In 2015, the French studio Don't Nod set a new standard for interactive dramas with Life is Strange, a captivating adventure that celebrated the beauty of everyday life, the bonds of friendship, and the relentless march of time. Players were drawn to its meticulous attention to detail and the ability to explore and influence the game world. Despite exploring different genres in subsequent projects, none managed to recapture the magic that fans cherished.
Years later, Don't Nod returns to its roots with Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, a coming-of-age story that not only embraces interactive cinema but also pays homage to a nostalgic era and the exuberance of youth. With its evocative atmosphere, compelling characters, and impactful choices, the game captivates players from the start.
Table of Content ---
- 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 core of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is the story of four women whose friendship abruptly ended 27 years ago. The protagonist, Swan Holloway, returns to her hometown of Velvet Bay for a reunion with her old friends and uncovers a mysterious package from their past. This package leads them to a forest and an abandoned house, stirring up secrets they thought were long buried. The narrative unfolds across two timelines: 1995, a time of youthful exuberance, and 2022, where the now middle-aged women awkwardly reunite in a bar, grappling with the incident that tore them apart. The game switches to first-person perspective to highlight the contrast between these timelines.
Most of the gameplay occurs in the past, where players explore breathtaking locations, nurture relationships, and document events using a vintage HVS camera. Video recording is a central mechanic, allowing Swan to capture everything from graffiti and wildlife to potential paranormal activities. These recordings can be edited into short films in a separate menu, categorized by themes, with Swan providing commentary. While these films add depth to the storyline, they do not directly influence the plot.
Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage excels in its interactivity and attention to detail, hallmarks of Don't Nod's work. For example, if Swan expresses a desire for ice cream from a nearby truck, players can choose to fulfill this wish or continue with other activities. Delaying may result in the truck closing, which in turn alters subsequent conversations with new characters.
Image: ensigame.com
The game's world is dynamic, enhancing its charm. Dialogues unfold in real-time, similar to Oxenfree and Telltale games, with characters interrupting each other, shifting topics, and even offering silence as a response. Sometimes, choosing not to speak can be more impactful than impulsively revealing a secret.
Players have the freedom to build relationships as they see fit. It's not necessary to seek approval from everyone; if a character doesn't resonate, players can simply ignore them. Swan's shy nature allows players to guide her in opening up to others.
Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters
Image: ensigame.com
Don't Nod has a knack for crafting characters that feel authentic. They are loud, sometimes awkward in their youthful idealism, yet genuinely sincere. Swan, a 16-year-old who struggles with self-doubt and hides behind her camera, is a relatable protagonist. Though reminiscent of Life is Strange's Max Caulfield, Swan stands out as her own character.
Her friends—Ottem, Kate, and Nora—embody familiar archetypes but break free from them. Nora, with her punk aesthetic and American dreams, surprises with her cautious nature, while Kate, the passionate writer, encourages Swan to seize the moment. Ottem values thoughtful and serious individuals. Together, they transport players back to the feeling of teenage invincibility, regardless of the player's age. Lost Records is a journey through time, not just into youth but into the essence of the '90s.
A Town Worth Dreaming About
Nostalgia is woven into every facet of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. Swan's room, filled with '90s relics like bulky TVs, floppy disks, and Tamagotchis, is a treasure trove for millennials. Every detail invites exploration and evokes a sense of longing for the past.
The game is rich with pop culture references, from Sabrina and The X-Files to Tank Girl and The Goonies. Video games like Oxenfree, Night in the Woods, and Life is Strange are also nodded to, alongside books and music such as House of Leaves and Nirvana. The plot setup itself is a nod to Stephen King's It, with the characters reuniting 27 years after their last meeting.
Image: ensigame.com
The soundtrack, featuring dream-pop and indie-rock, complements the nostalgic atmosphere. Tracks like "See You in Hell" and "The Wild Unknown" enhance the game's immersive experience.
Velvet Bay, the setting of the game, is portrayed as a quintessential sleepy American town. It's cozy by day and chilling by night, and the more players explore, the more intrigued they become by the mysteries of Bloom & Rage.
Slow-Paced Plot The Defining Feature of the Story
Image: ensigame.com
The story unfolds at a leisurely pace, which might surprise players expecting a faster transition into mystery. Unlike Life is Strange, where the detective elements emerge quickly, Lost Records takes its time, focusing first on character development and the '90s atmosphere. This slow build-up isn't a flaw for all players, and the tension escalates in the second half of the first episode, culminating in a cliffhanger that sets the stage for more excitement in the next installment.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage transports players to the '90s, even if they never experienced them. It's a game that knows its audience and delivers all the essential elements of a successful interactive drama: relatable characters, engaging interactions, and a promising narrative. The full impact of the story will be revealed with the release of the second part on April 15th. Fans eagerly await to see if Don't Nod can once again weave their magic and deliver a satisfying conclusion.
