By Khloe Wilkerson

In the complexity of teenage life, the line between dreams and nightmares is typically blurry. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage vividly captures the essence of youth, rebellion, and the haunting nature of the past in a way that feels both deeply personal and commonly nostalgic. Developed by Don’t Nod, the game is part one of a coming-of-age story with a supernatural twist, blending choice-based storytelling with intimate character moments, stunning visuals, and a compelling mystery. It’s filled with youthful recklessness and the consequences that follow.

At its heart, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a story about memory—how it shapes who we are, how it can deceive us, and how, at times, it refuses to stay in the past. From the very beginning, the game immerses players in the summer of 1995, introducing a group of teenage friends. Swann Holloway is the 16-year-old protagonist who’s trying to find herself while documenting everything around her through video. Alongside her are her friends: Nora, the outgoing and party-loving one; Autumn, the quiet, thoughtful type; and Kat, who hides her own complexities. Together, they form a riot grrrl band, explore the woods, turn an abandoned cabin into their secret hideaway, and experience the freedom of youth. 

But one summer night, their harmless act of vengeance—creating a “curse” against those who wronged them—takes a dark turn, opening a portal they can’t control and triggering a chain of events that will change their lives forever. 

Decades later, the echoes of that summer still haunt them, and the past refuses to stay buried. Swann, now an adult, reunites with Autumn and Nora. They’re forced to piece together fragmented memories of that fateful summer. The question is, can they recall what really happened?

The character animations may not be hyper realistic, but they do a great job of capturing the small, subtle expressions that make conversations feel genuine. Whether it’s Swann’s hesitant glances, Nora’s carefree smirks, or Autumn’s deep stares, each movement adds depth to the characters. The game is made with careful detail, from the band’s messy practice space filled with posters and discarded soda cans to the eerie, overgrown woods of teenage adventure.

The woods, the abandoned cabin, and the dark underground portal are all designed with rich detail, pulling you deeper into the game’s world. The visuals go hand-in-hand with the story, switching between calm, natural moments and weird, supernatural events. It all strikes a balance between realistic and stylized, making you feel like you’re stuck between a world you recognize and something just off enough to be unsettling.

One of the game’s most engaging mechanics is Swann’s video camera, which serves as a storytelling tool and a window into her perspective. As a quiet observer by nature, Swann captures life through the lens, documenting everything from band rehearsals to late-night conversations under the stars. This mechanic isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a deeply engaging feature that allows players to relive moments, replay memories, and uncover hidden details in a way that feels original. The camcorder is beautifully designed, complete with zoom functions, a record button, and even the ability to crouch down for different angles. Watching old recordings adds a personal touch, making the player feel like they’re flipping through an old scrapbook of teenage memories. It’s a way to bridge the past and present, reinforcing the theme of lost time and forgotten truths.

Beyond its cinematic presentation, the game gives players control over key decisions helping the story unfold. From how you interact with your friends to what you choose to document, Lost Records offers plenty of opportunities for creative expression and personal input. This customization aspect is one of the most enjoyable parts of the game. For example, you can name Swann’s pet, pick out her clothes, and decide how to respond in conversations, all of which adds a layer of personal engagement. While the choices don’t always have immediate consequences, they contribute to a larger picture, making each player’s journey feel unique.

Complementing Lost Records: Bloom & Rage’s visuals and storytelling is its sound design, which is equally vital in reinforcing the game’s emotional tone. The music, a blend of grungy, riot-grrrl-era punk and atmospheric synth tracks, perfectly captures both the rebellious energy of youth and the unsettling feeling of the unknown. The band’s raw and unpolished performances, particularly the song “See You in Hell,” feel authentic and exactly what you’d expect a group of teenagers to sound like as they jam in an empty garage. The sound design also immerses players in the world with ambient noises like the hum of cicadas, the creak of the cabin’s wooden floors, and the soft voices of friends reminiscing about their past. These details create a world that feels alive, enhancing both the lighthearted moments of friendship and the darker, more mysterious events tied to the curse.

The game thrives in its quiet moments—late-night conversations, inside jokes, and the warmth of found family. But there are instances where the story drags, leaving more dialogue than action. It’s clear that Tape 1 (Bloom), the first of two parts – is setting the stage for a larger mystery.

Yet some sections feel like they’re stalling rather than building tension. Furthermore, while the game does a great job introducing the different personalities of the friend group, it sometimes tells rather than shows their growth. For instance, we see them transition from clueless teenagers to adults questioning their past, but there’s a disconnect.

I wished for more moments showing who they’ve become rather than just implying it. This would have made their personalities feel more developed and impactful. The friendships feel real, but the emotional weight of their reunion could have been explored more deeply. I found myself craving more action, more revelations, and more emotional stakes as the story unfolded. 

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a hauntingly beautiful journey through memory, friendship, and the mysteries that shape us. Its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and deeply personal storytelling mold an experience that lingers long after the game ends. While the pacing stumbles at times and some character development is lacking, the emotional weight of its narrative and the supernatural mystery keep you invested. It’s a game that thrives on nostalgia, not just for the ‘90s, but for the raw, unfiltered emotions of youth itself. As Tape 1 sets the stage for what’s to come, I’m excited to see where Part 2 goes.

Bronx native Khloe Wilkerson is in her second year of high school. In Middle School, she won our college scholarship twice in a row after completing our games journalism and narrative classes. 

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