Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 - review

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a choice-based game where we influence the fate of four girls. In 1995, something unimaginable and mystical happened that changed their lives during that summer. It was so tragic that they decided to never see each other again.

But suddenly, in 2022, one of them receives a box with the message: "I was there, I remember, I remember Bloom and Rage"—the name of the band they formed in 1995. What could have gone wrong? It’s up to us to decide how those fateful events of 1995 unfolded and how the relationships and destinies of the girls will end in 2022.

Who will make it out without getting hurt? Who will you grow closest to, and who will you want to avoid after 27 years?? Who will you grow closest to, and who will you want to avoid after 27 years?  If you love games with a cozy atmosphere, while also being full of mystery and tension, The Tape 1 is perfect for you. Dontnod, as always, tackles important themes. In Lost Records, we have sisterhood, nostalgia, mystery, and a feminist approach to the narrative.

The gameplay mechanics are familiar to Life is Strange — we explore, talk to people, and make choices under time pressure. However, after five years, Dontnod brings freshness with the addition of an amazing camcorder feature and more natural dialogue system. In the game, you can form neutral, friendly, or even romantic relationships. Through your choices, you decide which girl you want to get closer to, and nothing is forced. You can ignore them or choose to build a deeper bond. This adds realism and depth to the story.

The characters are incredible. They have a lot of charm, can be funny, but also go through deeply emotional moments. They feel incredibly real. We follow the story of four girls: the bold Kat, the sensible and stoic Autumn, the playful yet fearful Nora, and the shy, nature-loving, film-obsessed Swann.

Dontnod was right when they said the entire group of girls was designed so that any of the girls could be the playable protagonist. Thanks to the timeline feature, through objects and background conversations, we learn much more about each of them. Every girl has her own problems, dreams, and decisions that impact your story.

The narrative references are clear, with the creators drawing from sources like:

- Twin Peaks (tv show), 
- The Craft (movie),
- I Saw the TV Glow (movie),
- Sharp Objects (tv show),
- It (book, movies),
- Oxenfree (game).

These inspirations are reimagined in a unique style. Fans of these works will find much to appreciate here. The Easter eggs and nods to pop culture in films and music are truly abundant, making the game a treasure trove for any pop culture enthusiast. Another aspect that amazed me was the creation of new fictional bands, films, and media within the game world—it’s a brilliant move that adds a whole new level of immersion, making it feel like you could actually visit Velvet Cove. And oh my God, how much I wish I could. 

Make sure to use these features – they’re not just about pushing the story forward but also about adding depth to Swann’s life and the narrative. Later on (through camcorder), we see how a mysterious, pink, magnetic force affects our gift... almost magical quality, as if the camcorder itself is under the spell of this enigmatic power. It’s a fascinating blend of the ordinary and the supernatural, adding layers of intrigue to the story.

If you're a fan of exploration, collectibles, and reading everything around you, you're in for a real treat. For the average player, the game offers a 10 to 12-hour experience (though we currently only have Tape 1 that is around 5 - 6 hours) - I spent 4-5 hours on just half of Tape 1 without even collecting everything!! It’s amazing how long you can stay immersed in this story or alternatively, completely ignore it. Compared to other games like Double Exposure, where there was no true exploration, Tape 1: Bloom offers a rich world that's worth delving into.

The game also stands out in terms of its graphics. I thought True Colors and Life is Strange 2 were beautiful, but Lost Records raises the bar. We have more details, and the lighting is on point, without anything looking unnatural or weird. The shots are as beautiful as paintings, especially in close-ups. I took over 250 screenshots, and this is only Tape 1....

The music was originally composed by Dontnod in collaboration with three bands: Milk & Bone, Nora Kelly Band, and Ruth Radelet, Nat Walker, and of course, Adam Miller. The dream pop and punk genres fit perfectly with the vibe of this game (It’s definitely worth checking out these bands on Spotify).

I absolutely love this game. It gives me everything I need. This is a truly new world with a different vibe compared to Life is Strange 1 and 2, yet it still carries some of their essence. I feel attached to these characters on the same level as Sean, Daniel, Cass, Chloe, Karen, Brody, and Lyla—which is insane, considering this is only the first part of the game, and I will repeat myself every single time!! They are so beautifully written that it feels natural to care about them.

The structure of the dual narratives is well-executed without becoming messy. Nothing gets lost or confusing—everything is clear and easy to follow. The story’s structure doesn’t lose focus halfway through; it’s all carefully thought out and well-organized, allowing us to absorb each piece of information as it unfolds in a seamless order. Every emotion that Tape 1 stirred in me was filled with joy, nostalgia, and a bittersweet longing for those unknown times, mixed with a desire for the day spent with friends to never end. But as you know, such days seem to slip through our fingers. Lost Records is already a new IP with its own unique style and ambitious plans. 

For me, Tape 1 is a 9/10 experience. I'm saving the perfect 10/10 for Tape 2: rage because as I believe the second part will bring everything to perfection. I can't wait to see what happens next. Fans of narrative-driven exploration games are in for a treat. Thank You, Dontnod. This is art. 

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Launch Trailer

                                                       See You in Hell!