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

If you're a fan of immersive narrative-driven experiences, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a journey worth taking. Developed by Don't Nod—the studio behind the critically acclaimed Life is Strange—this interactive coming-of-age story returns to the roots that made them famous, blending emotional storytelling with atmospheric world-building and meaningful player choice.

Friends Reunite to Uncover Secrets from the Past After 27 Years

Image: ensigame.com

At the center of Lost Records is Swan Holloway, a woman returning to her hometown of Velvet Bay after nearly three decades for a reunion with her childhood friends. Upon arrival, they receive a mysterious package from their past, reigniting memories long buried. What begins as a nostalgic trip quickly turns into a journey through time and emotion, uncovering secrets hidden in an abandoned house and a forest thick with forgotten echoes.

The game unfolds across two timelines—1995 and 2022—offering players a dual perspective on the characters’ lives. In the past, we experience their youthful energy and bond; in the present, we witness the awkward reconnection between four women who drifted apart after a traumatic event. The shift between eras is subtle yet powerful, often using first-person camera transitions to emphasize the emotional contrast.

Much of the gameplay centers around 1995, where players explore lush environments, forge friendships, and document moments with Swan’s vintage HVS camera.

This video recording mechanic is central to the experience. Much like Max’s photography in Life is Strange, Swan films everything—from birds and graffiti to paranormal phenomena. These clips can be edited into thematic short films, complete with her personal reflections. While some appear within the storyline, they don’t directly influence it, serving more as emotional anchors than narrative drivers.

Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships

Don't Nod has always been known for its deep interactivity, and Lost Records continues this tradition with a dynamic world that reacts to your decisions.

For example, during one scene, Swan expresses a desire to get ice cream from a nearby truck. You can either act immediately or ignore the urge. If you delay, the truck leaves, altering future conversations and character interactions accordingly.

Dialogues unfold in real-time, reminiscent of titles like Oxenfree and Telltale adventures. Characters interrupt each other, topics shift organically, and silence becomes a valid response. Sometimes, holding back is wiser than blurting out a secret impulsively.

Building relationships is also a form of choice. You’re not obligated to seek approval from everyone. If a character doesn’t resonate with you, you can simply walk away. Swan’s personality—shy, introspective, and observant—allows for a natural progression toward certain bonds, making every interaction feel authentic.

Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters

Image: ensigame.com

What makes Lost Records truly special is its cast. Don't Nod crafts characters with such sincerity and depth that they feel like people you’ve met before—or perhaps even used to be.

Swan, our protagonist, is a relatable 16-year-old battling self-doubt, anxiety, and the need for connection. She hides behind her camera, observing life rather than participating in it. While she shares similarities with Max Caulfield, Swan never feels like a copy. Her voice, fears, and dreams are uniquely hers.

Her friends Ottem, Kate, and Nora embody familiar archetypes but break free from clichés:

• Nora, the punk girl with colorful bangs and big dreams, is surprisingly cautious.
• Kate, a passionate writer, often stirs up trouble and pushes Swan to take risks.
• Ottem appreciates thoughtful, grounded individuals and balances the group's energy.

Together, they create a dynamic that feels organic and emotionally rich. Playing through their summer together makes you remember what it felt like to be young, invincible, and endlessly curious about life.

A Town Worth Dreaming About

Nostalgia is the beating heart of Lost Records. From Swan’s bedroom filled with '90s memorabilia—bulky TVs, VHS tapes, tamagotchis, and troll dolls—to references to cult classics like The X-Files, Twilight, Tank Girl, and Revenge of the Nerds, the game is a love letter to a generation.

Even modern indie games like Oxenfree, Night in the Woods, and Control make appearances, subtly enriching the universe. Music plays a key role too, with dream-pop and indie-rock tracks perfectly capturing the era’s mood. Tracks like “See You in Hell” by The Wild Unknown linger long after the credits roll.

Velvet Bay itself becomes a character—a sleepy American town that feels cozy by day and eerie by night. The more you explore, the more layers unfold, keeping you engaged and intrigued.

Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story

Image: ensigame.com

Unlike the faster-paced mystery elements of Life is Strange, Bloom & Rage takes a slower, more deliberate approach. It asks players to immerse themselves in the setting, develop relationships, and soak in the atmosphere before diving into the core mystery.

While this may test the patience of some players, it ultimately pays off. By the second half of the first episode (or "reel"), the tension builds steadily, culminating in a dramatic cliffhanger that sets the stage for future episodes. This pacing allows the story to breathe, grounding the supernatural elements in real human emotion.

The second part is set to release on April 15th, and anticipation is high. If the first installment is any indication, Don't Nod is crafting something truly memorable—an interactive experience that speaks to both fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage isn’t just a game—it’s a memory, a mood, and a moment in time preserved in pixels and sound. Whether you lived through the '90s or simply wish you had, this title offers an evocative escape into youth, friendship, and the mysteries that shape us.