Life is Strange: Double Exposure (PS5) review: Max returns but the stakes feel smaller

Square Enix’s Life is Strange has always been a videogame series that straddles the line between the everyday and the extraordinary, combining quiet, personal stories with supernatural twists. Double Exposure, the latest entry, brings back Max Caulfield for another chapter in her life. While it delivers a heartfelt story and familiar gameplay, it’s a more restrained offering that doesn’t stray far from the series’ established formula.

Set ten years after the events of Arcadia Bay, Double Exposure reintroduces Max as a twenty-something photographer and artist-in-residence at Caledon University. The snowy campus serves as both a fresh backdrop and a symbol of Max’s attempt to move forward, but the remnants of her past still linger in subtle ways. There are text messages from Chloe she can’t delete and small reminders of her teenage years scattered throughout her life. These details are woven in delicately, steering clear of the kind of heavy-handed nostalgia that can weigh down similar sequels. Instead, the game builds its own identity, focusing on Max’s present-day challenges and relationships.

At the heart of the story is Safi, Max’s close friend at Caledon, whose sudden death sets the narrative in motion and triggers the return of Max’s time-bending abilities. This time, her powers let her switch between two timelines – one where Safi is alive and another where she isn’t. It’s an intriguing twist that adds complexity to the story, even if it doesn’t quite carry the same emotional weight as the original time-rewind mechanic. The narrative stays focused, balancing the personal stakes of Max’s journey with the larger implications of her choices across timelines.

The gameplay sticks closely to the Life is Strange formula. Players explore intimate, detailed environments, interact with objects, and engage in conversations that shape the story’s direction. The small scale of Caledon University contrasts with the sprawling road trip of Life is Strange 2, and while the limited setting might feel restrictive at times, it also reinforces the deeply personal nature of the story. The world feels lived-in, and exploring it reveals the quiet, everyday moments that have always been a hallmark of the series.

The timeline-switching mechanic offers some clever moments, particularly in how it allows players to see the immediate consequences of their decisions in both timelines. A late-game sequence involving intricate planning across the timelines stands out as a highlight. However, the overall pacing can feel uneven, and there’s a sense that the game never fully capitalises on the potential of its central premise. The stakes feel lower than they might in a more ambitious narrative, but that might also be part of the game’s quieter charm.

As with previous entries, Double Exposure has its share of clunky dialogue. Some characters’ lines can feel awkward, with attempts at humour or casualness that don’t quite land. Safi’s quips and Vinh’s flirtations, for instance, sometimes feel more distracting than endearing. That said, these moments are balanced by Max’s thoughtful inner monologue, which gives the story emotional depth. Hannah Telle’s return as Max elevates the experience, delivering a performance that’s grounded and sincere, even when the script falters.

Visually, Double Exposure is the most polished game in the series to date. Developer Deck Nine’s decision to focus on current-gen hardware pays off, with impressive facial animations and detailed environments that bring the world to life. The stylised art direction remains intact, but the improved motion capture adds a sense of realism that complements the emotional storytelling. Then there are minor graphical issues, such as texture pop-ins that occasionally disrupt the experience. But they’re relatively minor in the context of the overall presentation.

Ultimately, Life is Strange: Double Exposure doesn’t reinvent the series, but it doesn’t need to. It delivers a story that’s personal and reflective, staying true to the spirit of Life is Strange while offering a few new ideas. The limited scope might not appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate the series’ focus on intimate, character-driven narratives, it’s a welcome addition. It’s not without its flaws, but it carries the quiet charm and emotional weight that have always been at the heart of Max Caulfield’s story.

Double Exposure may not take big risks, but it knows its audience and delivers what fans have come to expect: a blend of heartfelt storytelling and relatable, imperfect characters. For those who’ve followed Max’s journey, this feels like a meaningful continuation – flawed, yes, but undeniably true to what made Life is Strange resonate in the first place.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is now available on PlayStation 5 (version reviewed), Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

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