Autumn of Answers. Review of the second part of the game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (Tape 2) from the authors of Life is Strange

At the end of the first tape Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, there was a turning point that promised to change everything, as it changed for the heroines of the story. This created a huge excitement among the players and increased expectations for the second part. During the waiting time, the community created many theories about what the sequel would be about. In addition, when it became known that the second tape would be shorter than the first, there was a feeling that the finale of the story would be gloomy and dynamic. Because some memories do not allow you to go back - only to go to the end.

The second tape noticeably changes the rhythm and mood: instead of teenage carefreeness comes adult tension, and nostalgia gives way to the need to make urgent decisions. This is not quite what was expected from the sequel. The build-up of tension at the end of the first tape Lost Records: Bloom & Rage left the expectation of the story's transition to a more dynamic form, a rapid change of events and the manifestation of the consequences of the choices made earlier. However, something different happened: the mood became darker, but there is no sense of hurry. But there is an understanding that all the heroines' actions have consequences and it is time to grow up. Although it will take some time to accept this fact.

The transition to the second tape may not have happened as expected. But instead, something that was missing in the first half of the game appeared - the feeling that your choices affect the course of events right here and now, and not sometime in the future. Previously, important choices were also highlighted, and there was a sense of expectation when each decision would "fire". Now it happens consistently and clearly. Some of these forks do not change the plot, but only add details, while others affect the development of events.

Unexpectedly, for the second half of a game and the genre of interactive stories in general, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (Tape 2) added some new mechanics. For example, the game has a stealth level. This is a fairly simple implementation of the mechanics, but it diversifies the gameplay. Also, the second tape added segments with escape mechanics, and even with different camera angles. This, combined with the dark atmosphere, looks like a flirtation with the horror genre. However, of course, this is more of a small Easter egg.

The way the two timelines are presented in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (Tape 2) is particularly notable. Despite the longer running time and the opportunity to wander around on the first tape, some flashbacks there were simply triggered by interaction with an object with minimal explanation. Here, these moments are closely intertwined with the main timeline, when the characters start a conversation about a specific memory, because this information is needed in the present.

It used to seem like both tapes were developed together, but now it seems like the second part was partially reworked after player feedback on the first came in. Although it's possible that these differences were planned from the start.

Because the second tape, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (Tape 2), maintained a leisurely pace, there was a feeling that the exposition would never end, and all the questions raised would not be answered by the end of the game. This was reinforced by the fact that the sequel's running time was about a third shorter. However, Don't Nod Montréal were able to skillfully place accents and bring the questions that might have been bothering players to logical answers.

Some moments are left for free interpretation. For example, the unclear nature and origin of [CENSORED]. Also, some of the characters' decisions seem irrational, and at some point the behavior resembles a chaotic rebellion without a clear goal. Although the heroines are teenagers experiencing collective trauma, so this can be explained.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, over the course of two parts, revealed many important social issues, talked about growing up, about the problems of abusive relationships, about teenage rebellion and the desire for freedom. The plot ends with a story about accepting the past, but the developers left room for the continuation of the story. If not about Swan, then about new heroes in this same universe.