Add Us On Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
I think enough time has passed to admit Life is Strange: Double Exposure failed to stick the landing. Reviews were lukewarm, sales were lacklustre, and longtime fans seemed bummed out by the changes it made to original series lead Max Caulfield and her long-term relationships.
But despite a compelling setup as protagonist Max embarked on a new supernatural caper as a photographer-in-residence at Caledon University, few of the new characters or general narrative foundations were compelling enough to hold water. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage felt like a far more genuine successor to Don’t Nod’s classic than Double Exposure thanks to its superb channeling of relatable teenage angst and nostalgia of growing up in the ‘90s.
One of the biggest sins made by Double Exposure was how it presented Max and Chloe’s relationship. Now both nearing 30, the couple apparently broke up despite the original game having them destroy Arcadia Bay simply so they could be together. Future comics would expand upon their relationship further, but if you only played the first game, this is where their relationship was left off. Now, a new game will see them both return.
What Is Life Is Strange: Reunion?
A new title in the series known as Life Is Strange: Reunion was seemingly rated by PEGI last year, with the listing having recently come to light. Here is a brief outline of the narrative seen in the listing itself:
“Chloe Price was Max Caulfield’s partner in time… Losing her is Max’s greatest regret. Now Chloe has come to Caledon University. Haunted by nightmares and impossible memories, Chloe needs Max’s help. But Max is already in crisis: in three days, a deadly inferno will destroy the campus.”
This description appears to imply this will be a direct sequel to Double Exposure and will see an older Chloe Price return to Max’s life in pursuit of reconciliation. Whether she wants to get back together, reminisce about the past, or look towards the future — their relationship is going to take centre stage no matter what.
And in the middle of all this is an encroaching tragedy I imagine the player will try to prevent by making decisions and figuring out exactly who they want to save and what they have to sacrifice. Could Chloe once again be on the chopping block just like back in Arcadia Bay? Only time will tell, but I hope it’s done right.
Or perhaps the ‘losing Chloe’ part of this description implies that Max did end up saving Arcadia Bay? It’s hard to tell what ending is being described as canon here.
No official announcement has been made for Reunion, but with the ratings board listing out in the wild that details specific contents of the game itself, its reveal is only a matter of time. Expect it to similar gameplay conventions to Double Exposure as Deck Nine keeps on building out this universe.
While players were disappointed about the lack of Chloe Price in that game, including her this time around arguably puts more pressure on Reunion to stick the landing. Here’s hoping it can modernise Chloe’s character while also making the bond she shares with Max feel real, earned, and matured. If it doesn’t, we’re in for a rough ride.
Life Is Strange Can’t Pretend Nothing Has Changed Between Max And Chloe
When I first played Life is Strange, I wasn’t developed enough as a queer person to appreciate what it had to say. Controversially, I ended up saving Arcadia Bay instead of Chloe during my initial playthrough and will never forget the heartbreaking funeral scene that plays out during the ending. But as I came out as trans, and then began to better understand my attraction to women, I revisited the game and appreciated it more than ever.
Life is Strange pushed so many boundaries back in 2014, and there is a good reason why it became such a groundbreakingly formative experience for so many LGBTQ+ people. The title felt both ahead of its time yet also held back by social constraints of the time.
If Reunion is to once again make the romance between Max and Chloe its central focus, they can’t just ignore how the world around them has changed in the past decade. How their romance was cemented in circumstances of sacrifice that, no matter how much both women wanted to just run away from everything, is going to leave them with significant trauma no matter what.
Perhaps Reunion is going to explore the decision to leave Arcadia Bay behind, a place that used to be home and forced Max and Chloe to find a new place to belong all their own. Hell, maybe Reunion will be all about this journey of self-assurance as both characters approach thirty and start to contemplate what the rest of their lives are going to look like. Max already seems more confident and is busy chasing her dreams as a photographer, but what about Chloe? What kind of person has she grown into beyond being a confident stoner with a big heart? That’s a question that Reunion will need to answer.
Subscribe for deeper Life Is Strange analysis and insight
Get deeper context by subscribing to the newsletter for thoughtful coverage of Life Is Strange, Reunion, and character-driven narrative games — analysis on themes, queer representation, and where the series could go next. By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Max was once lacking in confidence and saw something magical in Chloe that she wanted to emulate, a cool girl she could project herself onto and become something more. Maybe now the tables have turned, and Chloe shows up at Caledon University to not only reconnect with Max, but to figure out where exactly she wants to go in her own life.
There is ample potential in this premise for queer storytelling that is beautiful, messy, and does both of these beloved characters justice. I sincerely hope it isn’t flooded with lame fanservice and callbacks, since I honestly believe the Life is Strange universe can still venture to incredible new places.
I want my gays to get back together and realise the love they have for one another is even stronger than ever, but I also want that revelation to feel earned as both characters embark on incredible personal journeys that reveal more about them than ever.
