Life is Strange: True Colorsis the next mainline entry in the heart wrenching interactive adventure series, though it’s easy to confuse it for a spinoff because of its title. Rumors aboutmultiple newLife is Strangegamesstarted floating long beforeLife is Strange: True Colorsgot revealed at Square Enix’s first digital direct showcase, adding to this confusion.
LikeLife is Strange 2beforehand,Life is Strange: True Colorsintroduces a brand new protagonist. Named Alex Chen, she yields the supernatural ability of empathy. While this is an example of howTrue Colorsis making changes from past entries, one of the most crucial adjustments comes from ditching the numerology of its title.
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Life is Strange True Colors is LiS 3 in All But Name
Life is Strange: True Colorsis the third mainline entry in the game, which, in a way, makes itLife is Strange 3. However, there are plenty of reasons why the number three wouldn’t make sense. For starters,Life is Strange: True Colorsisn’t a direct sequel toLife is Strange 1orLife is Strange 2.
In an interview with the Stevivor website, Deck Nine Narrative Director Felice Kaun explained why this new entry isn’t calledLife is Strange 3. “We are embracing what Dontnod started,” she says. Faun continued, adding that “part of the reason it’s calledLife is Strange: True Colorsand notLife is Strange 3is because it’s a game that anybody can start with.” Essentially, the big takeaway is that the game is being used as an entry point for the series, with the different name serving as a way to welcome in new players.
The decision to move away from numbered subsequent entries isn’t surprising, and it’s something that many long-running video game series tend to adopt sooner or later. Franchises such asAssassin’s CreedandBattlefieldhave long moved away from numbered entries because of standalone releases. This decision ensures that every new entry seems a bit less daunting, making them more accessible to newcomers.Life is Strangenow seems to be headed in the same direction, and with franchises likeResident Evilrumored to follow suit, it seems to be a growing trend.
Life is Strange 2wasn’t a direct sequel toLife is Strange 1either, though the choices of the latter do reflect in the former. Players have to choose one of thetwo endings fromLife is Strange 1, at the start ofLife is Strange 2. Returning characters and subtle references fromLife is Strange 1also make their way toLife is Strange 2, further connecting the two games. On the other hand,Life is Strange: True Colorshas only confirmed one returning character. The character in question comes fromLife is Strange: Before the Storm, which is a prequel to the first game.
Another reason for callingLife is Strange: True Colorsinstead ofLife is Strange 3could be due to the change in the game’s developer. Dontnod Entertainment handled the development ofLife is Strange 1andLife is Strange 2, whereasLife is Strange: Before the Stormwas made by Deck Nine studios.Life is Strange: True Colorsis not being developed by Dontnod, but Deck Nine, with the latter likely to be involved with future entries in the series.
Overall,Life is Strange: True Colorsis a new start for the franchise, with Deck Nine now in charge. Whether it connects toLife is Strange 1andLife is Strange 2in more ways than one remains a mystery, but thankfully, fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out.
Life is Strange: True Colorslaunches Jun 22, 2025, on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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