I’ve just completed the game, and while I have a lot of thoughts on it, I’ll break them down into clear Pros & Cons without any spoilers at first:

-Pros
1) Incredible Music – Without a doubt, the music in this game is the standout feature for me. It sets the mood perfectly and is probably the aspect I enjoyed most.
2) Stunning Visuals – The graphics are absolutely breathtaking. The attention to detail, vibrant colors, and overall artistic design really elevate the experience.
3) Impressive Facial Expressions – The facial animations are top-tier, capturing subtle emotions that make the characters feel real and immersive.
4) New Power – The new gameplay power is a fresh and intriguing mechanic, offering something unique to the experience.
5) Well-Developed Characters – The new characters are all well fleshed out with interesting backstories. Most of them feel essential to the narrative, with none coming off as unnecessary or flat.
6) Gripping Early Episodes – Episodes 1, 2, and 3 are incredibly engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
7) Length and Replayability – While the average gameplay is around 10-12 hours, I spent about 17.5 hours on my first playthrough, thanks to my tendency to explore every nook and cranny. There’s plenty to find for those who enjoy digging deeper.
8) Voice Acting – The voice acting is stellar, with each character feeling well-represented by their respective voice actors.

-Cons
1) Underutilized Power – While the new power is cool, I felt it wasn’t explored to its full potential. It could have been expanded with more depth, challenges, or consequences.
2) Lack of Meaningful Choices – One of the biggest draws of the Life is Strange series has always been the tough moral choices that force you to stop and think. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel most of my decisions had much impact in this game. I made most choices within minutes, and they didn’t have the weight I expected.
3) Plot Holes & Unanswered Questions – This game is riddled with unresolved plot points and story holes. By the end, I found myself frustrated by all the loose ends that never got tied up.
4) Overwhelming LGBTQ+ Representation – As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m all for representation. However, in this game, it feels excessive. While I appreciate inclusivity, having every character be part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum feels unrealistic. A more balanced approach would have been preferable.
5) DLC Locked Achievements – Some of the achievements require you to purchase DLCs, which feel like a cash grab. The DLCs mainly offer cosmetic items (like extra outfits and a cat), which should have been included in the base game.
6) Price vs. Content – While the game’s graphics and design are impressive, the overall experience doesn’t feel worth the full price tag. I’d recommend waiting for a sale to get better value.
7) Limited Exploration – Despite the stunning graphics, there’s a noticeable lack of locations to explore. The world feels smaller than I would have liked, especially given the effort put into the design.

Final Thoughts:
Visuals: 8.5/10
Sound: 8.5/10
Gameplay: 5/10
Characters: 7/10
Storytelling: 5/10

Overall, I’d give this game a 6/10. Despite the impressive music, visuals, and voice acting, the lack of meaningful choices and the abundance of plot holes really held it back. As much as I wanted to love it, the story just didn’t live up to expectations. I’d recommend this to Life is Strange fans, but don’t expect it to surpass the first game or become your new favorite in the series.