"Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - A 90s Nostalgia Trip"

In 2015, the French studio Don't Nod set a new standard for interactive dramas with Life is Strange, an enchanting adventure that celebrated the beauty of everyday moments, the strength of friendship, and the relentless march of time. Players were captivated by its meticulous attention to detail and the ability to explore and influence the world around them. While Don't Nod experimented with different genres in subsequent projects, none managed to recapture the magic that Life is Strange ignited in fans.

Years later, Don't Nod returns to its roots, delivering another coming-of-age story with Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. This game isn't just interactive cinema; it's a tribute to a bygone era and the essence of carefree youth. With its evocative atmosphere, vibrant characters, and unpredictable choices, Lost Records captivates players 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

Image: ensigame.com

At the heart of Lost Records lies the story of four women whose friendship dissolved 27 years ago. Our protagonist, Swan Holloway, returns to her hometown of Velvet Bay for a reunion with her old friends. They receive a mysterious package from the past, drawing them into a forest and an abandoned house where forgotten memories resurface. Bloom & Rage embodies a summer night's dream relived.

The narrative unfolds across two timelines: 1995, a time of greener grass and brighter sun, and 2022, where the heroines, now in their forties, awkwardly reunite in a bar, avoiding the painful incident that tore them apart. The camera shifts to first-person mode to highlight this contrast.

However, the bulk of the gameplay occurs in the past. Players explore stunning locations, nurture relationships, and document events using a vintage HVS camera. Video recording is a central mechanic, much like Max in Life is Strange, with Swan capturing graffiti, wildlife, people, and even paranormal traces.

Image: ensigame.com

In a dedicated menu, players can edit collected footage into short films, categorized by themes. Swan provides commentary on these clips, some of which appear in the storyline without altering it.

Meanwhile, the choices players make during gameplay significantly influence the story, affecting both long-term and short-term outcomes. Due to the game's episodic nature, there are fewer long-lasting impacts currently.

Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships

Lost Records excels in interactivity and attention to detail, hallmarks of Don't Nod's projects. For example, when Swan expresses a desire for ice cream from a nearby truck, players can choose to buy some or continue with other tasks. Delaying can result in the truck closing, altering subsequent conversations.

Image: ensigame.com

The game's world is dynamic, enhancing its charm. Dialogues flow in real-time, akin to Oxenfree and Telltale adventures, with characters interrupting each other, changing topics, and even offering silence as a choice. Sometimes, saying nothing can be more impactful than revealing a secret.

Freedom in building relationships is another form of choice. Players don't need to seek everyone's approval; if a character doesn't appeal, they can be ignored. Swan, though shy, can be encouraged to open up.

Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters

Image: ensigame.com

Don't Nod has a knack for creating authentic characters. Loud and occasionally clumsy in their youthful idealism, yet deeply sincere, these characters resonate with players.

While I once criticized the main cast of Life is Strange: Double Exposure for lacking soul, I realized the issue lay elsewhere. Deck Nine doesn't craft personalities as effectively as Don't Nod.

Swan is charming—an ordinary 16-year-old who struggles with self-doubt and hides behind her camera. Despite similarities to Max Caulfield, Swan feels distinct and authentic.

Image: ensigame.com

Her friends Ottem, Kate, and Nora fit familiar tropes but transcend them. Nora, the punk girl with colorful bangs and American dreams, is surprisingly cautious, while passionate writer Kate often instigates wild antics, encouraging Swan to be bolder. Ottem values thoughtfulness and seriousness.

In their company, players feel like teenagers again, regardless of their actual age. Lost Records is a journey through time, not just into youth but also into the heart of the '90s.

A Town Worth Dreaming About

Nostalgia permeates every aspect of Lost Records, epitomized by Swan's room filled with '90s artifacts like bulky TVs, tapes, floppy disks, tamagotchis, Rubik's cubes, and troll dolls—a true treasure trove for millennials.

Easter eggs referencing pop culture abound: Sabrina, The X-Files, Tank Girl, The Goonies, Twilight, Casper, Revenge of the Nerds, and more, including video games like Oxenfree, Night in the Woods, Control, and Life is Strange. The plot setup even echoes Stephen King's It, with 27 years since the characters last met.

Image: ensigame.com

The soundtrack is exceptional, featuring dream-pop and indie-rock tunes that soothe the ears. "See You in Hell" could easily chart, and "The Wild Unknown" has been stuck in my head for days.

Thanks to the skillful integration of all elements, Velvet Bay becomes the quintessential sleepy American town. Cozy by day and chilling by night, exploring its surroundings deepens the intrigue and mystery of Bloom & Rage.

Slow-Paced Plot The Defining Feature of the Story

Image: ensigame.com

The exposition unfolds gradually, potentially overshadowing the mystery genre. Unlike Life is Strange, where teenage life quickly transitions into detective work, Lost Records takes its time, insisting players get to know the characters and immerse in the '90s vibe before shifting gears.

While this slow pace may not appeal to everyone, it enhances the experience for those who appreciate it. The tension builds in the second half of the first episode (or "reel"), culminating in a cliffhanger that promises more excitement in the next installment, leaving players eager for more.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage transports players to the '90s, even if they've never experienced them. It's a film that knows its audience and delivers all the essential elements for success in the genre: relatable characters, engaging interactions, and a compelling narrative. The full impact of its legacy will be revealed with the second part's release on April 15th. I eagerly await the conclusion, hoping Don't Nod will once again weave their magic.