We’ve waited over a year for the finale of the insanely terrific Life Is Strange 2, and here we are. From the very first episode, “Roads”, we’ve followed on the chaotic, but the refreshingly emotional journey of the two brothers – Sean and Daniel. It’s not just Daniel’s telekinetic abilities that have kept us in awe, the complicated relationship between the two brothers, and the captivating storyline adds to the equation. Episode 5 leaves behind the shenanigans of Episode 4, leading us to the end of the road, where the Diaz brothers have to use their lessons learned so far to choose a path.

The opening scene of the episode is an emotional and remarkable one. Emotional, because you find two brothers, regardless of the what may pull them apart, staring at the stars lining Arizona’s skies – together. Remarkable, because Sean reassures Daniel of his love, no matter what comes after. But how do you love someone like Daniel who keeps doing everything possible to be hated and abandoned? Well, Sean demonstrates that.

The series owes its intriguing ride to Sean’s perfectly-built character. From his point-of-view (POV), you are immersed in the world of every character you come across. Not only that, but you can also almost literally palpitate at the distress he has to bear so frequently. However, nothing is more relatable than his overwhelming love for his brother. There was a time he had to even lose an eye, all for his little brother. Of course, you can adjust his character on a range by the decisions you make, but his self-awareness is nothing short of incredible. Depending on your choice of the direction of the story, you can tweak his behavior to achieve a particular outcome and eventual ending.

Episode 5 explores more interesting characters to provide a robust social construct. You get to meet a gay couple who abandoned everything to lead a peaceful life in the city outskirts. This reflects the homophobic reactions many LGBTs experience from their families and communities. You also get to enjoy a reunion with a character in the first Life is Strange Series. One of the larger highlights of this episode, however, is the much deeper exposition of the boys’ mother. Her established desire for quiet and privacy is reflected in the first major location in the final episode, called “Away”. There, you have people who live a fulfilling life in the desert, far away from society.

Life is Strange 2 boldly explores political topics throughout the series. The last episode connects you with a Mexican, Diego, and his pregnant wife, Carla. Their dream is to rise above the shackles of a lesser life by moving to America. However, there is a towering wall on the borders between Mexico and America, and Daniel questions if the same is at America’s border with Canada. The series doesn’t pretend to answer the many questions on politics, racism, and xenophobia, but it does provide a perspective. Not all of these perspectives are completely brilliant, as you might find some crude attempts at xenophobic representations.  

Now, the episode isn’t completely void of glitches and outrageous scenarios. For example, you can’t possibly explain away a group of social outcasts remaining undisturbed by the incredible powers of Daniel. Neither can you ignore the apparently questionable judgment of supposed brilliant characters. Also, the interactions in the episode are somehow disappointing as they bear no significance in the story. We cannot deny the luster of Daniel’s supernatural displays, but you’d often wonder if certain scenarios warranted such displays or if they could have been used to more significant effects, story-wise that is. The last part of the episode did create tense moments where his powers did provide some real adrenaline rush. However, none of these overwhelms the fundamental direction of the story, which is piloted by Daniel’s unimaginable powers.

Life is Strange 2 is different from the first installment in so many ways – characters, plot, and setting. However, the multiple endings of this second series are astounding. Your ending is not just determined by the actions in the last moments of the game, but by the very first decision you make from the first episode. So, we can rightly say the end you get is a result of a build-up of choices over the five episodes. I did arrive at different endings in my different plays through the game, but there’s one likely conclusion: Sean and Daniel do not have a pleasant, happy end.

The realization that the Diaz brothers somehow have their fate fixed can be disappointing. Yet, it demonstrates the very significant theme of the series, which is the boisterous social and political landscape of American society. However gloomy the end you get is, there’s an important lesson to learn. While video games are seen by many as a way to escape from reality, Life is Strange 2 deals with real-life issues. The depiction of these issues, the choices we make amidst them, and how they affect us all combine to leave a lasting impact on you.

From the very first episode when the Diaz brothers are thrown into a world of uncertainties, to them navigating through difficult scenarios for survival, Life is Strange 2 is a rugged adventure. It’s not an easy task to let go of Sean and Daniel, as their characters depict the realities of our present world. The beautiful, thoughtful moments of the game – like Sean sketching his environment – reminds us of the peaceful moments we can have amidst all chaos. The campfires and games Daniel takes us to also serve as a reminder that we all need some laughter and fun.

Life is Strange 2 might be about a kid with extraordinary powers, the real power in the game comes when you’re put in difficult situations and you have to make important decisions. Those moments have you wishing they never occur in real life, and also have you contemplate on the choice you’d make in that position.