The Last Express

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 74
  3. Negative: 5 out of 74

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  1. Tehrani
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    This is one of best games ever you could not find any games similar to it. You live in a train with strange atmosphere and you can do a wide range of actions. There are lots of endings and real time actions needed. You should be somehow clever and if you are not clever, stay away of this game because this can make you angry of understanding nothing.
  2. AnonymousMC
    Apr 16, 2006
    10
    this is a nearly perfect game & one of the greatest of all time. few, if any games up to that point were as immersive or realistic (and implausibilities in the plot are carried off without a hitch or a wink by the mass of talent & technique infusing every detail of the game - you don't have to swallow it down like bad medicine just so you can beat the game, you actually enjoy it all).this is a nearly perfect game & one of the greatest of all time. few, if any games up to that point were as immersive or realistic (and implausibilities in the plot are carried off without a hitch or a wink by the mass of talent & technique infusing every detail of the game - you don't have to swallow it down like bad medicine just so you can beat the game, you actually enjoy it all). it's lack of "clearly defined quests" is one of its strongest points, as is its unique save system - though that its difficult to find a review that doesn't harp on it. it's always worked like a charm for me. 10/10… Expand
  3. theSplund
    Sep 4, 2014
    9
    Well worth playing and very re-playable too. Not without the odd glitch but gorgeous looking enough to make you forgive and forget. In my top 5 adventure games of all time (with Broken Sword 1, Sam n Max (original), Day of the Tentacle, and the Monkey Island Series)
  4. Matrosen
    Nov 26, 2013
    9
    The Last Express is in many ways a truly classic adventure game, with its inventory puzzles, escalating plot and tried-and-true interface. However, its extreme nonlinearity, the inclusion of violent scenes, and a sense of being what is in reality a completely timed game set it apart from standard pure adventure fare. Quite frankly, I haven't clenched my teeth this hard since 1994 when IThe Last Express is in many ways a truly classic adventure game, with its inventory puzzles, escalating plot and tried-and-true interface. However, its extreme nonlinearity, the inclusion of violent scenes, and a sense of being what is in reality a completely timed game set it apart from standard pure adventure fare. Quite frankly, I haven't clenched my teeth this hard since 1994 when I was in labor with Mini Minnie! I also have not played one computer game for this many hours in a row in years. By the end of my train journey, poor Mini was penciling up signs for what she wanted and waving them beside my computer desk!

    Will the Orient Express make it to its final destination in Constantinople? How many passengers will live to see it? Will Robert Cath find a "happily ever after romance," or will it be "duty before cutie?" You'll just have to buy your own first-class ticket and find out! The End    … Expand
  5. hfffoman
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    Despite its age it is still worth playing. It is one of the most atmospheric adventure games ever produced and has some interesting innovations of game play.
  6. jcasetnl
    Jul 2, 2013
    6
    This is definitely a 'cult' game. People generally either love it or hate it.

    I didn't hate it, necessarily, I could see why others would enjoy it, but for me it simply became too tedious to play. Events unfold in real time but in many cases there aren't enough clues to know where you should be next, never mind that time is also a factor. There's a ton of die-and-retry in the game.    This is definitely a 'cult' game. People generally either love it or hate it.

    I didn't hate it, necessarily, I could see why others would enjoy it, but for me it simply became too tedious to play. Events unfold in real time but in many cases there aren't enough clues to know where you should be next, never mind that time is also a factor. There's a ton of die-and-retry in the game. Even a vague clue at the end of each attempt might have made the game a lot more playable.

    As others have stated, the rotoscoped graphics are kind of a treat or were, back when this game was made. However, the tradeoff is the animation and movement are literally frame by frame, so be ready for circa 1984 gameplay.

