Unveiling 25 Captivating Narrative Experiences for Life Is Strange Fanatics
Discover 25 captivating narrative-driven games like Life is Strange Immerse yourself in compelling stories and unforgettable characters with titles such as Oxenfree, Gone Home, The Witcher 3, and Detroit: Become Human Expand your love for storytelling in gaming with these exceptional experiences
Games such as Oxenfree, Broken Age, Baldur's Gate 3, and others provide immersive and narrative-driven gameplay akin to that of Life Is Strange. Tell Me Why and The Wolf Among Us showcase episodic storytelling, while Firewatch and Last Day of June boast captivating mysteries and poignant narratives.
The gaming industry has experienced a significant rise in recent years, allowing game studios to create highly detailed character models through motion capture technology. Additionally, the industry's financial success has enabled them to hire skilled voice actors and scriptwriters. As a result, games now have the ability to tell immersive and captivating stories, as demonstrated by titles like Life Is Strange. Developed by Dontnod Entertainment, Life Is Strange is renowned for its well-constructed narrative. Fortunately, there are several other games available that also offer impressive and captivating storytelling for fans of Life Is Strange.
Updated by Kristy Ambrose on September 6, 2023: The market for narrative-driven games is a lucrative one. These gaming titles, inspired by Life Is Strange, have expanded beyond the initial trend of unique artwork, unconventional storytelling, and innovative integration with other development styles.
Both independent and triple-A titles with a similar aesthetic have been released. In addition, fans of the Life is Strange franchise can also delve into a series of comics and novels. For those seeking a comparable experience, there are numerous games available until the next installment in the series or the release of remastered versions.
25 Oxenfree
Launch Date:
January 15th, 2016
Developer:
Night School Studio
Platforms:
OS X, Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch
Oxenfree, a graphic adventure game, was initially released in January 2016 for OS X, Windows, and Xbox One. Other platforms received their own versions the following year. In the game, players control a teenager named Alex, who inadvertently unleashes a supernatural entity on an island and must find a solution to halt its havoc. Oxenfree gained attention upon release for its distinctive visuals.
24 Broken Age
Developer:
Double Fine Productions
Platforms:
Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Ouya, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
The debut of Broken Age in 2014 was highly anticipated, not only because it marked Tim Schafer's return to the point-and-click adventure genre since Grim Fandango but also due to its successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, becoming one of the top-funded video games at the time.
Although Broken Age didn't quite reach the same level of greatness as the classic Grim Fandango, it still remains an exceptional contemporary point-and-click game, akin to the likes of Life Is Strange, and is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in this genre.
23 Baldur's Gate 3
Launch Date:
August 3rd, 2023
Developer:
Larian Studios
Platforms:
Windows, PlayStation 5, macOS, Xbox Series S and X
Content had a development period of several years, resulting in a polished finished product with a detailed storyline. The Early Access version was released in September 2020, closer to Larian's original launch plan. Baldur's Gate 3 is renowned for its extensive possibilities shaped by character choices, as well as the wide array of gear and customization options available. This RPG game prioritizes immersive roleplaying and compelling narrative.
Launch Date:
August 15th, 2013
Developer:
The Fullbright Company
Platforms:
Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS
The game was initially released for Windows in 2013, but it became available on all platforms by 2018. Set in 1995, Gone Home showcases a late 20th-century aesthetic that enhances the immersive experience. It is a point-and-click mystery-solving puzzle game that revolves around an isolated house in Oregon.
Upon returning home after a prolonged absence, the protagonist discovers that her family has mysteriously disappeared. The game excels in its artistic merit and intricate narrative, though those seeking high levels of tension and combat may find it slightly lacking.
21 Night In The Woods
Launch Date:
February 21st, 2016
Developer:
Infinite Fall and Secret Lab
Platforms:
Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS
20 Tell Me Why
Launch Date:
August and September, 2020
Developer:
Xbox Game Studios
Platforms:
Windows, Xbox One
Tell Me Why, developed by Dontnod Entertainment, the studio behind Life is Strange, is highly recommended for fans of the series. The story unfolds in an episodic format, with each chapter released a few weeks apart during the fall of 2020.
Tell Me Why presents an episodic adventure divided into three chapters, focusing on a pair of twins who possess the extraordinary power of telepathic communication. Notably, this game stands out as the first AAA title to introduce a transgender protagonist.
19 The Wolf Among Us
Launch Date:
Episodic, starting in 2013 and ending in 2014.
Developer:
Telltale Games
Platforms:
Android, iOS, OS X, PlayStation 3, 4 and Vita, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One
18 Firewatch
Launch Date:
February 9th, 2016
Developer:
Panic, Campo Santo
Platforms:
Linux, OS X, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Campo Santo developed Firewatch, which was originally released on PC and PlayStation 4 in February 2016. The game later became available on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
The storyline begins with a melancholic text adventure, where the main character makes the decision to abandon their ordinary life and become a forest fire lookout. While Firewatch may initially seem like a relaxed exploration game similar to Life Is Strange, it swiftly evolves into a captivating and suspenseful mystery adventure.
17 Beyond: Two Souls
Launch Date:
October 8th, 2013
Developer:
Quantic Dream
Beyond: Two Souls, an interactive drama featuring Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe, was created by Quantic Dream, the team behind Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human. Similar to its predecessors, the game evokes mixed reactions regarding its gameplay and storytelling, leaving it divisive among players. However, it remains a commendable choice for those seeking a intricate narrative.
