The Last Shot | PS5 Review

Through no words, and only a picturesque parallax cityscape filled with puzzles and platforming we find a nameless repairman in what seems to be the results of the 4th Industrial revolution. A war machine made manifest through robotic engineering feats, and a dystopian dictatorship. It is through this repairman that this future world in all it's hand drawn glory comes to life layer by layer as he pursues his lady love who is off to war after having served as a telecommunications specialist for the regime. 

Armed with a wrench, a hammer, and basic platforming moves the repairman must deal with various puzzle elements by fixing things or destroying things. This includes collecting all the key items, and satisfying sectional mini-quests that must be completed to advance. Sometimes this is done through helping tenants, and other times through stealth or platforming itself.

You'll find a hint feature that is made known through character thought bubbles at the press of a button, and flashy prompts that will lead you to do what you need to do. The puzzles you'll encounter vary by design but include matching puzzles, switch puzzles, and puzzles beholden to blocks that can be positioned to reach previously inaccessible areas. None of which is done in a way that isn't immersive, nor nothing in the way of puzzles that look out of place. It's the kind of puzzle setup that constantly makes you think outside of the box.

Through details littered across the environments and through collected letters from his beloved, the repairman helps us become familiar with his Orwellian dystopian reality. A world policed by the military, and propagandized by the media. You'll find all the signature war propaganda in plain sight including pinups, and other fine details in the various backgrounds of the interconnected industrialized country. Everyone you encounter is also clad with Germanic military uniforms or attire that borders on steampunk and military. Matching the polluted industrial infrastructure that borders on being rundown and dilapidated. 

The Presentation ...

The Last Shot is a love letter to those older cartoons that have a sort of adult theme to them. The theme itself is very mature, and does take the gamer on an Orwellian adventure through a Dystopian world that may someday reflect our own, if we aren't careful. The "4th Industrial Revolution" does come to mind. 

Visually the game is set in a very layered parallax view wherein you can zoom in or out to catch a glimpse at all the artistic details woven into it's presentation. Audibly the game has a period-like sound that borders on being comical, whimsical, or lightly militaristic. Giving the otherwise seriousness of the Dystopian situation a more palatable and lighthearted take. Perhaps showing that there's hope and love even in the worst situations, and that pursuing those things against all odds is still a worthwhile goal. 

The Verdict ...

The Last Shot, published by SometimesYou, is a thought provoking puzzle platformer with a lot of heart and hidden meaning. This publisher is always onboard with developers that touch base on real world issues, and ideas. It's the kind of experience that leaves a lasting impression in it's short lived playthrough. I personally like how the artist portrayed the Dystopian world of the repairman, and it's characters. They often times incorporated war propaganda that would not have been out of place in the real word WWI and WWII nations. The posters, pinups, and military promo all front and center as if it were placed in a living, breathing war torn world.

When it comes to puzzles, many of them aren't made clear, but it is in that absence of answers that we get to see more of the world, and linger there long enough to take in the view of each and every section. For those worried about solving the puzzles the game does have a hint mechanic, and will point you in the right direction if used. 

As far as a rating or recommendation goes I know indies like these are often overshadowed, but I think this one is one of those special budget priced gems that are worth the price of entry. I think it's a game done well on all levels. There was definitely a lot of heart and soul poured into it. Please do give it a try when it releases!!!