Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Review – The ‘Life is Strange 3’ You Always Wanted

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In the year 2023, Don’t Nod unveiled Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, a game that initially appeared as though it might have been part of the Life is Strange series. Upon viewing the opening trailer, our initial impressions seemed to align with this assumption, and now that the game has been released (or more accurately, half of it), I can confirm that it bears striking similarities to what we might expect from Life is Strange 3.

This game will make Life is Strange enthusiasts feel as if they’re returning to familiar grounds. Since 2015, Dontnod Entertainment has been the creator of the Life is Strange label, and I’ve been a devoted fan since then. Although the studio parted ways with the franchise in 2018, this game will undoubtedly resonate with fans who have come to associate certain elements with the Life is Strange universe.

Here’s a video version of this review:

Finding What’s Lost

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – A Coming-of-Age Tale with an Unusual Flair

In this captivating narrative, you’ll find a familiar coming-of-age story intertwined with an unexpected twist. The tale unfolds across two distinct time periods: one in 1995 and another in the present day, 2022. Here’s the peculiar part – while the 2022 sequences are presented from a first-person point of view, the events taking place in the ’90s are strictly portrayed using a third-person perspective.

Maybe it’s an artistic choice, or perhaps I’ve missed some subtle message there.

16-year-old Swann, a bit awkward but passionate about capturing life with a camcorder, embarks on a summer documentary project. Fate brings her together with three girls who help her break free from her shell.

For the next six to eight weeks, Swann experiences a significant growth – indeed, blossoms – in the company of these young ladies: Nora, Kat, and Autumn. They embark on typical 1990s escapades together, explore the outdoors, form a band, and become deeply engrossed in a captivating mystery after swearing a peculiar oath to each other within a strange and magical forest.

You know, typical teenage things, right?

In the initial installment of Bloom & Rage, called ‘Bloom’, completion time ranges from 6 to 8 hours based on your play speed. If you choose to record all the game’s ‘memoirs’ with your camcorder, it could extend the duration slightly. The primary focus of the game is using a camcorder to document significant moments and collectibles within your environment.

Life is Stranger Things

The 1990s ambiance in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is spot-on, and as someone who grew up during that era, I can personally attest to this. From the aesthetics to the music, fashion, and the nostalgic filter used extensively throughout the game, it all feels authentically 90’s. The game may seem innocent at first glance, but it swiftly takes a dark and chilling turn, which is quite impressive.

I even had a play with a replication of a Tamagotchi – how’s that for 1990s?

The story is flawless, a stark contrast to some criticisms leveled against Life is Strange, which was accused of being overly dramatic with its teenage melodrama and awkward acting. However, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage resonated deeply with me. The characters echoed themes and emotions I encountered during my own upbringing, and the narrative never felt contrived or overly imposed.

The soundtrack and certain artistic elements, such as neon light effects, synthesized music, and so on, later in the game, strongly evoke a feeling reminiscent of “Stranger Things.” It’s a blend that is both like “that show” and Life is Strange, which fits me perfectly.

This game stands out visually among those I’ve played recently for several months. The color scheme is appealing, and aspects like the character models’ eyes and facial expressions are particularly well-done. Even the smaller details are present, something that was less common in Life is Strange due to its unique art style.

Moreover, remember that the purpose of the game lies in discovering appealing perspectives and capturing the world visually via a camera, making it cinematic right from the start.

Is Bloom & Rage Worth It?

Bloom & Rage is priced at approximately $39.99 for two game installments, with the first one ready for immediate use. Each installation offers roughly 6 to 10 hours of gameplay, depending on your pace, and there’s a great deal of replay value. For example, you can gather overlooked collectibles or make alternative choices in numerous dialogue options available.

As a dedicated fan of Life is Strange, I can’t help but feel thrilled about the $39.99 price tag for nearly 20 hours of immersive, heart-touching gameplay. Frankly, it seems like a steal to me, and as a diehard fan, I wouldn’t hesitate to part with that amount.

From a technical perspective, the game was flawless, and there’s nothing to criticize about its performance. The main mechanics are inventive and engaging, while every little detail has been thoughtfully addressed. I found the voice acting to be excellent, and the visuals evoke a haunting sense of nostalgia. To put it simply, I devoured the first tape in just two playthroughs.

Title Rediscovered: Bloom & Rage whisked me away to an era where liberty was everything, and worries were merely about tomorrow’s plans with friends. I believe numerous gamers will resonate deeply with this game on an emotional plane, and I eagerly anticipate immersing myself in the next installment.

Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly endorse giving “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” a try; it’s been quite some time since I encountered a narrative-driven game as captivating as this one.

Verdict: Buy

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2025-02-18 13:19