Life is Strange: Reunion vs Mixtape
Reunion closes Max and Chloe's story with real choices; Mixtape is a near-playless 90s memory that anyone can jump into.
Updated 10d ago
Holds up as Max-and-Chloe closure if you survived Double Exposure's dropped ball — but newcomers should start with the original LiS, not Reunion's nostalgia-leaning sendoff.
The writing and the 90s playlist are the whole draw — near-zero input and a 3-4 hour runtime make it a movie, so skip this unless the vibe is what you're buying.
By the numbers
Prices checked Aug 7; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Aug 7.
| Measure | Life is Strange: Reunion | Mixtape |
|---|---|---|
| Value Mixtape wins on value | ||
| Price now | $39.99 GreenManGaming | $14.59 −27% · Fanatical |
| All-time low | $29.99 | $14.19 |
| Cost / hour | $4.18/hr $39.99 · 10 h main story | $4.59/hr $14.59 · 3 h main story |
| Off its low | +33% low was Jun 2026 | +3% low was Jul 2026 |
| Main story | 10 h | 3 h |
| Health Too close to call | ||
| Steam reviews | 89% 5k reviews | 88% 8k reviews |
| Recent reviews | 82% 223 votes · vs 89% lifetime · souring | 88% 257 votes · vs 88% lifetime |
| Peak players | 367 Jul 2026 · ↓ 1% MoM | 95 Jul 2026 · ↓ 42% MoM |
| Launch peak | — | 4% of May 2026 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 |
| All-time peak | 2,240 Apr 2026 · now at 16% | 2,216 May 2026 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | 4 months ago | 8 weeks ago |
| Patch cadence | 0 in last 90 days | 1 in last 90 days |
| Steam Deck | Platinum | Gold |
Shared scale — same months across the bottom, same player-count axis up the side, so the two lines are directly comparable. A shorter line means a younger game.
What players say
Patterns from long-haul reviewers, taken from each game's verdict. Not live sentiment — each side is dated below.
Life is Strange: Reunion
The heartfelt reunion between Max and Chloe provides the closure long-time fans have been waiting for, making it a deeply satisfying continuation of their story.
Repetitive dialogue, especially the overuse of lines like 'I can't believe you are here,' dulls the emotional impact and pacing.
from our May 2026 verdict
Mixtape
The writing and soundtrack are the anchors fans keep returning to, with the 90s vibe and character moments cited as the reason to replay.
The near-absent gameplay and short runtime are the frictions long-time players flag, with many calling it a movie rather than a game.
from our August 2026 verdict
Key differences
Which one is for you?
Pick Life is Strange: Reunion if
- You played Life is Strange 1 and Before the Storm and want closure for Max and Chloe.
- You forgave Double Exposure's narrative stumbles and want fan-service done right.
- You want an 8-10 hour narrative game with light decision-making.
Pick Mixtape if
- You love slice-of-life coming-of-age stories like Life is Strange but want a different setting.
- You want a nostalgic trip to the late 90s with a curated soundtrack.
- You prefer narrative experiences over gameplay mechanics and don't mind minimal interactivity.
Bottom line
Go with Reunion if you need Max and Chloe's arc finished; otherwise, Mixtape is a simpler, standalone nostalgia trip.