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[FluxWaveZ]

She sent an anonymous tip to David while she was staring Jefferson down, right before she flashforwarded to the airplane.

We don't actually see that happen... but I guess I'll just go with that as a way that would actually explain it.

Didn't Max send a text message revealing the Dark Room's location?

Oh wait, is that totally the key element that I'm missing?

...It has to be in the main menu where you see her text messages, right? Should have thought about checking that.

Alright, my issue with that one sequence is solved.

Edit: Actually, brain fart: https://youtu.be/iMp4CgdBmEo?t=27m

 

[matrixman92]

We don't actually see that happen... but I guess I'll just go with that as a way that would actually explain it.

I thought we did see that. Right before she turned in her photo.

 

[Osahi]

Yeah, there was a debate about this earlier in the thread and I'm on the side that the storm is due to Chloe surviving, and not necessarily the act of time manipulation itself.

But that means, by my interpretation, that shit will continue to get fucked around Chloe and Max while she continues to live, so Max will have to perpetually protect Chloe by manipulating time, and Chloe will always be put in circumstances of grave danger that Max needs to stop. I prefer to think about it like that for the "Sacrifice Arcadia Bay" ending.

I place this in spoilertags for those who want to keep their own interpretation, and not that of dontdnod

Spoiler

I can confirm that Chloe should have died in episode 1 and the storm is the result of the universe trying to rectify itself after max keeps saving chloe. I reviewed the game and dontnod gave us a review guide to read after finishing the episode, where they give some extra insights in stuff you might have missed due to how choices have outcomes in episodes down the road. Not sure if I can go really into detail, but they talk about the ending choice and what the storm means...

 

[Haly]

We don't actually see that happen... but I guess I'll just go with that as a way that would actually explain it.

In that segment you had to find David's phone number in a pamphlet and then text him. I'm not sure how you could've avoided it at all.

https://youtu.be/sSHREVO0SXs?t=1764

 

[FluxWaveZ]

In that segment you had to find David's phone number in a pamphlet and then text him. I'm not sure how you could've avoided it at all.

I thought we did see that. Right before she turned in her photo.

I'm actually not sure how I forgot about it. I was kind of tired while playing the finale, but that was an involved sequence of having to find David's number and sending the text. Woops!

I place this in spoilertags for those who want to keep their own interpretation, and not that of dontdnod

Spoiler

I can confirm that Chloe should have died in episode 1 and the storm is the result of the universe trying to rectify itself after max keeps saving chloe. I reviewed the game and dontnod gave us a review guide to read after finishing the episode, where they give some extra insights in stuff you might have missed due to how choices have outcomes in episodes down the road. Not sure if I can go really into detail, but they talk about the ending choice and what the storm means...

Huh... so it's exactly as I thought, then. Interesting that they'd have those kinds of elements in a review guide; makes sense.

 

[A-V-B]

I place this in spoilertags for those who want to keep their own interpretation, and not that of dontdnod

Spoiler

I can confirm that Chloe should have died in episode 1 and the storm is the result of the universe trying to rectify itself after max keeps saving chloe. I reviewed the game and dontnod gave us a review guide to read after finishing the episode, where they give some extra insights in stuff you might have missed due to how choices have outcomes in episodes down the road. Not sure if I can go really into detail, but they talk about the ending choice and what the storm means...

I'm guessing they don't say why the universe gives Max the power to break the universe.

 

[LiK]

I place this in spoilertags for those who want to keep their own interpretation, and not that of dontdnod

Spoiler

I can confirm that Chloe should have died in episode 1 and the storm is the result of the universe trying to rectify itself after max keeps saving chloe. I reviewed the game and dontnod gave us a review guide to read after finishing the episode, where they give some extra insights in stuff you might have missed due to how choices have outcomes in episodes down the road. Not sure if I can go really into detail, but they talk about the ending choice and what the storm means...

please PM me all the deets

also, i was right!

