Image via DON'TNOD
There are some games that hit you right in the feels, and then there’s Lost Records: Bloom, The First Tape.
Don’t Nod’s latest dropkicks you straight into 1995 with a camcorder in one hand and an overwhelming sense of nostalgia in the other.
If Life is Strange and Tell Me Why gave you feelings, prepare to have them amplified because they’ve done it again.
This is a story of friendship, memory, and teenage rebellion wrapped in a warm, corduroy-clad hug. And trust me, you won’t want to leave Velvet Cove anytime soon.
Key Details
- Developer – DON’T NOD
- Platforms – PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
- Price: $39.99
- Review Code Provided: Yes
Welcome to Velvet Cove
Velvet Cove is the kind of small town that feels ripped straight from a Twin Peaks fever dream – a little eerie, a little cozy, and full of personality.
It’s got all the iconic spots you’d expect: a local Blockbuster, a rundown cinema, a bar on the outskirts, and that giant water tank with massive deer antlers (seriously, who approved that?).
It’s a place that breathes nostalgia, but not in a cheap, “remember this?” way. It’s fully realized, alive, and practically begging to be explored.
And explore you will. Whether you’re filming the rusting playground equipment, capturing the town’s moody forests, or just messing around with the camcorder’s zoom function like a 90s kid who just got their hands on dad’s video camera, every corner of Velvet Cove is a time capsule worth cracking open.
A Tale of Two Summers
The game flips between two timelines – 1995 when four teenage girls first meet and form a bond that should’ve lasted forever, and 2022, when they reunite after nearly three decades of silence.
Why did they stop talking? Why can’t they remember what happened that summer? And why does it all feel so real?
This isn’t your typical “teen mystery” story. It’s not about shocking twists or sudden betrayals (okay, maybe a little). It’s about the kind of friendships that define you, the moments you think will last forever, and the slow, painful realization that nothing ever stays the same.
The word NPC feels like an insult to these girls – Nora, Autumn, and Kat feel like people. The kind of people you want to protect, or maybe even the kind you used to be.
You’ll watch them laugh, fight, confide, and even crush on each other. Their dialogue feels unscripted, their movements natural – hell, they won’t even stay still long enough for you to call them “just characters.”
They’re always doing something – putting on a Walkman, smoking a cigarette, lost in their own thoughts. It’s immersive in a way most games only dream of being.
Camcorder Chronicles
You’ve taken photos in games before. Now, you’re filming.
Swann, our main girl, sees the world through her camcorder, and so do we. This isn’t just a gimmick – it shapes how you interact with the world. Time moves, meaning you don’t get to rummage through people’s stuff indefinitely. Take too long to figure something out, and Swann’s clock will tick from 9 am to 10 am to remind you that time waits for no one.
And unlike most games where you can just shove a camera in someone’s face without consequence, these girls will call you out. Try filming them at the wrong moment and they’ll notice. Keep pushing and you might just piss them off.
But it’s not all deep conversations and cinematic camera angles. There are puzzles (not too many, not too hard), collectibles in the form of Memoirs (which are customizable based on how you capture the moment), and some light fetch quests (find the pick, locate the keys – classic adventure game stuff).
You also get to make choices, both small and big. Who do you call before a hangout? What snacks do you bring? How invasive do you get with your questions?
It’s the kind of game where every decision feels personal, even if it’s just choosing which ugly corduroy pants Swann has to suffer through that day.
A Riot Grrrl Dream
A Don’t Nod game without an incredible soundtrack? Not in this lifetime.
Lost Records delivers big time with moody, atmospheric tracks that set the perfect tone. But the real star here is See You in Hell – a song written and performed by the in-game band. It’s got all the teenage angst you could want, and yes, I’ve had it on repeat all week.
Beyond that, expect a mix of grunge, alt-rock, and those soft, nostalgic tracks that make you want to stare out a window dramatically. It’s not just background noise – it’s part of the experience.
Working Final Score – 9/10
**This score may change when the second part of the game releases**
I never, for one second, wanted Lost Records: Bloom, The First Tape to end. And trust me, I’m the first person to move on to the next game like a restless little goblin. But I could live here forever.
Velvet Cove is rich with details, the characters feel heartbreakingly real, and the story lingers. It makes you feel something, and in an era where games often rush to be bigger and louder, Lost Records is refreshingly personal. It’s a game that doesn’t just want you to play – it wants you to remember.
And we’re only halfway there. The second tape drops April 15, and you can bet I’ll be squeezing every last drop out of this one until then. Whatever Don’t Nod sprinkled onto Lost Records, it’s more than worth experiencing – and re-experiencing.
See you in hell, Velvet Cove. I’ll be back.
**Bonus Action was provided with a PC code of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage for the purpose of this review**
About the Author
Discover more from Bonus Action
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