    The story, costumes and historical setting are where this game really shines. You really feel like you're on an old train. The art and camera direction are excellent. That might put it over the top for some.    … Expand
  7. DantheMan
    Jan 7, 2012
    0
    What Howard the Duck is to movies The Last Express is to video games. The nerds prove their uberness by loving the game or movie the masses justifiably hate. This is a bad game. Scratch that. It's horrible. It's neither fun nor interesting and it's only allure is in the "gee whiz" factor that builds credibility among wanna-be game designers. It has retroscoping! So what? It's boring. It'sWhat Howard the Duck is to movies The Last Express is to video games. The nerds prove their uberness by loving the game or movie the masses justifiably hate. This is a bad game. Scratch that. It's horrible. It's neither fun nor interesting and it's only allure is in the "gee whiz" factor that builds credibility among wanna-be game designers. It has retroscoping! So what? It's boring. It's in real time! So what? It's not fun. Lets look at the fundamental truth of this game. Imagine that someone dumped you in the middle of a maze and told you that you had one hour to get out. You know nothing about the size or the shape of the maze or where the exit is located. If you make a wrong turn, you die. (Which you will do a lot in this game for reasons that are at best inexplicable and at worst laughable). If you die you get to start the maze over or rewind the game to some arbitrary point in time in the past.. That's all there is to the game. Live and hour and get out. There is no plot, no hints. You just guess then die. Guess then die. Guess and live for a few minutes until the 'guess then die' mechanic starts all over again. And this is FUN FUN FUN because some masochists keep insisting it is. Don't believe them. Howard the Duck is a horrible movie and this is a horrible game.… Expand
  8. AlexN.
    Mar 10, 2007
    9
    One of the most enjoyable and immersive gameplay experiences of my life.
  9. JoeH.
    Aug 21, 2004
    10
    One of the best, if not the best, games I've ever played!
  10. BrunoF.
    Apr 14, 2007
    10
    From the creator of the original Prince of Persia comes one of the most underrated games of all times. The Last Express is a lesson on innovation and regeneration of dying genre. Not only did it add something new to the way we play adventure games as it did provide a solid basis on which the best adventure games have been based eversince: multiple-choice based gameplay; absence of clear From the creator of the original Prince of Persia comes one of the most underrated games of all times. The Last Express is a lesson on innovation and regeneration of dying genre. Not only did it add something new to the way we play adventure games as it did provide a solid basis on which the best adventure games have been based eversince: multiple-choice based gameplay; absence of clear and precise objectives that limit the game experience; etc. The game stands as an inexorable witness of Jordan Mechner's talent for video game making and was, unfortunately, misjudged and overlooked by both public and critics. It is no wonder Mechner keeps on returning to moviemaking: videogames, though several times blessed with his genious, provide no safe haven for pioneer creators of his sort. Jordan Mechner is among the best videogame designers ever, probably America's finnest and most talented. Games like this come in very short supply.… Expand
  11. [Anonymous]
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    This is truly the best adventure game ever.
  12. Babutto
    Feb 18, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest quests. I have encountered it back in '00s. But finally have finished.

    Pros.: - It's a hard quest. You need to plan your timing and understand what is going on from different perspectives. - You should sacrifice some dialogues. But you can replay the moments. - Characters! - Style. - Story. - Music. Cons.: - None. It's perfect. Sad there was never a    One of the greatest quests. I have encountered it back in '00s. But finally have finished.

    Pros.:
    - It's a hard quest. You need to plan your timing and understand what is going on from different perspectives.
    - You should sacrifice some dialogues. But you can replay the moments.
    - Characters!
    - Style.
    - Story.
    - Music.

    Cons.:
    - None.

    It's perfect. Sad there was never a sequel. And will never be.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best PC Game of 1997
9
#9 Most Discussed PC Game of 1997
12
#12 Most Shared PC Game of 1997

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Adventure Gamers
    90
    With a long playing time, and loads of intrigue, this game is a sure bet for history buffs and casual fans...A must have, but clear your schedule as it takes between 50 and 60 hours to complete.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    79
    Through its use of real time and brilliant writing, the game ups the ante for storytelling in gaming. And if it weren't for a few gameplay issues, The Last Express could very well be among the best adventure games ever.
    Read full review
  3. PC Gamer
    90
    A unique and polished adventure game with a strong, sustained historical flavor. [June 1997, p.108]
See all critic reviews »