[Top 10] Games Like Life Is Strange (Games Better Than Life Is Strange In Their Own Way)

Updated:

08 Oct 2023

Bay or Bae? One of the most heart-wrenching decisions gamers have faced. Life is Strange was beautiful, nostalgic, and downright traumatic. We know you’ve been dying to find a game that makes you feel all those emotions again. So, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 narrative-adventure games like Life is Strange that are guaranteed to tug on your heartstrings and completely ruin your ability to feel anything for the next week.

10. What Remains of Edith Finch

Family curses aren’t actually real, are they?

What Remains of Edith Finch is an intriguing collection of stories depicting the mysterious lives of the Finch family, who all happen to have one thing in common: Untimely deaths.

If you loved Life is Strange's beautiful animation style, you’ll definitely appreciate What Remains of Edith Finch. You’ll be exploring the world mainly through visuals and dialogue, and, despite the lack of action, the pace is just enough to keep you on your toes. Packed with mysteries and seemingly supernatural occurrences, you’ll love the creativity put into each and every character’s tale!

In this game, you traverse the abandoned Finch house, a massive, gravity-defying structure. To uncover the secrets of the strange family, you’ll have to squeeze through secret passages and find out exactly what Edith’s mother has been trying to hide from her. What will you find locked away in that house?

Choose this game if you like:

Solving mysteries; In the Finch house, secrets are stuffed into every nook and cranny. You’ll get to discover what happened to each and every relative through their own eyes, unlocking the truth of their bizarre deaths.
Beautiful aesthetics; The sheer creativity of the design team for this game is commendable. From the layout of the strange house to the way the sun streams through the trees, it really is a gorgeous game. Each room is stuffed full of detail and expertly showing the personalities of each character.
A quick adventure; If you love games that feel like a movie, this one’s for you. Taking around 2 hours to complete (Or 3 if you’re the type that likes to explore), What Remains of Edith Finch is perfect for those who need a quick fix. But be warned, you’ll be left desperate for more…

9. Oxenfree

A party at an abandoned military island, what could possibly go wrong?

Oxenfree is a 2D supernatural thriller set in an abandoned military base. You’ll play as Alex, a rebellious teenager who decides that an overnight island party on a super creepy island is the best place to take your new step-brother. As the night goes on, you start to realise that your party has attracted some unusual guests…

Whilst it may not seem choice-based at first, Oxenfree is full of story-altering decisions. You’ll get the chance to interrupt dialogue and steer the conversation down alternate paths. This game is all about relationships, so make sure to take care of those around you. Similar to Life is Strange, you’ll also have a power of your own. A unique radio mechanic which lets you communicate with ghosts and manipulate the world around you.

In Oxenfree, you’ll have to traverse the eerie military base and figure out what’s causing all the supernatural occurrences. How you deal with characters, events, and the strange creatures that haunt you is completely up to you.

Choose this game if you like:

Retro horror; From the art style to the soundtrack, this game gives off major 1980s teen horror vibes. It nails the ominous atmosphere and is the type of game that doesn’t rely on jumpscares to keep you on edge.
Beautiful soundtracks; Throughout your adventure, you’ll be accompanied by a spectacular collection of synth-pop composed by scntfc!
Solving mysteries; A group of teens. A haunted military base. Unknown creatures. This game is filled to the brim with secrets just waiting to be discovered.

8. The Last Day of June

What would you do to save the one you love?

If you’ve been looking for a game that’ll leave you emotionally ruined, The Last Day of June is the one for you. A tale of love and loss, where you play as Carl who desperately wants to save the life of his darling June. This heart-wrenching interactive adventure will have a lasting impact on your life so be prepared for a good cry.

If you loved to explore the scenery of Life is Strange, then you’ll definitely love this one. The Last Day of June is absolutely gorgeous, so there’s no shame in wanting to linger around to look at everything. With this kind of atmosphere, you’ll wish Max was there to snap a photo. Be prepared for the most stunning golden hour you’ve ever seen. Time travel is also a big part of this adventure, so you’ll definitely be getting some Life is Strange flashbacks.

