Life is Strange: Reunion vs Mixtape
Both are short, choice-light story games — but one asks you to close a decade-old arc while the other asks you to sit back for a 90s mixtape.
Updated 13d 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 Sep 28; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Sep 28.
| Measure | Life is Strange: Reunion | Mixtape |
|---|---|---|
| Value Mixtape wins on value | ||
| Price now | $29.99 −25% · Steam | $12.57 −37% · GameBillet |
| All-time low | $29.99 | $12.57 |
| Cost / hour | $3.14/hr $29.99 · 10 h main story | $3.96/hr $12.57 · 3 h main story |
| Off its low | At its low low was Jun 2026 | At its low low was Oct 2026 |
| Main story | 10 h | 3 h |
| Health Life is Strange: Reunion wins on player health | ||
| Steam reviews | 89% 6k reviews | 88% 9k reviews |
| Recent reviews | 91% 108 votes · vs 89% lifetime | 86% 166 votes · vs 88% lifetime |
| Peak players | 163 Sep 2026 · ↓ 42% MoM | 41 Sep 2026 · ↓ 27% MoM |
| Launch peak | — | 2% of May 2026 launch peak · as of Sep 2026 |
| All-time peak | 2,240 Apr 2026 · now at 7% | 2,216 May 2026 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | 6 months ago | 4 months ago |
| Patch cadence | 0 in last 90 days | 0 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 LiS1 and Before the Storm and need Max and Chloe's arc closed.
- You forgave Double Exposure's pacing and want its writers' sendoff.
- You want an 8-10 hour narrative game with light mechanics.
Pick Mixtape if
- You liked Florence or Sayonara Wild Hearts and want another music-driven story.
- You'll trade interactivity for a well-written script and a 90s playlist.
- You want a 3-hour, one-sitting experience with no prior games required.
Bottom line
If you already own the Max-and-Chloe history, pick Reunion to close it; otherwise pick Mixtape, whose 3-hour runtime and standalone story ask far less of you for a tighter payoff.