“Last Train Home” is a game that takes players on a unique journey through the tumultuous times of the Russian Civil War, following the story of the Czechoslovak Legion. Today, we are going to Review the game Last Train Home.
Review of The Game Last Train Home
This game is not just another historical RTS; it’s a blend of genres, combining elements of management simulation, military strategy, and a deep narrative that offers a fresh perspective on a rarely explored part of history.
The Setting and Story
Set at the end of World War I, “Last Train Home” drops players into the role of the Czech Legion, caught in the midst of the Russian Civil War. The game’s narrative is rooted in historical events, offering an underused setting and a rare perspective. Players find themselves in a desperate situation, where their primary goal is to escape with their small band of comrades before it’s too late. This outsider’s perspective creates a different kind of intensity, making the game feel more immediate than typical war games.
Gameplay Mechanics of The Last Train Home
“Last Train Home” borrows elements from games like Frostpunk, Company of Heroes, Valkyria Chronicles, and light management simulators. The game’s strength lies in its blend of styles, giving the grim journey across Siberia a sense of intimacy often lacking in traditional RTS games. Players must guard their train, travel across Siberia, make strategic stops for bartering and scavenging, and deal with random events, all while maintaining order among the soldiers.
Character Development and Relationships
The game emphasizes the importance of each comrade and their actions. Characters have dual roles, such as combat and train duties, and developing these characters both on and off the train is crucial for the journey. However, the game doesn’t delve much into the relationships between characters, focusing more on individual personalities and their importance in the survival journey.
Resource Management and Strategy
Resource management is a key aspect of “Last Train Home.” Players must keep their train, the only hope for survival, in good shape. This involves figuring out which squad members are best for tasks like engineering, medical care, and cooking. The game challenges players with tough choices about resource allocation and dealing with the consequences of those decisions.
Combat and Tactical Decisions
Combat in “Last Train Home” requires careful planning and strategy. The game rewards stealth and thoughtful use of resources gathered beforehand. Battles are fought on contained maps, and the smaller scale of combat makes controlling movement and keeping up with everything much easier. The personal touch added to every battle through the characters’ development enhances the overall experience.
The True Face of War in Last Train Home
“Last Train Home” excels in portraying the harsh realities of war. The game’s story is its strongest point, presenting a harrowing tale of survival and heroism. Players must make hard choices, balancing aiding civilians and protecting their legion in a hostile land. The emphasis on story and character even influences the RTS gameplay, where soldiers’ unique traits and skills play a crucial role in missions.
The Overworld and Management Aspects
The survival/resource management game played on the overworld is a standout feature. Players must balance food, fuel, and other supplies while traveling down the railroad. Every bullet fired in combat is a resource subtracted, adding a strategic layer to the missions. The train can be upgraded to improve travel speed, durability, and the quality of life for soldiers, adding depth to the management aspect.
To Wrap it all Up
While “Last Train Home” is praised for its storytelling and resource management, some criticisms include the less impressive writing in combat missions and bugs that can impact the RTS segments. Despite these issues, the game is a heartwarming and deeply engrossing story of hardship and survival combined with a fun and challenging resource management game.
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