“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” is an upcoming narrative-focused adventure game developed by DON’T NOD Montreal, the same studio behind the popular “Life is Strange” series. Announced during The Game Awards 2023, the game is set to be released in late 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
The game’s story revolves around four high school friends – Swann, Nora, Autumn, and Kat – who share a dark secret from the summer of 1995. After 27 years of no contact, a turn of events brings them back together, forcing them to confront their past. The narrative promises to delve into themes of friendship, emotion, mystery, and magical surrealism, which are hallmark elements of DON’T NOD’s storytelling style.
“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” is described as a “journey through time,” and based on its trailer, it seems to blend elements of teen drama and paranormal mystery. The game features the recognizable art style of DON’T NOD and is expected to include elements of queer representation, much like the studio’s previous works.
The game is notable for being the first in the new “Lost Records” universe, a concept that allows for interconnected stories within the same world. This innovative approach suggests that “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” might be the beginning of a series of narrative games with potential tie-ins and overlapping themes.
In essence, while “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” shares some DNA with “Life is Strange,” particularly in its focus on narrative and character-driven storytelling, it also represents a new direction for the studio with the creation of a new universe and a fresh set of characters and stories.
Development Insights
“Lost Records: Bloom & Rage” represents the first game in a new series, hinting at the potential for future interconnected stories within this universe. The game was initially teased in January 2023, with the official announcement coming at The Game Awards later in the year.
The development team includes key personnel who worked on previous “Life is Strange” games, ensuring a continuation of the narrative-driven, character-focused approach that fans of Don’t Nod’s games appreciate.
Anticipated Themes
The game is expected to delve into themes such as friendship, mystery, and possibly elements of the supernatural or otherworldly. The teaser trailer hints at a nostalgic journey through the 90s, combined with a modern reflection on the characters’ lives and the impact of their past decisions.