While Square Enix remains silent on the future of the Life is Strange franchise, it is the European organization PEGI which unwittingly spilled the beans. A new game called Life is Strange: Reunion briefly appeared on their site, accompanied by a synopsis revealing the return of two cult characters: Max Caulfield and Chloé Price.
Since its removal, screenshots and the official description are already circulating everywhere. We learn that “Chloé Price was Max Caulfield’s partner in time: losing her is Max’s greatest regret. Chloe is now a student at Caledon University. Haunted by nightmares and impossible memories, she needs Max’s help.”
An unexpected return for Max and Chloé, emblematic figures of the saga
The story between Max and Chloe shocked players in 2015, at the heart of the very first Life is Strange. Since then, Chloe’s tragic fate or not has depended on the choices of the players. The sequel Double Exposure circumvented this dilemma by letting the player decide whether Chloe was alive or not.
But with Reunion, it seems that the studio has decided: Chloé is indeed alive. This is a major decision, which could become the new canonical version of the Life is Strange universe. The two heroines meet several years after the events of Arcadia Bay, in an atmosphere marked by regrets, memories and an already palpable emotional tension.
What do we really know about Reunion’s storyline and gameplay?
Apart from the description published by PEGI, few elements have filtered. But certain details are already intriguing the community. The story would take place on a college campus, and Chloe would be confronted with disturbing visions linking her to Max. Several clues suggest that a dramatic fire could be at the center of the plot, with a vital stake for Max.
Concerning the gameplay, it is likely that Reunion will retain the narrative and interactive formula specific to the series. If the developer is indeed Deck Nine, as for Before the Storm and Double Exposure, we can expect a style faithful to the original spirit but carried by Unreal Engine 5.
Why this leak is a game changer for Square Enix and the series
Even if Square Enix has not yet confirmed anything, this leak comes at a strategic time. Double Exposure, released at the end of 2024, received a mixed reception, and its sales were disappointing. It seems obvious that the publisher is seeking to revive the craze by banking on nostalgia: bringing back the two founding figures of the series is a strong move.
With Reunion, the license could regain its momentum by capitalizing on its emotional heritage. If the release follows the usual rhythm of the series, it could take place during 2026. While waiting for an official announcement, fans are scrutinizing the slightest rumor and are already wondering about the fate of Max and Chloé.