Life is Strange: Before the Storm developer Deck Nine is back, this time with what it is calling a “next-gen” jump for the series. Life is Strange: True Colors takes players to Haven Springs, where they can freely roam the streets, shops, and alleyways to talk to townsfolk as Alex Chen, a new character with a new power.
This one isn’t about turning back the clock or moving objects with your mind. Instead, Alex - played by Kamen Rider’s Erika Mori - is an empath, able to see auras around people, interpret their emotions, and even dig down into the source of those feelings. The only issue is that she can become overwhelmed when the feelings are too powerful, releasing them in a devastating energy wave.
Alex has spent a good portion of her life in the foster care system, and True Colors sees her reunited with her brother, Gabe, for the first time in eight years. But shortly after their reunion, Gabe is killed in an accident that’s wrapped in a conspiracy you have to uncover.
For the first time in the series, you’ll be able to freely roam around the town and talk to people as you see fit, shaping the fates of the town’s citizens with your decisions.
“Alex Chen has long suppressed her 'curse': the supernatural ability to experience, absorb and manipulate the strong emotions of others, which she sees as blazing, colored auras,” the official synopsis reads. “When her brother dies in a so-called accident, Alex must embrace her volatile power to find the truth – and uncover the dark secrets buried by a small town.”
On top of this, you’ll be able to create your own style by choosing from 24 outfits in your wardrobe, and there are two possible romanceable characters in Ryan and Steph (yes, that’s Steph from Before the Storm).
Music has always been a huge part of the series, and Life is Strange: True Colors is taking that up a notch, featuring an original soundtrack as well as licensed songs from Radiohead, Phoebe Bridgers, Gabrielle Aplin, and more. Alex is a keen singer and the reveal trailer shows her rendition of Radiohead’s Creep.
The biggest advancement in True Colors is the introduction of full performance capture for the actors. This should get across the nuances of their performance in a more convincing manner than booth work, allowing us to see every facial tic. The game has been in development since 2017 and is due to arrive - in full, not episodically - on September 10 this year. It's coming to PC, Xbox One|S, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Stadia.