 

[A-V-B]

please PM me all the deets

Me too

 

[Soriku]

Well this was easily the worst episode for me. I enjoyed psycho Jefferson and the ruined city, but the nightmare dragged on and became annoying to play through. And in the end you just choose one of two unsatisfactory endings, so much for your previous choices. We never even learn why Max received her power, since evidently the only way to save the town is to never fucking use it in the first place!

The San Francisco bit felt like sloppy writing - why does Max suddenly decide to submit her photo after escaping the Dark Room the first time?

Overall still a good game, but this was disappointing.

This is a good point. They really needed to explain why she got her powers to begin with and why her alone. If not using her powers saves the most amount of people, and this is the "good" ending, all that had to happen was for her to not receive her powers at all. The only benefit I see is getting Jefferson arrested. But is that worth fucking the universe's shit up? IDK.

And is the doe intended to be Rachel? It seems like it was supposed to be a guide, but guiding Max seems..counterproductive? Or rather there's no point.

Also it turns out all the Native American theories fell flat.

 

[Chariot]

I place this in spoilertags for those who want to keep their own interpretation, and not that of dontdnod

Spoiler

I can confirm that Chloe should have died in episode 1 and the storm is the result of the universe trying to rectify itself after max keeps saving chloe. I reviewed the game and dontnod gave us a review guide to read after finishing the episode, where they give some extra insights in stuff you might have missed due to how choices have outcomes in episodes down the road. Not sure if I can go really into detail, but they talk about the ending choice and what the storm means...

But wait,

Spoiler

where did the initial storm vision before time travel came from?

 

[matrixman92]

I place this in spoilertags for those who want to keep their own interpretation, and not that of dontdnod

Spoiler

I can confirm that Chloe should have died in episode 1 and the storm is the result of the universe trying to rectify itself after max keeps saving chloe. I reviewed the game and dontnod gave us a review guide to read after finishing the episode, where they give some extra insights in stuff you might have missed due to how choices have outcomes in episodes down the road. Not sure if I can go really into detail, but they talk about the ending choice and what the storm means...

go ahead an PM me all the details as well haha

 

[Osahi]

I'm guessing they don't say why the universe gives Max the power to break the universe.

Nope. They just highlight some details that are actually a result of choices you make, so as a reviewer you get a sense of how fluid the story was. Mostly details though like

Spoiler

possibility of a second kiss from chloe, possibility of kissing max, victoria in the dark room, etc all stuff some wil experience, but others won't because they choose differently in earlier episodes

 

[A-V-B]

But wait,

Spoiler

where did the initial storm vision before time travel came from?

If I had to handwave it, I'd say it's a ripple effect expanding backwards from the event.

However, the actual GAINING of the powers... who the fuck knows.

 

[danm999]

I'm guessing they don't say why the universe gives Max the power to break the universe.

I'm guessing that was the plan all along.

The game really never fixated on why or how Max has the power, it's more concerned with how she'll use it, what it means for her to use it, etc

 

[Roussow]

All of that tagged information is pretty implied. We don't really gain anything if that was to be spelled out in episode. There's deliberately elements of ambiguity in the story though.

 

[Haly]

Closed loop bruhs, in the end Max withholds use of her power so it's like she never had them in the first place.

CLOSED LOOP

 

[Soriku]

I place this in spoilertags for those who want to keep their own interpretation, and not that of dontdnod

Spoiler

I can confirm that Chloe should have died in episode 1 and the storm is the result of the universe trying to rectify itself after max keeps saving chloe. I reviewed the game and dontnod gave us a review guide to read after finishing the episode, where they give some extra insights in stuff you might have missed due to how choices have outcomes in episodes down the road. Not sure if I can go really into detail, but they talk about the ending choice and what the storm means...

PM me as well if you can.

 

[A-V-B]

I'm guessing that was the plan all along.

