Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Objective: Hone my skills as a budding filmmaker
Wow, the faces in this game are something else. They’re so real—authentic, vulnerable, and expressive. I find myself drawn to them, wanting to explore what they reveal and what they hide, much like real human expressions do. I’m about three hours deep into Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, the latest offering from the creators of Life Is Strange, Don’t Nod, and I’m absolutely hooked. While it retains some of the nostalgic charm of the original Life is Strange, capturing the poignant awkwardness and intensity of teenage life, it throws in an intriguing twist: you meet these characters again in their 40s. They’re looking back on a pivotal summer from the ‘90s. As someone who navigated my teen years during that decade and am now in my 40s, I’m fascinated by how this game uses the time shift to reshape its characters’ perspectives.
The central character you’re playing is Swann, an aspiring filmmaker with big dreams as a teenager. I’m really enjoying how the game allows you to capture moments with her camcorder, piecing them together into charming little montages. There’s a genuine authenticity to Swann’s exploration of her creative instincts, as she follows her whims without dwelling on perfection, which is exactly the kind of freedom teens need to become true artists. Plus, the ambiance is flawlessly crafted. I just want to soak in the atmosphere. While I’m still uncovering the layers of the story, I’m eager to finish the first chapter of Lost Records this weekend and uncover more about the events of that unforgettable summer from long ago. — Carolyn Petit
