In 2015, Don't Nod redefined interactive dramas with Life is Strange, a captivating tale of everyday moments, enduring friendship, and the passage of time. Players cherished its detail, the ability to explore and meaningfully impact its world. While subsequent projects explored different genres, none recaptured that initial magic. Years later, Don't Nod returns to its roots with Lost Records, a coming-of-age story that transcends interactive cinema; it's a nostalgic ode to carefree youth. With its evocative atmosphere, memorable characters, and unpredictable choices, it captivates from start to finish.

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. Protagonist Swan Holloway returns to her hometown, Velvet Bay, for a reunion, only to discover a mysterious package from the past. A forest, an abandoned house, and long-buried secrets—forgotten memories resurface, transforming the reunion into a relived summer dream. This is the essence of Bloom & Rage.

The narrative unfolds across two timelines: 1995, a time of vibrant youth, and 2022, where the women, now in their forties, navigate an awkward reunion, haunted by a past tragedy. Even the camera shifts to first-person perspective to highlight this contrast. However, much of the gameplay occurs in the past, where players explore stunning locations, build relationships, and document events using a vintage HVS camera.

Video recording is a core mechanic. Like Max in Life is Strange, Swan films graffiti, wildlife, people, and even paranormal occurrences. Collected footage is edited into short films in a separate menu, categorized thematically, with Swan providing commentary. While these documentaries enrich the experience, they don't directly influence the plot.

Player choices have both significant and subtle consequences. The episodic nature of the game, and the narrative's core focus, currently limits long-term impacts.

Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships

Lost Records delivers the interactivity and attention to detail expected from Don't Nod. For example, Swan expresses a desire for ice cream from a passing truck. Choosing to buy it, or not, alters subsequent conversations. The dynamic world adds to its charm.

Dialogues unfold in real-time, reminiscent of Oxenfree and Telltale games: characters interrupt each other, change topics, and the option to remain silent is often impactful. Building relationships is also a choice; players aren't obligated to seek everyone's approval. Swan's shy nature allows for a gradual, organic connection.

Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters

Don't Nod crafts authentic characters: loud, sometimes clumsy in their youthful idealism, yet deeply sincere. Swan is relatable—a typical 16-year-old grappling with self-doubt, hiding behind her camera. While reminiscent of Max Caulfield, she avoids feeling like a mere rehash.

Her friends—Ottem, Kate, and Nora—embody familiar archetypes, yet transcend them. Nora, the punk with American dreams, reveals unexpected caution; writer Kate, a passionate instigator; and Ottem, who appreciates thoughtful individuals. The dynamic between them evokes the self-assuredness—and occasional cluelessness—of adolescence.

A Town Worth Dreaming About

Nostalgia permeates every aspect, especially Swan's room, filled with '90s artifacts: a bulky TV, floppy disks, Tamagotchis, and more—a treasure trove for millennials. Pop culture references abound: Sabrina, The X-Files, Tank Girl, and many more films, games, books, and music.

The soundtrack, a blend of dream-pop and indie-rock, is particularly noteworthy. Velvet Bay itself becomes a captivating setting: cozy by day, chilling by night, its secrets gradually revealed.

Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story

The pacing is deliberate, prioritizing character development and atmosphere over immediate mystery. While this might not appeal to all, it allows for a deeper connection with the characters and setting. The tension builds in the second half of the first episode, culminating in a compelling cliffhanger.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage successfully transports players to the '90s, offering relatable characters, engaging interactions, and the promise of a compelling narrative. Its ultimate success will be determined upon the release of the second part on April 15th.