John Miller
In Life is Strange 2, a video game developed by Dontnod Entertainment, players control two brothers, Sean and Daniel Diaz, who are forced to run away from home and head to Mexico. In the game, Sean and Daniel obtain a puppy named Mushroom, who quickly becomes a fan favourite. However, regardless of the player's actions, Mushroom always dies at the beginning of Episode 2 when she is let outside. If the player does not open the door for Mushroom, Daniel will use his powers to do so. This plot point has been the subject of much discussion among players, with some criticizing the developers for killing off the dog so early in the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Game | Life is Strange 2 |
| Developer | DONTNOD Entertainment |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Platform | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Theme | Parenting |
| Character | Mushroom (Dog) |
| Owner | Daniel Diaz |
| Fate | Dies in Episode 2 |
| Cause of Death | Unknown (possibly by a cougar) |
| Alternative Cause of Death | Daniel uses his powers to open the door and let her out |
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What You'll Learn
No matter what, Mushroom dies
In the game, Mushroom is introduced at the end of Episode 1 when Sean and Daniel Diaz, two brothers on the run, acquire her as a pet. By the start of Episode 2, players have already formed an attachment to Mushroom, making her death all the more impactful.
One key decision point involves whether to let Mushroom out unsupervised. Even if players choose not to open the door for her, Daniel, one of the brothers, will use his supernatural powers to do so. This action sets in motion a chain of events that tragically lead to Mushroom's death, illustrating the weighty consequences of player choices in the game.
While some players express frustration at the inevitability of Mushroom's death, others recognize its narrative significance. Mushroom's death serves as a pivotal moment in Daniel's character development, teaching him responsibility and maturity in the face of loss. Additionally, the emotional impact of her death influences Daniel's relationship with Sean and shapes his power dynamics.
Despite the understanding of Mushroom's narrative purpose, her death remains a heart-wrenching moment for players, especially dog lovers. The attachment formed with Mushroom, coupled with the exploration of grief and responsibility, underscores the intricate storytelling and emotional depth of the Life is Strange series.
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Player choices affect the narrative
Player choices have a significant impact on the narrative in the Life is Strange series of games, published by Square Enix and developed by Don't Nod and Deck Nine Games. The choices made by players can affect the direction of the story and the outcomes of certain events.
In Life is Strange 2, the player's choices can influence the relationship between the two main characters, Sean and Daniel Diaz, who are brothers forced to run away from home after a tragic incident. One of the key choices in the game involves deciding whether to let Daniel's beloved puppy, Mushroom, outside to do her business. Unfortunately, regardless of the player's choice, Mushroom dies, which is a significant moment in the game as it teaches Daniel about responsibility and maturity in dealing with grief. This event also affects Daniel's relationship with Sean and how he uses his newly discovered supernatural powers.
The inclusion of Mushroom in the game and her inevitable death have been the subject of much discussion among players. Some players feel that her death was a cheap stunt by the developers to evoke emotions, while others appreciate how it adds depth to Daniel's character and the game's themes of parenting and responsibility. There are also speculations about the reasons behind the developers' decision to include her death, such as reacting to fan expectations or budget and time constraints.
While the death of Mushroom is a fixed part of the story, the player's choices surrounding this event, such as whether to kill a cougar that threatens Mushroom, have consequences. These choices can impact Daniel's emotions and his relationship with Sean, showcasing how, while major plot points may be predetermined, player agency still plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and the characters' arcs.
The Life is Strange series is known for its heavily story-driven narrative that is influenced by player decisions. The inclusion of Mushroom and the player's inability to prevent her death, regardless of their choices, is a testament to the developers' commitment to creating a compelling and emotionally charged experience that explores complex themes.
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Mushroom teaches Daniel responsibility
In the video game Life is Strange 2, Daniel Diaz, one of the playable characters, acquires a puppy named Mushroom at the end of Episode 1. Mushroom quickly becomes a fan favourite, with players getting attached to her. Mushroom is important to the game's theme of parenting, as she teaches Daniel responsibility and maturity.
