Lost Records: Bloom & Rage has been sparking curiosity among fans since its release in February. The narrative adventure game follows a group of female friends, who are reunited by a mysterious package that threatens to expose a dark secret they’ve suppressed for 27 years.
The story has received praise for its characters and LGBT representation, despite leaving some with an almighty cliffhanger. Creative director Michel Koch, executive producer Luc Baghadoust, and lead actress Olivia Lepore discussed the reaction to the first part of the game, known as Bloom.
Lost Records is developed by Don’t Nod, the original creators of The Life is Strange series. The episodic adventure’s narrative unfolded depending on player choices, tackling difficult subjects rarely seen in video games at the time. While the first part was well-received by critics, it faced criticism for its slow pacing and focus on character relationships over big story moments.
Michel admits that this approach was a “gamble,” but aimed to recreate the feeling of a never-ending teenage summer, where players could be peaceful and enjoy the moment. The game features an all-female cast, LGBT themes, and touches on social issues like body image, making it a target for online criticism from those who consider these topics “woke.”
However, Michel believes that video games need to mature about representation and diversity, and that it’s okay for there to be different types of games appealing to various audiences. The game has had a positive reaction from fans who have connected with its themes and characters.
The second part of the story, Rage, is set to take the series in darker and more dramatic directions, with choices made in the first part influencing the outcome. Olivia Lepore advises players to “expect the unexpected” and not to make assumptions about where the story will go.
Overall, Lost Records’ creative team is focused on creating a game that resonates with its target audience, while also promoting representation and diversity in the gaming industry.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly1jg08e4go