The game really never fixated on why or how Max has the power, it's more concerned with how she'll use it, what it means for her to use it, etc

But do you know what I mean? If the universe is a system that tries to fix itself when bad things happens in time, how in the world did it end up giving powers to Max in the first place? The universe broke itself, and in an effort to fix it, goes, "uh, whoops, might as well cause some more destruction. Mannn, stoppp it, Maaaax, lemme kill Chlooooeee"

 

[AlphaDragoon]

I'd like that info in a PM also, if you can.

 

[Gurthang]

I place this in spoilertags for those who want to keep their own interpretation, and not that of dontdnod

Spoiler

I can confirm that Chloe should have died in episode 1 and the storm is the result of the universe trying to rectify itself after max keeps saving chloe. I reviewed the game and dontnod gave us a review guide to read after finishing the episode, where they give some extra insights in stuff you might have missed due to how choices have outcomes in episodes down the road. Not sure if I can go really into detail, but they talk about the ending choice and what the storm means...

Pls pm
PLS

 

[ike_]

What does everyone think is the best piece (and use) of music in the series? (licensed or otherwise)

I would imagine Syd Matters - Obstacles and Foals - Spanish Sahara would be the front runners. Although that menu theme is pretty great, as is José González - Crosses, that's just a few samples -- it was a great selection.

It's pretty hard to pick. They're all so great, and I think most of those songs are better than my pick, but the one I remember most vividly when Chloe and Max were just laying around was:

Lua - Bright Eyes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aZh261KZWI

 

[danm999]

But do you know what I mean? If the universe is a system that tries to fix itself when bad things happens in time, how in the world did it end up giving powers to Max in the first place? The universe broke itself, and in an effort to fix it, goes, "uh, whoops, might as well cause some more destruction. Mannn, stoppp it, Maaaax, lemme kill Chlooooeee"

I know what you mean. If the universe wanted Chloe dead it needed to do...nothing.

Giving Max the powers only frustrated that end.

Maybe the universe wanted to kill Arcadia Bay then.

 

[LiK]

gonna need to make a playlist on YT. loved allt he songs

 

[jonjonaug]

Me too

Same.

 

[AWizardDidIt]

My Max does not bend to the whim of some mysterious "force" that demands the death of a girl that has been continually shit on for a good portion of her life. She's not going to take responsibility for something outside her control destroying a town full of good people if she just "trades" the life of someone who matters to her.

There's this underlying maliciousness to this presence that people think of as the "universe" that makes me double down on the "Sacrifice Arcadia Bay" ending. Like part of me feels like it's spitting in the face of a supremely shitty god.

And if that god keeps sending whirlwinds at me and my bestie no matter where we go... then bring it. My Max isn't going quietly and damn the consequences. It sucks that people die but that's not on Max and that's not on Chloe. That's on whatever outside agent seems to be so invested in the death of one girl.

I don't know. I've been thinking about it from that angle a lot lately.

 

[Chariot]

I know what you mean. If the universe wanted Chloe dead it needed to do...nothing.

Giving Max the powers only frustrated that end.

Maybe the universe wanted to kill Arcadia Bay then.

You would think there are easier methods for that than a time travelling teenager that might or might not break time. I think the power wasn't from the universe, I don't even think the universe is concious. The power... native americans? Rachel?

Old Ones...!

 

[FluxWaveZ]

Well, if we're gonna go with it, maybe there are two supernatural entities at play.

1. The "Universe": the one that wants Chloe dead and just wants Chloe dead.
2. Spirit Animal or "Rachel": the one that seeks justice and possibly to save Chloe.

The second is the one that gave Max time powers, and that conflicts with what the first wants, resulting in all this mess that happens.

It's why I don't think #1 would just go "Ah well, Arcadia Bay is gone so I guess it's fine," when Chloe still lives, so it would continue hunting her down. And thus the fight between #1 and #2 goes on forever.

