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 enchanted by its meticulous attention to detail and the ability to explore and influence the game world. While subsequent projects saw the developers exploring new genres, none managed to recapture the magic that had so deeply resonated with fans.

Years later, Don't Nod returns to its storytelling roots with Lost Records, a coming-of-age tale that transcends mere interactive cinema. It's a heartfelt tribute to a bygone era and the joys of youth. With its nostalgic atmosphere, vibrant characters, and impactful choices, Lost Records captivates and immerses players.

Table of Content

• 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

Image: ensigame.com

At the core of Lost Records lies the story of four women whose friendship was shattered 27 years ago. Our protagonist, Swan Holloway, returns to her hometown of Velvet Bay for a reunion and discovers a mysterious package from their past. A forest, an abandoned house, and secrets best left untouched—these forgotten memories come to life, embodying the essence of Bloom & Rage: a summer night's dream relived.

The narrative weaves through two timelines: one set in the vibrant summer of 1995, and the other in 2022, where the women, now in their forties, meet in a bar, their awkward smiles masking the pain of a past incident that drove them apart. The game cleverly uses first-person camera angles to highlight the shift between the two eras.

However, the bulk of the gameplay unfolds in the past. Players explore beautifully crafted locations, forge relationships, and capture moments with a vintage HVS camera. Video recording is central to gameplay, allowing Swan to document graffiti, wildlife, people, and even hints of the paranormal, much like Max in Life is Strange.

Image: ensigame.com

In a dedicated menu, players can edit their footage into thematic short films, which Swan comments on. While these documentaries add depth to the story, they don't directly affect the plot.

Player choices significantly influence the narrative, with both immediate and long-term consequences. Given the episodic nature of the game, the impact of these choices unfolds gradually.

Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships

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

For example, if Swan expresses a desire for ice cream from a nearby truck, players can choose to fulfill her wish or continue with other tasks. Delaying too long results in the truck closing, altering subsequent interactions.

Image: ensigame.com

The game world is dynamic, enhancing its charm. Dialogues occur in real-time, reminiscent of Oxenfree and Telltale games, with characters interrupting each other, changing topics, and even offering silence as a response. Sometimes, choosing to say nothing is more powerful than revealing a secret impulsively.

The freedom to build relationships also reflects the game's emphasis on choice. There's no need to seek everyone's approval; if a character doesn't resonate, players can simply ignore them. Swan's shy nature allows players to guide her toward opening up.

Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters

Image: ensigame.com

Don't Nod has a knack for creating characters that feel authentic. They're loud, occasionally clumsy in their youthful idealism, yet genuinely sincere.

While I once felt that the main cast of Life is Strange: Double Exposure lacked depth, I realized the issue wasn't with interactive films but rather with character development. Don't Nod excels where others fall short.

Swan is endearing—an ordinary 16-year-old who struggles with self-doubt, worries about her words, and uses her camera as a shield. Though reminiscent of Max Caulfield, Swan is no mere imitation; she's a distinct character with her own journey.

Image: ensigame.com

Her friends—Ottem, Kate, and Nora—embody familiar tropes but transcend them. Nora, the punk girl with colorful bangs and big dreams, is surprisingly cautious, while Kate, the passionate writer, often pushes for bold actions, encouraging Swan to seize the moment. Ottem values thoughtfulness and seriousness.

In their company, players can relive the feeling of being a teenager, confident in their understanding of life, no matter their actual age. Lost Records is a journey through time, not just into youth but into the heart of the '90s.

A Town Worth Dreaming About

Nostalgia permeates every aspect of the game, epitomized by Swan's room—a treasure trove of '90s artifacts. From bulky TVs and VHS tapes to tamagotchis and Rubik's cubes, every detail invites exploration and reflection on the golden years.

The game is rich with pop culture references: Sabrina, The X-Files, Tank Girl, The Goonies, Twilight, Casper, and Revenge of the Nerds, to name a few. Video games like Oxenfree, Night in the Woods, Control, and Life is Strange are also nodded to, alongside books like House of Leaves and music from Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana.

Image: ensigame.com

The plot setup itself echoes Stephen King's It, with 27 years passing since the characters last met.

The soundtrack deserves special mention. Dream-pop and indie-rock tunes, including standout tracks like "See You in Hell" and "The Wild Unknown," enhance the nostalgic atmosphere. Initially, the music might seem unremarkable, but it lingers long after playing.

Velvet Bay emerges as a quintessential sleepy American town, cozy by day and chilling at night. The more players explore, the deeper Bloom & Rage draws them into its mystery.

Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story

Image: ensigame.com

The story unfolds at a leisurely pace, allowing players to immerse themselves in the characters and the '90s ambiance before the plot shifts toward mystery. This slow build might not suit all players, but it sets Lost Records apart from Life is Strange, where the transition to detective work is quicker.

The tension escalates in the second half of the first episode, culminating in a gripping cliffhanger that leaves players eager for the next installment. This suspense is precisely what the developers aimed to achieve.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage transports players to the '90s, even if they've never experienced them. It's a game that knows its audience and delivers all the essential elements of a successful interactive drama: relatable characters, engaging interactions, and a compelling narrative. The full impact of the story will be revealed with the release of the second part on April 15th. With any luck, Don't Nod will once again weave their magic, and I look forward to seeing how it all concludes.