Games

Discover the Dreamy Mystery of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1!

BBG News

It’s quite clear that “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” hails from the same studio responsible for “Life is Strange.” Much like its predecessor, it carries a cozy, nostalgic ambiance and follows a leisurely narrative, immersing players in the intricate details of its period setting – the carefree summer of 1995. Players take on the role of awkward teen Swann, who finds himself exploring the dilapidated suburbs of Velvet Cove, capturing images of rusted playgrounds, struggling video rental stores, and other notable sights, such as birds, graffiti, or decaying debris with a whirring camcorder. As the summer progresses, Swann forms new friendships, setting the stage for what appears to be a peaceful, carefree season. However, something unexpected occurs, changing the course of events.

Initially, “Lost Records” appears to be a typical teen drama for its initial few hours. The characters Swann, Nora, Autumn, and Kat all face challenging home circumstances, and turning 16 or 17 can be tough for most people in general. As the girls encounter bullies, they learn to stand up for themselves collectively, eventually discovering a refuge in a spooky, abandoned cabin nestled deep within the woods. The developer Don’t Nod skillfully crafts an engaging slow-burn atmosphere, with the central mystery revolving around a gathering at Velvet Cove’s Blue Spruce bar in 2022. When Autumn receives a mysterious package wrapped in newspaper and adorned with ominous messages, it leaves you pondering what could be lurking within.

2022’s gathering in Swann’s narrative is presented through a personal, first-person standpoint, whereas the events of 1995 are portrayed from an outside, third-person view. This technique offers a unique perspective, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Swann’s circle during lazy summer evenings, musty garages adorned with worn posters, lakeside lounging under the flight of leisurely birds and the hum of insects around a crackling campfire. It’s all quite peaceful, although periods of seemingly insignificant events can stretch on. The debut novel Lost Records primarily focuses on character development during its first ‘Tape’, ensuring readers become invested in their lives before the unexpected twist occurs, but at times, this process may feel overly prolonged.

The game shares a similar vibe to the TV series ‘Stranger Things’, set firmly in its time period, which stirs a warm wave of nostalgia for those who remember the 90s. It features old VHS tapes, fuzzy screen transitions, and subtle references to 90s culture such as graffiti paying homage to Kurt Cobain on a trash bin, forgotten Troll dolls, and posters that seem like they’re for ‘The X-Files’, but due to copyright issues, aren’t quite the same. The game, titled ‘Lost Records‘, does an impressive job of recreating the feel of 1995, even if it occasionally lags a bit in story development. However, Don’t Nod skillfully creates a sense of mystery and curiosity at crucial moments, keeping you hooked until the end, leading you towards a suspenseful ending – or rather, a cliffhanger that leaves you eagerly waiting for more, which won’t be available until April.

In the first installment of “Lost Record: Bloom & Rage,” intriguing clues are planted, such as the enigmatic box, the unexplained hole, the cabin in the woods, and the overall eerie atmosphere. It’s evident that a major event is on the horizon, and the unresolved mysteries and hinted-at plot threads should make the second part all the more impactful and unforgettable. Here’s to hoping!

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2025-02-26 16:13

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