A new Life is Strange game just leaked through Europe’s PEGI ratings board, confirming fan-favorite characters Max Caulfield and Chloe Price reunite in Life is Strange: Reunion. The surprise reveal comes after Deck Nine’s Life is Strange: Double Exposure faced massive backlash for excluding Chloe, with internal leaks suggesting this Chloe-focused project was always in development as damage control.
The PEGI Leak Details
PEGI briefly published a detailed listing for Life is Strange: Reunion before frantically deleting it. The plot summary reads: “Chloe Price was Max Caulfield’s partner in time… Losing her is Max’s greatest regret. Now Chloe has come to Caledon University. Haunted by nightmares and impossible memories, Chloe needs Max’s help. But Max is already in crisis: in three days, a deadly inferno will destroy the campus.”
The game features classic Life is Strange elements including a mushroom hallucination sequence, party scenes with spiked drinks, strong violence, and frequent suicide references. Microtransactions offer cosmetic outfits and a digital deluxe upgrade. A recap of previous games plays at launch, showing Chloe during original Life is Strange events regardless of player choices.
Deck Nine’s Redemption Arc
Life is Strange: Double Exposure launched to mixed reviews in 2025, with fans furious over Chloe’s absence despite promises of ‘closure.’ Internal Deck Nine leaks amid layoffs revealed Reunion development ran parallel to Double Exposure, positioning it as the ‘real’ Max & Chloe sequel fans demanded. The studio’s troubled development history – True Colors crunch, Double Exposure backlash – makes this leak particularly explosive.
Square Enix’s multi-team approach continues with Deck Nine handling Max/Chloe stories while Don’t Nod develops parallel timelines. Reunion appears positioned as direct response to fan feedback, reuniting the original duo in college setting years after Arcadia Bay’s fate. The three-day inferno deadline mirrors Life is Strange’s signature time pressure mechanics.
Why Chloe’s Return Matters
Chloe Price remains Life is Strange’s breakout character and most requested sequel lead. The original game’s ‘Bae vs. Bay’ choice split fandom permanently – save Chloe or sacrifice her to prevent Arcadia Bay’s storm. Double Exposure’s Max-only focus reignited debates, with ‘Pricefield’ shippers feeling ignored after a decade of fandom investment.
| Game | Lead Duo | Fan Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Life is Strange (2015) | Max & Chloe | Beloved classic |
| True Colors (2021) | Alex & New Cast | Solid reception |
| Double Exposure (2025) | Max Solo | Massive backlash |
| Reunion (2026?) | Max & Chloe | Huge anticipation |
Timing and Platform Expectations
PEGI listed March 27, 2025 release – likely placeholder or typo given current date. Realistic window targets late 2026 aligning with Deck Nine’s development cycle. PS5 confirmed through ratings, with PC, Xbox Series X/S expected day-one. Switch 2 version possible depending on timeline.
The leak forces Square Enix’s hand – official reveal likely imminent through January showcases. Digital deluxe edition suggests cosmetic microtransactions following Double Exposure model. Expect emotional story trailer emphasizing Max/Chloe chemistry with inferno backdrop, positioning Reunion as series redemption.
Fan Service or Genuine Sequel
Reunion walks tightrope between fan service and legitimate sequel. Chloe’s return satisfies ‘Pricefield’ demands but risks feeling reactionary after Double Exposure controversy. Success hinges on quality – original Life is Strange thrived through character writing and choice consequences, not just ship appeal.
Deck Nine’s track record shows competence with emotional stories but struggles with ambition. True Colors delivered universally praised Alex Chen arc; Double Exposure stumbled through timeline confusion. Reunion’s college setting offers fresh backdrop while inferno deadline provides clear stakes missing from recent entries.
FAQs
Is Chloe alive in Reunion?
Yes – PEGI summary confirms Chloe arrives at Caledon University regardless of original choice. Narrative likely canonizes one timeline or uses multiverse justification.
Does Max have powers?
Not specified but inferno deadline suggests time manipulation returns. ‘Impossible memories’ reference hints at timeline shenanigans.
March 2025 release real?
Impossible – PEGI date likely placeholder/typo. Realistic window late 2026 following Deck Nine’s development cycle.
PS5 exclusive?
No – PEGI lists PS5 but Square Enix pattern suggests multiplatform PC/Xbox launch. Switch 2 possible.
Deck Nine or Don’t Nod?
Deck Nine confirmed through leaks. Don’t Nod focuses parallel universe stories while Deck Nine handles Max/Chloe timeline.
Microtransactions confirmed?
Yes – cosmetic outfits, digital deluxe upgrade. Follows Double Exposure monetization model.
Life is Strange 2 connection?
Unclear – Reunion ignores Sean/Daniel story, focusing original characters. Universe continuity uncertain.
Conclusion
Life is Strange: Reunion represents Deck Nine’s desperate bid for redemption after Double Exposure’s Chloe-less misstep. PEGI’s careless leak forces Square Enix’s hand, confirming fan-favorite duo’s return amid inferno deadline stakes. Success hinges on recapturing original’s emotional authenticity rather than pandering to shippers.
The series survives through character chemistry – Max and Chloe’s flawed, codependent relationship defined gaming’s indie narrative boom. Reunion offers final chance to honor that legacy before franchise fatigue sets in. Deck Nine must deliver heartfelt writing over timeline gimmicks. Pricefield fans celebrate while series veterans brace for execution – Max’s camera awaits another impossible choice.