Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 2 Review

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 2 Review

After two long months, Tape 2 of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage finally arrives to conclude the teenage angst tale crafted by the storytelling veterans at DON’T NOD. Tape 1 laid the groundwork with a compelling premise: four friends reunited in the present day by a mysterious package, slowly unraveling the events of their past. That journey ended on a powerful cliffhanger, but can Tape 2 deliver a fitting finale and give each character the sendoff they deserve?

Tape 2 is a free update that continues the story from the first installment, and you can read my thoughts on Tape 1 right here. The tone shifts notably in this episode. Where the previous entry focused on the group coming together and growing through shared experiences, Tape 2 explores the aftermath of those events. The once-tight bonds now show signs of strain, with fractures beginning to form in the group’s dynamics. This portion of the game leans into that emotional distance, showing how the characters slowly drift apart. It’s a well-crafted chapter that not only ties up lingering threads from earlier in the story but also propels the narrative forward in compelling ways.

Where Does it All Lead?

Without spoiling the conclusion, the game’s finale is likely to divide players. While the emotional journey receives a mostly satisfying resolution, some story beats feel rushed or underdeveloped. Given that relationships are central to the experience, these narrative threads are generally handled with care, offering meaningful conclusions that honor each character’s arc. As the group processes grief in their own ways, reminiscing about joyful memories and reopening old wounds long buried, there are plenty of poignant, emotionally resonant moments. The game tackles its heavier themes with nuance and sensitivity. However, the supernatural elements are less successful. Some plotlines are intentionally left unresolved, possibly to be addressed in a sequel, but this lack of closure may leave you feeling unsatisfied.

The ’90s vibes continue to shine in this episode, adding a healthy level of nostalgia. As the game focuses on memories of the past, this never feels forced and more like an authentic representation of an iconic era. From visual cues such as the 4:3 aspect ratio of the camera to fads like Tamagotchis, everything has been designed with love and admiration for the time. This links nicely to the exploration-based gameplay. Exploring all areas leads to the discovery of numerous items from the period, which will resonate with many.

A Voice From the Past

The general gameplay loop remains the same, with a focus on dialogue options that shape your relationship with characters and small tasks that bridge cutscenes. New additions add variety to your adventure. In one instance, you recount events, working out how you reach your destination in an interactive puzzle. Failing the sequence leads to a quick camera rewind, allowing you to select a different option. This is a great way to add variety to the experience while staying true to its accessible formula. Other additions, like an Unpacking-style minigame, expand the adventure, removing the reliance on camera-based activities.

The presentation of the game is extraordinary. Each character is designed with a grounded ethos to portray a realistic representation of youth. Although some are archetypal, most are multilayered individuals with faults and imperfections. This feeds into the design of each personality with visible acne and freckles, which helps to add authenticity to the experience. The wonderful soundtrack enhances the atmosphere. Each song has a beautiful, ethereal quality that accentuates the tone of each moment. These aspects combine to create a presentation that is truly special.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 2 refines the gameplay while delivering a story conclusion that may divide players. The story gives satisfying resolutions to many of the complex, multilayered narrative threads, but some of the more ambitious supernatural elements fail to deliver a full payoff. The addition of new gameplay mechanics, particularly the puzzles that shift between past and present, adds welcome depth to the experience. Ultimately, the story comes together in a way that feels emotionally fitting, but it leaves several key questions unanswered. As it stands, the game feels incomplete, and it needs another Tape or a full sequel to truly bring the narrative to a close.

***A PS5 code provided by the publisher***