Deck Nine Games’ Life is Strange: Before The Storm will see its first episode debuting next week and while we know how the story goes, it will offer a look into the psyche and past of Chloe Price as she meets Rachel Amber for the first time.
Even though one of the appeals of the first game was Max Caulfield’s ability to manipulate time, which led to interesting puzzles and story possibilities, Chloe doesn’t possess the same. Which makes sense but she does have the ability to “backtalk” at people, eliciting different responses and introducing a unique risk vs. reward system when it comes to resolving issues.
Lead writer Zak Gariss discussed the new feature with IGN, noting that, “The idea here is to give players the chance to step into [Chloe’s] shoes when she’s at her most witty, and at times maybe most brutal. [Backtalk allows Chloe] to push anybody’s buttons through a special dialogue mini-game to elicit the kind of behaviour she wants from someone.”
Though it sounds simpler than manipulating time, it is interesting how Arcadia Bay has become a location for such fantastical characters and occurrences to exist. “Arcadia Bay is a really surreal place. We’ve taken a lot of joy in going into that part of the world.
“Even though Chloe doesn’t have a supernatural power, the ways in which we are exploring what her life is right now definitely includes really strange and supernatural elements.” If you paid attention during the recent launch trailer and noticed the crow pop up from time to time (not unlike the doe or butterfly in Max’s adventure), then it becomes obvious that something greater is working behind the scenes.
Life is Strange: Before The Storm’s first episode arrives on August 31st for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.