The Unicorn Scale: Life is Strange

While there is still a lack of bi representation in video games, this is starting to change and is especially changing in indie and episodic genres. Episodic games are written more like a TV show with cliffhangers, detailed storytelling, and in-depth character development. This is in contrast to games with goals and rewards, such as the goal of defeating an evil villain. Most episodic games have to rely more on the story and character development because the game is dialog-driven. Today’s Unicorn Scale is no exception.

Life is Strange is an episodic choose-your-own-adventure game where the lead female protagonist, Maxine Caulfield (voiced by Hannah Telle), has the ability to rewind time. Max is an 18-year-old artsy photographer. In one of the first scenes, she sees her friend Chloe Price (Ashly Burch) shot in her high school bathroom, and Max rewinds time for the first time to change the outcome. By doing this, she sets the story in motion, along with some unexpected butterfly effects. 

Warning there will be minor SPOILERS ahead. If you want to play the game, play it blind and come back to read this review. Also, if you are unfamiliar with how the Unicorn Scale works, here's a quick refresher.

What I Liked:

First off, the characters are amazing. They really make their struggles believable, which only enhances the subtle flirting and romantic tension in certain scenes. Specifically, the flirting between the female Max and Chloe is very well executed. It reminds me of when I drop hints at guys when I am not sure if they are straight or not. Early on, Chloe says, “You could totally make a move on me and rewind time like nothing ever happened."

The game gives options to the player that allows them to end up with a male partner, Warren Graham (Carlos Luna), or a female partner, Chloe. You can even pursue both at the same time and kiss both of them. Max admits to having feelings for both Chloe and Warren in her journal. Ultimately, you have to decide if you want to be friends with each of them or if you want to pursue a romantic relationship. This means that you also have the option of dating neither Chloe nor Warren. Max can complete the game without a romantic relationship, which is, in its own way, revolutionary.

It isn't just Max, either. There were many scenes in which Chloe was clearly interested in Max. In Life is Strange: Before the Storm (2017), released as a three-part prequel to the main series, Chloe is shown in a relationship with a woman named Rachel Amber (Kylie Brown), where they hold hands and kiss. Chloe also mentions that she has had casual flings with guys and still keeps condoms around her room. So clearly, she is also bi.

What I Didn't Like:

The animation style is a bit weird and kinda lo-fi, which gives it a more retro cartoon feel. The great voice acting would have been better paired with art that could express an equally wide range of emotions. 

What hurts the most was that no one came out and identified as bi. It was only ever implied. The game definitely played it safe here. Although a player can explore Max's bisexuality, they can also completely erase or ignore it. Some players read Max and Chloe's kiss as a sign that they are lesbians (sorry Warren) or that they are just really good friends. In fact, Max and Chloe's bisexuality was only hinted at unless the player made very specific choices. It would have been nice to have it more out in the open for every playthrough.  

The Rating: 

Life is Strange gave us two bi characters, avoided the pitfall of queer as conflict, and managed to tell a good story along the way. It could have done a better job illustrating these characters' bisexuality, but it didn't actively hide it either. Overall, it's a really great game with better representation than most. I highly suggest playing it or watching a walkthrough.