90s Nostalgia: Bloom & Rage's Lost Records Found

In 2015, Don't Nod redefined interactive drama with Life is Strange, captivating players with its poignant portrayal of everyday life, enduring friendships, and the inescapable passage of time. Its meticulous detail and impactful choices resonated deeply. While subsequent games explored 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 vivid characters and unpredictable choices, Lost Records immediately captivates. It’s a game that understands the beauty of a bygone era and the complexities of youthful relationships.

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 is the story of four women whose friendship fractured 27 years prior. Swan Holloway returns to her hometown, 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, bringing a summer night's dream back to life. This is the essence of Bloom & Rage.

The narrative cleverly unfolds across two timelines: 1995, a time of vibrant youth, and 2022, where the now-forty-something women grapple with the awkwardness of their fractured past. Even the camera perspective shifts to first-person, emphasizing the contrast between these periods. However, the majority of gameplay takes place in the nostalgic 1995 setting.

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 everything: graffiti, wildlife, people, even hints of the paranormal.

Collected footage can be edited into short films, categorized by theme, with Swan providing commentary. These films contribute to the narrative atmosphere, even if they don't directly impact the plot.

Crucially, player choices shape the narrative, influencing both the big picture and smaller details. While the episodic nature currently limits the long-term consequences, the impact is still significant.

Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships

Lost Records excels in interactivity and attention to detail, hallmarks of Don't Nod's style. For example, Swan's desire for ice cream from a passing truck presents a choice: buy it, or move on. Delaying the purchase leads to the truck leaving and alters subsequent conversations.

The dynamic world adds to the game's charm. Real-time dialogues, reminiscent of Oxenfree and Telltale games, feature interruptions, topic shifts, and the option of silence—sometimes the most powerful choice. Building relationships is also organic; players aren't forced to please everyone. Swan's shyness allows for authentic connection.

Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters

Don't Nod has crafted genuine characters: loud, sometimes clumsy, yet deeply sincere. Swan is a relatable 16-year-old, self-conscious and 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 cautiousness, while the passionate writer Kate encourages bolder actions. Ottem values thoughtful individuals. These characters evoke the feeling of teenage self-assurance, regardless of the player's age.

A Town Worth Dreaming About

Nostalgia permeates every aspect, particularly Swan's room, filled with iconic '90s artifacts: bulky TVs, floppy disks, Tamagotchis, and more. Every detail is a nostalgic treasure, prompting both admiration and reflection.

Pop culture references abound: Sabrina, The X-Files, Tank Girl, and many more films, games, books, and music. The soundtrack, featuring dream-pop and indie-rock, is particularly noteworthy; the track "See You in Hell" is especially memorable. Velvet Bay is expertly crafted as a quintessential sleepy American town, cozy by day and chilling by night.

Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story

The deliberate pacing might not appeal to all, but it allows for character development and immersion in the '90s atmosphere before the mystery unfolds. While initially slow, the tension builds in the second half of the first episode, culminating in a powerful cliffhanger. This leaves players eager for the next installment, due April 15th.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage successfully captures the essence of the '90s, featuring relatable characters, engaging interactions, and the promise of a compelling story. Its ultimate success will be determined upon the release of the second part.