Gay teen angst is up for grabs as Life is Strange 2 offers first chapter for free
Gaymers with a penchant for teen angst, tough choices, and unexplained super powers, rejoice: publisher Square Enix has made the first episode of its five-part narrative adventure game Life is Strange 2 free, forever, effective immediately.
The episodic game debuted in September 2018 – technically preceded by the standalone The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, which launched in June of that year – and followed brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz as they are forced to strike out on their own in the wake of a personal tragedy.
On the run from the authorities, the brothers try to make it from Seattle to their last known relatives in Mexico. Along the way, players must guide Sean through pivotal moments and arduous choices that will shape his younger brother’s still-developing morality – and considering this is a nine-year old who’s just discovered he has telekinetic powers he can barely control, it’s probably best not to turn him evil.
The Life is Strange series has long struck a chord with LGBTQ+ players for its positive depiction of queer romances – particularly between teenagers and young adults. The second game is no exception, although you’ll have to pick up the remaining four chapters to see how Sean’s relationship options play out. The rest of the game can be purchased chapter by chapter, or in a season pack.
If you enjoy Life is Strange 2, make sure you also check out developer DONTNOD’s brilliant follow-up game, Tell Me Why – gaming’s first major title with a trans protagonist. The studio has carved a reputation for itself as one of the best for LGBTQ+ representation, and Life is Strange 2 is one more example why it deserves that recognition.
The first chapter of Life is Strange 2 can be downloaded at no cost on PS4, Xbox One, and Steam, right now.
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