Lost Records: Bloom and Rage Tape 1 Review – 1990s Me

Over the last few years, DONTNOD Entertainment has been trying out different genres, from the climbing platformer game _Jusant_ to the action RPG _Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden_. Nevertheless, they are still recognized primarily for their story-driven games, with _Life is Strange_ being one of their most well-known creations. Some people may find that this game has lost some of its appeal over time, while others might still appreciate it.

Title “Lost Records: Bloom and Rage” brings us back to the original themes, featuring dialogue that often feels genuine yet awkward, a hint of supernatural elements, and a touch of mystery. It excels in certain aspects but falters technically, particularly noticeable in parts. The intriguing enigma presented in Tape 1 makes it worth exploring, provided one is willing to overlook the occasional plot devices. As we await Tape 2, let’s see how the story unfolds further.

Title 1: Bloom starts by reconnecting protagonist Swann with her old friend Autumn, who they hadn’t seen in years due to a childhood pact. The story mainly revolves around recalling the summer of 1995, when Swann first encountered Autumn, Nora, and Kat as young girls.

As a gamer, I find myself constantly observing my surroundings at crucial points, picking out various choices, fostering relationships within the team through smart dialogue, and sometimes patiently waiting for additional opportunities to unfold the storyline.

Despite forming a tight-knit bond, events lead them to part ways, vowing never to reveal their shared secret to anyone else. The reason Autumn pursues Nora now, after so long, to address what transpired remains one of the numerous enigmas you’ll need to untangle, as you navigate between present-day happenings and past events. This storyline seems reminiscent of Stephen King’s “It”, yet it offers a distinct twist.

Initially, I was hesitant about the frequent transitions in “Lost Records”, but it manages to pull them off smoothly, weaving various incidents into the ongoing dialogue and advancing the story at a brisk pace. As a film aficionado, Swann is all about capturing moments on her handheld camera, aiming to create a memoir for Velvet Cove. The contrast between her as the only perspective and you, observing through the lens, discovering and contributing to the collection, remains interesting throughout, particularly when they merge in the present time.

Absolutely, in DONTNOD games, conversation plays a significant role. You’re often given numerous dialogue options, exploring the environment at crucial moments, making decisions that shape your relationships with the characters, and sometimes waiting for additional choices can be like Swann interrupting someone mid-sentence, leaving the other character to ask for patience to continue. This tension feels authentic, although it would be more immersive if the game paused Swann’s dialogue instead of playing both lines simultaneously.

In simpler terms, this game doesn’t offer anything revolutionary in terms of genre, as it involves searching for specific items within a particular setting. However, it’s intriguing to witness how DON’T NOD has developed its storytelling methods beyond its initial adventure game releases. The recurring themes – like grappling with adolescence, finding one’s place, and self-acceptance – are still present, and it’s enjoyable (albeit somewhat repetitive) to listen to the modern characters reflect on their past emotions and actions.

The numerous disputes in this game seem tense enough, considering its more challenging aspects.

In some instances, the scenes may not flow smoothly, largely because of the dialogue and its application in specific situations. Young adult literature often includes awkward moments, and this series is no exception. However, there are times when the dialogue sounds forced, despite the voice actors giving an excellent performance. Additionally, certain parts don’t always follow a logical sequence, which can make them difficult to understand or appreciate.

At some point, the girls collaborate in looking for Autumn’s missing keys. Swann can assist by taking turns filming and engaging with Nora in conversation, among other things. When the keys are eventually found, perched precariously on a decayed structure, you’ll need to locate an item to toss and dislodge them. After speaking to Nora again, Swann will inquire if she has found the keys yet, even though their location has already been determined.

If you choose to view it optimistically, you might consider it as a case of her forgetting details, but it appears more like an editing oversight, with scenes spliced together out of sequence and compromising the flow. The conflicts in the game are intense enough, and they’re made even more stressful due to the graphic content presented throughout.

Despite some questionable dialogue, the characters seem genuinely alive. Swann may not be the most socially outgoing person, particularly when dealing with strangers, but her affection for critters and her solo musings are charming. Autumn’s candid responses and earthy demeanor contrast sharply with her timidity, while Kat’s complex family situation (and colorful language) can resonate with many readers.

On PlayStation 5, there are significant pauses or skips in the gameplay, even during quiet moments. However, the issue is exacerbated by the sudden appearance of textures, particularly when viewing things closely.

From the start, I found Nora’s character a bit predictable rather than original, as her traits such as her love for punk rock, smoking, family issues, and rebellious nature seemed overly familiar. Yet, she’s certainly not dull, which is a plus point.

In the game titled “Lost Records“, a significant portion of your playtime involves wandering around, recording sights, and engaging with characters or the surroundings. The visual design in this project stands out, particularly in its ability to encapsulate the essence of the ’90s, as evidenced by details like troll dolls, trapper keepers, VHS cassettes (the initial warning is a nice touch), and various graffiti that reflects the era’s construction quality.

Velvet Cove seems to possess a unique character, albeit one that might be labeled as dull by the game’s characters. From a technical standpoint, the lighting, shadows, detail, and texture quality are commendable, despite some facial expression transitions appearing slightly awkward upon close inspection.

Regrettably, the graphics sometimes lack technical precision. On PS5, there are noticeable frame drops even during quiet moments, but what’s more annoying is the texture pop-in, especially when you’re close up. It’s quite frequent and detracts from the overall experience. The music isn’t particularly striking at first listen, but it does have some decent tracks hidden within.

While it doesn’t evoke the same feelings as Life is Strange did at one point, both positively and negatively, there’s definitely a unique charm to it.

Title Lost Records: Bloom and Rage doesn’t resemble Life of Strange, although certain similarities may arise. However, there are distinct differences in themes, story structure, and character development between the two works. Tape 1 effectively establishes the setting and characters, allowing you to connect with them, albeit with a few flaws such as awkward dialogue. It’s not advisable to jump into the experience without Tape 2, as it provides essential context and completes the narrative arc, leaving room for your decisions to resonate fully.

If you’re looking for a fresh story-driven experience with fair visual appeal, despite some technical glitches, “Lost Records: Bloom and Rage” might serve as an enjoyable diversion. It may not reach the heights it once did like “Life is Strange,” but it definitely offers something unique.

This game was reviewed on the PS5.

2025-02-18 13:42

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