Epic Monster Hunts, Teen Dramas, and More

Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, this game aims to nurture your inner filmmaker.

The characters’ faces in this game are astoundingly lifelike and expressive. They capture the essence of human emotion in a way that draws you in, inviting you to explore their stories and secrets, akin to real-life interactions. Just three hours into Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, the latest release from the creators of Life Is Strange, Don’t Nod, I’ve already found myself hooked. The game echoes some of the heartfelt and sometimes awkward nuances of teenage life familiar from its predecessors. However, a unique twist lies in the narrative; it unfolds both in the past and present, following these characters from their dramatic teenage summer in the ’90s to their adult lives decades later. As someone who was a teenager in the ’90s and is now in my forties, I’m particularly interested in how this dual timeframe enriches the characters’ stories.

The game puts you in the shoes of Swann, who once dreamed of being a filmmaker as a teen. The way you can capture moments with her camcorder and edit them into montages is a delightful touch. It embraces the raw, unrefined creativity of youth, allowing Swann to explore her artistic instincts freely, not bogged down by the need for perfection. This is exactly how I believe teens should nurture their creative potential. The game’s atmosphere is another standout feature; it’s so evocative and immersive that I can’t help but want to linger in it. Although I’m still piecing together the larger narrative, I’m eager to finish the first part of Lost Records this weekend and uncover more about the pivotal summer that shaped these characters’ lives. – Carolyn Petit