Lost Records: Bloom & Rage — A Nostalgic Journey Back to the 90s

In 2015, Don't Nod redefined interactive drama with Life is Strange, captivating players with its poignant exploration of everyday life, friendship, and the passage of time. Its meticulous detail and impactful choices resonated deeply. While subsequent titles experimented with different genres, none quite recaptured that initial magic. Now, Don't Nod returns to its roots with Lost Records, a coming-of-age story that transcends interactive cinema, offering a nostalgic ode to carefree youth and a perfectly crafted atmosphere.

With vibrant characters and unpredictable choices, Lost Records captivates from the start. It's a game that expertly blends compelling storytelling with meaningful player agency.

Table of Contents

• Friends Reunite to Uncover Secrets from the Past After 27 Years
• Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships
• Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters
• A Town Worth Dreaming About
• Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story

Friends Reunite to Uncover Secrets from the Past After 27 Years

At the heart of Lost Records lies the story of four women whose friendship fractured 27 years prior. Swan Holloway returns to her hometown of Velvet Bay for a reunion, only to discover a mysterious package from the past. A forgotten forest, an abandoned house, and long-buried secrets—forgotten memories resurface, transforming the reunion into a poignant reliving of a summer's dream. The narrative unfolds across two timelines: 1995, a time of youthful exuberance, and 2022, where the women grapple with the lingering effects of past events. The first-person camera perspective effectively highlights the contrast between these periods.

Most of the gameplay takes place in 1995, where players explore beautiful locations, build relationships, and document events using a vintage HVS camera. Video recording is a core mechanic, mirroring Max's photography in Life is Strange. Swan films everything from graffiti and wildlife to people and even paranormal occurrences. This footage is then edited into short films, categorized by theme, with Swan providing commentary.

Player choices impact the narrative, creating both significant long-term consequences and smaller, more nuanced effects. While the episodic nature of the game currently limits the scope of these long-term impacts, they are still impactful within the context of the unfolding story.

Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships

Lost Records delivers the interactive detail Don't Nod is known for. For example, Swan expresses a desire for ice cream from a passing truck. Choosing to buy it or ignore her craving alters subsequent conversations. The dynamic world adds to the game's charm. Real-time dialogues, reminiscent of Oxenfree and Telltale games, allow for interruptions, topic changes, and even the option of silence—sometimes the best response.

Building relationships is also a matter of choice. Players aren't obligated to please everyone; ignoring characters is an option. Swan's shy nature allows for a gradual opening up, mirroring player choices.

Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters

Don't Nod crafts authentic characters, flawed yet sincere. Swan, the protagonist, is a relatable 16-year-old grappling with self-doubt and hiding behind her camera. While reminiscent of Max Caulfield, she avoids becoming a mere imitation. Her friends—Ottem, Kate, and Nora—embody familiar archetypes but defy simplistic categorization. Their interactions feel genuine, evoking the complexities of teenage friendships.

Their dynamic brings a sense of authentic teenage experience, regardless of the player's age. Lost Records is a journey through time, both to the '90s and into the heart of youth.

A Town Worth Dreaming About

Nostalgia permeates Velvet Bay. Swan's room, filled with '90s artifacts—from bulky TVs to Tamagotchis—is a nostalgic treasure trove. The abundance of pop culture references—movies (Sabrina, The X-Files, Tank Girl), games (Oxenfree, Night in the Woods), books (House of Leaves), and music (Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana)—further enhances this immersion.

The soundtrack, a blend of dream-pop and indie-rock, is particularly noteworthy. The game's skillful blending of elements creates a captivating, atmospheric setting, transforming Velvet Bay into a town both cozy and unsettling.

Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story

The slow-burn narrative might not appeal to all players, but it serves the story well. Unlike Life is Strange's quicker transition to mystery, Lost Records prioritizes character development and atmosphere. The pace picks up in the second half of the first episode, culminating in a powerful cliffhanger that leaves players eager for the sequel. This deliberate pacing is a key element of the game's charm.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a game that understands its audience. With relatable characters, engaging interactions, and a promising narrative, it has the potential to be a significant entry in the interactive fiction genre. The conclusion, set for April 15th, is eagerly anticipated.