Life Is Strange Creators Release a New Narrative Game Set in the 90s, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

DON’T NOD, the studio that first captured the narrative gaming world’s imagination with Life is Strange, has returned with Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. Released on February 18, 2025, this narrative-driven adventure marks the debut of the company’s Montréal studio. With an evocative setting, deep character relationships, and a mix of nostalgia and mystery, it aims to rekindle the emotional storytelling that defined their earlier games.

But does it succeed? Based on early player impressions, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the Life is Strange legacy—albeit with some noticeable differences.

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A Tale of Two Timelines

At its core, Lost Records tells the story of four high school friends—Swann, Kat, Autumn, and Nora—whose lives were forever altered by the events of a single summer in 1995. Players navigate between this formative period and the present day, when the now-adult characters are forced to confront what they once swore to forget.

This dual-timeline structure isn’t entirely new for DON’T NOD. Similar to Life is Strange: True Colors and Tell Me Why, the game uses past events as an emotional anchor, slowly unraveling secrets as the player pieces together what happened. However, unlike Life is Strange, there’s no supernatural rewind mechanic—your choices shape the narrative in real-time, making each decision feel permanent.

The first part of the game, Tape 1: Bloom, sets up the story, while Tape 2: Rage—a free update coming in April—will conclude it. Given DON’T NOD’s history with episodic releases, this staggered structure feels natural, though some players have noted that the first tape’s ending isn’t as compelling as they’d hoped, making the wait for the second part more of a slow burn than an urgent cliffhanger.

An Authentic 90s Atmosphere

One of Lost Records’ standout features is its commitment to capturing the feel of the 1990s. From bedroom posters to cassette tapes and payphones, the game is filled with period-accurate details that help immerse players in the era. Many fans who grew up in the 90s have praised this aspect, calling it a “time capsule” that nails the aesthetic and cultural references of the decade.

Adding to this immersion is the in-game camcorder mechanic. Players are encouraged to record their surroundings, similar to the way photography was used in Life is Strange. Unlike the instant gratification of Max Caulfield’s Polaroids, these recordings play a larger role in shaping how you interact with the world and remember past events.

While the attention to detail is impressive, some players have found the pacing slow, particularly in the first few hours. The game leans heavily into atmosphere and character development, which may not appeal to those looking for immediate action or a more dynamic start. It takes between 6 and 9 hours to finish Tape 1, depending on how fast a player moves through the story.

The Characters and Their Bonds

A key strength of Lost Records is its character writing. Each of the four main girls has a distinct personality, and their interactions feel genuine—sometimes awkward, sometimes deeply emotional, much like real friendships at that age. Swann, the film-obsessed protagonist, is especially relatable for players who remember their own struggles with identity and belonging.

Dialogue choices play a significant role in shaping relationships, and while some fans feel that certain responses lead to overly rigid “correct” or “incorrect” outcomes, others appreciate the depth of character interactions. Unlike Life is Strange, which often revolved around binary moral choices, Lost Records is more about navigating social dynamics, personal insecurities, and the evolving nature of friendships.

To a certain cohort of players, the dialogue can feel cringeworthy at times—though in a way that mirrors the reality of teenage conversations. The game doesn’t shy away from difficult topics either, touching on themes of self-discovery, queerness, and personal trauma. Fans of DON’T NOD’s storytelling will likely find this familiar, but those who found Life is Strange’s tone overly sentimental may have similar reservations here.

Visuals and Soundtrack – A Cinematic Experience

Lost Records has been widely praised for its visual presentation. The lighting, environmental details, and character animations all feel like an evolution of DON’T NOD’s previous work. Players have described the game as “cinematic,” with highly detailed settings that feel lived-in.

The soundtrack, as expected from a DON’T NOD title, is another highlight. Featuring original music from bands like Milk & Bone, Nora Kelly Band, and Ruth Radelet, the blend of dream pop and alternative rock perfectly complements the game’s nostalgic and introspective tone. Many players have drawn comparisons to the indie music selections that helped define Life is Strange, with some even calling it one of the best soundtracks the studio has curated.

Player Reception – A Return to Form?

Early player feedback has been largely positive, with many calling Lost Records a spiritual successor to Life is Strange. The nostalgic atmosphere, strong character work, and engaging narrative have resonated with longtime fans. Some have even said it feels more like the Life is Strange they originally fell in love with, compared to the more recent Double Exposure.

However, the game isn’t without its criticisms. Some have pointed out that it takes control away from the player too frequently, with long cutscenes and limited areas to explore. Others have found the frequent nudging from NPCs to “move on” during exploration sections frustrating, breaking the immersion of freely taking in the environment.

Another common complaint involves the game’s pacing. While Life is Strange also had slow, contemplative moments, Lost Records leans even further into its slice-of-life storytelling, which some players feel makes the narrative unfold too gradually.

Technical performance has been a mixed bag as well. While the game generally runs smoothly, some players have reported frame rate drops, especially in denser environments. A few have also encountered minor bugs, though nothing game-breaking.

Should You Play It?

If you’re a fan of Life is Strange—particularly the first game—then Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is absolutely worth checking out. Its heartfelt storytelling, deeply personal character moments, and stunning presentation make it a strong entry in the narrative adventure genre.

That said, if you prefer more gameplay variety, a faster-paced story, or open-ended exploration, you might find Lost Records a bit restrictive. The game is best enjoyed by those who appreciate slow-burn narratives and character-driven experiences.

With Tape 2: Rage releasing in April, the full impact of the story remains to be seen. But as it stands, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage offers a compelling, emotionally rich experience that feels like a natural evolution of DON’T NOD’s storytelling legacy. It will be hard for it to ultimately surpass Life is Strange, but Lost Records certainly carries its spirit forward.

FAQ: Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – A Return to the Spirit of Life is Strange?