Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 Review – Captured Moments

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 Review

One of the pioneers of the genre, DON’T NOD altered the landscape of Interactive Dramas with their seminal release, Life is Strange. After showcasing their proficiency with emotional, story-driven experiences, the talented developers branched out with titles such as Jusant and Banishers: Ghosts of Eden. Now, as they return to their narrative roots, will Lost Records: Bloom & Rage recapture the emotional depth and resonance that made their past works so beloved?

Set in the mid-90s, you play as Swann, an awkward introvert who is fascinated with film. With a lack of friends, she fixates on her love and passion for the movies, using her handheld camera to record events and create shorts about the world. While shooting near the woodlands, you run into trouble after an irritated young woman accuses you of filming her. This leads to an uncomfortable confrontation where the girl and her boyfriend threaten and ridicule you. Luckily, three girls intervene, saving you and instigating the beginning of a new friendship.

You Oughta Know

DON’T NOD crafts a group of believable teenage personalities, each brimming with character and depth. With well-developed backstories, every member of the team serves a purpose, contributing a unique dynamic to the group. While they share common traits, each expresses them in a distinct way, reinforcing their individuality within the friendship. Their bond is strengthened through conversations and pivotal events, gradually deepening over the course of the adventure. These elements come together to create an engaging narrative that quickly invests you in the lives of this compelling group.

The dual narrative structure of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage adds both momentum and intrigue. The lighthearted sequences set in the past contrast sharply with the present-day segments, where an ominous atmosphere looms as the group reunites in a diner more than 20 years later after receiving a mysterious package. As the game unfolds, you not only uncover more about the outcasts’ past but also piece together what has happened to them in the years since. Dialogue choices hint at pivotal moments that have shaped their relationships, keeping you thoroughly engaged and eager to learn more.

The setting and tone really shine in the game. Although those who experienced the era will be flooded with nostalgia due to the array of references within each environment, others will also have an affinity with it due to how well crafted and realized the world is. The believability is also amplified by the stunning voice acting. While some of the dialogue may border on cringe, it is delivered in a manner that suits the situation and the characters. Paired with incredible direction, there’s a cinematic presentation that elevates every interaction, making even the most mundane exchanges feel purposeful.

Could You Wanna Take My Picture?

The main gameplay feature revolves around Swann’s camera. At certain points, you are required to document the moment, filming segments and interviews that give further insight into each character. While there are required objectives, you can also pull out your camera at any point to film the wildlife or other details in the environment, adding a personal touch to your journey. This mechanic not only enhances immersion but also encourages players to engage with the world at their own pace.

You can also edit your footage, arranging clips in a specific order to create short films featuring Swann’s narration. It’s a great addition that further develops her personality. Although optional, creating these videos offers deeper insight into Swann’s inner thoughts and emotions, strengthening the player’s connection to her. What stood out most was the visual presentation of these shorts. The 4:3 aspect ratio, combined with a deliberate grain effect to emulate homemade footage, makes them feel authentic. The end result truly spoke to my inner filmmaker

Room with a View

The visuals are wonderful overall. Each character is designed with a realistic look, making them easier to relate to. The highly detailed environments and character models reinforce their authenticity as young, rebellious girls caught in this situation. While the presentation is compelling, I did notice occasional texture pop-ins and awkward animations. However, these were infrequent and didn’t detract from the experience.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 is everything you’d want from a DON’T NOD game: realistic characters, a gripping journey, and a sci-fi-infused adventure. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it delivers a well-rounded, intriguing story. The first part lays the foundation for multiple compelling narrative threads. With its rich character drama and lingering mysteries, Tape 2’s release on April 15th can’t come soon enough.

***A PS5 code provided by the publisher for review***