Life is Strangeis a unique video game series, known for its episodic storytelling and tricky decision-making. The first game, which follows protagonist Max and her old friend Chloe, has now become enough of a beloved game to see a remastered release coming later this year. Additionally,Life is Strange: True Colorsis due out this fall as well, but some fans might be looking for something else in the meantime.
There’s nothing out there quite likeLife is Strange,with its culmination of gripping plots, realistic characters, difficult decisions, and beautiful art direction. The most obvious similar title isTell Me Why, also made by DONTNOD, and it’s often considered to be an honoraryLife is Strangetitle. But there are other games out there that have similar bits and pieces. Here are a few games to tide fans over untilLife is Strange: True Colors.
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Telltale’s The Walking Dead
The Walking Deadvideo game series might bear the closest resemblance toLife is Strange,but it’s also the only game on this list that includes violence, albeit mildly in comparison to most video games out there. In fact,Life is Strangeis often compared toThe Walking DeadasTelltalewas the flagship developer to creator point-click stories featuring heavy decision making.
While many might recognize the nameWalking Deadfrom the long-running television show, the video games are set in the same world as the comic series with a similar art style. Throughout the zombie saga, likeLife is Strange, players will have to make difficult decisions that influence gameplay down the line, though they will ultimately follow the same overall path. These changes often come in the form of character companions and securing the trust of party members. But while many may acclaim theLife is Strangegames to be sad,The Walking Deadis infinitely more so. It’s also episodic, another element thatLife is Strangedrew from Telltale, and there are four games to round out the story that largely revolves aroundthe child Clementine.
Oxenfree
Oxenfreeis another cult-classic indie gamethat may not have blown up quite as much asLife is Strange, but is definitely one that fans of the series should check out. What makes it most likeLife is Strangeis its realistic depiction of teenagers, especially within the dialogue. Players assume the role of Alex, who’s headed to an island for an illegal overnight stay with a group of friends. Through the use of a dialed radio, Alex, her stepbrother Jonas, and their gang discover something sinister going on at Edwards Island.
Here, Alex’s decisions won’t seem like a big deal the wayMax’s do inLife is Strange, but they can influence the ending, which comes in various forms. And whileOxenfreemight get a little spooky and appeals to the horror genre of gaming, it doesn’t have any jumpscares and is ultimately about friendships more than anything else.
Night in the Woods
LikeOxenfreeandLife is Strange,Night in the Woodsalso slightly touches on horror, but doesn’t all-encompass the game’s main themes. Here, the anthropomorphic cat Mae is returning to her hometown after quitting college life, struggling with the realities of adulthood. Also likeOxenfree, its depiction of young-adult dialogue is spot-on and there’s also something not quite right with the town. There are no true decisions to be made withNight in the Woods, and it’s overall a bit satirical. Still, it speaks to the modern teenager much like howLife is Strangewas inspired by the classic novelCatcher in the Rye.
Life is Strange: True Colorsreleases on June 14, 2025 for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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