The Last Remnant

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 134 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 134
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 134
  3. Negative: 33 out of 134
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  1. SpunkyMonkey
    Mar 19, 2012
    8
    The Last Remnant, whilst flawed and far from perfect, contains enough creamy goodness of the Square-Enix flavour to deliver an experience that JRPG fans will enjoy getting a good fix of. Whilst a step behind in terms of presentation (the game contains far less voice-acted sequences than most modern RPGs) this is soon forgotten once you're into the thick of the game, as what it does containThe Last Remnant, whilst flawed and far from perfect, contains enough creamy goodness of the Square-Enix flavour to deliver an experience that JRPG fans will enjoy getting a good fix of. Whilst a step behind in terms of presentation (the game contains far less voice-acted sequences than most modern RPGs) this is soon forgotten once you're into the thick of the game, as what it does contain is enough actual RPG elements (stats, side-quests, exploration, etc.) to give you a very enjoyable experience. The combat system, whilst not fully fleshed out and also a little cheap at times, is a great side-step from previous Square Enix titles and could well be the base they need to build upon in order to re-invigorate the JRPG/FF series. Fighting as units, and having so much depth involved in their management (due to the stats and abilities which make up those units) truely gives you something to really get your teeth into. Combine that with a fast paced "trigger" system during battles which keeps you on your toes (eg, sometimes it's better not to hit the trigger as you want to delay your healing moves, but you only have a split second to make that decision) and battles can be very tense affairs indeed. It's just a shame that there's not a more comprehensive tutorial of the system and that some of it's elements during battles are left outside of your control and can be completely random. SE could have really gone to town with the union setups and fleshed both them and the battle system out into something fantastic - as it is though it's just good and refreshing as opposed to brilliant and epic. The game itself is also very large, but doesn't feel repetative nor padded out until the very end - and even then that's only if you choose to persue all the side-quests (which are there more as an after-game experience for you to come back to - especially the companion/collection ones). And the story? Well, it's a bit cliche'd as you would probably expect, but it's cool enough to keep you playing and it also contains some nice down to earth humour at times (as well as a diet version of the usual JRPG cheeseyness too). Those of you craving JRPG kicks for the 360 should deffinately check it out - the performance issues, whilst still present, are mostly fixed by installation to your HDD, and so long as you're prepared to bare with them and do a bit of digging around on-line to help get you into the game then there's plenty here to keep you satisfied. It falls short of being spectacular but it's a very, very, very solid game with plenty of fun to be had. If you're prepared to put a bit of time into it, and want that taste of JRPG goodness which is becoming rarer by the day due to companies such as EA raping companies which still have a creative core, then you should buy it without hesitation. It may not be for everyone, but I loved it.… Expand
  2. Omaeka
    Sep 16, 2013
    9
    This game is SquareJP's finest work this generation. The story, whilst being somewhat generic is a shining example of how you take a generic concept and make it more than that. In this game, you do not control a few singular characters, instead you have 'unions' which you form with a key character acting as a general so to speak, with bodyguards and special units in the union. You can haveThis game is SquareJP's finest work this generation. The story, whilst being somewhat generic is a shining example of how you take a generic concept and make it more than that. In this game, you do not control a few singular characters, instead you have 'unions' which you form with a key character acting as a general so to speak, with bodyguards and special units in the union. You can have several unions depending on your battle level which allows for some jaw dropping gigantic battles against hostile unions. The traditional Japanese roleplaying elements are heavily modified, with RTS style tactics of engaging and 'deadlocking' enemies in a close combat fight whilst your other unions move around to flank them or intercept enemies who are trying to flank your unions whilst they are in a deadlock. All of this is controlled with a sleek, stylish interface and battle controls identical to a traditional JRPG and is very easy to use whilst having respectable depth. If you think that the game is an actual RTS in the way it handles, and are put off by it, don't be because it isn't. This is a fantastic example of how you can merge two genres together whilst catering to every bodies tastes.

