Powers Unveiled for LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE at GAMESCOM

Life is Strange is set to return later in the year, with a familiar face returning to the franchise. As we draw closer to its release, Square Enix and developers Deck Nine look to generate interest in its latest instalment, showcasing the new powers that Max Caulfield will have in Life is Strange: Double Exposure whilst at this year's Gamescom event.

Being all about gameplay, this video gives us an insight into the new powers that will feature in this fourth main instalment. Seeing the return of the series’ original protagonist Max Caulfield, the game will have players investigating the murder of her friend, using her chaotic powers in an attempt to undo this crime. This time around gamers won't simply be able to turn back time, but rather jump between alternative timelines.

As much as the series has continued to impress over the years, it's failed to capture the same spark that the original had. Hopefully the return of its original protagonist will see a change to this, with the new powers begging to be explored. What will be interesting about this shake up, is if all these alternative timelines will confuse the narrative, with the video itself highlighting that Max herself might forget what timeline she's in at any given time.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC on October 29th.

LITTLE NIGHTMARES III Gets Friendship Trailer at GAMESCOM

The release of Little Nightmares back in 2017 was a breath of fresh air for the puzzle-platform genre, as despite not quite breaking the mould, its charm and horror elements proved captivating beyond belief. Bandai Namco along with developers Supermassive Games are set to release the latest entry of the series, Little Nightmares III, next year, with the piblisher dropping a trailer at this year's Gamescom.

Focusing on the game's two main characters, the trailer highlights the co-operative nature of this latest release, showing how players must work together to overcome the various horrors. In doing so, it gives us a look at the various new gameplay elements, with the platforming and puzzle solving looking as mesmerising as ever. The bleak nature of the world our characters explore also looks darker and dingier than in prior instalments, with the developers doing an amazing job of balancing the lighting of this game.

Though the game is set to focus on co-operative gameplay, it will also feature a single player option, with gamers being paired with an AI companion instead. It does, however, look like it will be more enjoyable alongside friends, with communication and strategy sure to cause some friction. Though no exact release date has been announced as of yet, the game is expected to arrive at some point in 2025.

Little Nightmares III is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC in 2025.

FIRST LOOK at LOST RECORDS: BLOOM & RAGE at GAMESCOM

Don't Nod, the studio behind Life is Strange was at this year's Gamescom, advertising their latest game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. Sticking with their narrative driven roots, the developer would give us a brand new gameplay trailer, announcing that the game will release in two parts on February 18th (Tape 1) and March 18th 2025 (Tape 2).

Taking place over the course of 27 years, the trailer shows how four friends; Nora, Autumn, Kat and Swann come together to form a band. Despite being sparse on divulging too much information, the clip does highlight that something questionable has clearly happened since this formation, with the friends reuniting to confront their past.

Having established themselves in this genre, Don't Nod look to have another winner on their hands. Continuing with a character driven narrative that we saw in the first two Life is Strange games and Tell Me Why, the studio looks to be putting even more control into the players hands. Not only will player choice dictate how the characters react to one another, but players will also have the ability to both ignore and interrupt others whilst they're speaking. As for the mystery behind our protagonists reuniting, that is yet to be explored. But it is sure to be worth exploring over the game's two part Tapes.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC on February 18th (Tape 1) and March 18th 2025 (Tape 2).