Life is Strange: True Colors is the latest mainline narrative game in the Life is Strange franchise. This teen drama follows the story of Alex Chen, a young Asian-American with supernatural empathetic powers. Alex’s new start in the quiet town of Haven Springs is rocked by the sudden and mysterious death of her brother, Gabe. She must discover the truth behind this idyllic mining town, uncovering long-buried secrets along the way.
Helping her untangle the puzzle are Steph and Ryan, two other young adults who knew Alex’s brother well. The Life is Strange franchise is no stranger to romance, and True Colors is no different. Alex can choose a romance path between her two friends, sending a firm signal to her choice by gifting them a rose at the Spring Festival in Chapter 4. Here is why that choice should be radio DJ Steph Gingrich.
5 LGBTQ+ Representation
The Life is Strange franchise is known for its optional LGBTQ+ representation. Players could choose a romance path with Chloe in the first game, or pair Sean Diaz with Finn in Life is Strange 2.
Alex Chen is a chronically-online, kitschy, chaotic bisexual in her early twenties. Her romance path with Steph is an unfetishised, unflinching celebration of women-loving-women relationships, which tend to be uncommon in video games and other media. While bisexual women are valid whether no matter their partner's gender, choosing Steph as a romance partner fits best with Alex's character. An interesting, vibrant life, surrounded by music, friends, cats, nature and love sounds like the perfect life for Alex Chen.
4 Steph Understands Alex's Sense Of Adventure
In Chapter 5, players must make the final choice: stay in Haven Springs, or seek adventure? In a heartfelt montage with Gabe, he offers Alex some brotherly advice. A colorful, blissful life plays out, showing Alex what her peaceful life in Haven Springs could look like. However, Gabe also points out that “seeking adventure is an unknown future,” and suggests she could “give the music thing a real go.”
If the player chooses to give Steph a rose In Chapter 4, they will have to meet her on the rooftop. Steph tries to convince Alex to leave Haven Springs with her, which will give players the choice to either hug or kiss her. Steph recognises the wandering spirit in Alex’s soul and wants to see her live her life to its fullest potential, making her a supportive and loving partner.
3 They Have Common Interests
All the best romances start with a shared interest, something meaningful to both parties that they can enjoy together. Music is a lifeline for Alex, helping her through the hardest moments in her life and bringing her some of her happiest memories.
Steph is a quirky breath of fresh air in a sleepy town. Her colorful personality shines as the town’s radio DJ, which is how the pair first meet. They bond over records in the shop, they play the Jukebox game in the Black Lantern (with the awful-sounding Kiwi Schnapps as a punishment for getting the song wrong). Steph encourages (forces) Alex to play with her in a band for the Spring Festival. Their mutual love of music is the basis for their friendship — and for so much more.
2 Steph Is Thoughtful
Life is Strange: True Colors plays on the themes of Life is Strange: Before the Storm by asking, “How can video games act as tools for exploring empathy?” This is a story about connection and hope, against all odds. Especially in today’s socio-economic climate, empathy is a trait in short supply. It is important to remember that kindness and understanding can go a long way, both in the story of the game and in the real world.
This is why it is so sweet when Steph is able to recognize and understand the overwhelming pain of Gabe’s stepson, Ethan, without the need for special superpowers like Alex's. Ethan feels responsible for causing Gabe’s death after he got lost exploring the mines. A desire to help him leads to Steph organising a LARP for Ethan, which the whole town participates in. This LARP takes up a majority of Chapter 3, but does a great job of humanising Steph and setting up her romance with Alex. If players want to flirt with Steph in the record shop, they can read her mind for an adorable exchange.
1 She's The Star Of The Wavelengths DLC
Wavelengths will offer a closer look at the weird and wonderful life of the proud Steph Gingrich, a year before Alex moves to Haven Springs. This bonus episode of Life is Strange: True Colors will allow players to control Steph and see the world through her eyes.
Life is Strange: True Colors does a great job of exploring and expanding on Steph’s character from her first appearance in Before the Storm. Romancing Steph and seeing a softer side to her will make playing as her in the upcoming DLC a more emotional and meaningful experience.
Life is Strange: True Colors was released on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, GeForce Now, and Google Stadia on September 10, 2021. It will also be available on Nintendo Switch later this year. The Wavelengths DLC will be available to players who own the Deluxe Upgrade, Deluxe Edition, or Ultimate Edition, on September 30, 2021. It will also be available on Nintendo Switch later this year.