As The Last Day of June is a cinematic experience, the gameplay is relaxed but still engaging. You’ll be travelling back in time through paintings and solving puzzles to try and change your beloved’s fate. But be aware that changing the past always has consequences. Always.

Choose this game if you like:

Emotional stories; If you’re looking to have your heart ripped out then you’ve come to the right place. This is a tale of beauty, life, and loss. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for that box of tissues.
Puzzles; The aim of this game is to try and change fate by solving puzzles in the past. Will you be able to impact the results of that final drive home? The puzzles you’ll face won’t just be mentally challenging, but emotionally too.
A deep experience; As you progress through the story and interact, you’ll find your perspective shifting from the viewer to the character. You’ll end up so emotionally involved in this story that it’ll certainly leave you scarred.

7. The Quarry

Curses, werewolves, what more could you possibly want?

The Quarry is a fairly new horror game, created by the same studio that brought you Until Dawn. You’ll follow the story of a group of summer camp counsellors who, due to unexpected circumstances, are forced to stay an extra night. Unfortunately for them, it also happens to be a full moon. And if you’re a seasoned horror fan, you know exactly what that means…

Much like Life is Strange, The Quarry is heavily choice-based. Your decisions will completely shape your story, deciding the fate of your characters and the people around them. The life of everyone in the camp is in your hands. This takes “Your actions will have consequences” to a whole new level.

The goal of this game is to make it through the night (Hopefully, with everyone alive) and solve the mystery of the supernatural creatures that seem to be roaming the camp. There are so many different paths and endings that you could seriously spend weeks trying to go through it all. There’s also a considerable number of collectables to get through for all you avid achievement hunters!

Choose this game if you like:

Supernatural horror; You may have already guessed The Quarry involves werewolves. But this game brings about a whole new take on these ominous creatures. There’s a lot of lore to sink your teeth into (Just try not to get bitten back).
Brutal gameplay; Werewolves are malicious creatures, and The Quarry doesn’t shy away from this. Be prepared for gruesome deaths and highly detailed gore. If you’re not afraid to get a little bloody (Or maybe a lot), then this is the game for you.
Fun characters; Like many other teen horror tropes, expect to see goofy guys, spicy romances, and some rather cringe dialogue. But this is all part of the fun, and it’s done extremely well at the right times. Don’t get too comfortable, though. The worst is yet to come.

6. The Walking Dead

Hell is empty, for all the devils are here.

The Walking Dead is an absolute classic Telltale game and a must-play for any Life is Strange fan. Set at the start of a zombie apocalypse, you’ll play as Lee, who happens to stumble across a lost little girl. Our beloved Clementine (A fan favourite, if you couldn’t tell). This is a truly enticing story that’ll keep you hooked from the start. From the music to the dialogue, many consider this game to be a masterpiece of storytelling (Personally, it’s one of my favourites).

Like Life is Strange, The Walking Dead also follows an episodic play style. This gives you the chance to space out your play sessions (Or, like me, binge it all at once). It also allows you to check your choices and compare them to players around the world. The Walking Dead also has a brilliantly sombre soundtrack, creating an engaging atmosphere that really brings you into the world.

In this game, you’ll be tasked with the protection of Clementine as the two of you navigate through a zombie-ridden world. You’ll have to make tough decisions, influencing your relationships and the outcomes for those around you. In a world where everyone is fighting to survive, you must be smart about who you trust and what secrets you reveal.

Choose this game if you like;

The Walking Dead; If you were a fan of the comics, you’ll thoroughly love the art style of this game as it’s heavily based on the original style. You’ll also be happy to see several cameos from the original characters!
Character development; There is a heavy focus on characters and relationships in this game. Throughout the course of your adventure, you’ll see your characters changing based on the choices you’ve made. What kind of person will Lee be by the end of the game? It’s up to you.
The Last of Us; Lee and Clementine’s relationship is extremely similar to Joel and Ellie’s. If you adore a good father-daughter type adventure and are prepared to have your heartstrings pulled, then this is the one for you.

