In 2015, Don't Nod redefined interactive dramas with Life is Strange, a captivating adventure exploring the beauty of everyday life, enduring friendships, and the passage of time. Players cherished its detail, the ability to meaningfully interact with its world. 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 impactful choices, Lost Records captivates.
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, 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, where the grass seemed greener, and 2022, where the friends, now in their forties, awkwardly navigate their reunion, haunted by a past incident. The first-person camera perspective powerfully highlights this contrast. However, the majority of gameplay occurs in the past, as players explore stunning locations, build relationships, and document events with a vintage HVS camera. This video recording is a key mechanic; like Max in Life is Strange, Swan films everything—graffiti, wildlife, people, even paranormal occurrences. Collected footage is edited into short films, categorized thematically, with Swan providing commentary. These documentaries enrich the narrative without directly influencing it. Crucially, player choices have both significant and subtle consequences, shaping the story's trajectory, though the episodic nature currently limits the long-term impact.
Choices Still Impact Surroundings, Dialogues, and Relationships
Lost Records delivers the interactivity and attention to detail expected from Don't Nod. For example, Swan expresses a desire for ice cream; choosing to buy it or not alters subsequent conversations. The dynamic world enhances the game's charm. Dialogues unfold in real-time, reminiscent of Oxenfree and Telltale games—characters interrupt, change topics, and silence is a valid option. Relationship building is similarly nuanced; players aren't obligated to please everyone, mirroring the complexities of real-life friendships.
Bloom & Rage Creates Beautifully Imperfect Characters
Don't Nod crafts authentic characters—loud, occasionally clumsy in their youthful idealism, yet deeply sincere. Swan, the protagonist, is a relatable 16-year-old grappling with self-doubt, hiding behind her camera. While reminiscent of Max Caulfield, she avoids being a mere copy. Her friends—Ottem, Kate, and Nora—embody familiar archetypes but defy simplistic categorization. Nora, the punk with American dreams, reveals surprising caution; Kate, the passionate writer, encourages bolder action; and Ottem appreciates thoughtful individuals. This dynamic group evokes the familiar insecurities and self-assuredness of adolescence.
A Town Worth Dreaming About
Nostalgia saturates the game, particularly in Swan's room, filled with '90s artifacts—a bulky TV, floppy disks, Tamagotchis, and more—a treasure trove for millennials. Pop culture references abound: Sabrina, The X-Files, Tank Girl, and many more films, games (including Oxenfree, Night in the Woods, Control, and Life is Strange), books, and music (Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana). The game even subtly references Stephen King's It in its plot setup. The dream-pop and indie-rock soundtrack is a standout, with tracks like "See You in Hell" and "The Wild Unknown" creating an immersive atmosphere. Velvet Bay is expertly realized as a charming American town, cozy by day, intriguing and unsettling by night.
Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story
The deliberate pacing may not appeal to all players. Unlike Life is Strange's quicker transition to mystery, Lost Records prioritizes character development and atmosphere before escalating the narrative tension. This measured approach builds anticipation, 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 compelling narrative foundation. Its ultimate success will be determined upon the release of the second part on April 15th.
