Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
" Emotional adventure with innovative camcorder gameplay but slow early pacing "
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Review
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a narrative-driven game praised for its nostalgic 90s setting, emotional depth, and rich character development. Many players appreciate its connection to the Life is Strange series, noting it as a spiritual successor that recaptures the essence and chemistry of earlier Don't Nod titles. The game features a unique camcorder mechanic, immersive environments, and a soundtrack that complements the atmosphere beautifully.
However, the pacing is often described as slow, especially in the first half, with some players finding the story and dialogue occasionally cringy or forced. The ending and story resolution received mixed reactions, with some feeling it lacked payoff or clarity. Despite these criticisms, the game resonates deeply with a niche audience, especially those who value emotional storytelling and authentic queer representation. Overall, it is seen as a heartfelt, visually stunning experience with room for improvement in narrative cohesion and gameplay flow.
Highlights
Players highly praise the game's graphics and art style, highlighting detailed character models and magical lighting. The soundtrack and 90s nostalgia evoke strong emotional connections, enhancing immersion. The character writing and relationships are noted for their depth and realism, with many players feeling attached to the cast. The supernatural and mysterious elements add intrigue, while the camcorder gameplay mechanic offers a fresh, interactive storytelling approach. Fans of Life is Strange especially appreciate the game's return to a more authentic narrative style and emotional resonance.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include slow pacing, particularly during the early sections, which some found tedious. The dialogue and writing occasionally feel forced or cringeworthy, leading to disengagement. Several players mention lack of meaningful choice impact and an unsatisfying or rushed ending that leaves story threads unresolved. The camcorder mechanic, while innovative, can feel restrictive and intrusive. Some also found the NPC behavior and certain plot points unbelievable or frustrating. Minor technical issues such as lip-sync problems and occasional bugs were noted but not widespread.
Pros
- • Beautiful, detailed graphics with magical lighting effects and expressive characters.
- • Immersive 90s soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere.
- • Deeply written characters with unique personalities and authentic relationships.
- • Engaging supernatural mystery that sustains player interest throughout.
- • Innovative camcorder gameplay mechanic adds interactivity and immersion.
- • Strong emotional storytelling that resonates especially with queer audiences.
- • Nostalgic setting evokes powerful feelings of youth and friendship.
Cons
- • Slow pacing in early sections leads to player boredom and disengagement.
- • Dialogue sometimes feels forced, cringy, or lacking authenticity.
- • Ending is perceived as rushed, unsatisfying, or incomplete by many.
- • Limited impact from player choices reduces sense of agency.
- • Camcorder mechanic can be restrictive and breaks immersion at times.
- • NPCs often idle unengaged, which detracts from realism.
- • Some plot points and character actions feel unbelievable or frustrating.
Rating Criteria
Embark on a new narrative journey by the creators of Life is Strange. Film your summer of 1995 and create memories of a lifetime with your new friends. 27 years later, confront the dark secrets that made you all promise to never speak again after that fateful summer.