February 12, 2025 – Fans of narrative-driven games are buzzing this week as Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, the highly anticipated title from Life Is Strange creators DON’T NOD, inches closer to the release of its second chapter. With Tape 1: Bloom set to launch in just six days on February 18, 2025, and Tape 2: Rage delayed to April 15, 2025, players are scrambling to piece together the latest updates about the game’s story, gameplay, and release plans. Here’s everything we know so far.
The delay of Tape 2, originally scheduled for March 18, was announced last month to give developers “additional time to refine the experience” and ensure the story’s emotional depth matches players’ expectations 111. DON’T NOD emphasized that the extra month will allow the team to polish bugs, enhance storytelling, and deliver a “truly immersive continuation” of the journey 36. While some fans expressed disappointment, others praised the studio for prioritizing quality, especially after the success of Life Is Strange.
Priced at $39.99 (with a 10% launch discount until March 4), Lost Records: Bloom & Rage offers both tapes as part of a single purchase. Tape 1 will unlock automatically for early buyers, while Tape 2 arrives as a free update in April 111. The game will not be sold in separate parts, and a physical edition for PlayStation 5 is planned for Summer 2025 14.
Set in the fictional town of Velvet Cove, Michigan, the story follows four friends—Swann, Nora, Autumn, and Kat—across two timelines: their rebellious summer of 1995 and a tense reunion 27 years later in 2022 104. Players control Swann, a shy teenager who bonds with her friends over a punk band, a camcorder, and a mysterious event that fractures their friendship. The 2022 timeline forces the group to confront buried secrets, with player choices in both eras shaping relationships and outcomes 109.
Gameplay revolves around dialogue-driven interactions, environmental exploration, and a unique “playable mixtape” structure. Players can film scenes with Swann’s camcorder, interrupt conversations, and make decisions that ripple across timelines 1013. DON’T NOD has confirmed multiple endings, encouraging replays to uncover how choices alter the story 14. The studio also highlighted accessibility features like motion sickness options, customizable controls, and subtitles in 11 languages 19.
Technical details reveal a demanding PC version requiring an SSD, with specs ranging from a GTX 1050 Ti for low settings to an RTX 4090 for 4K/60 FPS gameplay 1. Console players on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S can expect optimized performance, though ultrawide monitor support is limited to black-barred displays 16. A photo mode and gyro-assisted camcorder controls add to the immersion, while the soundtrack blends original punk tracks with licensed ‘90s hits 110.
The delay of Tape 2 has sparked speculation about its content. Early trailers hint at darker themes in the 2022 timeline, including betrayal and unresolved trauma 13. DON’T NOD warns that the game tackles mature topics like identity and rebellion, earning it an 18+ rating 14. Fans theorize that the four-week gap between tapes mirrors the studio’s desire to let the story “sink in,” similar to weekly TV episodes 411.
As the February 18 launch nears, players are advised to clear 10–12 hours for Tape 1, which focuses on building friendships and unraveling the 1995 mystery 27. With no manual saves, the game relies on checkpoints, urging cautious exploration 1. Social media teases from DON’T NOD promise “surprises” to bridge the wait for Tape 2, including behind-the-scenes content and fan art features 16.
For now, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage stands as a love letter to ‘90s nostalgia and narrative experimentation. Its dual timelines, punk-rock aesthetic, and emotional stakes could cement it as DON’T NOD’s next breakout hit—if the delayed Tape 2 sticks the landing.