    I'm not even a huge JRPG fan at all, and other than Final Fantasy 4, 7, 13 and Lost Odyssey, I have never played any other ones and I have to say this one is easily the best. If like me you were left with a sour taste in your mouth after the latest, awful Final Fantasy games, The Last Remnant is a breath of fresh air, a fantastic new IP and proof that Square have not lost their touch.    … Expand
  3. AndrewA
    Dec 5, 2008
    10
    Amazing game! I love the graphics and battle systems. There are a few flaws with the game, but you have to consider its really the first game of its type, and only game with this battle system.
  4. RudiS.
    Nov 26, 2008
    8
    I am playing J-RPG´s since the good old SNES times, and I can´t understand why so many people dislike Last Remant, there have been many many worser games in the last few years, that got higher ratings........ About the technical issues: They exist - okay, but they do not brake the fun.........if someone hates this game overall just because a low framerate and delayed textures, I am playing J-RPG´s since the good old SNES times, and I can´t understand why so many people dislike Last Remant, there have been many many worser games in the last few years, that got higher ratings........ About the technical issues: They exist - okay, but they do not brake the fun.........if someone hates this game overall just because a low framerate and delayed textures, ask yourself why you really are playing a RPG........except these "minor" problems, the visuals are really good allover, and sometimes just stunning. I personally like the storytelling, and the characters, and the battle system is finally something new, that really makes fun if you know how it works......and a good portion of luck added sometimes......but that´s making it just more interesting and exciting, than having the same battle systems over and over again that we know since the ancient times.......... The soundtrack is just timeless, and the changing battle tunes in longer fight´s is a real good idea. To all RPG-Fans that are in doubt: At least, try to rent the game and build up your own opinion. But to do that you have to play the game for a decent amount of hours, for the first two hours I really really hated Last remnant, and I was more than disappointed, no of my expectations were fullfilled, but that opinion changed very soon after I spent a little more time with it. Give The Last Remant a chance! Together with Lost Odyssey, simply the best J-RPG on the 360.… Expand
  5. DiegoC
    Jan 14, 2009
    9
    the best since final fantasy X! You take some time to enjoy it at all but its IS worth to give it a try if you like TRUE RPGs games(despite the action-rpgs like tales of vesperia). Best RPG on 360...and the slowdown aren't that much if you play from the hard drive.... At least don't bother me... The texture pop-in occurs sometimes...like in gears of war.....don't bother the best since final fantasy X! You take some time to enjoy it at all but its IS worth to give it a try if you like TRUE RPGs games(despite the action-rpgs like tales of vesperia). Best RPG on 360...and the slowdown aren't that much if you play from the hard drive.... At least don't bother me... The texture pop-in occurs sometimes...like in gears of war.....don't bother with it too...because you'll be amazed with the game!… Expand
  6. BobbyS.
    Nov 22, 2008
    9
    The Last Remnant is the best offering as far as epic-RPGs go on the Xbox 360. The battle system is a refreshing take on the good ol' turn based battles, while still retaining a classic feel. Visually the game is stunning, some scenes are just plain gorgeous. The voice acting is very solid, I'm pretty sure some of the voices are legit anime actors. The only real problem that I The Last Remnant is the best offering as far as epic-RPGs go on the Xbox 360. The battle system is a refreshing take on the good ol' turn based battles, while still retaining a classic feel. Visually the game is stunning, some scenes are just plain gorgeous. The voice acting is very solid, I'm pretty sure some of the voices are legit anime actors. The only real problem that I have with the game is there is some slowdown and a fair amount of loading screens, they are all pretty short though and become even shorter if you load the game onto the hard drive.… Expand
  7. NadiaL
    Dec 19, 2008
    8
    If people can learn to put the technical/graphical issues aside and look STRICTLY at gameplay, they're going to see that this is one helluva game.
  8. AlexisB
    Dec 4, 2008
    10
    This J-RPG is way better than Western and European reviewers want. For me the best J-RPG of this generation (as of this writing). I hope people doens't read too much bad reviews and will open eyes !
