#alex chen

Life is Strange: True Colors (2021)

So I finally played True Colors and a while back I got some anons asking for my opinion. Here it is, spoiler free:

The Game

Overall, I think True Colors is better than LiS2. The story is more consistent, the characters are interesting and multidimensional, and the plot is far more realistic/sensible. Is it better than LiS? It’s a good contender. Personally I would say no, but if someone told me it was their favourite game in the franchise, I would understand. The setting is gorgeous, artistic, relaxing, and you can tell the devs put a lot of love and care into the backgrounds. The music is nice, though there isn’t a huge variety and there’s no track that’s overly memorable, in my opinion. The acting is, for the most part, exceptional. I think the decision to use mo-cap was nothing short of genius, as the game relies heavily on the facial expressions of the characters to really emphasize each scene. Alex’s power of empathy is also brilliantly portrayed and far surpassed my expectations. Like Max’s power, it grows as the story progresses.

Choices

Disappointingly, and in true Square Enix/Deck Nine fashion, your choices don’t really matter. The story is definitely more of a narrative adventure, which is perfectly fine, but if that’s the case I wish these companies would stop advertising their games as “choice-based”. No matter what choices you make throughout the game, the outcome will be the same. At least the most crucial element, anyway. Only a few details change based on your choices, but they’re of very little consequence. Moreover, unless you play as a total asshole and do zero exploring, I’m not sure how you could possibly get the bad ending, which is really just the good ending with less positive relationships. The main dilemma is solved either way.

Price

Is this game worth $80 (or $60 for my American friends)? No. It really isn’t. That is a AAA price tag, and regardless of the attempt, True Colors is not a AAA experience. You’re very limited in what you can do/effect and even with all my exploring and reading I beat the game in 8 hours and 24 minutes. I got the game for $40 and I’d say that’s more than fair, especially when you compare it to other AAA (and even some indie) games. If I’ve learned anything from the LiS Remaster, it’s that Square Enix is getting very greedy and jacking up their prices when it’s not deserved. I definitely recommend True Colors, but I also recommend buying it on sale.

Story

I didn’t have high hopes for this game, but I was pleasantly surprised. Without spoiling anything, I want to say that the plot is a gripping, emotional ride. I never felt bored or lost, and while I found the main character somewhat bland (though likable), the personality that bursts from the other characters made me look forward to every interaction. The twist at the end is, at least to me, painfully predictable, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the journey. The gameplay is fun and flawlessly encourages exploration, conversation, and investigation. With such high praise, I have to say that True Colors almost nailed it. The final chapter, unfortunately, asked me to suspend my disbelief a bit too much in one instance, while another instance felt way too convenient and tacky. I could also tell the conclusion was spliced together based on my choices, making it seem like the actors were reading from a high school script, which broke my immersion; however, it didn’t ruin the game in its entirety. I’m still glad I played it. 7/10.

not ryan teasing steph after alex gave her the rose

LIFE IS STRANGE - TRUE COLORS / Mental Health Day!

A month in since a great story has been told. What a Life is Strange journey it’s been

It was such an experience playing as Alex Chen, getting to know these emotions, how people cope with it, how people reconcile with themselves after all of it. The game has touched so many lives and it was such a great adventure of how strange life could be: one second it could tear you down, then after, you’ll get to see another morning, stand up, and move on. That’s just how deep it is.

As the games continue to flourish on its own unique story line, I started to realize Strange doesn’t really pertain to the supernatural. It’s been a great symbolism and imagery of how strange life really is for the living. We live, we die, but what matters most is the adventures within.

I could talk so much and build up an essay book about how this game has changed my life, how this game made me more sensitive to people, and understand them more. I could geek a lot about the writing this game has, the depth of the story, and the family I built around the fandom with this. As much as this game meant wonderful to me, this is a great way to celebrate Mental Health Day too

♥

Life is Strange: True Colors Minimalist Icons Part 2

BONUS ADD: THE BAAAAAAAAAAALD GUYYYYYYYYYYYY

// please credits or mention @rinexart if used //

I’m so excited to play LiS true colors. And to make something for pride month at the last minute, here’s some Alex + Steph love ❤

Good mood Alex.

Quick Alex sketch

Canon LGBTQ+ video game characters

Happy pride month!

Please like/reblog to give credit if you use one of the icons!

Okay still rambling but I need to yell once again that Jed is so not trustworthy and I wanted to add that Typhoon buying the bar for him and whatever happened at the mine might actually play a bigger role than it seems.

I mean Gabe 100% called the mining company, but delaying would cost money and the risk was low so it might be just that, which yeah it’s realistic. So I don’t know how to tie my Jed gut feeling to all this. Maybe it doesn’t have ties and he’s just being sus in his corner. I doubt he’d endanger his son too, so everything is telling me I’m wrong but THAT FEELING MAN IT WON’T LEAVE ME ALONE. I don’t have real clues but I’ll trust my gut, is there any way to get Alex to lock her door.

Good news is, if I’m clowning on Tumblr just to get it off my chest since everyone played the game already and won’t spoil me, it means I’m getting into the story.

This idea was stuck in my head so I’m throwing a quick doodle at y'all

Those two are just too pure, I love them to bits they have my whole heart. And now I just pictured Steph having stolen the pickles because she’s pure and has my whole heart too.

mean bisexual, meaner lesbian, and their golden retriever