Last Vanguard

Ah, the old-school platformer. It's nice to know that the genre is still alive and well, especially with releases like Last Vanguard. It's a Metroidvania with lovingly handcrafted art, set in a dark steampunk world where an evil tyrant ravages the way of life. It all seems simple, but our first glimpses of gameplay suggest this game will be anything but straightforward.

Exploration is at the heart of the game, with hidden paths, secrets, and unexpected alliances waiting to be discovered. The sense of freedom as you explore the vast world is one of the game's key strengths. But we've seen plenty of those games attempt a superb result, ultimately to see the boots bigger than the feet. Let's see what Last Vanguard offers and if it can live up to the quality Metroidvania titles out there.

Full Steam Ahead

The world of Last Vanguard is as beautiful as it is perilous. Each biome is meticulously hand-drawn, creating an artistic and alive visual experience. The environments range from desolate ruins and war-torn landscapes to eerie, mysterious caves, each offering new mechanics and enemies to keep players on their toes. Exploration is at the heart of the game, with hidden paths, secrets, and unexpected alliances waiting to be discovered. The sense of freedom as you explore the vast world is one of the game's key strengths.

What makes Last Vanguard stand out is its combat system. Players aren't locked into a single playstyle, and there's a wide range of weapons to choose from, each affecting how you approach battles. Whether you prefer long-range rifles, powerful close-combat shotguns, or versatile energy weapons, you can tailor your arsenal to match your preferred style of play. On top of that, the game's RPG elements allow for even more customization. Players can unlock and equip various active and passive abilities, as well as different helmets that provide specific boosts to gameplay.

The RPG elements in Last Vanguard allow players to craft a strategy that fits their playstyle. Whether you focus on upgrading passive abilities to enhance survivability or lean into offensive boosts for more aggressive gameplay, the customization options are plentiful. The ability to swap helmets, each offering distinct perks, adds another layer of personalization. This level of customization makes each playthrough feel distinct, and it's rewarding to experiment with different builds to tackle the game's toughest challenges.

While the gameplay is engaging, some areas of Last Vanguard could benefit from more polish. The platforming sections, while solid, can feel less fluid compared to the combat, and the pacing occasionally slows due to backtracking through biomes. That said, the stunning hand-drawn art and detailed animations more than compensate for these minor issues, keeping players invested in the world and the unfolding story.

Write My Biome

Last Vanguard excels as a Metroidvania that marries shooter-platformer mechanics with RPG customization. The handcrafted world is immersive and packed with secrets. At the same time, the tactical combat and deep customization options give players the tools to tackle challenges in various ways.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Gorgeous hand-drawn animations and environments
• Deep customization with a wide variety of weapons and abilities
• Challenging boss battles with unique combat mechanics

Cons:

• Backtracking can feel repetitive in some sections
• Platforming mechanics are not as polished as the combat