Life Is Strange: True Colors marks a fresh chapter in the beloved narrative-driven series, developed by Deck Nine and published by Square Enix. Released in September 2021, the game introduces a new protagonist, a small-town mystery, and a superpower that dives deeper into human emotion than any supernatural mechanic the series has offered before. With strong storytelling, relatable characters, and a striking emotional core, True Colors is a beautiful exploration of grief, identity, and empathy.
Story and Setting
The game follows Alex Chen, a young woman who reunites with her brother Gabe in the picturesque town of Haven Springs, Colorado after years spent in foster care. Alex has a unique supernatural ability—she can perceive, absorb, and influence the emotions of others, which she sees as colorful auras surrounding people.
Tragedy strikes early when Gabe dies in a mysterious accident, and Alex’s journey shifts from reunion to investigation. Determined to uncover the truth, Alex explores the town, builds relationships with its residents, and learns how her power can help—or hurt—those around her.
Unlike previous entries in the series, which were episodic, True Colors presents its five chapters as a single release. This gives the narrative a smooth and uninterrupted flow that enhances immersion and emotional connection.
Characters and Dialogue
What sets True Colors apart is its compelling cast of characters. Haven Springs feels alive with personalities, from the charming barkeep Jed and radio host Steph (a returning favorite from Before the Storm), to Ryan, a soft-spoken ranger with a quiet strength. Each character has depth, and their relationships with Alex evolve naturally through well-written dialogue and meaningful choices.
Alex herself is a standout protagonist. Voiced and motion-captured by Erika Mori, her performance brings authenticity to Alex’s inner turmoil, resilience, and quiet strength. The game smartly balances her vulnerability with agency, allowing players to shape how she responds to both personal trauma and the emotions of others.
Gameplay and Mechanics
At its core, True Colors is a narrative adventure game with light exploration, conversation-based choices, and occasional puzzles. The most significant gameplay feature is Alex’s power—Empathy. Unlike the time-rewinding mechanic from the first game, this power is more introspective and narrative-focused.
When people around Alex experience strong emotions—fear, sadness, anger, or joy—she can “tune in” to their thoughts and memories, unlocking deeper insight into their struggles. This mechanic is often used to resolve conflicts or reveal hidden truths, and it adds a thoughtful layer to the standard dialogue-tree gameplay. It’s a creative, non-violent mechanic that underscores the emotional themes of the game.
Exploring Haven Springs is also a joy. The town is lovingly rendered with detailed environments, cozy interiors, and interactive moments like playing the guitar or participating in a heartfelt LARP (live-action role play) event that becomes one of the game’s most memorable chapters.
Visuals and Audio
True Colors is the most visually impressive game in the Life Is Strange series. The character models are more expressive than ever, allowing for subtle emotional nuances to come through in facial animation. The color palette is vibrant, with the emotional auras giving a visual signature to Alex’s powers.
The soundtrack, as always, plays a key role. A mix of indie tracks and original compositions beautifully underscore the emotional beats. Artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Kings of Leon, and Novo Amor contribute to the game’s warm, introspective tone. The original score by Angus & Julia Stone, composed specifically for the game, adds further emotional weight and cohesion.
Themes and Emotional Impact
Where True Colors truly shines is in its emotional storytelling. The game tackles complex topics—grief, trauma, belonging, and the struggle to understand both ourselves and others. Alex’s empathy power isn’t just a gimmick; it’s the lens through which the game explores the messiness of human emotion. Players are asked not just to observe, but to feel—to consider what people need, not just what they say.
Choices in True Colors are less about right and wrong and more about moral nuance and emotional truth. The game doesn’t punish you for choosing one path over another; instead, it focuses on how your actions shape relationships and self-discovery.
Weaknesses
Despite its many strengths, True Colors isn’t perfect. Some players may find the pacing slow, especially if they’re used to more action-oriented games. Certain story elements, particularly in the final chapter, can feel a bit rushed or overly convenient. And while the game allows for exploration, it is still relatively linear and limited in scope compared to open-world titles.
Final Verdict
Life Is Strange: True Colors is a heartfelt, emotionally intelligent game that highlights the power of empathy in a world too often defined by conflict and misunderstanding. With strong writing, a memorable cast, and a deeply human core, it stands as one of the best entries in the Life Is Strange franchise.
