Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (Tape 1) review

• Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
• Released on 18 February 2025
• Developed by Don’t Nod Entertainment

After years away from the genre they helped define, Don’t Nod returns to narrative gaming with Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, a story-rich, character-driven experience that feels like the natural evolution of Life is Strange. Though only the first half, titled Tape 1, is available at launch, it’s already clear that this is a special game.

The story centers on four teenage girls — Swann, Nora, Kat, and Autumn — who become close friends during the summer of 1995. You play as Swann, and through her eyes you’ll build relationships, form a band, and experience a coming-of-age story packed with emotion, humor, and just the right amount of mystery. The narrative jumps between past and present, anchored by a mysterious package delivered in 2022 that reconnects the women for the first time in nearly 30 years.

While the plot raises plenty of questions, Tape 1 doesn’t offer many answers. The central mystery remains unresolved, and the game ends with the package unopened. This kind of cliffhanger could be frustrating, but the strength of the writing and the emotional weight of the characters make the wait for Tape 2 feel more like anticipation than disappointment.

Set against a lovingly recreated 90s backdrop, Lost Records oozes nostalgia. From VHS rentals to boomboxes and friendship bracelets, it nails the vibe without overdoing it. What really stands out, though, is how natural the dialogue feels. Each of the four girls is fully realized, with distinct personalities and believable dynamics. Whether you connect with Swann’s quiet creativity or Nora’s loud ambition, it’s easy to see parts of yourself in them.

A standout feature is Swann’s camcorder. Much like Max’s photography in Life is Strange, this mechanic allows players to document moments throughout the story. You can pull out the camera almost anytime to record wildlife, scenes with your friends, or just everyday moments. These clips are collected into “Memoirs,” which you can rearrange and edit, giving players a small but meaningful sense of authorship over Swann’s journey.

Visually, the game is stunning. Environments feel grounded and detailed, and the camcorder segments offer a lo-fi, nostalgic touch that adds depth to the storytelling. It all blends seamlessly with the narrative, creating a world that feels authentic and lived in.

There are no puzzles or action segments here. This is a narrative game through and through. It’s light on interactivity, but rich in emotional impact. The only real frustration is the wait for the second half. But if Tape 1 is anything to go by, the full experience is shaping up to be one of Don’t Nod’s best.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of their work or just enjoy a well-written, emotional story, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is well worth your time. It’s not just a spiritual successor to Life is Strange: it’s something deeper, more refined, and undeniably memorable.