Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 1: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane with a Few Potholes
A tale of friendship, camcorders, and the occasional frame drop
Launch Day Larry
Welcome to the world of “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 1,” where nostalgia meets modern gaming in a delightful, albeit occasionally glitchy, embrace. This Don’t Nod creation, built on the ever-ambitious Unreal Engine 5, promises a journey through time, friendship, and the occasional technical hiccup. So grab your camcorder, and let’s dive into this narrative-driven adventure.
Gameplay: A Cinematic Experience with a Side of Stutter
“Lost Records” offers a unique blend of first and third-person perspectives, allowing players to explore its richly detailed world through the lens of a camcorder. This mechanic is both a blessing and a curse, providing an immersive experience that sometimes feels like busywork. The dynamic dialogue system is a standout feature, offering multiple options based on player actions. However, the impact of these choices on the overall story is minimal, leaving some players feeling like they’re in a choose-your-own-adventure book where all roads lead to the same ending.
Character interactions are deepened by a smaller cast, allowing for more nuanced relationships. The friendship system adds emotional depth, making you care about the characters’ fates. Yet, comparisons to “Life is Strange” and “Telltale’s The Walking Dead” highlight a lack of character depth and impactful storytelling. Meanwhile, the game’s pacing can feel glacial, with some players describing it as a slow burn that takes its sweet time to ignite.
Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Performance Anxiety
Visually, “Lost Records” is a stunner, with meticulously crafted environments and mesmerizing lighting that capture the essence of the 90s. The game’s graphics are praised for their high level of detail and atmospheric presentation, reminiscent of earlier titles like “Life is Strange.” The integration of graphics with gameplay mechanics, such as the camcorder feature, is both innovative and engaging.
However, the game’s beauty comes at a cost. Performance issues are a significant concern, particularly on lower-end hardware like the Steam Deck. Even high-end systems struggle to maintain a stable 60 FPS, with texture pop-in and stuttering being common complaints. It’s as if the game is a diva, demanding the best hardware to perform at its peak. The Shadows Quality setting is a particular culprit, drastically affecting performance and leaving players wishing for a more optimized experience.
Story: A Heartfelt Journey with a Few Bumps Along the Way
The narrative of “Lost Records” is where the game truly shines, offering emotional depth and charm through its portrayal of the four main characters—Kat, Autumn, Nora, and Swan. Each character is distinct, with personal challenges that add layers to the story. The timeline feature enriches storytelling by revealing more about each character through objects and background conversations, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives.
Despite these strengths, some characters are criticized for lacking complexity, with Kat and Nora being labeled as stereotypical. The protagonist, a silent character, is described as having the personality of a “wet paper towel,” which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The plot, focusing on relationships and friendships, is a slice-of-life experience with a mix of drama and a touch of horror/sci-fi. The dual perspective of the protagonist as both a child and an adult adds depth, allowing players to reflect on the past and its impact on the present.
Final Verdict
“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 1” is a nostalgic journey that captures the essence of friendship and personal growth. Its innovative mechanics and emotional storytelling are marred by technical issues and a lack of character depth. While the game offers a unique and engaging experience, its performance problems and slow pacing may deter some players. For those willing to overlook these flaws, “Lost Records” provides a heartfelt narrative that leaves you eager for the next installment.
Score: 7.0/10