Review: “Life is Strange – Steve’s Story”

We take a closer look at the first novel, Life is Strange.

Contents (fuss)

“What kind of lesbian are you?” “The kind who…likes…women?” “Me too.” At some point, Steve Gingrich ran out of couches to couch surf. She returned to her father’s house in Seattle to figure out what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Steph spends most of her time working at the local gaming café during the day and leading role-playing sessions at night—that is, until Izzy stumbles into her life with a pile of crumpled band flyers. Izzy is amazing: a punk girl who loves women and a good guitar player. It turns out that being a punk is exactly what Steve needs. She loves music, art, and fashion, but most of all, she loves Izzy. Completely smitten, she offered to play drums and together they formed the band Drugstore Makeup. The whole thing was a complete success in more ways than one, and after participating in a band competition, Drugstore Makeup went on a tour of the most exotic punk venues in the US. But Steve and Izzie soon discover that they are not quite on the same wavelength, unable to communicate with each other, and that they have completely different needs.

criticism

“Steve’s Story” shows – who would have guessed it from the title? – The back story of Steve from the “Life is Strange” games, specifically from “True Colors”, is an introduction to the third part. This story was told all the way to Haven.

If you’re grouchy now, don’t worry: you can read the novel without knowing the games. Strictly speaking, it can be played anywhere in the real world. Because at its core it’s about Izzie and Steve and their relationship, which builds slowly at first. So, if you are expecting action, you are in the wrong place here. The whole thing is a love story that relies heavily on character moments, which are sometimes more successful and sometimes less successful.

First of all, it should be noted that the inclusion of the lesbian relationship with the trans elements was very successful. This is not shown extensively here, even if some of the two leads’ insecurities are mentioned, but rather they are presented as normal and dealt with quickly. This is exactly how it should be.

On the other hand, the beginning of the relationship in question was somewhat less successful. Well, they’re both only 17, but it’s still full of cliches that could have been resolved with a good conversation, and the youth excuse doesn’t count either. However, you have to give credit to the fact that it was hidden well, as Steph’s insecurities in particular were portrayed well and her depression was later discussed. However, I’ve already read a lot of it one way or another.

Things get a little better in the end, because here you notice how the two girls’ thoughts diverge. By then, they are already adults (the story takes place over a few years) and the story has basically matured with them. So, each of them has different dreams and things happen as they should, although this time it’s not necessarily a lack of communication that’s to blame. Here you can understand Steve’s path better and you have to admit that Izzy’s behavior is a bit strange.

Yes, there’s a lack of communication here again, but at least it’s more understandable at this point. It’s especially bittersweet because their parents wished the couple all the best shortly before. Eventually, new people (from the game) are introduced, which adds a nice new dynamic to the matter. Steve or her father had had friends before, but she was still reeling from her trauma and that was a side issue. In the end, she’s still struggling, but you can sympathize with her and understand why she feels at home in Haven.