As Daniel's puppy, Mushroom is his responsibility, and players see this dynamic play out in Episode 2. Sean, Daniel's older brother, lets Mushroom outside to relieve herself, and she ends up dying. Despite this tragic outcome, Daniel does not blame Sean or ask about it; he simply grieves. This response showcases a level of maturity rarely seen from Daniel, indicating that his bond with Mushroom and the responsibility he felt for her contributed to his emotional growth.
Additionally, players face a choice after finding Mushroom: whether to kill a cougar or let it go. If the cougar is killed, Daniel can give Mushroom a proper burial, providing some closure. However, if the cougar is spared, it will steal Mushroom's body to eat it, leading to Daniel becoming angry with Sean. This decision further underscores the game's exploration of responsibility and the emotional consequences of choices.
While some players found Mushroom's death cheap or unnecessary, others recognized its significance in developing Daniel's character and teaching him responsibility. The loss of Mushroom also serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of parenting, as Sean and Daniel navigate their relationship and emotions in the aftermath of her death.
Overall, Mushroom's presence in Life is Strange 2, however brief, leaves a lasting impact on both the characters and the players, highlighting the importance of responsibility, emotional maturity, and the bonds formed through pet ownership.
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Daniel's reaction to Mushroom's death
Some players of the game have commented on the impact of Daniel's reaction, with one stating that "His reaction to Mushroom's death was what hurt the most for me, because I understood his attachment to the dog". Another player notes that Daniel's grief is made worse if the player chooses to let the cougar that kills Mushroom escape, as it results in the cougar stealing Mushroom's body to eat, causing Daniel to become very angry with Sean.
The death of Mushroom also has a significant impact on Daniel's character development in the game. As one player observes, "the character of Mushroom would have acquired more meaning if the game based on Sean's answers would have prompted Daniel to steal Mushroom or not". This suggests that the player's choices around Mushroom's death influence Daniel's relationship with his brother and his use of powers.
Overall, Daniel's reaction to Mushroom's death is a key moment in the game, showcasing his emotional depth and maturity while also shaping his future actions and relationships.
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The death was poorly executed
The death of Mushroom in Life is Strange 2 has been criticised by players for being poorly executed. The game, developed by Dontnod Entertainment, allows players to make choices that affect the narrative. However, despite players' choices, Mushroom, a puppy, dies early in the game. If players do not let her out, Daniel, one of the main characters, will use his powers to open the door, leading to her death.
The problem with this narrative choice is that it feels forced and abrupt. Players have no real attachment to Mushroom, as she is introduced at the end of the first episode and dies at the beginning of the second. This abrupt introduction and removal of the character feel like a cheap attempt at evoking emotion from the players, who are suddenly faced with the death of a puppy with no build-up or meaningful impact on the story.
The death of Mushroom also contradicts the theme of parenting and responsibility in the game. Mushroom is supposed to teach Daniel responsibility, but her sudden death undermines this lesson. Additionally, the characters in the game seem to get over her death quickly, with only occasional mentions, which further diminishes the impact and significance of her death.
The timing of Mushroom's death also feels odd and out of place. It occurs right after the players obtain the dog, which can feel frustrating and unsatisfying. It could have been more meaningful if her death had been a possible path rather than a forced outcome, allowing players to form an emotional attachment before facing a difficult decision or loss.
Overall, the execution of Mushroom's death falls flat and fails to evoke the desired emotional response from players. It feels like a rushed plot device rather than a well-thought-out narrative choice, leaving players feeling frustrated and disappointed.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Mushroom will die no matter what you do. Even if you don't open the door for her, Daniel will use his powers to let her out.
Mushroom is important to the game's theme of parenting. She teaches Daniel responsibility and maturity, especially when grieving.
Players have expressed frustration and sadness over Mushroom's death, with some calling it a cheap writing stunt to evoke emotion. Others have defended the narrative choice, saying it adds complexity to the story.
