In 2015, the French studio Don't Nod set a new standard for interactive dramas with their release of Life is Strange, captivating players with its poignant narrative centered around the beauty of everyday life, the strength of friendships, and the relentless march of time. The game's meticulous attention to detail, the ability to explore and influence the world, left a lasting impression on fans. While Don't Nod explored various genres in subsequent projects, none quite recaptured the magic that Life is Strange ignited.
Years later, Don't Nod revisits their storytelling roots with Lost Records, a coming-of-age tale that transcends mere interactive cinema. It's a nostalgic tribute to youth and a bygone era, drawing players in with its evocative atmosphere, compelling characters, and choices that carry weight.
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Friends Reunite to Uncover Secrets from the Past After 27 Years Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters A Town Worth Dreaming About Slow-Paced Plot The Defining Feature of the Story
Friends Reunite to Uncover Secrets from the Past After 27 Years
Image: ensigame.com
The core of Lost Records revolves around four women whose bonds were shattered 27 years ago. The story follows protagonist Swan Holloway as she returns to Velvet Bay for a reunion. A mysterious package from their past reignites forgotten memories, drawing them back to a forest, an abandoned house, and secrets they'd rather not revisit. This encapsulates the essence of Bloom & Rage—a dreamlike journey through a summer night.
The narrative weaves through two timelines: the vibrant summer of 1995 and the more subdued present of 2022. In the past, the world feels alive with potential, while in the present, the characters, now in their forties, struggle with the weight of their shared history. The game cleverly shifts between third-person and first-person perspectives to highlight these differences.
Most of the gameplay unfolds in the past, allowing players to explore beautifully crafted environments, nurture relationships, and capture moments with a vintage HVS camera. Swan's love for filming everything from graffiti to wildlife mirrors Max's passion in Life is Strange.
Image: ensigame.com
Players can edit their collected footage into short films within a dedicated menu, categorized by themes. Swan's commentary on these films adds depth, and while some clips feature in the storyline, they don't alter the main narrative.
The choices players make ripple through the game, affecting both immediate and long-term outcomes. Due to its episodic format, the full impact of these decisions will unfold over time.
Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships
Lost Records excels in interactivity and detail, hallmarks of Don't Nod's work. For instance, when Swan craves ice cream from a nearby truck, players can choose to satisfy her whim or continue with other tasks. Delaying too long means missing out, and subsequent conversations reflect these choices.
Image: ensigame.com
The game world feels dynamic and alive, with real-time dialogues that echo the style of Oxenfree and Telltale games. Characters interrupt each other, change topics, and even offer silence as a response, adding realism to interactions. Building relationships offers freedom; players aren't forced to seek everyone's approval, allowing Swan, despite her shyness, to gradually open up.
Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters
Image: ensigame.com
Don't Nod masterfully crafts characters that feel authentic—flawed yet earnest in their youthful zeal. Swan, a relatable 16-year-old, struggles with self-doubt and hides behind her camera, echoing yet distinct from Life is Strange's Max Caulfield.
Image: ensigame.com
Her friends—Ottem, Kate, and Nora—embody familiar archetypes but transcend them. Nora, the punk with colorful bangs and big dreams, surprises with her cautious nature, while Kate, the passionate writer, encourages boldness. Ottem values depth and seriousness, creating a diverse group that evokes the feeling of teenage invincibility, regardless of the player's age. Lost Records is not just a journey through time but a trip back to the heart of the '90s.
A Town Worth Dreaming About
Nostalgia is woven into every aspect of Lost Records, epitomized by Swan's room—a treasure trove of '90s relics like bulky TVs, tapes, and tamagotchis. The game is peppered with Easter eggs referencing pop culture icons from Sabrina to The X-Files, Tank Girl, and beyond, even nodding to Stephen King's It in its plot.
Image: ensigame.com
The soundtrack, featuring dream-pop and indie-rock, complements the atmosphere perfectly, with tracks like "See You in Hell" and "The Wild Unknown" standing out. Velvet Bay emerges as an idyllic American town, cozy by day and hauntingly beautiful by night, inviting exploration and curiosity.
Slow-Paced Plot The Defining Feature of the Story
Image: ensigame.com
Lost Records takes its time with the narrative, focusing initially on character development and the '90s atmosphere before delving into its mystery elements. This slow build-up might not suit all players, but it sets the stage for a more intense second half of the first episode, culminating in a cliffhanger that promises more excitement.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage transports players to the '90s, delivering a narrative that resonates with its audience through relatable characters, meaningful interactions, and a story brimming with potential. As we await the second installment on April 15th, the hope is that Don't Nod will once again weave their storytelling magic, leaving us eagerly anticipating the resolution.
