Lost Records: Bloom & Rage attempts to capture the magic of '90s nostalgia and character-driven storytelling, but ultimately feels like a slow burn with little payoff. The game’s dual-timeline premise—following four friends in 1995 and their reunion decades later—sets the stage for something compelling, yet it never truly delivers.

The pacing is sluggish, with long stretches of dialogue and minimal gameplay impact. While the visuals and soundtrack are strong, the story feels like an extended prologue, seemingly building up to Tape Two rather than standing on its own. Choices, which should have added depth, often feel inconsequential, making interactions seem less meaningful than they should be.

For those who enjoy atmospheric storytelling and patient world-building, there’s something here. But for anyone looking for a gripping narrative with meaningful developments and impactful choices, Bloom & Rage may not be worth the wait—at least until Tape Two arrives.