The French studio Don't Nod, renowned for their work on the Life is Strange series, has just launched the first chapter of their latest narrative-driven game. Players can now immerse themselves in "Tape 1," with "Tape 2" set to be available at no extra cost to all purchasers starting April 15.

First announced in 2023, this new title explores the haunting tale of a group of friends who were mysteriously separated during the summer of 1995. Fast forward 27 years, and the echoes of that fateful summer resurface, bringing with them unforeseen and chilling repercussions.

Drawing heavily on inspiration from classics like It, the gripping series Yellowjackets, and the thriller I Know What You Did Last Summer, the game artfully weaves together elements of nostalgia with the intensity of a psychological thriller. The developers have structured the game into two distinct parts: "Bloom" and "Rage." As of February 18, players can dive into the first half of this unsettling narrative.

The eagerly awaited second part, known internally as "The Tape," is now scheduled for release on April 15. Originally planned for a March launch, the delay aims to deliver a more refined and polished experience to fans.

With the review embargo now lifted, the game has received an average critic score of 74/100 on OpenCritic, indicating a promising debut for this intriguing mystery.