Lost Records: Bloom & Rage: A Nostalgic Journey of Aging and Choices
Introduction
"Lost Records: Bloom & Rage," a narrative adventure game developed by Montreal-based Don’t Nod, transports players to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. As Swann, the protagonist, we find ourselves in a desolate place, immersed in the remnants of her adult life: bills, a surgical mask, takeout coffee, and a smartphone revealing a fraught conversation with her mother.
Alternating Past and Present
While the initial setting paints a bleak picture, the game quickly transitions to a vivid flashback in July 1995, where we enter Swann’s teenage bedroom. In stark contrast to the present, the room bursts with nostalgic objects that paint a portrait of a carefree and imaginative adolescent: candy bars, video game cases, a Tamagotchi, and fantasy novels.
This alternating narrative between a vibrant past and a somber present is a central mechanic of the game. Through voiceovers and dialogue choices, players shape the narrative’s progression, influencing the outcomes of certain passages.
Bloom & Rage: A Feminist Rock Band
After introducing Swann, we meet her three friends from the past: Nora, Kim, and Layla. As high school girls, they formed a feminist rock band called Bloom & Rage, enjoying the summer of their lives. In the present, they reunite, with Swann grappling with an enigmatic amnesia.
Between sequences, players are tasked with piecing together the intervening seventeen years of absence for each character. Was Nora, the rebellious punk, destined for rock stardom? Why did Swann, the introverted dreamer, lose contact with her friends?
Choices and Relationships
Throughout the multiple-choice dialogues, players accumulate points by selecting responses that align with the personalities of Swann’s friends. This influences their esteem and even creates opportunities for romantic relationships.
Legacy of Life is Strange
Fans of the renowned "Life is Strange" series will find familiar gameplay elements in "Lost Records: Bloom & Rage." Director Michel Koch and part of the team behind that cult classic have infused this game with their signature style, characterized by intimate settings, a deliberate pace, and a focus on character relationships.
Modernizing the Formula
Despite its familiar storytelling formula, Don’t Nod Montreal breathes fresh air into the genre. By introducing four central characters and a seventeen-year timespan, the game gains a broader scope. Additionally, supernatural elements subtly reveal the darker depths of the protagonists’ adolescences.
An Emotional Cliffhanger
After six hours of gameplay and a few heartfelt moments, the first episode concludes on a tantalizing cliffhanger. Players eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding Swann and her friends will have to wait until April 15th for the release of the second and final installment. This delay reflects the developers’ commitment to polishing the adventure and securing the future of the studio amidst financial challenges.
What to Expect
Pros:
- Nostalgic and relatable exploration of aging and life choices
- Multiple perspectives offer a rich narrative experience
- Immersive world-building with charming and relatable characters
- Thoughtful dialogue choices shape relationships and outcomes
Cons:
- May feel familiar to those accustomed to "Life is Strange" formula
- Some pacing issues in certain sequences
Recommended for:
- Fans of narrative adventure games
- Those interested in nostalgic and coming-of-age stories
- Players seeking character-driven experiences with branching storylines
Not Recommended for:
- Players looking for fast-paced action or linear narratives
- Those who may be sensitive to themes of loss and regret
Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 VHS/Audio cassettes
"Lost Records: Bloom & Rage" is a captivating adventure that invites players to reflect on the passage of time, the complexities of relationships, and the choices that shape our destinies. Its vibrant world and compelling characters leave a lasting impression, promising a satisfying conclusion with the eagerly anticipated release of its final episode.
