SQUARE ENIX Life Is Strange Before The Storm Farewell review - A masterclass in video game storytelling

This makes it sound like it's an additional extra for Life Is Strange fans. And, on one hand - it literally is, as it's an episode only available to those who ordered the 'deluxe' edition of Before the Storm. But on the other hand, this is absolutely an essential experience for fans of the series and one of the best Life Is Strange episodes ever. While Before the Storm focused on Chloe's and Rachel's intense relationship, Farewell revisits the original game's pairing. Players once again step into the shoes of Max Caulfield with events playing out years before the events of the first season. It starts with the two BFFs are hanging out in an empty house as Max grapples with the emotional impact of an impending move away from Arcadia Bay. What follows is a moving, funny and heart-string pulling look at Chloe and Max's relationship at a pivotal moment in their lives. Farewell pairs back the Life Is Strange experience and focuses on the dialogue and dynamic between Chloe and Max. Gone are all the bells and whistles that the series is known for. There's no time travelling 'rewind' feature like in the original game, nor is there the 'backtalk' option of Before The Storm.

Life Is Strange Before The Storm - Much loved Square Enix game gets prequel Thu, August 3, 2017 Life Is Strange Before The Storm - Pictures of Chloe Price and Rachel Amber in Arcadia Bay Play slideshow SQUARE ENIX 1 of 9 Life Is Strange Before The Storm

It instead has an insular view, focusing on the relationship between Chloe and Max - and it's all the better for it. Farewell only clocks in at around the two hour mark, but because it's so centred on this one relationship it's easy to get completely lost in it. And, unlike other episodes, there is no jilted dialogue or awkward character movements. Everything about Farewell is refined and polished - helping you get completely engrossed in what's unfolding. It captures perfectly that feeling of being a pre-teen and going round to a friend's house. That sense of mystery, excitement and time standing still while you use your imagination to create your own fun and adventures is all there.

SQUARE ENIX Life Is Strange Before The Storm Farewell sees Chloe and Max return

For fans of the series, the events of Farewell all help to enhance and enrich our knowledge of Chloe and Max. Throughout the episode there are plenty of moments that give a deeper understanding to their relationship and what draws them together. Whether it's flicking through an ingenious school project they worked together on, or learning more about their childhood together. It all helps to paint a deep and rich picture of the dynamic between Max and Chloe.

Farewell is, like with the rest of Before The Storm, developed by Deck Nine Games who took over from original series developer DONTNOD Entertainment. But while they could shape how fans saw Chloe and Rachel, there's already a preconceived idea among fans about the relationship between Chloe and Max. Going into this episode and trying to make the dynamic between the pair fit in with the feel of the original game must have been hugely challenging. But, like with Before The Storm, Deck Nine Games have hit it out the park. Everything about the way Chloe and Max interact with one another feels just right. And it's a nice touch having original actors Hannah Telle and Ashly Burch return to voice these much-loved characters one final time.

SQUARE ENIX Life Is Strange Before The Storm Farewell is all that's great about LiS in one episode

It all builds to a conclusion that is essential to the story DONTNOD and Deck Nine Games have shaped across two seasons. It paints these characters in a new light and may lead you to look back on the original game's finale differently. What Deck Nine Games have managed to do with Before The Storm is hugely impressive. They have not only created a story that stands on it's own, but also enriches and enhances the original it's based on. That is what all prequels set out to, but precious few manage to achieve. Not only that, but with Farewell Deck Nine have managed to distill everything that makes Life Is Strange special into one tight package.

SQUARE ENIX Life Is Strange Before The Storm Farewell is the perfect way to end Max and Chloe's story