Developer: Don’t Nod
Platform: PC (Reviewed), PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Adventure
Publisher: Don’t Nod
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a narrative-driven adventure. This game was developed and published by Don’t Nod and comes from the original creators of Life is Strange. ‘Bloom’, the first part of two parts, was released with Tape 2 coming out in April. The following review was done on Windows, but the game is also available for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 brings the players into the mid-1990s era, where it intertwines the theme around the supernatural and friendships. The game introduced you to Swann Holloway, who is a 16-year-old aspiring filmmaker. In the summer of 1995, Swann became close friends with three other girls and formed a riot girl band named Bloom & Rage. Upon exploring during the summertime, they discover a mysterious abyss in the woods. In the year 2022, Bloom & Rage reunite upon receiving an ominous box that ties the time they spent together during the summer of 1995.Â
The controls for Lost Records: Bloom & Rage work very well, creating interactions between the environment and characters to perform seamlessly. Much of the mechanics and controls are explained in the game as you play, and keybinds are displayed when interaction is possible. The most intriguing mechanic is Swann’s camcorder. The camcorder allows players to record footage which has an influence on the character/dialogue interactions. Using the camcorder also adds great emphasis to the atmosphere and visuals of the game, bringing out the beauty of what the player decides to record.Â
The visuals for Lost Records: Bloom & Rage almost pay homage to Life is Strange, where you have realistic designs with slight cartoonish features. The game exceeds expectations when it comes to character designs to really portray the realism that teenagers face. For instance, you can notice acne and imperfections that teenagers are designed to have, which give more relatability and authenticity to the character. The game shines in wanting to make the atmosphere and characters feel human and real. Each character has a unique personality that is displayed by their expressions and actions that are captured beautifully. What I really enjoyed was the aesthetic of the 90s that was captured through details plastered all over the game. The style of clothing, the hair, the cassette tapes, band posters, and so much more. The graphics of the game are stunning, and with a narrative game like this, the settings are breathtaking. It allows players to take the time to appreciate the effort put into the visuals that carry the story being told. I did also enjoy the use of different perspectives in the game and effortlessly with a creative touch. In 2022, you played with a first-person perspective, but when back in 1995, you played with a third-person perspective. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage has a great soundtrack that gives a nostalgic 90s feel. The music was energetic, emphasising a rebellious spirit, which creates an immersive experience. Â
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a narrative adventure game where the choices the player makes have a significant impact on how the story progresses. The game itself does a wonderful job of establishing relationships between the four girls and getting to see how they were all once so energetic to become worn down in the present. The first tape shines on being a slow burn that slowly builds the memories of the summer these girls spent together. What works so well for this game is the dual timeline; the way the game switches between 1995 and 2022 keeps the player on their toes. This game has its own gimmick: similar to Life is Strange, which is the use of the camcorder. You have the ability to record anything you encounter whilst playing the game and can edit and rearrange the clips to watch your finished work, which has a warm feeling to them. Besides using the camcorder at your own leisure, you are tasked to record specific items, which adds to the simplistic gameplay style of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage.
If you are looking for a narrative adventure game where you get to delve into a compelling story that focuses on two different timelines whilst witnessing the growth of a girlfriend group, then this game is just for you! Lost Records: Bloom & Rage features unique characters, realistic, stunning visuals, an immersive soundtrack and the choice to choose the progression of the story. The game is similar to Life is Strange but emphasises the relationships you make as friends while discovering supernatural items. Don’t Nod creates a creative narrative-rich experience, so be sure to check out Lost Records: Bloom & Rage!
Overall: 9/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