5. Detroit: Become Human

Never thought you’d see Mr. Krabs in a game, huh?

Another masterpiece of narrative-based gaming, Detroit: Become Human puts you in the shoes of 3 androids as they traverse through strange software errors: Emotions. But it’s hard to get through an existential crisis when humanity is fighting over whether or not you deserve rights. With each character having their own unique stories that intertwine and action scenes that keep you on your toes, this game is a must-play.

You’ll be glad to know that this is another choice-based game! Detroit: Become Human has, arguably, one of the most intricate pathway systems of any game in the genre. In fact, the game has a whopping 40 unique endings, meaning plenty of replayability. Like Life is Strange, the fate of the characters is completely up to you. But take note, the story doesn’t end if the life of one of your characters does.

In this game, you’ll find yourself fighting for survival, facing tough moral decisions about rights and the value of life. Traversing through a civil war between humans and androids is no easy feat, and you’ll have to choose between getting your message across peacefully or forcefully. Through the roles of the different characters, you’ll get the chance to solve puzzles, build relationships, and fight your way to freedom.

Choose this game if you like:

A cinematic experience; This game balances emotional scenes with action perfectly, keeping you caught up in the moment and fully capturing your attention. This game is many things, but a bore certainly isn’t one of them.
Action; There are several scenes in this game which involve fast-paced choices and QTEs (Quick Time Events). Stay sharp because missing a punch or fumbling a dodge could have grave consequences.
Celebrity actors; Behind this game was a brilliant mo-cap team consisting of world-renowned actors such as Jesse Williams from Grey’s Anatomy, Lance Henriksen from Aliens, Bryan Dechart from True Blood, and Clancy Brown from Carnivale and Spongebob.

4. Heavy Rain

There’s a murderer on the loose and even worse, he likes origami…

Heavy Rain is a psychological thriller from the same studio that brought you Detroit: Become Human. Whilst this is an older game, it’s still packed full of action and twists. This story consists of 4 characters who are all on their own hunt for a murderer known as the Origami Killer. However, time is of the essence. As each second ticks by, the next victim moves closer to their demise.

If you liked the choice mechanic in Life is Strange, then Heavy Rain will be 5x more intense. The split-second decisions you make in this game have the ability to completely alter the course of the story. Once again, you’re in control of the lives of these characters and one wrong decision could end them forever (A bit existential, isn’t it?). Similarly, this game also has a fantastic music collection, winning a BAFTA for best original soundtrack!

Your main goal in Heavy Rain is straightforward. Hunt down the Origami Killer before they claim any new lives. However, things aren’t always as simple as they appear. With several high-intensity action scenes and vital QTEs, you’ll be tested constantly on your wit and ability to make quick decisions.

Choose this game if you like:

Detective games; This one speaks for itself. Solving a murder is always an intriguing concept, but the detective mechanics of this game make it a whole lot more fun. These unique mechanics are great to play around with and, whilst it can be a little tricky at first, great fun to master.
Quick time events; This game contains a whole lot of QTEs. In fact, even the non-action scenes have them. I’d argue that it keeps you engaged throughout the calmer scenes, but it also creates some very entertaining situations when you mess up the little ones, like sitting down or making a drink.
Plot twists; Don’t worry, I’m not gonna spoil anything for you. But just be aware that this game is full of twists and turns, and not everything is as it seems...

3. Beyond Two Souls

So what if she’s connected to a mysterious entity? She’s our special little girl.

Here’s another psychological thriller that will certainly keep you entertained. Beyond Two Souls is a spectacular game with A-list celebrities such as Willem Dafoe and Elliot Page. You’ll explore the journey of Jodie Holmes, a young girl with a very strange connection to a powerful creature called Aiden. You’ll have to travel across the world to discover the secrets of this mysterious bond and face tough decisions to find out the truth.

