Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage emerges as a captivating narrative adventure that delves deep into the complexities of friendship, time, and the secrets we keep. Don't Nod Montréal's debut title promises to take players on an emotional journey through the fictional town of Velvet Cove, where four estranged friends must confront their shared past and the mystery that kept them apart for nearly three decades.

A Summer to Remember

The story centers on Swann, Nora, Autumn, and Kat, whose paths dramatically diverged after an unforgettable summer in 1995. Don't Nod's bold decision to focus on a single playable character, rather than switching between multiple perspectives, creates an intimately focused narrative experience.

This approach marks a significant departure from their work on the Life is Strange series, where perspective shifts between characters served as a cornerstone of storytelling. However, this newfound concentration on a single viewpoint proves effective, allowing players to forge a deeper connection with their chosen protagonist while still experiencing the rich dynamics between all four friends.

The game's DNA clearly shares much with Life is Strange - from its supernatural undertones to its exploration of complex relationships - but Lost Records appears to be reaching for something more mature and nuanced. Where Life is Strange captured the raw intensity of teenage emotions and choices, Lost Records examines how those choices echo through decades of adult life, creating a narrative tapestry that promises to resonate with players who have grown alongside the medium.

Time-Worn Friendships, Modern Consequences

The development team's dedication to authenticity sets this game apart from its contemporaries. By bringing American writers Desiree Cifre and Nina Freeman into the creative process, Don't Nod has crafted characters that feel genuinely rooted in both their 1995 origins and their 2022 present. The attention to period detail in Velvet Cove creates a compelling backdrop for this exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and the weight of unspoken truths.

The game's episodic release strategy, with Part 1 launching in February 2025 and Part 2 following in March, builds anticipation while allowing players time to process the emotional weight of each chapter.

The fictional Michigan setting serves as more than mere backdrop - it becomes a character in its own right, with careful attention paid to both its mid-90s iteration and modern-day evolution. This dual-time period approach allows players to witness not only how the characters have changed over 27 years but also how their environment has transformed alongside them.

Review: 8.5/10

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage stands as a testament to Don't Nod Montréal's storytelling prowess while establishing an intriguing foundation for their new Lost Records universe.

Pros:

• Deeply immersive single-character perspective enhances narrative connection
• Masterfully crafted dual-time period storytelling
• Authentic representation of both 1995 and present-day American culture
• Complex and nuanced exploration of adult friendships and long-term consequences
• Rich, detailed setting that evolves across time periods
• Strong foundation for potential future Lost Records titles
• Mature approach to consequence-driven storytelling

Cons:

• Month-long gap between parts may disrupt narrative momentum
• Limited to newer gaming platforms (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows)
• Single playable character might disappoint fans of multiple-perspective narratives
• Potential for narrative pacing issues due to the episodic release structure
• May feel less accessible to younger players unfamiliar with the 1990s setting