pop-infused tracks. This musical shift reflects Alex’s personality, which is more hopeful and outwardly expressive than the introspective protagonists of earlier games. However, fans who deeply connected with the poignant, almost haunting scores of the first Life is Strange or Before the Storm might find True Colors’ soundtrack lacks the same thematic depth and nostalgic resonance that so powerfully underscored their narratives.

Life Is Strange True Colors : Thrilled Alex — Life Is Strange: True Colors – Dark Alex

Another Valued Game Added to the Life is Strange Series

Despite the shortcomings such as vulgarly speaking “robbing” other parts of the series, although not to a great extent and not always convincing decision-making system in which the player does not seem to have as much power as he would like, it is still a good story adventure game with a sympathetic protagonist, interesting supernatural abilities and a thrilling story which is complemented by an enjoyable soundtrack which still makes this game a title I can still recommend very highly.

Buy Life is Strange: True Colors
PlayStation Store . Xbox Store . Steam . Nintendo Switch

By the way, quiz question: who do you like the most, Alex, Ellie from Last of Us or Amicia from Plague Tale ?

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Petko

ASTRO’s PLAYROOM: PlayStation 5’s Fantastic DualSense Controller and Genuine Platforming Game

New Haptic Response Technology in Adaptive Triggers

Genuine Platformer

Level Design with Context

Haven for Collectors

Last Words on Another Great Astro Iteration

A Plague Tale: Requiem – Beautiful, But Not Better Than the First.

Déjà Vu in a Time of Pestilence

The Story: Threads of Triumph and Disappointment

A Masterpiece of Misery

A Journey Cut Short… Or Perhaps Just Right?

Familiar Footing: Strengths and Stumbles in Gameplay

The Enigma Fades, But Intrigue Remains

Epilogue: A Gripping Yet Flawed Gem

Mafia 2: Still a Classic, But Does the New Shine Hide the Scuff Marks?

The Lowdown on Vito’s Rise

Empire Bay: A City with Bite

The Look, The Feel, The Deal

Packing Heat and Making Moves

A Soundtrack with a Smooth Hustle

The Wrap-Up

Rediscovering Mafia in the Definitive Edition

Echoes from Lost Heaven: The Rebirth Review

Tommy’s Transformation and Salieri Saga

Cover Shootouts and Strategy in the Streets of the 1930s

Wheels of the Past

Dubbing and Dialogue

Soundtracking the Story

Legacy and Innovation

Life is Strange: True Colors – Will Alex’s Secret Tear the Town Apart?

True Colors of Haven Springs

Alex Chen: From Family Heartache to Mystical Might

Choices and Consequences

Empathy’s Double-Edged Sword: Gift and Curse

True Colors of Sounscape

Another Valued Game Added to the Life is Strange Series