3 Best Games Like Life is Strange But For Google Stadia
If you're searching for games like Life is Strange, you're looking for more than just a game; you're seeking an emotional journey. The hunt for similar games to Life is Strange is a desire for interactive stories that prioritize character development, impactful choices, and a powerful, often bittersweet, atmosphere. These are experiences that wrap you in a compelling mystery, present you with tough moral dilemmas, and often introduce a subtle supernatural twist that makes the ordinary feel extraordinary.
They are games that stay with you long after you've finished, not because of the action, but because of the connections you've made and the consequences you've faced.
This focus on narrative and the weight of your decisions has been perfected in other genres, including modern interactive horror movies.
Looking for something specific?
3 Games Like Life is Strange But For Google Stadia
1. Life is Strange: True Colors
As a mainline entry in the series, Life is Strange: True Colors is the most direct and modern comparison. You play as Alex Chen, a young woman with the supernatural ability to feel and manipulate the emotions of others. When her brother dies in a suspicious "accident," she must use her powers to uncover the truth in a small, picturesque town.
This game is the epitome of the Life is Strange formula: a relatable young protagonist, a central mystery to solve, a supernatural power that is central to the gameplay, and a huge emphasis on building relationships with a charming cast of characters. Your choices directly impact the story and your bonds with others, making it the perfect starting point for anyone wanting more.
2. Lake
If you're looking for a purely relaxing, choice-driven experience, Lake is a wonderful choice. You play as Meredith Weiss, who takes a break from her big-city career to spend two weeks delivering mail in her peaceful hometown.
There is no supernatural mystery or high-stakes drama. The gameplay is simply about driving the mail truck, delivering parcels, and having conversations with the local residents. The choices you make will determine what kind of relationships you build and what Meredith decides to do with her life. Itβs a "slice-of-life" game that captures the small-town nostalgia of Life is Strange.
3. Disco Elysium
While it is a text-heavy RPG, Disco Elysium is a phenomenal game for anyone who loves deep stories and character studies. You play as a detective who has lost his memory and must solve a murder case while also figuring out who he is. The gameplay is entirely dialogue-based, with your skills representing different aspects of your personality that you can talk to.
It's a mature, brilliantly written game that takes the idea of internal monologue and choice to a whole new level. For players who enjoy the psychological and investigative aspects of Life is Strange, this is one of the best-written games of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of game is Life is Strange?
Life is Strange is a narrative-driven graphic adventure game, often referred to as an "interactive drama." The gameplay is less about action and more about exploration, conversation, and making choices. The core of the experience is its branching story, where the decisions you make and the dialogue you choose directly impact the plot, your relationships with other characters, and the final outcome. It's a game style that prioritizes story, character development, and atmosphere above all else.
If what you loved most about Life is Strange was its powerful and emotional main story, you can find similarly unforgettable character-driven journeys in the world of open-world action games.
Is Life is Strange a LGBTQ+ game?
Yes, the Life is Strange series is widely celebrated for its prominent and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation. The central relationship in the first game between Max and Chloe is a cornerstone of the series and can be romantic. Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a love story between Chloe and Rachel Amber, and Life is Strange: True Colors features a bisexual protagonist, Alex Chen, with both male and female romance options. Queer themes and characters are integral to the series' identity.
Can a 12-year-old play Life is Strange?
It is generally not recommended for a 12-year-old. The games are officially rated M for Mature (or PEGI 16), and for good reason. The stories deal with very heavy and complex themes, including profanity, violence, drug and alcohol use, suicide, and death. The content is aimed at an older teen and adult audience that can better navigate its mature subject matter. We recommend following the official age ratings provided.
Is Life is Strange indie or AAA?
Life is Strange sits in a middle ground, often referred to as a "AA" game. The series was created by DONTNOD Entertainment, an independent studio, but it is funded and published by a major AAA publisher, Square Enix. This gives the games the creative, focused, and often experimental feel of an indie title, but with the higher production values, polish, and marketing reach of a major release. Itβs the best of both worlds.
Do I need to play the Life is Strange games in order?
Not necessarily, as most of the main games are standalone stories. Life is Strange, Life is Strange 2, and Life is Strange: True Colors all feature different protagonists and self-contained plots, so you can jump in with whichever one interests you most. The one exception is Life is Strange: Before the Storm, which is a prequel to the first game and should be played *after* completing the original to avoid major spoilers.
Are all games like Life is Strange about superpowers?
No, not at all. While a supernatural ability is a signature of the Life is Strange franchise itself, it's not a requirement for the broader genre. Many recommended games like Life is Strange, such as Firewatch, As Dusk Falls, Night in the Woods, and Telltale's The Walking Dead, feature no superpowers. The true similarity lies in the deep focus on character-driven stories, impactful player choice, emotional themes, and often a central mystery to unravel.
About the Author
Miguel (austernotus) is a game developer and pixel artist who believes the best recommendations come from understanding a game's core systems. With a background that spans from high-level MMO PVP (2100+ in WoW) to professional SEO, his analysis goes beyond the surface to find the games you'll actually love.