Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 1

With phenomenal character work, gorgeous visuals, and a compelling story, Lost Records is shaping up to be Don't Nod's greatest game to date.

A Young Adult novel turned video game about four friends and one magical summer, which takes too long to get to the good stuff.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage captures how hard it is to make and maintain friendships no matter how old you are

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is an intriguing introduction to a mysterious new world. With its characters and setting at the forefront, this rose-tinted view of the mid-90s is welcoming, nostalgic, and perfectly blends this tale's more enigmatic side. It is incredibly slow at times and it doesn't answer an awful lot, but truth be told, we're dying to have those questions addressed in the latter part of the story. Tape 1 has teed it up, so it's down to Tape 2 to secure the home run.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage has a lot going for it—a compelling mystery, a strong cast of characters, and a nostalgic atmosphere that captures the era perfectly. But the technical issues are hard to ignore. From audio glitches to animation bugs, it feels like the game needed more time in the oven. I’m hopeful that Part 2 will smooth out these rough edges, because there is certainly some potential here. It’s just not quite there yet.

I loved the nostalgic feel of the game, and how detailed the world was, with the ability to capture everything with the camcorder. However, a lot of the conversations felt too drawn out, with a lot of awkward pauses, or overlapping conversation that just felt too overwhelming.

Technical issues aside, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage succeeds in telling a meaningful story.

Tape 1 of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage proves to be a lopsided experience carried by a charming cast of characters and let down by its overall plot.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, the new Canadian team at Don't Nod, continues the studio's style, improving almost every aspect introduced in Life Is Strange. This first part of the story of Swann, Autumn, Nora, and Kat may surprise with its pacing and narrative, revolving around a MacGuffin that reunites old friends after years apart. Everything falls into place by the end of this installment, leaving you eagerly awaiting April 15th. True to Don't Nod's famous gaming style, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage will win over fans who appreciate the studio's narrative approach, delivering a heartfelt story that captivates emotionally. Let’s hope the second and final part lives up to this promising start.

I’m genuinely excited for the second tape of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. The first part delivered a captivating mix of mystery, friendship, and atmosphere, wrapped in a beautiful audiovisual package—proving once again that DON’T NOD knows how to tell heartfelt, immersive stories.