Life Is Strange: Reunion — Review

As a fan of the Life is Strange franchise for over a decade, I went into Reunion with a strong sense of nostalgia and emotional investment—especially knowing this would be the final installment in Max and Chloe’s story. As a direct sequel to Life Is Strange: Double Exposure and a continuation of the original Life Is Strange, this game very clearly feels like it was made with long-time fans in mind. In fact, many of the creative choices I was initially sceptical about in Double Exposure ended up paying off here in ways that felt thoughtful and intentional, rather than divisive.

For this review, I’m basing my thoughts entirely on my personal playthrough and the legacy choices I carried forward. In Double Exposure, my Max romanced Amanda, rejected Safi, and maintained a friendship with Vinh. In the original game, I chose to romance Chloe and ultimately sacrifice her. These decisions had a noticeable impact on the narrative in Reunion, shaping not only the backstory but also subtle dialogue changes and character interactions. It added a layer of personalisation that made the experience feel uniquely mine, which is something this series has always excelled at.

One of the standout features for me was the return of Max’s rewind powers. Mechanically, this added a familiar yet satisfying layer to gameplay, especially when paired with the ability to switch perspectives between Max and Chloe. This dual perspective worked incredibly well, both narratively and emotionally, allowing the player to connect with both characters in a more balanced and intimate way.

The cast was excellent across the board, particularly the performances from Hannah Telle and Rhianna DeVries. Their chemistry felt natural and evolved, reflecting the maturity of their characters and the passage of time. The writing also deserves a lot of credit here. It leans into a more grounded and emotionally complex portrayal of Max and Chloe’s relationship, moving beyond the intensity of their teenage years into something deeper and more nuanced. Writers Jonathan Zimmerman and Christopher Sica managed to strike a careful balance between fan service and meaningful storytelling, which is no easy feat for a franchise with such a passionate fanbase.

In terms of narrative, the central mystery felt far more engaging and cohesive than what we saw in Double Exposure. It unfolds at a steady pace, with enough twists and emotional stakes to keep things interesting without becoming overly convoluted. At the same time, the game remains very much centred on Max and Chloe. Because of this, previous romance options—particularly those introduced in the prequel—don’t create as much tension or conflict as some players might expect. For me, this wasn’t necessarily a downside, but it is worth noting depending on what you’re looking for.

Ultimately, Reunion feels like a heartfelt and fitting send-off for these characters. It embraces nostalgia without relying on it too heavily, and instead focuses on giving Max and Chloe a sense of closure that feels earned. By the end, I felt satisfied with where their story landed, which is something I was genuinely unsure this game could achieve going in.

I’m already planning another playthrough—one sticking closer to my original decisions, and another with completely different or randomised choices—just to see how much the experience can change. That replay value, combined with the emotional payoff, really speaks to the strength of the game.

If you’ve been following this series for years, and especially if you’re invested in the Pricefield relationship, Reunion is absolutely worth playing. It’s a love letter to fans and a meaningful conclusion to a story that has resonated with so many people.

My rating of Life Is Strange: Reunion (PlayStation 5) - ★★★★1/2