In-Depth Guide to Chapter 1 of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage continues the tradition of developer Don’t Nod by emphasizing choices and their consequences. The game begins with a chapter titled “Expectations,” which effectively establishes how your decisions will affect your gameplay experience.

Fortunately, the initial phone call with Swann’s mother is relatively straightforward. While you can influence their relationship, none of your responses will result in significant emotional outcomes that you’ll encounter later on. However, there is one important choice to consider during this exchange, which we’ll discuss further down.

Shadow, Snowy, or Pumpkin?

During your conversation with Swann’s mother, your comments have minimal influence, but you do get to choose the name of Swann’s cat. This choice also determines the cat’s color. If you name the cat Pumpkin, it will be orange; if you choose Snowy, it will be white; and if you opt for Shadow, the cat will be black.

Another small choice involves interacting with various items in Swann’s car. If you continue to pick up and examine objects like her mask or a bottle of maple syrup, Swann’s mom will comment on your lack of focus.

If you’d prefer to end the call earlier, you can, but Swann’s mother will ignore your first attempt to hang up.

Leaving The Car

Once the call ends, you can try to leave the car, but you must turn off the engine first. The push-start button is located on the right side of the steering wheel.

After stepping out, you’ll experience a quick flashback of Swann running through the woods, accompanied by the voices of her friends in the background. If you fall, you’ll remain looking at the ground until you pick up Swann’s flashlight, which is situated down and to the right.