 

[Roussow]

It's pretty hard to pick. They're all so great, and I think most of those songs are better than my pick, but the one I remember most vividly when Chloe and Max were just laying around was:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aZh261KZWI

How could I forget that one. That was my favorite moment in Episode 3.

 

[danm999]

My Max does not bend to the whim of some mysterious "force" that demands the death of a girl that has been continually shit on for a good portion of her life. She's not going to take responsibility for something outside her control destroying a town full of good people if she just "trades" the life of someone who matters to her.

There's this underlying maliciousness to this presence that people think of as the "universe" that makes me double down on the "Sacrifice Arcadia Bay" ending. Like part of me feels like it's spitting in the face of a supremely shitty god.

And if that god keeps sending whirlwinds at me and my bestie no matter where we go... then bring it. My Max isn't going quietly and damn the consequences. It sucks that people die but that's not on Max. That's on whatever outside agent seems to be so invested in the death of one girl.

I don't know. I've been thinking about it from that angle a lot lately.

Could be some sort of trickster God pulling the strings I suppose.

 

[LiK]

Could be some sort of trickster God pulling the strings I suppose.

Season 2 features Loki?!

 

[A-V-B]

Could be some sort of trickster God pulling the strings I suppose.

yeah, dontnod

 

[FluxWaveZ]

And if that god keeps sending whirlwinds at me and my bestie no matter where we go... then bring it. My Max isn't going quietly and damn the consequences. It sucks that people die but that's not on Max and that's not on Chloe. That's on whatever outside agent seems to be so invested in the death of one girl.

I don't know. I've been thinking about it from that angle a lot lately.

Enter Life Is Strange 2, where someone with the ability to read minds and "influence" people has to stop Time Lord Max from destroying his town all for the sake of Chloe.

 

[Kadayi]

That was sublime. I was honestly expecting that the finale was going to be a wrap of the immediate events and it would all be about escaping and seeing justice served but of course then its like 'oh yeah..the goddamn tornado...and all the other fucked up shit..'

I opted to sacrifice Chloe. I felt bad about it (especially for Joyce), but at the same time I figured that Chloe wanted me to do it, and to be a true friend I should respect her wishes regardless of how much it might pain me personally.

Overall I thought it was great, my only real criticisms are the occasional unevenness with the textures at times (the low rez stuff could be jarring).

Bravo Dontnod. Really hope that they get to do more of this sort of thing.

 

[Harlequin]

Was I just naive, but did everyone else see the twist with Jefferson coming? I feel like I should have when it happened, but I don't know...he didn't seem too different than some teachers I've had, so it didn't really occur to me to suspect him.

I entertained the idea during some of the earlier episodes but I didn't really see it coming until episode 4. From pretty early on in episode 4, however, I thought it was somewhat obvious. They just put way too much focus on him in that episode and did some obvious foreshadowing. When Max got stabbed with the syringe I was like "Okay, this is either Nathan, Jefferson or Nathan's dad." And since we'd never seen Nathan's dad in any of the previous episodes (at least I don't think we had) that only left Nathan or Jefferson.

 

[danm999]

yeah, dontnod

Whoever made the nightmare scenes definitely felt they were enjoying themselves!

Season 2 features Loki?!

Takes place in the same universe as the Mask.

 

[A-V-B]

My Max does not bend to the whim of some mysterious "force" that demands the death of a girl that has been continually shit on for a good portion of her life. She's not going to take responsibility for something outside her control destroying a town full of good people if she just "trades" the life of someone who matters to her.

There's this underlying maliciousness to this presence that people think of as the "universe" that makes me double down on the "Sacrifice Arcadia Bay" ending. Like part of me feels like it's spitting in the face of a supremely shitty god.

And if that god keeps sending whirlwinds at me and my bestie no matter where we go... then bring it. My Max isn't going quietly and damn the consequences. It sucks that people die but that's not on Max and that's not on Chloe. That's on whatever outside agent seems to be so invested in the death of one girl.

