As someone who grew up in the ’90s and has always had a soft spot for quirky redheads, the preview of Don’t Nod’s upcoming release, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, instantly captured my heart! The narrative-driven experience, set in the vibrant backdrop of the 1990s, felt like stepping into a time machine straight to my own teenage years.
The studio behind Life is Strange, Don’t Nod, has demonstrated exceptional storytelling abilities in their past works, offering immersive narrative-driven experiences through compelling narratives, intriguing settings, and memorable characters. Their forthcoming title, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, due for release in early 2025, appears to be following suit based on a sneak peek provided by ComicBook ahead of Gamescom. Although my playtime was limited, it has undoubtedly earned a spot on my list of must-play games coming out soon.
In the preview I played I was transported back into the 1990s immediately, stepping into the shoes of one of the four girls central to the story – Swann. Given that I am a quirky, redheaded nerd who has always been more interested in movies than the world actually happening around me, I immediately saw a lot of myself in Swann’s demeanor, and while I saw myself in Swann, each of the following three girls that the narrative will center on are just as endearing as the last. Bloom & Rage doesn’t romanticise being a teenage girl – the four girls each have their own personality and it makes them a group that is believable, with their interpersonal dynamics evolving even in just the short preview. Each has their own flaws, their own issues they may be dealing with internally or at home, and I’m excited to experience more of what the characters have to offer with the game’s full release.
In addition to immersing myself in “Lost Records” and its characters during their ’90s heyday, I was also granted insights into the future, spanning two decades. It’s evident that a major incident occurred during the summer they were making music videos under Swann’s lens, as it seems the girls haven’t communicated since then – until Swann and Autumn meet again at a diner table. The seamless transition between past and present-day scenes, coupled with suggestive dialogue between Autumn at the diner, leaves an unsettling impression – one can only wonder what could have driven four friends who appeared so close apart for such a prolonged period.
Every place I got to investigate was brimming with rich details and full of ’90s pop culture nods, which felt incredibly familiar given my own collection of similar items. Two places in particular, Swann’s bedroom and the garage where girls shared their love for punk music and Swann’s camcorder, were like stepping into a part of my past. Spotting posters that could have adorned my own walls or the best Pop-Tart flavor I’ve ever tasted as the preferred snack brought forth a wave of nostalgia I can’t wait to revisit with the complete game. The third spot I delved into was a hiking trail where the girls filmed a music video, and this reminded me of my own childhood summers spent creating music videos in my backyard with friends – it was this relatable experience that truly immersed me, giving me a sense of what I imagine the developers felt while crafting Bloom & Rage, a feeling of comforting familiarity.
Swann’s camcorder plays a crucial role, serving as her cherished tool for capturing life’s moments as they unfold. I found it heartwarming to observe her life through this lens, and the unique approach provides players with a personalized perspective on their journey. This method of documentation allows players to revisit their choices by viewing recorded segments in memoirs, offering an insightful look at their gameplay experience. In my case, these memories were filled with numerous cat videos.
To me, what made the preview stand out was its clever blend of comparing 1990s events with present-day happenings and relationships, all while keeping us guessing about the supernatural event. It seemed as if there might have been subtle clues to unravel the mystery. Since I won’t find out for sure until I play the entire game, that sense of anticipation is thrilling.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
Read More
- DOGS PREDICTION. DOGS cryptocurrency
- SQR PREDICTION. SQR cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- JASMY PREDICTION. JASMY cryptocurrency
- UXLINK PREDICTION. UXLINK cryptocurrency
- METIS PREDICTION. METIS cryptocurrency
- CLOUD PREDICTION. CLOUD cryptocurrency
- STG PREDICTION. STG cryptocurrency
- KNINE PREDICTION. KNINE cryptocurrency
- USD CHF PREDICTION
2024-08-21 02:40