While I liked the first Life is Strange installment, I couldn't exactly say the same about Life is Strange 2, a game that traded emotional resonance for relentless hardship, and memorable characters for fleeting strangers in passing. In fact, when I think back on Life is Strange 2, I remember very little except for the misery I felt while playing, in spite of still thinking that for some, this game, too, might be gold. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. You are Sean, a teenager suddenly thrust into the role of a guardian after a tragic accident leaves him and his younger brother, Daniel, as orphans on the run. As the two wolf brothers are constantly on the move, meaningful character development is, for the most part, prevented and narrative cohesion disrupted. It is really difficult to form attachments to new characters, as they don't feel like an integral part of the story. This results in a disjointed narrative where forming any real emotional connection with side characters feels impossible. It's the Road to Ruin.

Unlike Max in the first game, Sean has no supernatural abilities. Instead, Daniel, the younger brother, develops telekinetic powers — but they're largely out of your control. You don't get to use the powers so much as you get to watch them cause chaos and hope Daniel listens when you tell him to stop. Spoiler: he usually doesn't. Being Daniel's older brother might be the most realistic part of the game — by which I mean it's frustrating, exhausting, and makes you question why you're still trying. Daniel constantly disobeys you and makes things worse at every turn. The game tries to frame this as an emotional bond to nurture, and granted, I might be in the minority of people that even like Daniel, but that's mainly because I can put myself in both Sean and Daniel's position, especially after losing a loved one and experiencing systematic racism.

This could've worked out fine, if only the story had been a little more focused on... something. Thematically, the game wants to tackle familial ties, racism, immigration, police violence, and poverty — but while this is commendable, the delivery lacks nuance. Every episode piles on more misery with little room to breathe, and without the grounding consistency of a single setting or core cast, it's hard to feel like you're building toward anything. It's hardship for hardship's sake. Ultimately, Life is Strange 2 is a game about making difficult choices — but the hardest one is whether or not to keep playing.

wolf brothers forever

good