Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, developed by Don’t Nod for PC, Xbox and PlayStation 5, introduces players to a narrative-driven adventure centered on friendship, nostalgia, and mystery. Set in 1995, the game follows four friends who reunite decades after a formative summer, uncovering secrets that have remained buried. With a strong emphasis on character development and environmental storytelling, it evokes the same emotional depth that made the developer’s previous work stand out. Part 1 is out now, with part 2 set to follow in a few months.
Gameplay primarily revolves around exploration, dialogue choices, and puzzle-solving, immersing players in the characters’ lives and relationships. The branching narrative structure ensures that choices carry weight, influencing how events unfold and shaping the group’s dynamic in addition to the story beats. While the game lacks traditional action elements, the interactive storytelling keeps engagement high, rewarding those who invest in its characters and world.
On PlayStation 5, the game benefits from smooth performance and responsive controls that make exploration feel intuitive. The interface is clean, ensuring that players can focus on the story without distractions. Some minor issues with movement can make navigation feel slightly rigid at times, but they don’t significantly detract from the experience. The DualSense controller is utilized subtly, enhancing immersion through haptic feedback during key moments.
Visually, Lost Records embraces a warm, nostalgic aesthetic, with detailed environments that capture the essence of a small-town summer in the ‘90s. Character animations and facial expressions effectively convey emotions, strengthening the narrative’s impact. The art direction, combined with dynamic lighting and color choices, enhances the game’s sentimental tone, making every location feel lived-in and authentic.
The soundtrack plays a crucial role in shaping the experience, blending licensed tracks with an original score that complements the story’s emotional beats. Voice acting is well-executed, bringing depth to the protagonists and making their relationships feel genuine. Some dialogue can feel slightly exaggerated, but overall, the performances contribute to the game’s immersive atmosphere.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage successfully delivers an engaging, character-driven experience that fans of narrative adventures will appreciate – especially if they’re familiar with the developer’s previous work. While its slow-paced gameplay and minimal mechanical complexity may not appeal to everyone, those who enjoy emotional storytelling and player-driven choices will find a lot to love. With its nostalgic setting, strong presentation, and well-crafted narrative, Don’t Nod once again proves their expertise in interactive storytelling – though some people will probably want to wait for part 1 to release in a few months.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 