Much like Max from Life is Strange, you’ll be playing as a character with supernatural powers. As Jodie, you’ll be on a desperate hunt for the truth of your strange powers. You don’t know how you got them. You don’t know why you got them. But you’re about to find out.

In Beyond Two Souls, you’ll get the chance to play as both Jodie and her entity, Aiden. The goal is to find answers by any means possible. But it’s never that easy, is it? You’ll face challenge after challenge as you claw your way to the truth. This game is an emotional rollercoaster so be prepared for heart-wrenching losses and gruelling decisions.

Choose this game if you like:

Thrillers; Beyond Two Souls has just the right mix of horror, action, and emotion. It’s sure to keep your heart pounding and those tears streaming down your face!
Co-op; Yep, you heard right! This game can actually be played with a friend. If you choose to play duo mode, you’ll be able to play as Jodie and Aiden together. It really does enhance the experience.

2. The Wolf Among Us

Fairytales aren’t always as pretty as they seem.

If you loved The Walking Dead, then you’ll certainly adore The Wolf Among Us. This game is a choice-based thriller based on the Fables comic books. You’ll take on the role of Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of Fabletown, as you embark on a gruesome and bloody journey through the not-so-friendly city. This game is a dark take on typical fairy tales, allowing you to explore the horrific secrets hidden behind closed doors.

Just like Life is Strange, The Wolf Among Us uses an episodic layout for its story. This gives a great cinematic vibe and each episode makes sure to leave you desperately clicking for the next one. Even better, it’s another choice-based game. But with a twist! It’s not just about what choices you make during your playthrough, but also when you make those specific choices. You’ll see what I mean…

Playing as a big bad wolf in human form, you’ll be thrown right into the action when a dead hooker is dropped right onto your doorstep. Your task is to solve the murder. But along the way, you’ll also be attempting to find redemption for your past evils and mistakes.

Choose this game if you like:

Fables comics; For seasoned fans of the comics, you’ll love this take on it! Don’t worry if you’re new to them either, this game takes place before the events of the first comic.
Folklore; Fairytale characters have escaped into our world. But this version tells a much darker and grittier tale for even the most mature audiences.
The Walking Dead; As mentioned before, this is a Telltale game! So this series has the same art style and episodic mechanics, guaranteed to give any TWD fan flashbacks.

1. Tell Me Why

If you’re looking to relive LiS vibes, this is the game for it!

We saved the best for last. Tell Me Why is arguably the most similar game to LiS (Excluding the other LiS instalments) as it was made by the same studio. Whilst it didn’t receive as much hype when it was released, it certainly isn’t a game to be ignored. It follows the story of two unique and supernatural twins who are trying to uncover the secrets of their past.

Tell Me Why is similar to Life is Strange in multiple ways, from the art style to the supernatural abilities. You’ll be living through the childhood of troubled teens as they traverse the rocky road of identity and how it affects their relationships. The characters are deeply relatable, and it’s easy to fall in love with them, just like you did with Max and Chloe.

Set in a small town in Alaska, you’ll explore the troubled relationship of the two reunited twins, Tyler and Alyson. This game is full of tough choices and tackles a lot of mature topics, mixing reality with fantasy elements. You’ll have to solve puzzles and piece together exactly what happened in that small town that led the twins to where they are today. Be aware once again, as your choices have the ability to shape the entire life of your characters. Choose wisely.

Choose this game if you like;

Deep emotional themes; Tell Me Why delicately highlights the struggles teens face with mental health issues and gender identity. Even if it’s not something you personally relate to, you’ll find yourself deeply involved in the storyline.
Familial bonds; Family can be a sensitive but powerful topic for some. This game explores the love and troubles that are faced within families that many will be able to relate to.
Brilliant animation; The best things come in small packages. By choosing to set their story in a small Alaskan town, the creators manage to pack a huge amount of detail into every single scene!