75
MONSTER
The magical summer of 1995 is one of self-discovery and forging unbreakable bonds for high school friends Swann, Nora, Autumn, and Kat. 27 years of no contact later, fate reunites them to confront the long-buried secret that made them promise to never speak again. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a brand-new story-driven journey through time from the creative minds behind Life is Strange.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
80
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 earns praise for its emotional narrative and rich character development, effectively capturing the essence of teenage girlhood through its dual timeline. However, critics highlight issues with confusing execution, pacing, and unresolved plot points that hinder the overall experience. The game sets a promising stage for future installments but must refine its storytelling to fully engage players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
80
Positive (80-100)
66%
Mixed (50-79)
31%
Negative (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 earns praise for its emotional narrative and rich character development, effectively capturing the essence of teenage girlhood through its dual timeline. However, critics highlight issues with confusing execution, pacing, and unresolved plot points that hinder the overall experience. The game sets a promising stage for future installments but must refine its storytelling to fully engage players.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
75
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 impresses with its unique camcorder mechanic that boosts immersion and personal engagement, allowing players to document their journey and make impactful choices. Critics praise its intuitive dialogue system and interactive elements that enhance replayability. However, it suffers from limited interactivity and formulaic mechanics, with some calling the gameplay too cinematic and lacking innovation. While the narrative experience shines, many feel the gameplay falls short, leaving a desire for deeper engagement and originality.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
75
Positive (80-100)
52%
Mixed (50-79)
41%
Negative (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 impresses with its unique camcorder mechanic that boosts immersion and personal engagement, allowing players to document their journey and make impactful choices. Critics praise its intuitive dialogue system and interactive elements that enhance replayability. However, it suffers from limited interactivity and formulaic mechanics, with some calling the gameplay too cinematic and lacking innovation. While the narrative experience shines, many feel the gameplay falls short, leaving a desire for deeper engagement and originality.
Graphics and Visual Design
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80
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 impresses with its stunning 90s-inspired graphics and immersive environments, earning praise for its artistic design and vibrant aesthetics. Critics applaud its nostalgic appeal, but technical flaws like texture pop-ins, awkward animations, and frame drops undermine the experience. While the visuals enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, the game's execution is marred by notable glitches, leaving a mixed reception overall.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
80
Positive (80-100)
59%
Mixed (50-79)
41%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 impresses with its stunning 90s-inspired graphics and immersive environments, earning praise for its artistic design and vibrant aesthetics. Critics applaud its nostalgic appeal, but technical flaws like texture pop-ins, awkward animations, and frame drops undermine the experience. While the visuals enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, the game's execution is marred by notable glitches, leaving a mixed reception overall.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
81
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 receives praise for its nostalgic 80s-90s rock soundtrack and immersive sound design, enhancing the game's emotional depth. However, critics flag issues like overlapping dialogue and audio glitches that undermine the experience, leaving room for improvement in overall audio quality.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
81
Positive (80-100)
74%
Mixed (50-79)
26%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 receives praise for its nostalgic 80s-90s rock soundtrack and immersive sound design, enhancing the game's emotional depth. However, critics flag issues like overlapping dialogue and audio glitches that undermine the experience, leaving room for improvement in overall audio quality.
Voice Acting
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77
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 features strong voice acting that enhances emotional immersion and character depth, earning praise for relatable performances, especially from Natalie Liconti. However, critics note issues with unnatural dialogue, inconsistent voice quality, and technical flaws like lip-syncing errors and abrupt cuts, suggesting that while the voice work elevates the game's storytelling, improvements are needed for a more seamless experience in future versions.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
77
Positive (80-100)
57%
Mixed (50-79)
43%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 features strong voice acting that enhances emotional immersion and character depth, earning praise for relatable performances, especially from Natalie Liconti. However, critics note issues with unnatural dialogue, inconsistent voice quality, and technical flaws like lip-syncing errors and abrupt cuts, suggesting that while the voice work elevates the game's storytelling, improvements are needed for a more seamless experience in future versions.
Technical Performance
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58
"Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1" struggles with significant technical issues, especially on PS5, where frame drops, crashes, and animation glitches frustrate players. Though some critics note positive elements like scene transitions, they are overshadowed by stability problems. On PC, opinions vary; while some report serious issues like poor lip sync and crashes, others find the game relatively stable. Overall, it features moments of potential but is hampered by inconsistent performance across platforms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
58
Positive (80-100)
8%
Mixed (50-79)
62%
Negative (0-49)
31%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
"Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1" struggles with significant technical issues, especially on PS5, where frame drops, crashes, and animation glitches frustrate players. Though some critics note positive elements like scene transitions, they are overshadowed by stability problems. On PC, opinions vary; while some report serious issues like poor lip sync and crashes, others find the game relatively stable. Overall, it features moments of potential but is hampered by inconsistent performance across platforms.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
70
"Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1" offers enticing replay value through its engaging narrative, character choices, and collectibles, thanks to cliffhangers and interactive mechanics. However, critics warn that unresolved storylines and pacing issues may leave players unsatisfied, leading to reluctance in replaying until the sequel arrives. The consensus is mixed—while some are eager to explore different outcomes, many fear the game’s incomplete narrative could dampen immediate engagement.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
70
Positive (80-100)
29%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
"Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1" offers enticing replay value through its engaging narrative, character choices, and collectibles, thanks to cliffhangers and interactive mechanics. However, critics warn that unresolved storylines and pacing issues may leave players unsatisfied, leading to reluctance in replaying until the sequel arrives. The consensus is mixed—while some are eager to explore different outcomes, many fear the game’s incomplete narrative could dampen immediate engagement.
Overall Verdict
75
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
75
Positive (80-100)
71%
Mixed (50-79)
29%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 garners mostly positive reviews for its engaging storytelling and stunning visuals, immersing players in themes of nostalgia and girlhood. Critics praise character development, but significant flaws like poor narrative execution, technical issues, and unresolved plot points hold it back. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus is optimistic, seeing potential for future installments. While not an immediate must-play, the game intrigues narrative-driven fans and sets the stage for what’s next.
75
MONSTER
Reviews
45 reviews found100
KeenGamer
Mar 3, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 is described as a beautifully crafted emotional journey that blends storytelling, exploration, and music, leaving players eager for the sequel.
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90
GamesRadar+
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage – Tape 1 is a captivating return to form for Don’t Nod, blending heartfelt storytelling with engaging gameplay and rich visuals. It sets high expectations for the sequel.
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90
GAMINGbible
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is described as a modern classic that revitalizes the episodic adventure genre with its engaging story, interactive gameplay, and nostalgic elements, earning a high score.
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90
Try Hard Guides
Feb 20, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is praised for its realistic portrayal of characters and themes, making it a standout title in its genre, though it may not appeal to those seeking a gameplay-heavy experience.
90
Dot Esports
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a nostalgic and immersive experience that successfully combines a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and stunning audiovisual elements, despite its slow pacing.
90
Loot Level Chill
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage Tape 1 is praised as a wonderful beginning and a perfect return to form for the developers, with engaging storytelling and character development.
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90
TechRadar Gaming
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is a compelling narrative adventure that combines rich storytelling, immersive gameplay, and stunning visuals, leaving players eager for the next installment.
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90
TheXboxHub
Feb 19, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is a captivating narrative adventure that successfully combines engaging storytelling, meaningful gameplay, and impressive visuals, leaving players eager for more.
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90
GameSpew
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is a promising entry with a captivating story and engaging gameplay, despite leaving many questions unanswered.
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90
IGN Benelux
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, the game is praised for its engaging story and emotional depth, despite some technical flaws, leaving players eager for the sequel.
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