*Please note that this review will contain two scores. The first score will be for Life Is Strange 2 Episode 5: Wolves, while our traditional score at the bottom will be for Life Is Strange 2 as a whole.
It has been a long and bumpy road for the Diaz brothers. Each episode of Life Is Strange 2 has provided further depth for players to connect with Sean and Daniel, offering adrenaline, tension, and intimacy. With Life Is Strange 2’s last entry, Episode 5: Wolves, the brothers reach the end of their journey.
Picking up several weeks after the events of Episode 4: Faith, Sean and Daniel find themselves in the canyons of Arizona. Considering the game’s previous locales, this setting is by far the most stunning. The player eventually discovers that the brothers have been staying with their mother (who lives on a nearby desert commune). Similar to the cozy atmosphere found in Episode 3: Wastelands, Sean and Daniel find themselves among lovely company.
There are several NPCs that make for delightful engagements. From the artistic Joan to the lovely Stanley and his partner Arthur, to that of a very interesting cameo from a past Life Is Strange title, the commune is a welcoming setting. Wolves also extends upon the boy’s relationship with their mother; whereas Faith provided backstory in regards to their mother, Wolves allows the player to see the boys spend time with her – to see them all as a family.
The episode also includes some intriguing in-game interactions. The aforementioned Joan offers Sean and Daniel the chance to help her with a sculpture, the process adding a fresh spin on the game’s “aim and point” mechanics. Later on, after a specific conversation the brothers have with their mom, Sean has the chance to write her a letter; depending on how the player feels about said conversation, and if they decide to partake in the action, they can choose how Sean writes to her. It’s a small touch, yet the episode’s delivery of heartfelt emotion is so genuine, it almost compels you to take part in writing the letter.
Eventually, the brothers make their way to the border, aiming to cross into Mexico. Without getting into spoilers, the rest of the episode turns into a whirlwind of adrenaline and emotions, guiding the player towards several intriguing endings. Each of these endings is unique, allowing the player to explore various narrative directions.
Speaking to the game’s story in general, Wolves keeps the player engaged from beginning to end. There is a great balance between serene and intense moments; Wolves is easily one of Life Is Strange 2’s most emotionally demanding episodes. As the game’s conclusion, one gets to experience the brothers at their closest; given all the hell they’ve gone through, their love and support for one another has stood up against every challenge. There is a great sense of love felt between the brothers throughout Wolves, making for a beautiful sendoff that’ll satisfy players.
Wolves not only proves to be a solid ending for the Diaz brothers, but it is also one of Life Is Strange 2’s best entries.
Episode Score: 
With all five episodes of Life Is Strange 2 now out, how does the game stand as a whole? Mechanically the game does nothing new that past Life Is Strange titles haven’t done before; however, it is the relationship between Sean and Daniel that truly sells the experience of Life Is Strange 2.
While not every episode lands well, the majority of them bring interesting depth to Sean and Daniel; as we see the brothers face off against various struggles, their personalities develop overtime. By placing the player in the shoes of Sean, they are able to experience the care and love he has for Daniel, and vice versa. Their travels weigh heavy on them, and as the player invests more time into their journey, they too experience the emotional stress the brothers endure. The writing that has gone into Sean and Daniel makes them feel authentic – they come across as people one could meet in the real world. That genuine aspect is essential in delivering the game’s emotional storytelling, further connecting the player to the brothers.
It’s also worth mentioning the game’s exploration of racism in America. The game keeps the player engaged during the chilling moments where Sean is confronted by racist individuals; these moments are not only heartbreaking to witness, but they also serve to reflect a true horror in America. As a game that provides entertainment, while also including this significant reflection of our times, Life Is Strange 2 makes for a powerful work of art.
Having completed all five episodes, I would say there is an added benefit to playing all five close together; being able to experience the story as a whole, and having the emotional context of a previous episode closer to mind while progressing, allows for a more intimate experience.
Whereas previous Life Is Strange games included great amounts of emotional storytelling, Life Is Strange 2 may be the series’ most brutal and heartwarming tale yet.
Life is Strange 2 Overall:
Life is Strange 2 review copy provided by the writer.
Life is Strange 2 is out now on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.