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 moments, the strength 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 world around them. Despite experimenting with various genres in subsequent projects, none managed to recapture the magic that had enchanted fans.

Years later, Don't Nod returns to its narrative roots with Lost Records, a game that transcends interactive cinema to become a heartfelt tribute to a bygone era and the innocence of youth. With its evocative atmosphere, richly drawn characters, and impactful choices, Lost Records captivates players, reigniting the spark that fans have longed for.

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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

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At the core of Lost Records lies the compelling story of four women whose friendship was abruptly severed 27 years ago. The protagonist, Swan Holloway, returns to her hometown of Velvet Bay for a reunion with her old friends, only to discover a mysterious package from their past. This triggers a journey through a forest and an abandoned house, unearthing secrets that were meant to stay buried. Bloom & Rage encapsulates this experience as a vivid reliving of a summer night's dream.

The narrative unfolds across two timelines: 1995, a time of youthful exuberance and brighter days, and 2022, where the now middle-aged heroines meet in a bar, their smiles tinged with awkwardness as they skirt around the traumatic event that drove them apart. The game cleverly uses first-person perspective to highlight the contrast between these periods.

However, the bulk of the gameplay is set in the past, where players explore beautifully crafted environments, forge relationships, and capture moments with a vintage HVS camera.

Video recording is a central mechanic in Lost Records. Much like Max in Life is Strange, Swan is passionate about filming everything from graffiti and wildlife to paranormal phenomena.

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Players can edit their collected footage into short films within a dedicated menu, categorized by themes, with Swan providing commentary on the results. While these documentaries appear in the storyline, they don't directly influence it.

Choices made throughout the game have significant repercussions, affecting the narrative both in the short and long term. The episodic format means fewer long-lasting impacts at this stage, but the choices are integral to the game's charm.

Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships

Lost Records shines with its interactivity and meticulous attention to detail, hallmarks of Don't Nod's work.

In one instance, when Swan expresses a desire for ice cream from a nearby truck, players can choose to indulge her or focus on other tasks. Delaying too long results in the truck closing, altering subsequent conversations with new characters.

Image: ensigame.com

The world of Lost Records is dynamic, enhancing its allure. Dialogues unfold in real-time, reminiscent of Oxenfree and Telltale games, where characters interrupt each other, change topics, and even offer silence as a choice. Sometimes, choosing not to speak can be more impactful than revealing a secret.

The freedom to build relationships is another layer of choice. There's no need to seek everyone's approval; if a character doesn't resonate, players can choose to ignore them. Swan's shy nature allows for gradual self-expression, enriching the player's journey.

Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters

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Don't Nod has a knack for crafting characters that feel authentic. They are loud, sometimes awkwardly idealistic, yet genuinely sincere.

After critiquing the characters in Life is Strange: Double Exposure for lacking depth, I realized the issue wasn't with interactive films but with the execution. Deck Nine doesn't capture personalities as effectively as Don't Nod.

Swan is endearing—an ordinary 16-year-old struggling with self-doubt, constantly worrying about her words, and using her camera as a shield. While reminiscent of Max Caulfield, Swan stands on her own, not merely a rehash of a familiar archetype.

Image: ensigame.com

Her friends—Ottem, Kate, and Nora—embody familiar tropes but transcend them. Nora, the punk with vibrant hair and American dreams, surprises with her caution, while Kate, the passionate writer, encourages Swan to embrace boldness. Ottem values thoughtfulness and seriousness.

In their company, players relive the feeling of teenage invincibility, regardless of their age, and journey back not only to youth but also to the essence of the '90s.

A Town Worth Dreaming About

Nostalgia is woven into every aspect of Lost Records, epitomized by Swan's room—a treasure trove of '90s artifacts. From bulky TVs and VHS tapes to tamagotchis and Rubik's cubes, the room invites players to explore and reminisce.

Easter eggs referencing pop culture abound, from movies like Sabrina and The X-Files to games like Oxenfree and Night in the Woods, and even books and music such as House of Leaves and Nine Inch Nails.

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The plot's setup nods to Stephen King's It, with 27 years having passed since the characters last met.

The soundtrack is a standout, with dream-pop and indie-rock tunes that soothe and enchant. "See You in Hell" and "The Wild Unknown" linger long after playing, testament to Don't Nod's musical prowess.

Velvet Bay, the game's setting, transforms from a cozy daytime haven to a chilling nighttime mystery, drawing players deeper into the world of Bloom & Rage.

Slow-Paced Plot The Defining Feature of the Story

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The slow build of the exposition might make players forget they're playing a mystery game. Unlike Life is Strange, which quickly shifts from teenage life to detective work, Lost Records takes its time, urging players to connect with the characters and immerse in the '90s atmosphere before the plot takes a turn.

This pacing isn't a flaw but might not suit everyone's taste. The tension ramps up in the second half of the first episode, culminating in a gripping cliffhanger that promises more thrills in the next installment. This leaves players eager to theorize and anticipate, aligning perfectly with Don't Nod's intentions.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage transports players to the '90s, even if they've never lived through it. It's a game that knows its audience and stays true to its vision. With relatable characters, engaging interactions, and the potential for a compelling narrative, Lost Records has all the makings of a genre standout. Its full impact will be clear after the second part releases on April 15th. I eagerly await the conclusion, hopeful that Don't Nod will once again weave their narrative magic.