Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (2025): The Review

Overview

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a slow-burning, emotional narrative adventure that leans into '90s nostalgia and the bittersweet weight of memory. Developed by the creators of Life is Strange, it tells the story of four teenage girls in the summer of 1995 and their reunion decades later to confront a buried secret. It’s heartfelt and atmospheric, though not without its pacing stumbles and limited interactivity.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

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The Positives

✅ Strong Emotional Core: The game does a great job of portraying friendship, regret, and growing up. The connection between the main characters feels real and grounded;

✅ Beautiful Nostalgia: From riot grrrl punk bands to VHS tapes and retro fashion, the 1995 setting is bursting with '90s charm and authenticity;

✅ Dual Timeline Storytelling: Switching between the past and present adds intrigue and depth, gradually building mystery and emotional resonance;

✅ Unique Camcorder Mechanic: Swann’s habit of filming everything adds an immersive layer to exploration and storytelling;

✅ Atmospheric Visuals & Music: The tone is spot-on, with dreamy lighting and a killer indie soundtrack that hits all the right vibes.

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The Negatives

⚠️ Slow Pacing: The first half of the game can feel meandering, with more setup than payoff at times;

⚠️ Limited Gameplay: If you’re looking for action or puzzles, this won’t scratch that itch—it’s mostly walking, talking, and watching;

⚠️ Some Repetitive Interactions: The camcorder mechanic, while cool at first, doesn’t evolve much and can start to feel a bit one-note.

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The Experience

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is more about feelings than gameplay, more about memories than mechanics. It’s a meditative, melancholic experience that echoes Life is Strange but charts its own course with a more reflective, mature tone. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional highs of its spiritual predecessor, it still tells a touching story with style and sincerity.

It’s not for everyone—but for players who value strong characters and quiet moments, this one will stick with you long after the credits roll. 🎸📼💔