The really funny part is that in trying to kill Chloe and in return killing others to do so, the universe is killing people who also aren't supposed to be dead. So to fix that, the universe must destroy itself. But wait, the universe isn't supposed to be dead. Who to kill?!

 

[Harlequin]

Could be some sort of trickster God pulling the strings I suppose.

Ryse crossover .

 

[Sodding_Gamer]

I know what you mean. If the universe wanted Chloe dead it needed to do...nothing.

Giving Max the powers only frustrated that end.

Maybe the universe wanted to kill Arcadia Bay then.

I did think about this too. It was in the back of my mind for quite some nearing the end.

 

[danm999]

I did think about this too. It was in the back of my mind for quite some nearing the end.

Yeah there is a lot made of how Arcadia Bay is corrupt and in decline; the fishing industry is dying, people have to work in different towns because there aren't the jobs there, the once prestigious academy is a hollow joke, the young are running away, etc.

Or maybe I'm a monster trying to justify my decision.

 

[LiK]

we never did get that whole native american thing resolved. maybe it was all the ghosts

 

[Moofers]

My Max does not bend to the whim of some mysterious "force" that demands the death of a girl that has been continually shit on for a good portion of her life. She's not going to take responsibility for something outside her control destroying a town full of good people if she just "trades" the life of someone who matters to her.

There's this underlying maliciousness to this presence that people think of as the "universe" that makes me double down on the "Sacrifice Arcadia Bay" ending. Like part of me feels like it's spitting in the face of a supremely shitty god.

And if that god keeps sending whirlwinds at me and my bestie no matter where we go... then bring it. My Max isn't going quietly and damn the consequences. It sucks that people die but that's not on Max and that's not on Chloe. That's on whatever outside agent seems to be so invested in the death of one girl.

I don't know. I've been thinking about it from that angle a lot lately.

Good on you, man. I love that people are willing to take it and own it like this. Not everyone has to subscribe to the same theory or interpretation of what is happening. I've been reading all the different takes in here and honestly I don't completely agree 100% with any of them. And that's fine.

Overthinking things can sour it, IMO. I'm going to replay through the entire game again and take some time to really digest everything before I start telling other people how I received it all.

The only really important thing for me to say this early after having completed it is, I really loved it. Fantastic game. Powerful story and memorable characters.

 

[truly101]

I'm guessing they don't say why the universe gives Max the power to break the universe.

I don't think thats important, interesting, sure. Think about any time someone has posed the question "if you had the power to change your past, what would you change?" they never ask, "where did that power come from?"

I'm going with Max was the kindest person ever.

 

[ogbg]

What happens if you don't sacrifice Chloe?

 

[iNvid02]

as soon as warren showed up i couldnt take the nightmare seriously anymore

"APE APE APE", i just lost it.

 

[jonjonaug]

What happens if you don't sacrifice Chloe?

Arcadia Bay is destroyed by the tornado.

 

[ogbg]

Arcadia Bay is destroyed by the tornado.

Including Max and Chloe or just everyone else?

 

[jonjonaug]

Including Max and Chloe or just everyone else?

Just everyone else.

 

[AWizardDidIt]

as soon as warren showed up i couldnt take the nightmare seriously anymore

"APE APE APE", i just lost it.

And that's when the real nightmare begins.

 

[ogbg]

Just everyone else.

What about David? Is he safe in the bunker?

 

[Hyrule Warrior]

Just replayed the ending with sacrificing Chloe...man, yeah fuck that. I mean, come on...I don't know, this still pisses me off. If saving Chloe is what causes everything to become fucked up, why does Max even have the power. It's like, at this crucial moment, we will give you this crazy power that you don't understand Max, and the key thing you need to know is....not to use it at all, and everything will be okay.

I dunno. I love everything else about the game, but this one thread bugs the hell out of me, and would have been better without it.