The graphic adventure game “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Part One” openly shows its inspiration through intricate henna tattoos. Entering Don’t Nod’s upcoming two-part series, I approached it with a strong feeling of hopefulness. Having been captivated by the nostalgic, autumnal puzzle-solving episodes from their “Life is Strange” franchise, “Lost Records” seems poised to continue their success with its new narrative adventure, titled “Bloom & Rage.” The first part, or “Bloom,” offers a modest yet somewhat unimpressive glimpse into the lively world players will explore within the universe of “Lost Records.” With ’90s punk rock pulsating through its core, this initial installment serves as a prelude to the vivid experiences awaiting players in the world of “Lost Records.
In the charming, scenic town of Velvet Cove, Michigan, back in 1995, you take on the role of Swann, a quiet and unusual teenager. As the warm summer days gradually fade, Swann encounters Nora, Autumn, and Kat, leading to an unbreakable bond filled with defiance and personal growth. Despite the nostalgic ambiance, the game weaves through two different time periods, impacting both stories – one set in the summer of 1995 and the other in the contemporary world of 2022. Using a camcorder to capture memories under the sunlight, Swann must solve the mystery surrounding the sudden reunion of these long-separated friends.
In the game “Bloom,” which consists of two parts, with “Rage” being released on April 15th, the initial segment explores the relationships that unite the four main characters. Developer Don’t Nod is renowned for crafting compelling narrative dialogues that have lasting impacts, a trait evident in their acclaimed title, Life is Strange. Unlike previous games, this time players can choose to remain silent during crucial moments, allowing them to observe from the sidelines. Engaging in conversations with other characters can either strengthen or strain your relationships. This new feature was beneficial as it provided additional insights into the characters’ backgrounds without requiring me to rush through scenes or participate in unnecessary discussions.
Expressing the raw emotions and clumsiness associated with adolescence (something we’ve all encountered), “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” appreciates the unique perspective of youth and isn’t shy about standing apart from others. It’s commendable to tackle such a significant phase in someone’s life, but as the characters’ identities become more pronounced throughout the game, subtleties are lost, making it simpler to pinpoint moments of character development rather than implying it. Unfortunately, when it comes to identity, Swann remains consistent across both timelines, while other characters evolve. However, the interwoven timelines add complexity to the overarching narratives, creating a cohesive gaming experience.
In their Montreal studio, Don’t Nod masterfully crafted an authentic small-town American vibe, a feat that resonates deeply for someone like me who was raised in such a setting. The environment exuded a vibrant tableau of rural imagery that struck a chord with those accustomed to the tranquility of the countryside rather than the urban bustle. Bloom & Rage, visually appealing, tells its own story. The 90s era, and more specifically, the punk rock riot grrl movement, is heavily featured, and the music selections perfectly capture that spirit. From the low-fi downtempo beats by the celebrated Canadian electropop duo Milk & Bone to the alt-country/punk group Nora Kelly Band, whose vocals echo the riot grrl ethos, the tunes are spot on.
In the tale, it’s crucial to emphasize that the game breaks down into two distinct sections, which unfortunately leaves many questions unanswered by the conclusion. While the narrative effectively creates heartfelt interactions between the characters at times, it veers off course towards the end to introduce fresh conflicts instead of resolving those previously set up. This shift left me perplexed since the story seemed poised to go in a different direction hinted at in the beginning. The instances where significant choices were made felt less crucial in achieving the objective of this segment, and instead seemed more focused on cherishing small moments rather than having a profound impact on the overall goal.
The initial segment of “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” was impressive for its engaging storyline and stunning visuals from the get-go, but as “Bloom” unfolded, the quality seemed to decline. With the second part set to arrive in just a few months, one might wonder if it would have been more effective to release both parts together, considering that players could be left with unanswered questions and unexplored plot points instead of resolution.
If you’re a loyal fan of Don’t Nod’s gaming portfolio, you’ll find Lost Records: Bloom & Rage a worthy addition to their collection. While part one lays out more questions than it answers, this can make the overall experience somewhat frustrating. In terms of the beginning of the Lost Records universe, “Bloom” offers stunning landscapes against a backdrop of a storyline that is relatively lukewarm, with themes centered around self-discovery and mystery. Ultimately, the game doesn’t quite reach its full potential but lays the groundwork for a narrative that could fully reveal its true essence in the future.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Misplaced Documents: Blossom & Fury
Part One of the game will be available starting February 18th on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. I had the opportunity to play an advance copy of the game, courtesy of the publisher, on my PlayStation 5 console for this review.
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2025-02-18 13:11