In 2015, Don't Nod redefined interactive drama with Life is Strange, captivating players with its poignant portrayal of everyday life, enduring friendships, and the inescapable passage of time. Its meticulous detail and impactful choices resonated deeply. While subsequent projects explored diverse genres, none quite 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, Lost Records immediately 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. Protagonist Swan Holloway returns to her hometown, Velvet Bay, for a reunion, only to discover a mysterious package from their shared past. A forest, an abandoned house, and long-buried secrets—forgotten memories resurface, transforming this reunion into a poignant reimagining of a summer night's dream.
The narrative unfolds across two timelines: 1995, a time of vibrant youth, and 2022, where the women, now in their forties, grapple with the awkwardness of their fractured past. The first-person camera perspective powerfully emphasizes this contrast.
However, the majority of gameplay takes place in 1995. Players explore stunning locations, build relationships, and document events using a vintage HVS camera. This video recording mechanic is central to the experience. Like Max in Life is Strange, Swan films everything—graffiti, wildlife, people, even paranormal occurrences.
Collected footage can be edited into short films within a dedicated menu, categorized by theme, with Swan providing commentary. While these documentaries are part of the narrative, they don't directly influence the main storyline. Player choices, however, do, impacting both the larger narrative and smaller interactions, though the long-term consequences are currently limited due to the episodic nature of the game.
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. Delaying the purchase results in the truck leaving, altering interactions with other characters.
The dynamic world enhances the game's charm. Real-time dialogues, reminiscent of Oxenfree and Telltale games, feature interruptions, topic changes, and the option of silence—sometimes the most impactful choice. Building relationships is also a form of choice; players aren't obligated to seek everyone's approval. Swan's inherent shyness allows for a more nuanced approach to connection.
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 who struggles with self-doubt, constantly worries about her words, and finds solace behind her camera. While reminiscent of Max Caulfield, Swan avoids feeling like a mere rehash.
Her friends—Ottem, Kate, and Nora—embody familiar archetypes without being limited by them. Nora, the punk with American dreams, is surprisingly cautious, while passionate writer Kate encourages bolder actions. Ottem appreciates thoughtful individuals. This dynamic creates a believable portrayal of teenage friendship.
A Town Worth Dreaming About
Nostalgia permeates every aspect of the game, particularly 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—films (Sabrina, The X-Files, Tank Girl), games (Oxenfree, Night in the Woods), books, and music—adds to the immersive experience. The plot's 27-year gap even subtly references Stephen King's It.
The soundtrack, a blend of dream-pop and indie-rock, is particularly noteworthy. Velvet Bay is expertly crafted as a quintessential sleepy American town, cozy by day and chilling by night, its mysteries unfolding with each exploration.
Slow-Paced Plot: The Defining Feature of the Story
The gradual pacing might not appeal to all players. Unlike Life is Strange's quicker transition to mystery, Lost Records prioritizes character development and atmosphere before shifting to the central mystery. This deliberate pace builds tension effectively, culminating in a powerful cliffhanger that promises an exciting continuation. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage successfully captures the essence of the '90s, offering relatable characters, engaging interactions, and the promise of a compelling narrative. The final verdict awaits the release of the second part on April 15th.
