Life Is Strange: Reunion Preview: Like Meeting Up With an Old Friend

IGN

by Ryan McCaffrey

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Life is Strange: Reunion brings back Chloe Price after a decade, reigniting the heart of what made the original series so impactful. Set immediately after *Double Exposure*, the game sees Max Caulfield grappling with the aftermath of that story while reconnecting with her complicated best friend, Chloe. This return to the duo’s dynamic marks a potential turning point for the franchise, as Reunion aims to deliver a darker, more emotionally charged narrative than ever before. The game’s signature indie aesthetic and quirky dialogue remain intact, but the storytelling has明显 improved, with a greater sense of urgency and melancholic tone. The visuals in *Reunion* are a standout, with refined graphics that bring the world to life in ways previous entries couldn’t achieve. Facial expressions, character interactions, and environmental storytelling all feel more polished and layered. The game revisits familiar locations from the original *Life is Strange*, blending nostalgia with fresh design elements. Conversations feel more authentic, balancing cringeworthy moments with dialogue that keeps players engaged. Reunion also doubles down on the core gameplay mechanics that defined the series, bringing back Max’s time-rewind ability—a decision that feels natural and true to the game’s narrative-driven roots. While *Double Exposure* experimented with dimension-hopping powers, Reunion’s return to the original system is a welcome throwback for fans. The puzzles in the preview were challenging yet satisfying, with one instance requiring players to defuse explosives under time pressure—a mechanic that layered strategy and tension effectively. The game’s music, always a highlight, continues to shine in *Reunion*. A nostalgic needle drop early in the demo struck a emotional chord, blending nostalgia with fresh

Verticals

gaming

Originally published on IGN on 2/24/2026