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Summary published at 10/6/2024

🎮 I was recently invited to play an early build of the upcoming Life is Strange: Double Exposure at the Square Enix headquarters in London. I have a lot of thoughts about the game and whether it delivers on the promise of a worthy sequel to the original.

🙏 A massive thank you to the team at Square Enix for their kindness and accommodation during my visit. While I had exclusive access to the game, I am not being paid to talk about it, allowing me to share my genuine opinion.

⏳ I played a segment of the game lasting around 30 minutes, which is an extract from episode 2 after Max's best friend, Safi, has died. The gameplay begins when Max receives a text from her friend Moses, asking her to come to his office on campus.

🔍 Upon arrival, Max senses something is wrong. Moses is anxious and reveals he has a piece of stolen police evidence in Safi's murder case: her camera. Max realizes she must retrieve the camera before Detective Alderman can find it.

🧩 The gameplay involves a challenging puzzle and exploration section where Max uses her new timeline-shifting power to gather information and navigate through a stealth section. After successfully retrieving the camera, Max faces a major choice regarding Detective Alderman's threats.

👩‍🎓 Playing as Max again felt like catching up with an old friend. She has evolved from the shy girl we met at Blackwell Academy to a confident mentor figure at Cadon University. Max is characterized by her strength, bravery, and humor, showcasing a significant growth in her character.

💬 Max's dialogue is now more assertive and witty, reflecting her growth over the years. However, she still struggles with anxiety about her past, particularly regarding her experiences with Mark Jefferson and the trauma she carries from the first game.

🌀 Max's new power, Pulse and Shift, replaces her rewind ability. Pulse allows her to glimpse into a parallel timeline, while Shift enables her to travel between timelines and interact with objects. This new mechanic significantly impacts gameplay and puzzle-solving.

🔄 The gameplay segment showcased how Max's powers can be used creatively, allowing players to eavesdrop on conversations and transport objects across timelines. However, her powers are now visible to others, adding a layer of complexity to her interactions.

📱 Max's phone has expanded to include a social media platform, revealing connections with various characters, including Victoria Chase and Joyce Price. These interactions provide insight into Max's relationships and the impact of Safi's death on the campus community.

❓ Regarding Chloe's return, I played in a timeline where she is dead, and her presence was only felt through social media. The developers have not confirmed her fate across timelines, but it seems her status will remain a secret until release.

🌟 Overall, my gameplay experience has positively influenced my perception of Double Exposure. I feel the game is carving out its unique identity while maintaining elements from the original. I am excited about the plot and characters, particularly Moses and Max's journey through her trauma.

💖 Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please like and comment your thoughts on the new Life is Strange. Are you excited for the release? Let me know!

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