Several years back, I casually mentioned in the comments section of an article where I explored video game adaptations of Stephen King stories, that my ideal game would be a Don’t Nod adaptation of “It.” I’ve been particularly reflective of that notion since the buzzworthy announcement of “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage,” a project both developed and self-published by Don’t Nod, set to release in early 2025. Remarkably, this game seems to draw a great deal of inspiration from King’s legendary 1986 novel about a cosmic clown-spider terrorizing and being thwarted by a courageous group of kids.
Now, before anyone accuses me of being too full of myself, let me clarify: I’m fully aware that no one at Don’t Nod is likely getting their creative directions from random gaming site comments. Still, it’s fun to imagine that my knack for identifying promising ideas for narrative-focused adventure games—a genre I’m truly passionate about—is spot on. Considering we’ve had a few years since the “It” movie remakes from 2017-2019, it’s the perfect time for new interpretations of such harrowing tales to emerge.
In “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage,” players follow a group of four friends through two parallel timelines: their tight-knit teenage years in the 1990s and their reunion in early middle age after being apart for nearly 30 years. Intriguingly, this time jump spans exactly 27 years, which might be a knowing nod to “It,” or perhaps just a peculiarly specific coincidence.
The narrative thickens as these friends part ways following an intense coming-of-age drama, disrupted by a bizarre discovery in the local woods. While details about this mysterious find remain shrouded in secrecy throughout trailers and demos, we know it glows with an otherworldly purple hue in the depths of a crater. So, it’s time to let your imagination run wild.
Admittedly, there’s a lot still shrouded in mystery surrounding “Lost Records,” which is likely an intentional move in their intriguing marketing strategy. Even with my past predictions aligning well with the game’s setup, I only know one thing for sure: the game is bound to deliver surprises when it rolls out in two parts across February and March.
This entry may feel tailored specifically to my gaming interests, but it’s hardly the only title poised to spice up early 2025 with anticipation. While we may not see many blockbuster triple-A giants cluttering the calendars just yet, the first few months are offering a treasure chest of slightly lesser-known yet equally exciting releases, each deserving of recognition beyond the indie sphere.
Take “Split Fiction,” for instance—the latest joint venture between Hazelight and EA Originals. This game immerses players in the world of two writers—one focused on sci-fi, the other on fantasy—who find themselves trapped within an AI-generated mishmash of their creative worlds, courtesy of a dubious publisher. It’s a thrilling prospect for gamers who cherish the idea of couch co-op adventures, especially those eager for a unique take on genre-blending.
Furthermore, consider the offerings like “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” arriving in February—a much-anticipated continuation of the medieval RPG that’s both grueling and riveting. Then, there’s the quirky “Two Point Museum” in March with its take on civic management, followed by “The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy” in April, a tactical turn-based game born from the creative minds behind “Danganronpa” and “Zero Escape.” These titles give you a taste of the scope and diversity on the horizon.
Some years are dominated by colossal triple-A titles, while others see indies taking the spotlight. However, if 2025 veers toward this promising middle ground of intriguing double-A games appealing to niche interests, it seems to me we’re in for quite an entertaining ride.
