What were you doing back in 2015? Perhaps you were engaged with some of the most iconic video games of the year, like the tactical stealth experience of Metal Gear Solid V or the post-apocalyptic adventures of Fallout 4. The indie sensation Undertale and the flashy multiplayer fun of Rocket League also made headlines during that year. For those brave enough to wield the Wii U, Splatoon offered colorful, chaotic battles online.

2015 was not just a landmark year for gaming; it also marked the debut of Square Enix's experimental narrative adventure, Life Is Strange. Initially codenamed "What If?", this title surprised many, as the company was primarily known for its grand RPGs. Developed by Dontnod, amidst their action-oriented title Remember Me, the series was a risk that paid off, ultimately leading to two sequels, various downloadable content, a remaster, and now – almost a decade later – Life is Strange: Double Exposure. This latest installment is crafted by the talented Deck Nine, who previously brought us Life is Strange: True Colors.

Reflecting on the journey since 2015, Double Exposure brings players back into the world of Max Caulfield, now an adult and a professional photographer grappling with the remnants of her turbulent past. After discovering her friend Safi’s lifeless body, Max is thrust back into her former life, revisiting her ability to manipulate time – a power she once renounced.

Nostalgia and New Beginnings

Max's voice is once again brought to life by original actor Hannah Telle, who has matured alongside her character. Game director Jonathan Stauder expressed excitement about Telle's return: "We’re thrilled she was eager to reprise the role. We couldn't imagine proceeding without her."

The original Life Is Strange saw Max through the lens of a high school experience, where she discovered her unique ability to pause and rewind time. Now, in Double Exposure, after another tragic event unfolds, Max uncovers a new capability: the power to traverse alternate timelines. This kickstarts an adventure where players will navigate not just Max's emotional turmoil but also complex gameplay mechanics.

One burning question looms – how do we handle the divergent endings from the original game? According to narrative director Felice Kuan, both endings are canon. Early on in Double Exposure, players can choose which ending to follow in their adventures with Max, maintaining the series' tradition of player choice.

Enhanced Gameplay Experience

Our initial demo revealed a gripping sequence where Max finds herself in a tense confrontation involving her friend Moses and a local police detective. This dynamic mirrors real societal issues, making the stakes feel incredibly relevant and pressing in today's climate.

Using her newfound powers, Max can view alternate realities, allowing her to manipulate events and reposition characters to change the outcome of the tense encounter. This fresh mechanic creates a rich palette of interactive storytelling that elevates the emotional intensity of the gameplay.

Graphically, Double Exposure stands apart, being the first game in the series to utilize full motion capture technology. This is evident in the character animations, which now convey emotions more fluidly than previously, enhancing the already intricate web of human interaction that the series thrives on.

The Switch Debate

While our demo showcased this beautiful game on a high-end PC, it's exciting to know that a Nintendo Switch port is in the works. Although a precise date hasn’t been set, Square Enix is prioritizing the handheld version, with the initial worldwide launch planned for October 29.

The team at Engine Software, known for their successful past ports, is dedicated to making Double Exposure shine on the Switch, adapting advanced Unreal Engine features to fit the console's capabilities.

In conclusion, Life is Strange: Double Exposure is set to take gamers on a nostalgic yet fresh journey that intertwines emotional storytelling with innovative gameplay. Mark your calendars for the adventure's release on October 29, with the Switch version to follow. Are you ready to step back into Max Caulfield's shoes?