What Are the Leaked Story Details of Life is Strange: Reunion and When Is It Releasing?

Square Enix has officially announced a new sequel in the Life Is Strange series titled Life Is Strange: Reunion, featuring beloved characters Max and Chloe from the original game. Set for release on 26 March 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Reunion aims to rekindle the magic of the franchise following the mixed reception of its predecessor, Life Is Strange: Double Exposure.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Life Is Strange: Reunion has been confirmed by Square Enix, much to the excitement of fans who were disappointed by the prior entry in the series. The announcement follows a leak from the PEGI age ratings board, which typically signals the authenticity of such claims. The return of Max and Chloe suggests a shift back to the series’ roots, aiming to address the criticisms aimed at Double Exposure. This latest title promises to explore themes of parallel universes and the complexities of choice, central to the franchise's narrative style.

Key takeaways

Life Is Strange: Reunion will feature Max and Chloe, returning to the series' core characters.
The game is set for release on 26 March 2024.
Developed by Deck Nine, it aims to rectify the reception issues faced by Life Is Strange: Double Exposure.
New gameplay mechanics will include enhanced time manipulation powers.
Chloe’s character will return with new abilities, including the potential to stop time.

Timeline: how we got here

The Life Is Strange franchise has seen significant developments over the years. Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading up to the announcement of Reunion:

2015: The original Life Is Strange is released, gaining critical acclaim.
2017: Life Is Strange: Before the Storm, a prequel, is launched, featuring Chloe.
2021: Life Is Strange: True Colors is released, continuing the franchise's exploration of emotional storytelling.
2022: Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is released but receives mixed reviews, leading to disappointment among fans.
October 2023: PEGI leak hints at the existence of Life Is Strange: Reunion, followed by an official announcement from Square Enix.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Life Is Strange: Reunion has officially been announced, featuring a more powerful version of Max's time manipulation abilities and Chloe’s new powers. The story will delve into parallel universes, with Chloe potentially experiencing dreams of alternate realities. These elements signal a return to the narrative strength that defined the original title.

What was already established

The previous game, Life Is Strange: Double Exposure, faced backlash for its departure from beloved characters and gameplay mechanics, failing to resonate with fans. The return of Max and Chloe in Reunion aims to correct course and restore faith in the franchise.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

With the release of Life Is Strange: Reunion on 26 March 2024, UK consumers can expect a renewed focus on the emotional narratives that characterised earlier games. The anticipation surrounding the title may lead to increased sales and interest in related merchandise and media.

Businesses and jobs

The development of Reunion by Deck Nine indicates ongoing employment opportunities within the gaming sector, despite previous layoffs at the studio. Success for this title could bolster the studio's reputation and stability, benefiting the UK gaming industry's growth.

Policy and regulation

As with all video game releases, there may be discussions around age rating policies and the potential impact of narrative content on younger audiences. It will be important for regulators to monitor reactions and any controversies that may arise from the game’s themes.

Numbers that matter

26 March 2024: Release date for Life Is Strange: Reunion.
5: The number of years since the original Life Is Strange was released.
2: The number of major titles released since the original game (Before the Storm and True Colors).
50%: Approximate percentage of players who expressed dissatisfaction with Double Exposure compared to earlier games.
1: The number of primary characters returning from the original game (Max) alongside Chloe.

Definitions and jargon buster

PEGI: Pan European Game Information, an age rating system for video games in Europe.
Caledon University: A fictional setting introduced in Life Is Strange: Double Exposure.
Backtalk: A gameplay mechanic allowing Chloe to manipulate conversations and outcomes through dialogue.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the release date approaches, fans can expect more information on gameplay mechanics and story elements. Trailers and previews are likely to be released, offering insights into the new features and narrative direction.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-launch, player feedback will be crucial in determining the reception of Reunion. The success or failure of the title will have implications for future projects within the Life Is Strange franchise and Deck Nine’s development strategy.

Signals to watch

Official trailers and gameplay reveals.
Fan reactions and reviews post-launch.
Sales figures and performance metrics in the UK market.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on official announcements and updates from Square Enix.
Engage with community discussions to gauge fan sentiment.
Consider pre-ordering for exclusive content or early access.

Don’t

Assume the game will replicate the success of the original without considering changes in development.
Overlook the importance of player feedback in shaping future titles.
Ignore potential gameplay mechanics that could enhance your experience.

Checklist

Follow official social media accounts for updates.
Watch gameplay trailers as they are released.
Review the specifications needed for your gaming platform.
Engage with forums to discuss theories and expectations.
Set reminders for the release date to avoid missing out.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While excitement surrounds the return of Max and Chloe, there are risks involved given the mixed reception of Double Exposure. The narrative direction involving alternate realities may also be a double-edged sword; if not handled well, it could alienate fans who preferred the original’s straightforward storytelling. Additionally, staff changes at Deck Nine could affect the game's consistency in quality and vision.

Bottom line

Life Is Strange: Reunion represents a pivotal moment for the franchise as it seeks to regain its footing following the disappointment of Double Exposure. The return of familiar characters and enhanced gameplay mechanics may capture the hearts of fans once more, but the upcoming release will be a crucial test of whether the series can evolve meaningfully while honouring its roots.

FAQs

What is Life Is Strange: Reunion about?

Life Is Strange: Reunion features Max and Chloe as they navigate new challenges involving parallel universes and enhanced time manipulation abilities.

When is the release date for Life Is Strange: Reunion?

The game is set to be released on 26 March 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Who is developing Life Is Strange: Reunion?

The game is being developed by Deck Nine, who previously worked on the Life Is Strange series after the original creators, Dontnod, departed.