Overall Impression of Last Train Home
Last Train Home is described as a rich and interesting take on history within the gaming medium. The game is commended for its honest portrayal of a tumultuous time, offering players a chance to immerse themselves in a historical fiction that prioritizes emotional fidelity over precise events. The review suggests that those with an interest in history-as-game should definitely consider playing Last Train Home.
(Image credit: Ashborne Games)
Essential Information
| What is it? | Survival management plus pausable RTS |
|---|---|
| Release date | Out now |
| Expect to pay | $40/£35 |
| Developer | Ashborne Games |
| Publisher | THQ Nordic |
| Reviewed on | Radeon RX 6800 XT, Ryzen 9 5900, 32GB RAM |
| Steam Deck | Playable |
| Link | Official site |
- Engaging military management gameplay
- Tactical RTS with pausable combat
- Historical fiction narrative set during the Russian Civil War
- Rich artistic and musical presentation
- Character management with RPG-esque classes
(Image credit: Ashborne Games)
Game Overview
Last Train Home sets its narrative during the tumultuous period of the Russian Civil War. The game is a blend of survival management and pausable real-time strategy (RTS), where players take command of the Czechoslovak Legion. The goal is to navigate the legion across Siberia by capturing an armored train, a task that requires careful management of both resources and personnel.
The game’s historical context is not about strict adherence to facts but rather about capturing the desperate mood of the era. Players will find themselves in the shoes of legionaries who are caught in a conflict where they have no stake, their primary desire being to return home. This backdrop creates a rich tapestry for the game’s narrative, influencing both the gameplay mechanics and the overall atmosphere.
Players will manage their journey on the train, assigning jobs and distributing supplies, while also engaging in tactical RTS battles on the battlefield. The game’s design allows for a glimpse into the hardships faced by the legionaries, making the historical fiction feel alive and emotionally resonant.
(Image credit: Ashborne Games)
Narrative and Presentation
The narrative of Last Train Home is significantly enhanced by the presence of the narrator, Captain František Langer, a historical figure who brings authenticity to the game’s storytelling. Langer, a doctor, poet, and playwright, fought with the Czechoslovak Legion across Siberia, and his poetic narration adds depth to the game’s historical fiction. The game’s writers have utilized his character to deliver lines that are not only fitting to the context but also resonate with the soul of Czech literary tradition.
The artistic and musical presentation of Last Train Home is noted for its exceptional quality, especially given the game’s development level and budget. The music and art contribute to a rich atmosphere that transports players to the historical period, complementing the emotional and detailed narrative.
Gameplay Experience
In Last Train Home, the character management system is a central aspect of the gameplay experience. Players must transform their soldiers into multi-skilled individuals capable of handling various roles such as riflemen, machine gunners, engineers, doctors, and more. This system is described as subversively open-ended, with RPG-esque character classes that require players to make strategic decisions about personnel management, balancing the need for a lean operation against the risk of losing key members in battle.
The combat system in Last Train Home is a pausable RTS that demands meticulous micromanagement. Players are encouraged to set up ambushes and optimize their use of resources like grenades and sniper shots. However, the game’s design makes every bullet valuable, which means that engaging in large firefights is often the least desirable outcome. This creates a tension where players must carefully consider the cost of combat.
Despite the challenges, the game’s military management presents compelling choices, such as deciding whether to send troops on side missions or to focus on gathering supplies. The game’s portrayal of a fighting force is praised for its believability, contrasting with the often hyper-specialized and unrealistically pristine squads found in other strategy games.
Reviewer’s Final Thoughts on Last Train Home
The review concludes that Last Train Home is a game that stands out for its rich and honest experiment in blending history with gameplay. It is praised for its ability to convey the emotional and detailed atmosphere of a specific time and place, with a level of presentation that exceeds expectations for its development scale and budget. The game’s narrative, enhanced by the authentic and poetic voice of Captain František Langer, is highlighted as a strong point.
However, the game’s RTS combat is noted as its weakest element, being perhaps too dependent on micromanagement and pausing. This aspect of gameplay, while enjoyable for its strategic depth, is at odds with the game’s emphasis on the scarcity of resources, making firefights a costly affair.
Despite this, the reviewer suggests that Last Train Home is worth playing for its unique take on military management and the very human history it portrays. The game’s strengths in character development, atmosphere, and narrative are considered compelling enough to recommend it to those interested in the genre.
