In 2015, Don't Nod redefined interactive drama with *Life is Strange*, a captivating tale of everyday moments, enduring friendship, and the passage of time. Players cherished its detail, its interactive world, and its impactful choices. While subsequent projects explored different genres, none recaptured that initial magic. Years later, Don't Nod returns to its roots with *Lost Records*, a coming-of-age story that transcends interactive cinema; it's a nostalgic ode to carefree youth. With its evocative atmosphere, memorable characters, and unpredictable choices, it's a truly captivating experience.

Table of Contents

• Friends Reunite to Uncover Secrets from the Past After 27 Years
• Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships
• Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters
• A Town Worth Dreaming About
• Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story

Friends Reunite to Uncover Secrets from the Past After 27 Years

At the heart of Lost Records is the story of four women whose friendship fractured 27 years prior. Swan Holloway returns to her hometown of Velvet Bay for a reunion, only to discover a mysterious package from the past. A forest, an abandoned house, and long-buried secrets—forgotten memories resurface, creating a dreamlike summer night's atmosphere.

The narrative unfolds across two timelines: 1995, a time of vibrant youth, and 2022, where the now-forty-something women grapple with the awkwardness of their fractured past. The first-person camera perspective powerfully emphasizes this contrast. The majority of gameplay, however, takes place in the nostalgic 1995 setting, where players explore beautiful locations, build relationships, and document events using a vintage HVS camera.

Video recording is a core mechanic. Like Max in Life is Strange, Swan films graffiti, wildlife, people, and even paranormal occurrences. Collected footage can be edited into short films, categorized by theme, with Swan providing commentary. While these documentaries enhance the narrative, they don't directly influence the plot.

Player choices, however, do have consequences, both large and small, though the long-term impact is currently limited due to the episodic nature of the game and the story's structure.

Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships

Lost Records delivers the interactivity and attention to detail expected from Don't Nod. For example, Swan might mention wanting ice cream from a nearby truck; choosing to buy it or not impacts subsequent conversations. The dynamic world adds to the game's charm. Real-time dialogues, reminiscent of Oxenfree and Telltale games, feature interruptions, topic shifts, and the option of silence—sometimes the best response. The freedom to build relationships is also a choice; players aren't forced to seek everyone's approval.

Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters

Don't Nod has crafted authentic characters: loud, occasionally clumsy in their youthful idealism, yet deeply sincere. Swan is a relatable 16-year-old, self-conscious and hiding behind her camera. While reminiscent of Max Caulfield, she avoids feeling like a mere rehash.

Her friends—Ottem, Kate, and Nora—embody familiar archetypes, yet transcend them. Nora, the punk with American dreams, reveals unexpected caution; Kate, the passionate writer, encourages bolder actions; and Ottem appreciates thoughtful individuals. This relatable group evokes the feeling of teenage invincibility, regardless of the player's age.

A Town Worth Dreaming About

Nostalgia permeates Lost Records, especially Swan's room, filled with '90s artifacts: a bulky TV, floppy disks, Tamagotchis, and more—a treasure trove for millennials. The abundance of pop culture references—from films like Sabrina and The X-Files to games like Oxenfree and Life is Strange—adds to the immersive experience. The soundtrack, featuring dream-pop and indie-rock, is particularly noteworthy; the song "See You in Hell" is especially catchy.

Velvet Bay itself is a beautifully realized sleepy American town, cozy by day and chilling by night, its secrets unfolding with each exploration.

Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story

The deliberate pacing might not appeal to all players. Unlike Life is Strange's quicker transition to mystery, Lost Records prioritizes character development and atmosphere before escalating the plot. This slower burn builds tension effectively, culminating in a powerful cliffhanger at the end of the first episode, leaving players eager for the sequel.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage successfully transports players to the '90s, offering relatable characters, engaging interactions, and a promising narrative. Its ultimate success will be determined by the second part, releasing April 15th.