The only way we can protect ourselves is if we forget.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a narrative adventure game set in the fictional town of Velvet Cove during the summer of 1995. Four high school friends – Swann, Nora, Autumn, and Kat – are spending the holidays together, playing music, hanging out, and deepening their bond… until a single event changes the course of their lives forever. After 27 years of silence, they reunite to confront the dark secrets that once forced them to make a promise to never speak again. What really happened?

Tape 2 – “Rage” follows the characters in the aftermath of Tape 1’s dramatic ending and introduces much darker, more emotionally intense themes. In 2022, Swann and the others are forced to revisit and confront memories that seemed to have faded from their minds over the past 27 years.

The creators – best known for the amazing Life is Strange 1 and 2 – prove once again that they excel at crafting moving stories: tales about ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Their ability to build atmosphere, emotion, and deep characters makes Lost Records both gripping and heartfelt on many levels.

Twin Peaks? You’re kidding, right? Actually, no – these aren’t just random, empty references. They serve a meaningful narrative purpose and genuinely enrich the story. Each one is a piece of the puzzle that adds authenticity to the game and shows that the developers really know what they’re doing.

Remember me, Remember us

Gameplay is simple but functional – exactly what it should be for this type of story-driven experience. A creative and standout addition is Swann’s camera, which gives the whole experience a more personal and dynamic feel. While Bloom & Rage isn’t a big-budget production (evident in the limited number of available locations), the developers have made the most of what they had. Every area is thoughtfully designed, richly detailed, and filled with hidden treasures and narrative touches – there’s never a sense of wandering aimlessly. The game encourages you to explore every corner, rewarding players who pay close attention.

The game feels like a spiritual successor to Life is Strange – especially the second game, from which Lost Records seems to draw the most inspiration. The simple, intuitive interaction with the environment perfectly complements the emotional depth of the story, allowing players to focus on what truly matters – relationships and mystery.

And the visuals? Absolutely stunning. Don’t Nod has maintained their signature visual aesthetic but elevated it to a whole new level. This is the kind of game where you’ll catch yourself staring for minutes at an old poster, the lighting on tree leaves, or an open notebook, simply because it’s that beautifully crafted.

If you were frustrated that the original Life is Strange always ended with one of two outcomes regardless of your choices, you’ll be pleased to know that Lost Records takes a very different approach. Here, the consequences of your actions and decisions have a real impact throughout the game, shaping the story as it unfolds and creating a genuine sense of engagement. What you say and do matters.

That said… Tape 2 felt somewhat uneven for me. On one hand, it includes some absolutely unforgettable scenes – the meteor shower, the dance in the cabin, Swann’s dream, the moment the box is opened (which I’ll remember forever). On the other hand, there are a few less engaging parts with somewhat questionable narrative structure. The entire chapter lasts only about four hours, and the final hour consists mostly of cutscenes reflecting your earlier choices. While it’s a logical conclusion, it still leaves you wanting more – especially since many of the supernatural threads hinted at in Tape 1 and the beginning of Tape 2 remain unresolved. The story doesn’t feel entirely complete. Instead of satisfaction, I was left wondering, “When’s the DLC going to come out? Where's part two?” And that shouldn’t be the main question at the end of a story.

I won’t lie – Tape 1 was the heart of the experience for me, the moment when I truly felt the game’s atmosphere (and it makes up about 60% of the whole game). Tape 2, while emotionally intense, felt a bit rushed. I needed one or two more hours to fully immerse myself in this world and confidently call Lost Records a 10/10 game. Putting aside my deep love for Don't Nod's work and my emotional attachment to Autumn, Kat, Nora, and Swann – I give this game a fair and solid 9/10.

Raven, sun, moon, moth

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is not just a standalone story – it’s the perfect prologue to something greater. A gateway into a new universe full of mystery, relationships, and emotion that could eventually rival even the first two Life is Strange games. We just need to pay attention and give Don't Nod the time. And if there’s one thing we can be sure of – it’s that they have ideas. Lost Records is already a new IP with a unique style and ambitious plans for the future, boldly standing out from the norm in 2025’s gaming landscape. It has its own unique character – and for that, it should be considered one of the most interesting titles of the year.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Don’t Nod for their trust and for providing me with a review key. Thank you to the entire team – the artists, composers, writers, programmers – everyone who contributed to this project. Thank you for letting me take part in this amazing journey – one of those that stays with you for a long, long time. See you in the next stories!