Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 Reviews
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is a pitch-perfect dose of melancholic 90s nostalgia and a solid start to a two-part story.
Impeccable vibes, a solid narrative, and strong characters make the trip to Velvet Cove more than worth it. Tape 1 of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage effortlessly transports you back to a simpler time, while telling a grounded and melancholy tale of what happens when the perfect summer, isn't. While it's occasionally let down by an uneven technical state, the strength of the story still stands tall. I'm more than excited to continue the story of Swann and her friends in Tape 2.
The first tape in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a beautifully crafted return to the narrative genre for Don't Nod. Veteran players will feel right at home, while newcomers should prepare for a dialogue-driven, richly observed, and poignant study of '90s nostalgia and teenage angst.
Even if Tape 1 won't immediately grab you, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is off to a decent start, thanks to its intriguing characters and plot.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 kept me interested throughout, though its heavy focus on character moments got in the way of forming a more cohesive main plot. I'm hopeful that all of the setup that's been done will allow Tape 2 to fully explore the mystery behind Bloom & Rage's 'wild' summer of 1995.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 1 tells a beautiful coming-of-age story, but takes far too long building up something that never pays off.
The first part of a duology that promises to be unforgettable, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 1 lays the foundations for an even more intriguing sequel, Tape 2. By the end of this first part, you'll be left with just one question: what really happened that summer? What really happened that summer in 1995? And above all, what happens next?
A 90s coming of age adventure for those that praise characterisation over action
Also, how the story continues and ends will be crucial. Such an emotional and powerful ending needs a lot of care and attention , because the theme is anything but banal or nostalgic.
Review in Italian | Read full review
In returning to its narrative adventure roots, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage feels like a retreat for Don't Nod. Draped in nostalgia for both the 90s and Life is Strange, Bloom & Rage struggles to find itself among uneven pacing, tonal inconsistencies, and an uninteresting cast of characters. Despite some neat visual tricks with its VHS overlays, there's little on this first tape worth a rental.
The first part of Lost Records does a great job of building anticipation for the second, thanks to its well-written characters and slow-paced yet engaging story. While there are some issues, both big and small, that need to be addressed, the overall experience remains promising.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Amazing story-driven experience on PS5
A lot depends on the second episode. At this point Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is terribly boring and tiresome to play.
Review in Polish | Read full review
It's hard to say for sure that the old Don't Nod from the Life is Strange days is back, but Lost Records seems like a good start to a heartwarming and memorable adventure. The first episode is dragged out and doesn't reveal the most important things, but there's a chance that the second will answer a lot of questions.
Review in Russian | Read full review
The first part of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a disappointing Don’t Nod experience, with a disappointing narrative, characters with vague goals, and a problematic dialogue system. Technical issues and poor animations further compound its weaknesses. However, the eye-catching environment design, 1990s-style cinematic mechanics, and catchy music are some of the few strengths that cannot be ignored. If you’re a big fan of Don’t Nod’s story-driven titles, it’s worth checking out on PlayStation Plus, but it’s not worth buying at full price.
Review in Persian | Read full review
A solid start to this narrative adventure
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a game that should be enjoyed in the right "vibe". It brings back a sense of nostalgia for the 90s, while also having a plot that manages to hook us in. The character development is solid and creates bonds with the player. There are some technical issues that patches could fix, as well as some slow moments in the narrative. But, in other words, if you liked the other DON'T NOD narrative games, it's hard not to like this one. [Review based on TAPE 1: BLOOM].
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 1 is a fun nostalgic trip back to the '90s and the mechanic of making short clips on Swann's camcorder is a clever gameplay element that adds another welcoming layer to the mostly narrative experience. 📼
Set across two timelines—1995 and 2022—Lost Records: Bloom and Rage follows a group of friends as they navigate one unforgettable summer and the unresolved secrets that come back to haunt them decades later. With a unique recording mechanic, emotionally driven dialogue choices, and a nostalgic and sometimes eerie atmosphere, the game immerses players in a deeply personal story about memory, friendship, and the consequences of the past.
If you’ve ever felt changed by a game like Life is Strange, Gone Home, or Firewatch, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 is going to resonate with you. It’s not trying to be flashy. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s simply a beautiful, emotionally rich game about friendship, memory, and the quiet weight of growing up. It stumbles in the technical department, sure, and its slow pacing might test your patience—but if you give it time, it gives back in spades. I can’t wait for Tape 2.