From SomosXbox we bring you the analysis of Last stop, indie title written and developed by Variable State, creators of the well-known Virginia, which was very well received by critics even with its many deeply peculiar decisions. Now, this promising study has brought us just a few days ago, a new and interesting narrative adventure in 2D and 3D that tells us three stories full of emotion and humor that will be invaded by a strange fictional event. Last Stop transports us to the current most everyday city of London that we can see, enjoying several stories in the same fictional district of the English city.
With three stories interconnected through six chapters, one for each main character and a final seventh, Last Stop presents an interactive drama through John Smith, a middle-aged man who represents a large part of this society that is subjected to work around the clock to survive and support the family. John’s sedentary life will change overnight. On the other hand, we meet Meena Hughes, a woman with many problems in her life, a secret job and a completely neglected family. And finally, we have our third protagonist, the young Donna Adeleke who will have a clash of worlds with a mysterious person.
Simple gameplay with quick time events
Our work as a player in this Narrative Adventure of Variable State and Annapurna Interactive It will be making decisions, some of which will have effects later in the story that will open new paths for us, even if we do what we do, Last Stop will provide us with two endings for each protagonist. In addition to this, during this story with specific similarities to Life is Strange, we can enjoy some mini-games such as brushing our teeth or playing the piano, among other things.
Between scenes and scenes, we will also move through the streets of London, whether to go to work, catch the train or other day-to-day activities. The movement is quite simple, since we can only move forward using the joystick, without other types of controls. In these specific moments, we will see our character through different planes, both in 2D and 3D. After all, the gameplay is not very remarkable, since Last Stop is an interactive movie.
Narrative, graphics and OST
The three stories of John, Meena, and Donna are quite different, which gives Last Stop an anthology feel. We have a family comedy, a gritty drama and a supernatural thriller, which due to different circumstances in life will end up intertwining. Last Stop has a lot of good things, if we treat it for what it is: an indie. With the passage of the chapters, the stories take on more and more strength, although for my taste, the weakest is Meena’s, while those of the other two characters are quite good, and they end up hooked from chapter 3. Last Stop has the audio in English and the subtitles can be put in Spanish or other available languages.
Graphically it leaves a lot to be desired, something logical since it is a game with a fairly low budget, where its main and strong point is the story. As many of you may know, the indies games They’re made to deliver important messages, which Variable State does incredibly well, mixing everyday problems with a fictitious touch that will lift you off your seat. Although, the soundtrack makes the game look different, and it would not be for less, since it is composed by the winner of a BAFTA award Lyndon Holland and performed by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
Regarding its duration, Last Stop will have us at the controls approximately 6 or 7 hours, since the story and the environments do not give much, since we emphasize that we are facing an interactive drama, where we will only waste time walking in a side to side between conversations and places.
Last Stop conclusion
In general, Last Stop is quite entertaining, full of existential philosophy juxtaposed with the illusion of a simple life in three personal stories that end up coming together for the same destiny, we can also replay several times to find other endings. In Last Stop we will have to fight against problems that will make us pause the game when making a decision. How would you act if there is no correct option and there is only the correct option for that moment? What if that correct choice costs someone their life? Last Stop tells a narrative story of the most interesting, beyond its graphics, gameplay and heavy roads through the streets of London.