Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 1

“If you allow yourself to take in the vibes and slowly meander to the conclusion then Lost Records will reward you with character development, laughs and a satisfying experience.”

“The first tape in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a beautifully crafted return to the narrative genre for Don't Nod. Veteran players will feel right at home, while newcomers should prepare for a dialogue-driven, richly observed, and poignant study of '90s nostalgia and teenage angst.‍”

“It remains to be seen how this work will end with film number 2, which will be released next April, but for now, we have been delighted by Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. It offers a narrative adventure full of very charismatic characters, impeccable artistic design and a soundtrack used with skill at the most appropriate moments.”

“I loved the nostalgic feel of the game, and how detailed the world was, with the ability to capture everything with the camcorder. However, a lot of the conversations felt too drawn out, with a lot of awkward pauses, or overlapping conversation that just felt too overwhelming.”

“With Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, struggling studio Don't Nod returns to its roots, offering a loyal audience everything they loved about Life is Strange. The slow-paced story may put off some action fans, but it builds to a powerful and shocking conclusion.”

“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage has a lot going for it—a compelling mystery, a strong cast of characters, and a nostalgic atmosphere that captures the era perfectly. But the technical issues are hard to ignore. From audio glitches to animation bugs, it feels like the game needed more time in the oven. I’m hopeful that Part 2 will smooth out these rough edges, because there is certainly some potential here. It’s just not quite there yet.”

“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is a pitch-perfect dose of melancholic 90s nostalgia and a solid start to a two-part story.”

“Even if Tape 1 won't immediately grab you, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is off to a decent start, thanks to its intriguing characters and plot.”

“Tape 1 of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage proves to be a lopsided experience carried by a charming cast of characters and let down by its overall plot.”

“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 kept me interested throughout, though its heavy focus on character moments got in the way of forming a more cohesive main plot. I'm hopeful that all of the setup that's been done will allow Tape 2 to fully explore the mystery behind Bloom & Rage's 'wild' summer of 1995.”

“But the game's utter sincerity is a major point in its favor, and these kinds of missteps are a side effect. If I have to put up with some deeply goofy choices in order to get a character as heartbreakingly earnest as Swann Holloway, I'll accept the trade-off.”

“Technical issues aside, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage succeeds in telling a meaningful story.”

“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is an intriguing introduction to a mysterious new world. With its characters and setting at the forefront, this rose-tinted view of the mid-90s is welcoming, nostalgic, and perfectly blends this tale's more enigmatic side. It is incredibly slow at times and it doesn't answer an awful lot, but truth be told, we're dying to have those questions addressed in the latter part of the story. Tape 1 has teed it up, so it's down to Tape 2 to secure the home run.”