16 Last Day Of June
Launch Date:
August 31st, 2017
Developer:
Ovosonico
Platforms:
PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
This game, Last Day Of June, stands out among others as it incorporates music into its gameplay. Drawing inspiration from Pink Floyd's atmospheric and experimental rock of the 1970s, the game is based on Steven Wilson's album, Drive Home.
Centered around the characters Carl and June, the story takes a tragic turn, as hinted by the title. However, it serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there are still choices and hope for a brighter future.
15 What Remains Of Edith Finch
Launch Date:
April 25th, 2017
Platforms: W
indows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
What Remains of Edith Finch was released in April 2017 for Windows and PlayStation 4, with the game becoming available on all other platforms by 2022. The game centers around the protagonist's ancestral home, where players are tasked with investigating a series of untimely deaths believed to be caused by a curse. What Remains of Edith Finch received acclaim from both fans and critics for its captivating story and diverse gameplay mechanics. Players must utilize all available abilities to explore and uncover the accounts of each family member's demise.
14 Quantum Break
Launch Date:
April 5th, 2016
Developer:
Remedy Entertainment
Platforms:
Windows, Xbox One
Quantum Break carried a significant burden of expectations prior to its release, being the first action-adventure game from Remedy Entertainment since the acclaimed Alan Wake.
Similar to Life Is Strange, Quantum Break, released in 2016, grants players the ability to manipulate time through its protagonist. However, its most intriguing feature is the incorporation of a live-action television show that showcases the actors enacting the player's decisions within the game.
13 Until Dawn
Launch Date:
August 4th, 2015
Platforms:
PlayStation 4
Until Dawn, developed by Supermassive Games, was exclusively released on the PlayStation 4 in August 2015. This interactive drama shares gameplay similarities with titles such as Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human, as it incorporates quick-time events as pivotal components in its action sequences and decision-making. What sets Until Dawn apart from these interactive dramas is its focus on horror, bringing an added level of intensity to the decision-making process.
12 Heavy Rain
Launch Date:
February 23rd, 2010
Developer:
Quantic Dream
Platforms:
Windows, PlayStation 3 & 4
Despite receiving some criticism, Heavy Rain, a highly influential video game, played a significant role in shaping the genre it belongs to. The game, developed by Quantic Dream, tells the heart-wrenching tale of a father's devastating loss and subsequent descent into chaos. Unique for its time, Heavy Rain allows players to experience the perspectives of various characters. While it may lack the refinement of more contemporary games like Life Is Strange, Heavy Rain captivates players with its intriguing and emotionally charged narrative from start to finish.
11 Vampyr
Developer:
Dontnod Entertainment
Platforms:
PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Vampyr is not your typical story-rich game that focuses on beauty, art, and family-friendly content. It caters to those who enjoy the horror genre, offering a thrilling plot with elements of mystery and the occult.
In addition to its captivating storyline, Vampyr also includes role-playing and adventure game features. This means players can enjoy character customization and engaging in plenty of combat. As the player, you will take control of Jonathan Reid, a doctor who becomes a vampire and must navigate the conflict between his Hippocratic Oath and his insatiable thirst for blood.
10 The Walking Dead
Launch Date:
Episodic releases throughout 2012
Developer:
Telltale Games
Platforms:
Android, iOS, Kindle Fire HDX, OS X, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Ouya, PlayStation 3, 4, and Vita, Xbox One and 360
A decade ago, the entertainment industry was flooded with narratives about zombies, the undead, or infected antagonists, but today, while engaging with The Walking Dead, characters exhibit a lack of surprise towards the ongoing zombie apocalypse and instead choose to embrace the grim reality.
Launch Date:
June 25th, 2018
Developer:
Dontnod Entertainment
Platforms:
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, released in 2018, is a top pick for fans of PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix, this game is a natural continuation of the well-known Life Is Strange series.
8 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Despite not receiving the same level of critical acclaim as its predecessor, the game still holds value for fans of Dontnod Entertainment's unique gameplay style found in the Life Is Strange series. Additionally, being set in the same universe, it definitely piques the interest of those who desire a deeper understanding of the game's world.
Launch Date:
May19th, 2018
Developer:
CD Projekt Red
Platforms:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sets itself apart from Life Is Strange by blending frequent combat sections with traditional RPG elements. Despite these differences, The Witcher 3 earns a place on this list due to its similar focus on decision-based storytelling.
Launch Date:
May 14th, 2010
Developer:
Remedy Entertainment
Platforms:
Experience the gripping narrative of Alan Wake, where players take on the role of an author and embark on a journey with his wife to the enigmatic town of Bright Falls. In an attempt to overcome his writer's block, they are confronted with a chilling twist of fate - the disappearance of Alan's wife and the onset of inexplicable and ominous occurrences. Discover the dark secrets of this haunting tale across multiple platforms including Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
6 Detroit: Become Human
The game incorporates a combat system similar to that of Resident Evil 4, where players engage in intense battles against numerous adversaries as they embark on a journey to rescue the protagonist and unveil a terrifying mystery influenced by the renowned American author Stephen King's literary works.
Launch Date:
May 25th, 2018
Developer:
Quantic Dream
Platforms:
Beyond: Two Souls is another game from Quantic Dream that is worth checking out. Having three entries from one game studio makes sense, with a similar theme and aesthetic being used for all of them.
