Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Delivers Gripping Teen Drama and a Nostalgic ’90s Experience

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Blends Teen Drama with a Heavy Dose of ’90s Nostalgia

Developer Don’t Nod, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Life is Strange, has once again delved into the realm of narrative-driven storytelling with its latest release, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. The first installment of this two-part adventure, titled Tape 1: Bloom, launched on February 18, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This game promises to captivate players with its intricate characters, emotional depth, and a healthy dose of ’90s nostalgia.

The story unfolds in two timelines: the sweltering summer of 1995 in the fictional Michigan town of Velvet Cove, and the present day of 2022. Players are introduced to four teenage girls—Swann, Nora, Autumn, and Kat—who are reunited decades later to confront a long-buried secret. This dual narrative structure, a hallmark of Don’t Nod’s storytelling style, offers a rich exploration of both the past and its impact on the present.

At the heart of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is its innovative gameplay mechanic: Swann’s camcorder. Players use this device to record moments from Swann’s life, creating “memoirs” that serve as a unique way to engage with the environment. Whether it’s filming a sunset, capturing the details of a cluttered room, or zooming in on a hidden object, the camcorder becomes an extension of Swann’s personality and curiosity. This mechanic encourages exploration and attention to detail, rewarding players who take the time to soak in the game’s world.

The game’s narrative is deeply choice-driven, with dialogue options that can significantly alter relationships and story outcomes. One standout feature is its approach to conversations: by choosing to listen rather than speak, players can unlock additional dialogue options. This system emphasizes patience and empathy, creating more natural and meaningful interactions between characters. It’s a bold departure from the fast-paced dialogue choices often seen in similar games, and it pays off by fostering a sense of authenticity.

Visually, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage shines with its meticulous attention to detail. The character models are lifelike, with subtle touches like Nora’s acne-covered face adding a layer of realism. The environments are equally impressive, capturing the nostalgic essence of the mid-1990s through period-specific props, fashion, and music. From the cluttered bedrooms filled with cassette tapes to the neon-lit arcades, every setting feels like a time capsule.

While the game excels in storytelling and character development, it’s not without its flaws. Some players have reported technical issues, such as texture loading problems and occasional glitches during dialogue sequences. Additionally, the puzzle elements are relatively straightforward, which may leave some players craving more complexity. However, these minor shortcomings are overshadowed by the game’s strengths in narrative design and emotional resonance.

The horror elements in Tape 1: Bloom are subtle, focusing more on atmosphere and tension rather than outright scares. This approach sets the stage for the second installment, Tape 2: Rage, which promises to ramp up the horror elements when it releases on April 15, 2025. For now, the first part of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage offers a compelling mix of teen drama, nostalgia, and mystery, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.

With its engaging story, relatable characters, and innovative mechanics, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is poised to leave a lasting impression on players. As the gaming world eagerly awaits the second installment, one thing is clear: Don’t Nod has once again proven its mastery of the narrative adventure genre.

Read the full review at The Verge.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Blends Teen Drama with a Heavy Dose of ’90s Nostalgia

Developer Don’t Nod, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Life is Strange, has once again delved into the realm of narrative-driven storytelling with its latest release, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. The first installment of this two-part adventure, titled Tape 1: Bloom, launched on February 18, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This game promises to captivate players with its intricate characters, emotional depth, and a healthy dose of ’90s nostalgia.

The story unfolds in two timelines: the sweltering summer of 1995 in the fictional Michigan town of Velvet Cove, and the present day of 2022. Players are introduced to four teenage girls—Swann, Nora, Autumn, and Kat—who are reunited decades later to confront a long-buried secret. This dual narrative structure, a hallmark of Don’t Nod’s storytelling style, offers a rich exploration of both the past and its impact on the present.

At the heart of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is its innovative gameplay mechanic: Swann’s camcorder. Players use this device to record moments from Swann’s life, creating “memoirs” that serve as a unique way to engage with the environment. Whether it’s filming a sunset, capturing the details of a cluttered room, or zooming in on a hidden object, the camcorder becomes an extension of Swann’s personality and curiosity. This mechanic encourages exploration and attention to detail, rewarding players who take the time to soak in the game’s world.

The game’s narrative is deeply choice-driven, with dialogue options that can significantly alter relationships and story outcomes. One standout feature is its approach to conversations: by choosing to listen rather than speak, players can unlock additional dialogue options. This system emphasizes patience and empathy, creating more natural and meaningful interactions between characters. It’s a bold departure from the fast-paced dialogue choices often seen in similar games, and it pays off by fostering a sense of authenticity.

Visually, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage shines with its meticulous attention to detail. The character models are lifelike, with subtle touches like Nora’s acne-covered face adding a layer of realism. The environments are equally impressive, capturing the nostalgic essence of the mid-1990s through period-specific props, fashion, and music. From the cluttered bedrooms filled with cassette tapes to the neon-lit arcades, every setting feels like a time capsule.

While the game excels in storytelling and character development, it’s not without its flaws. Some players have reported technical issues, such as texture loading problems and occasional glitches during dialogue sequences. Additionally, the puzzle elements are relatively straightforward, which may leave some players craving more complexity. However, these minor shortcomings are overshadowed by the game’s strengths in narrative design and emotional resonance.

The horror elements in Tape 1: Bloom are subtle, focusing more on atmosphere and tension rather than outright scares. This approach sets the stage for the second installment, Tape 2: Rage, which promises to ramp up the horror elements when it releases on April 15, 2025. For now, the first part of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage offers a compelling mix of teen drama, nostalgia, and mystery, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.

With its engaging story, relatable characters, and innovative mechanics, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is poised to leave a lasting impression on players. As the gaming world eagerly awaits the second installment, one thing is clear: Don’t Nod has once again proven its mastery of the narrative adventure genre.

Read the full review at The Verge.

Conclusion

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage represents a masterful blend of teen drama, ’90s nostalgia, and narrative-driven gameplay. With its dual timeline structure, innovative camcorder mechanics, and deeply emotional storytelling, Don’t Nod has crafted an experience that resonates on a personal level. While minor technical issues and straightforward puzzles may detract for some, the game’s strengths in character development and atmospheric design shine through. As players await the second installment, Tape 2: Rage, it’s clear that Don’t Nod has once again set a high standard for the narrative adventure genre.

Frequently Asked Questions