The studio behind Life is Strange is going for a new game, and it looks pretty familiar. Here's everything we know about Lost Records: Bloom and Rage.
Never change a running system, right? Don't Nod proved with Life is Strange, especially the very first game, that they do know what they're doing when it comes to awkward teenage girls and choosing music for bus rides or going through hallways when you really don't want to talk to people – those were the good times.
The Life is Strange franchise is a classic "your choices matter" game, forcing players to make decisions with consequences that will reveal themselves down the line – didn't pick up the phone that one time? Well, live with the immense consequences of that seemingly small choice and the guilt that comes with it. And as if that wasn't enough, we've got supernatural powers as well, but guess what? Being able to go back in time isn't quite what it's made out to be, and sometimes, it may be better to let the world run its course without interfering.
Que: Lost Records! Don't Nod's newest endeavour gives off major Life is Strange vibes, and not only because of the art style – let's dive into everything we know about the upcoming game.
Lost Records – Life is Strange, but different
While Life is Strange was published by Square Enix, Don't Nod now goes all in with Lost Records: Bloom and Rage. They develop it themselves, they publish it themselves, and that might be a really smart choice. Being independent as a studio gives developers the opportunity to really create the game they envision without interference.
And the vision Don't Nod has? Quite Life is Strange-y, and that could be a good thing, especially for nostalgic gamers with a special place for the old games in their hearts.
Rewind back to the 90s and live the defining summer of four high school girls as they forge bonds through their growing friendship, their punk band, and an unexplained event that will forever change their lives. Embark on a new narrative journey by the creators of Life is Strange. Film your summer of 1995 and create memories of a lifetime with your new friends. 27 years later, confront the dark secrets that made you all promise to never speak again after that fateful summer.
Quite like the newest installment Life is Strange: Double Exposure, we'll also get two timelines to explore and a mysterious puzzle to solve. High hopes there!
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Release date and trailer
We've already got a first look at the upcoming game, but see for yourself:
You've uncovered the clues, but are you ready to face the truth?The Abyss emerges, unraveling supernatural mysteries that will reshape Swann and her friends' realities.But what is it exactly?No Bloom without RagePart 1: Bloom - February 18Part 2: Rage - March 18 pic.twitter.com/RnWMjDKnms
— Lost Records Games (@PlayLostRecords) December 3, 2024
We've got it all – the supernatural component, the art style, the girlhood and, in true Don't Nod fashion, the game comes out in two parts. Players can dive into the mystery on February 18 – that's the "Bloom" part – and a month later, it's time for the "Rage" part on March 18. It'll come out on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Lost Records could (and should!) step out of Life is Strange's shadow, though – and it plans to do so. It's going to be a completely new universe with their own characters and it seems like Don't Nod is planning on expanding this universe if the new game is a success. That means Lost Records: Bloom & Rage might just be the beginning of a whole new franchise.
As far as gameplay goes, this also seems quite familiar. Playing as Swann, we expect the game to be dialogue-heavy and make you question your decision making. Who doesn't love a good existential crisis after picking the mean dialogue option in hopes it'll help you out down the road?
What do you think about the upcoming Lost Records? Are you excited, or did you already grow tired of the Life is Strange formula? Let us know in the comments!