Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

Is the audience for this game only teen girls? It was boring me into a coma being forced to listen to nonstop teen girl conversations. It sounded somewhat similar to the show Yellowjackets, so i was interested. But I played, drudgingly, for about 6 hours, which included me skipping every single cinematic they let me, before anything sort of interesting happened. It didn't last long though and went right back into long, dragged out, boring teen girl conversations. If i didn't invest so much time i would have turned it off. But i wanted so badly to see what the "bad" thing that happened to them so long ago was that they've been forbidden to discuss all these years! But if after 6 hours of gameplay there's still NO sign of WHAT this is, i don't think i can't take any more! I do not understand the high rating for this game at all. And they really need to let you skip alot more cutscenes than they do, because it has just been painful!

The vibe of the game is summery, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia that makes me want to dive into it every summer. The combination of bright visuals and cheerful sounds creates an atmosphere that feels inviting and carefree. However, there's an intriguing twist; the game also incorporates a strange and eerie vibe that adds depth to the experience. This juxtaposition of light and dark elements keeps players on their toes, making each moment feel both familiar and unsettling.

One of the standout features for me is the camera recording mechanic. It adds a unique layer of fun to the gameplay, allowing players to capture their adventures in a creative way. Whether you're documenting quirky moments or exploring the game's beautifully crafted environments, using the camera feels rewarding and engaging. Overall, the game masterfully blends nostalgia with an eerie undertone, making it a must-play, especially during those sunny summer days when you want to escape into a captivating world.

This game perfectly simulates the life of a teenager and the struggles of being an introvert. Despite this it still manages, to add a plot line of something out of the ordinary with that being the curse the girls set up on themselves. The character relationships and building is phenomenal; it really feels as though you are the character. However, it does have its flaws, such as the characters mouths not moving and clipping in objects. Although, this is what you can expect when a game first releases, and the fact that it has such a good foundation, lets these small inconveniences off..

It's a shame that we have to wait another 2 months before Tape 2 releases, luckily that will be the final instalment.

Lost Records is the newest title from the beloved (especially by me) Dontnod studio, developed by the original team behind the first two Life is Strange games. The story follows Swan, Nora, Autumn, and Kat, a group of girls who quickly form a bond - but one with a deadline, as Swan is moving away at the end of summer, while they have to deal with some problems this new friendship will bring.

To be honest, I even feel a bit guilty for not liking this game as much as I expected. I've seen people call it "the Life is Strange 3 we never got," but I couldn't fully connect with it.

The biggest issue for me is the structure. The game focuses a lot more on relationship driven choices than true consequence based decisions. And because it jumps between past and present, a lot of the outcomes are already revealed, which makes many choices feel less meaningful. The tension comes more from seeing how things affect the characters than what happens to them.

That means the characters need to be deeply compelling , and they sort of are. Dontnod does a great job building a believable, emotional friendship between them. But there's a clear focus on Kat's which overshadows the other 2 girl. It feels like the game is pushing you in one direction instead of feeling organic.

Another issue is the pacing. Long stretches go by where very little happens, and even as someone who enjoys narrative games, it felt a bit too slow. The dialogue is solid, the chemistry is there, but the lack of momentum hurts. That said, Tape 2 improves a lot, and the final emotional scenes remind us of the brilliance this team is capable of.

I don't want to sound harsh. Lost Records isn't a bad game. Far from it. But I did feel disconnected for a surprising amount of time. Still, when the story finally picks up, it shows that Dontnod hasn't lost their touch with emotional storytelling. Not their best work, but definitely a solid, heartfelt experience.

This game encapsulates everything I've sought in a gaming experience for many years. It brilliantly reawakens the nostalgic essence of the original "Life is Strange," or more specifically life is strange one and two while also establishing itself as a distinctly unique adventure. I am so excited to witness the success of both this game and the series as a whole. The characters are intricately crafted, with their development showcasing remarkable depth. Even though they may initially seem to conform to familiar stereotypes in terms of their appearances, their true personalities tell a different story throughout the game.