I’ve played all the LIS games and have been a fan of the series since the original released while I was in college.
For me, I think my ranking of the games is as followed:
- Before the Storm
- Life is Strange
- Life is Strange 3
- Life is Strange 2
Not including Captain Spirit because it’s really more of a companion title and so short. It’s a really close tie for me between the original LiS & LiS 3, as I really enjoyed both.
Before the storm was such a surprise for me and I really enjoyed the way they developed the characters & romance in that title, which makes it stand out for me.
Despite my love & enjoyment of the series, I really couldn’t get into LiS 2. I played the whole game, but I struggled my way through it. I did not like the characters or the plot, and only finished it out of a hope that the ending would be worth it.
Probably:
LiS
LiS BtS
LiS 2
LiS TC
With LiS 2 being a close third. Although I think my ranking might reflect on me more than the games. I probably artificially inflate the first game just because it set the standards.
BtS kind of felt less refined at times but it fit the context of a younger Chloe. A lot of the arguing mini games were hella cringe though.
LiS 2, I like the concept of a story about brothers fleeing to Mexico but I felt like it tried to be topical which will probably not hold up forever as well as other entries.
LiS TC I liked the setting but thought the actual plot wasn’t that impressive. It kinda felt like people sat down and tried to copy the original LiS but tried to not make it obvious they did that.
What I find interesting about Life is Strange is that everyone has a bit of a different experience with the games depending on if the characters resonate with them, what they’re personally going through in their life at that time, etc.
I do agree with you that it felt like LiS2 was attempting to be topical, which is where I felt like it fell flat for me.
Whereas the stories in the other games felt a bit more timeless and relatable for most players.