A few months back we already covered the 3rd main installment in the Life is Strange series. We even covered the Wavelength DLC content. Here at Gaming Boulevard, we like to do things thoroughly. So when the Switch version popped up we went back on the emotional train ride that is Life is Strange: True Colors.
Feels fresh
Since my colleague Maikel did the previous review I hadn’t played Life is Strange: True colors. It was definitely on my to-do list but I hadn’t had the chance yet. I went in almost totally fresh with not much knowledge of the back story. I’ve played and enjoyed the series before so I knew what I was for in for. Despite my prior knowledge of the series, this version felt fresh. It’s noticeable the people behind Deck Nine have perfected their craft in both the story-telling department and the graphical department. More on the story-telling department later but first let’s applaud the improved graphics.
Even on the Switch, the scenes looked so much better than ever before in a Life is Strange game. Especially the use of lightning stood out. The game is all about the characters and their stories so having believable-looking characters is a big plus for the immersion. The previous games had a more comic book feel to them while this time around realism (or sort of) is much more emphasized. The major improvements make for a much more polished game although there are some minor problems. Although the “smoothness” factor is hugely improved, I did notice some minor glitches during cutscenes and some frame drops when walking around. At first, I thought this had to do with the computing power of the Switch but apparently, these small problems have been around on the earlier releases too.
Story-telling is on point
Despite these minor graphic flaws, I would like to stress this does not hinder the enjoyment of the game in the slightest. Anyone who played the previous entries will know all versions have been plagued with these small imperfections and none of them were less enjoyable because of it. The Life is Strange series is about a story developing and this time around the story-telling is definitely on point. The main character, Alex, reconnects with her brother after being estranged from each other after being put in foster care. Wanting to start a new life in Haven with her brother, Alex is set to make this work.
As always in the series, the main character has some special powers developing during the game. Alex has the gifts (or curse) to see people’s emotions through colorful auras. These emotions sometimes become so intense, Alex has trouble distinguishing them from her own. After a tragic event, she learns how to control these emotions and even uses them to get more information. Alex goes out to invest in the events of the tragic event and will need to use her powers in order to solve the mystery of the miner’s town of Haven.
Full option
Life is Strange: true colors is not your typical game. Some would argue this is actually a game. Calling it an interactive movie/series is not far from wrong either. Personally, I would call it more of an interactive experience that plays heavily on the heartstrings. The Switch version plays pretty much exactly like the versions on the more powerful consoles. The ability to play this game on the go is the only difference here. I wouldn’t exactly want to experience this game on a trip to school/work or even on a smaller screen. But the fact you can, if you choose so, is awesome. Those doubting to opt for this version shouldn’t. In fact, you even get more options to enjoy this game and the added bonus of the DLC Wavelength is already included.
Conclusion
Life is Strange: True Colors on the Nintendo Switch is just as awesome as the previously released versions. Having the “on the go” option sounds a bit odd to me for this type of game but if you like to indulge in emotional content on a packed train or in the park… you can.
