Who’s the killer in Life is Strange: Double Exposure?
Max Caulfield must solve a seemingly impossible murder. There’s a long list of potential suspects - could the culprit be one of these?Whodunnit?
That’s one of the questions at the heart of Life is Strange: Double Exposure. When protagonist Max Caulfield’s friend is murdered in very mysterious circumstances, it falls on her to uncover the culprit.
Of course, that’s much easier said than done. The setting of Caledon University is home to many people, each with their own distinct personalities and potential motives. But could any of them be a killer?
With the full game just a few weeks away, we thought it would be fun to look at some of the key figures you’ll meet in this gripping murder-mystery.
The investigator: Max Caulfield
Max Caulfield is a talented photographer who loves to explore abandoned places with her camera in hand, capturing life and nature in the absence of people. Her evocative work has led to her current role as Caledon University’s Artist-in-Residence, where she helps to guide the next generation of artists.
She loves bad horror movies, journaling and listening to music… oh, and she has the ability to jump between two separate timelines. When her friend is murdered in a seemingly impossible crime, that strange power makes her the perfect person to get to the bottom of the mystery.
The murder victim (and awesome best friend): Safi
Safi is a graduate student who works in the Literature Department on her poetry - and also Max’s closest friend at Caledon. She’s incredibly ambitious, very sociable, and always has Max’s back. She’s also the daughter of Caledon’s first female president - Yasmin. Safi has occasionally had a rocky relationship with her mother, but despite this, the two remain very close.
Safi’s story in one timeline comes to a tragic end when she is murdered by an unknown assailant. Yet in another timeline, she remains alive and well… for now. As Max, it’s up to you to both solve and prevent this terrible crime, before the killer strikes again!
The suspects
So who committed the crime? Caledon is home to many different people, both students and faculty, each of which is a potential suspect in this dastardly crime. Let’s take a look at some:
Vinh Lang
Vinh is the secretary to the President of Caledon University’s, Yasmin, and the current head of the secretive Abraxas Society - an artistic collective that specializes in performance art.
Vinh is flirtatious and cheeky and has more than a passing interest in Max and her ‘haunted’ company. He loves the theatre and won several awards for his student acting. Although he’s proud of his achievements, he also feels a nagging sense of failure for not yet taking his career further.
But is he as popular a leader as he thinks he is? And is there a killer behind his friendly personality?
Moses
Moses is an astrophysicist who works in Caledon University’s Observatory. He loves science, especially astronomy, and is never happier than when he is studying the night sky. He also loves comic books and has a large collection of pop culture figurines.
He’s a warm and friendly guy. He’s very close with Safi and becomes a confidant for Max when life takes a turn for the strange.
But if he really is so welcoming, why does the local police detective favor him as a suspect?
Amanda Thomas
Amanda runs Caledon’s off-campus bar, The Snapping Turtle, and is responsible for much of its artistic and rustic décor. She’s a huge advocate for music, art, and stand-up comedy, and regularly hosts themed nights on the bar’s very own stage.
She also has a wicked sense of humor, though she does struggle with her romantic life. She has something of a crush on a certain out-of-town photographer and is always there to lend a supportive ear if needed.
But are drinks and advice the only thing she dispenses… or is she also serving up death?
Diamond Washington
Diamond is an aspiring director with a special interest in watching and creating documentaries. She’s also a member of the Abraxas Society and would love nothing more than to dislodge Vinh as its figurehead.
She’s also a close friend of Moses - as well as being his teaching assistant, the two often play tabletop games together. It’s not just Moses though - Diamond is a real social butterfly and finds it very easy to forge friendships, though romance and deeper connections elude her. She comes across as a charming and caring individual - as long as you stay on her good side.
But how bad is her bad side exactly?
Gwen Hunter
Gwen works in Caledon University’s literature department and is proud of her work as an author - despite some past struggles.
She and her wife love live music, especially metal bands, and they often travel to shows to listen to the latest bands. As well as riding her motorcycle, Gwen is an avid gardener with a special interest in plants and their care, and has turned her office into something of a green sanctuary.
Although she can be a supportive and caring friend, she can be quick to distrust those around her, perhaps due to her negative experiences with prejudice.
She was Safi’s mentor... but does her connection to Safi run any deeper?
Loretta Rice
Loretta is all about journalism - she even has her very own True Crime podcast, ‘Get A Clue!’ When she senses a scoop, she has no qualms about doing whatever she needs to for a clue, insight or inside angle on the story.
Safi’s murder is a little different though. This is the first time one of her True Crimes has struck so close to home, and she finds herself torn between making the most of the opportunity or dealing with the emotions that Safi’s death dredges up.
Loretta seems to be an advocate for the truth, and an irritating, if useful ally for Max to have on-side.
