The Life is Strange: Before the Storm bonus episode, “Farewell,” featuring the original voice actors of Max Caulfield and Chloe Price, takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete on a single playthrough. This timeframe is dependent on your playstyle, exploration of the environment, and time spent engaging with dialogue options.
Unraveling “Farewell”: A Deep Dive into the Bonus Episode
“Farewell” serves as a poignant epilogue to Life is Strange: Before the Storm, acting as a bridge to the original Life is Strange. It allows players to step back into the shoes of a young Max Caulfield before her move to Seattle, offering a final, heartfelt interaction with her best friend, Chloe Price. The episode is primarily focused on character development and emotional resonance, rather than complex puzzles or intense action sequences. Therefore, the playtime is largely dictated by the player’s engagement with the story and their willingness to explore the environment for clues and hidden moments.
The brevity of the episode is often seen as a strength, allowing it to deliver a powerful and focused emotional punch. It provides closure and adds another layer of depth to the already complex relationship between Max and Chloe, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series.
Exploring Gameplay and Key Features
The gameplay in “Farewell” mirrors that of the main Before the Storm episodes, focusing on dialogue choices, exploration, and environmental interaction. Players navigate familiar locations from the original game, such as Chloe’s house, and uncover new details about their relationship. While there are no major gameplay innovations, the episode excels in its narrative and character-driven approach.
Narrative Depth and Emotional Impact
The primary appeal of “Farewell” lies in its narrative depth and emotional impact. Seeing a younger Max and Chloe, voiced by their original actors, provides a nostalgic and bittersweet experience. The episode deals with themes of friendship, change, and the inevitability of parting ways, making it a deeply moving experience for players invested in the characters’ stories.
Replayability and Alternate Endings?
While the overall narrative arc remains consistent, certain dialogue choices and interactions can influence the subtle nuances of the ending and impact the emotional weight of the final scenes. This encourages players to revisit the episode and explore different options, though the core ending remains the same.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Life is Strange: Before the Storm bonus episode “Farewell,” providing further clarification and insights.
1. Do I need to play the other Before the Storm episodes to understand “Farewell”?
While “Farewell” can be enjoyed on its own, playing the main Before the Storm episodes will significantly enhance your understanding of the characters and their relationships. The emotional impact will be greater if you’re already familiar with Chloe’s struggles and her bond with Rachel Amber. However, the episode is designed to be relatively self-contained, focusing on Max and Chloe’s relationship before the events of Life is Strange.
2. Is “Farewell” included in the standard edition of Life is Strange: Before the Storm?
No, “Farewell” was originally a pre-order bonus for the Deluxe Edition of Life is Strange: Before the Storm. However, it is now available for purchase separately on most platforms.
3. Does “Farewell” affect the storyline of the original Life is Strange?
“Farewell” doesn’t drastically alter the main plot of the original Life is Strange. Instead, it provides additional context and insight into Max and Chloe’s relationship, deepening the emotional connection for players who have already experienced the original game. It enhances the existing narrative rather than rewriting it.
4. Who voices Max and Chloe in “Farewell”?
Hannah Telle and Ashly Burch reprise their roles as Max Caulfield and Chloe Price, respectively. This was a major draw for fans, as these were the original voice actors from the first Life is Strange game.
5. Are there any difficult puzzles or action sequences in “Farewell”?
“Farewell” is primarily a narrative-driven experience. There are no complex puzzles or challenging action sequences. The focus is on character interaction and exploration.
6. What platforms is “Farewell” available on?
“Farewell” is available on the same platforms as Life is Strange: Before the Storm, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (Steam), and Mac. It may also be available on cloud gaming services like GeForce Now, depending on the specific game availability.
7. Does “Farewell” require a high-end gaming PC or console?
No, Life is Strange: Before the Storm, including “Farewell,” is not a graphically demanding game. It can run smoothly on most modern PCs and consoles. The focus is on the stylized art direction rather than hyper-realistic graphics.
8. Can I skip dialogue in “Farewell”?
Yes, like the main Before the Storm episodes, you can skip dialogue in “Farewell”. However, doing so may diminish the emotional impact and understanding of the story.
9. Are there collectibles or hidden items to find in “Farewell”?
Yes, there are a few collectibles and hidden items that players can find in “Farewell.” Discovering these can add to the overall playtime and provide additional insights into the characters and their world. Exploration is encouraged.
10. Does “Farewell” have multiple endings?
While the overarching ending of “Farewell” remains the same, certain dialogue choices and actions can influence the emotional tone and subtle nuances of the final scenes. This provides a degree of replayability and allows players to shape the emotional impact of the episode.
11. Is “Farewell” worth purchasing separately if I already own the main Before the Storm episodes?
For fans of Life is Strange and Before the Storm, “Farewell” is generally considered a worthwhile purchase. The return of the original voice actors and the opportunity to experience one last interaction between Max and Chloe before the original game’s events make it a valuable addition to the series.
12. Does playing “Farewell” change my perception of the characters in Life is Strange?
“Farewell” can deepen your understanding of Max and Chloe’s relationship and provide additional context for their actions in the original Life is Strange. It offers a bittersweet glimpse into their past and can enrich your overall appreciation for the series’ characters and themes. It’s a character-driven experience that enhances the larger narrative.