That said, from what we’ve played so far, the 15-hour Lost in Random is a surprising dark delight. we haven’t finished it – so a final assessment could change. Of the three games profiled in this article, we’ve spent the least time with Lost in Random – i.e. Life is Strange: True Colours can be played on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. For the record, Life is Strange: True Colors is very positive in terms of representation matters. While not included with the Game Pass edition of the game, we also enjoyed the Wavelengths prequel DLC, which puts fan-favourite LGBTQ+ character Steph Gingrich in the spotlight. The ten-hour experience is made all the more immersive by top-tier performance capture, nuanced character writing and a stunning setting.Īs with other Life is Strange games, you’ll still be making some very tough choices that ultimately determine which ending (out of six) you arrive at – although True Colors arguably doesn’t pack quite the emotional wallop as the first game in the series. You want to spend as much time in Haven as possible. However, the game world is so incredibly well-realised and inviting that you’re largely willing to forgive the many leisurely detours (including town festivals and an episode-long LARP). True Colors isn’t particularly focused on resolving that core mystery, cramming the resolution into the game’s final two chapters with some Dickensian plot twists. However, when tragedy strikes, Alex must use her unique ability – she’s an empath able to read people’s emotions as an aura, and sometimes even enter their minds – to find the truth about what really happened. The reunion takes her to Haven Springs, an idyllic mountain town in Colorado. Made by Deck Nine, the same studio behind prequel Life is Strange: Before the Storm, True Colors centres on Alex Chen, a young woman reunited with her older brother after almost a decade in the foster care system. You can read our full review of 2021’s Life is Strange: True Colors, but the short version is that this third entry in Square Enix’s popular narrative adventure series is as emotionally involving as its predecessors, while demonstrating some next-gen visual flair. On Game Pass though? There’s no excuse to not don the tunic. It’s a steal of an experience even at full price on PC and Xbox consoles (as a timed console exclusive). This “small” indie title from Andrew Shouldice will take anywhere from 10- 20 hours to complete. It’s a clever mechanic embedded within Tunic’s DNA, and something that makes it truly unique. Those tomes were always filled with helpful tips and guidance, and they serve the same purpose here on the screen, offering players crucial information in-game – bites of lore, hints for puzzles, combat tactics, and more. The manual takes inspiration from the same packed-in physical game booklets that many gamers pored over in their earliest years. Its level design outshines even what some of the best AAA studios can manage, cleverly funnelling players to their next objective, and regularly rewarding them when they stray from the beaten path with money, upgrade ingredients, and maybe even a new page for the invaluable in-game manual. There are no traditional quest markers so to speak, meaning players needs to organically figure out where to go and what to do next.īut this is where Tunic truly excels. It’s worth pointing out, though, that infinite stamina and health options are available for those who shy away from challenging combat, because it’s actually a side feature to Tunic’s main attraction – exploration. Boss encounters are also presented as grand, daring affairs that are seemingly impossible for our adorable fox protagonist, but not unmanageable. In fact, it’s very easy to draw comparisons to Dark Souls on this front, because routine skirmishes can be challenging, with death one miscalculated roll away. Tunic’s combat, for instance, has more depth than one might expect, demanding stamina management, enemy prioritisation with the game’s camera lock system, and just a good general awareness of surroundings. What follows, however, is an unforgettable, exquisitely designed adventure that does more than enough to prove that it’s more than a “fox in Link’s clothing.” You awaken in a mysterious land, sporting nothing more than a very familiar green outfit. That comparison isn’t far off, at least in the game’s opening hours. If you’ve been eying them, here’s your chance to find out if they’re worth playing – though a Game Pass sub, or on other gaming platforms via traditional purchase to own.Īt a glance, Tunic looks like a gorgeous indie clone of any classic Legend of Zelda game. We’re making up for it with mini reviews for three very different games, all of which joined the subscription service from mid March onwards. It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these closer looks at additions to Xbox Game Pass (read previous articles in the series here and here).
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