Assuming she’s innocent, of course…
Reggie Kagan
Reggie is a student at Caledon University and is eager to become a full member of the secretive Abraxas Society. Although friendly and good fun to be around, Reggie lacks confidence in his talents, which in turn is affects his social and educational life.
However, thanks to Max’s support, Reggie may have finally found a field in which he’s a natural: photography. Because of this, he enjoys talking to Max, who helps to lift his spirits when he’s feeling low.
He likes to stay on the sidelines, but does Reggie have a more central role in the mystery at Caledon than he lets on?
Lucas Colmenero
Lucas is an award-winning author who works at Caledon University. While his passion for literature is unparalleled, it’s unfortunately matched by his passion for himself. He has the uncanny ability to turn any situation or conversation towards himself - an arrogant streak that makes him unpopular among some students and co-workers, even as others clamor to be part of his classes and lectures.
Lucas struggles with his family life and is currently in a custody battle with his ex-wife.
Could this clash of ego and circumstance make for a potential murderer?
Vince Alderman
Detective Vince Alderman is one of Lakeport’s leading homicide detectives and has been assigned the case of Safi’s murder. His accusations appear to be tainted by prejudice - he leans towards certain suspects, profiling early, without sufficient evidence.
He’s also bullish, stubborn, and quick to anger. He finds this case highly suspicious and suspects something strange is going on… and that Max may be involved.
But could he be more connected to the murder than he’s letting on?
Lost Cat
Play the Life is Strange Ultimate Edition, and you’ll get access to additional content starring this fluffy feline. This lost cat is temporarily adopted by Max and stays in her accommodation, Hellerton House, until Max can track down its owner. Eventually it warms up to Max, who even chooses a nickname for it.
In true kitty style, this furry friend loves to find warm places to sit around the house and play with its squeaky Hawt Dawg Man toy.
But behind those adorable eyes and pointy ears, does a murderer lurk? Could it be that the cat did the crime?
…probably not, to be honest. Actually, you can take this one off the suspect list - the only thing this fluffball’s guilty of is being adorable.
A compelling cast of characters, but could any of the above be the murderer? Maybe it’s all of them. Maybe it’s none of them. It’s up to you to find out when Life is Strange: Double Exposure launches for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam on October 29, 2024.
Three editions are available:
Life is Strange: Double Exposure (standard edition)
Available digitally and physically, this edition includes:
The full game
It’s available to preorder now:
Life is Strange: Double Exposure Deluxe Edition
Available digitally, this edition gives you two extra Outfit Packs for Max, with 10 exclusive designs. It includes:
The full game
Spooky Outfit Pack - Just Haunt It! coat and indoor outfits Maxidermy, Ragdoll Max, Max Ghoulfield, and Max O’Lantern.
Decades Outfit Pack - 90s Grunge coat and indoor outfits 50s Rockabilly, 70s Flower Power, 80s Mallrat, 60s Psychedelia.
It's available to preorder now:
Life is Strange: Double Exposure Ultimate Edition
Available digitally, this edition includes five outfit packs for Max and exclusive cat content! Yes, that’s as adorably awesome as it sounds.
It also gives advanced access to Chapters 1 and 2, two weeks ahead of the release of the full game. Here’s what’s included:
The full game
Spooky Outfit Pack - Just Haunt It! coat and indoor outfits Maxidermy, Ragdoll Max, Max Ghoulfield, and Max O’Lantern.
Decades Outfit Pack - 90s Grunge coat and indoor outfits 50s Rockabilly, 70s Flower Power, 80s Mallrat, 60s Psychedelia.
FINAL FANTASY VII Outfit Pack - Moogle coat and indoor outfits Chocobo, Cactuar, Bomb, and Tonberry.
Fan Favorite Outfit Pack - Hawt Dawg Man coat and indoor outfits Free Bird, Classic Doe, Wolf Squad, and Misfit Skull.
Paw Prints Cat Outfit Pack - Leopard Print Camo coat and indoor outfits Awesome Pawsome, Peek Purple, Feline Fine, and Hang In There.
Exclusive Cat Content - When Max discovers a lost cat, she knows she must reunite it with its owner! This adorable task runs throughout the game, adding tons of feline fun to the mystery.
It's available to preorder now:
Life is Strange: Double Exposure Collector’s Box (SE Store Exclusive)
Life is Strange: Double Exposure Collector’s Box (SE Store Exclusive)
Available exclusively from the Square Enix Store, the Collector’s Box is full of awesome Life is Strange goodies - your perfect accompaniment to your journey through Caledon University.
This does not contain the game, so purchase it alongside a digital or boxed version of the game.
- Collector’s Box
- 12” Vinyl Soundtrack with 13 songs from the game
- 32pp Mini Hardcover Artbook with exclusive concept art
- 4 Double-Sided 12” Artcards
- Max’s Owl Pin Replica
It's available to preorder now:
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