  9. George
    Nov 22, 2008
    9
    Deep and complex, almost overly so. There are a lot of things to enjoy about the battle system if you are a turn-based nut like me. At first it will seem overwhelming, but once you realize the flow it becomes second nature. The story is a bit weak and generic but not so much to detract from the game play. The voice acting is rock-solid as is Square-Enix's M.O. There are a few Deep and complex, almost overly so. There are a lot of things to enjoy about the battle system if you are a turn-based nut like me. At first it will seem overwhelming, but once you realize the flow it becomes second nature. The story is a bit weak and generic but not so much to detract from the game play. The voice acting is rock-solid as is Square-Enix's M.O. There are a few weaknesses in the combat system with the aggregate HP of unions allowing a whole union to be crippled by one particularly fierce attack on a weak member. The system seems a bit arbitrary at times but it's not a game-breaker. Visually the game is top notch.… Expand
  10. ThomasG
    Dec 23, 2008
    9
    Fantastic game with a great usp. Scale of battles is phenomenal with great use of tactics. Quests is nice and long with plenty of side quests to complete and many optional extras to seek out. Unfortunately load times are frequent but if you save each disc to the hardrive they become non-existent. Only downside to the system is the problem of the unnerving game mechanics and how you create Fantastic game with a great usp. Scale of battles is phenomenal with great use of tactics. Quests is nice and long with plenty of side quests to complete and many optional extras to seek out. Unfortunately load times are frequent but if you save each disc to the hardrive they become non-existent. Only downside to the system is the problem of the unnerving game mechanics and how you create your unions.… Expand
  11. sandlefoxiv
    Mar 5, 2013
    8
    I realize I'm incredibly late to the table for this, but it's been in my game library a long time and I never played it. Cheesy characters aside (except for Torgal!) the combat in this game is ridiculously boss. It's like playing a mix of Fire Emblem and an RTS. You have multiple unions of multiple people going around fighting enemies in different parts of the battlefield, and the angleI realize I'm incredibly late to the table for this, but it's been in my game library a long time and I never played it. Cheesy characters aside (except for Torgal!) the combat in this game is ridiculously boss. It's like playing a mix of Fire Emblem and an RTS. You have multiple unions of multiple people going around fighting enemies in different parts of the battlefield, and the angle you're attacking changes the ways you can both attack and get attacked. At times it looks like a movie. You also recruit people (like FE, again) and set them in your unions, building them up yourself. Now, the problem a lot of people had was a slowdown during combat. I think this stems from two things:
    1)The game needs installed on the 360's harddrive. Having done this, I notice almost no slowdown. Almost... leading to my theory on number 2

    2)There is no QTE in-battle in the beginning of the game. It's implemented later. When implemented, the battle slows down to let you hit the correct QTE button. I think, in the beginning of the game, the battle is slowing down for the QTE, but since it's not part of the game, you juts see slow down. Made sense to me, though it sucks for the beginning.

    Otherwise, this game is excellent. Since it's so old now, you can pick it up for a few bucks and then blow a week playing it. Great game.    … Expand
  12. Abstractpurpose
    Nov 25, 2012
    10
    This is a great addition to tge scarece population of rpgs on next gen systems. And in depth combat system using sets of units in place of 1 single fighter granting you endless opportunity to build each combat group the way you want. The graphics are fine the cimbat is fun and in true rpg tradition there are towns shops gear and items to be bought. The games story is goid enough but theThis is a great addition to tge scarece population of rpgs on next gen systems. And in depth combat system using sets of units in place of 1 single fighter granting you endless opportunity to build each combat group the way you want. The graphics are fine the cimbat is fun and in true rpg tradition there are towns shops gear and items to be bought. The games story is goid enough but the combat makes you want to play more and more. This was a very underated game given its 1 of only a handfull of rpgs to be released this decade. I suggest it be played by all rpg fans as theres guarenteed to be things in it to remind us all of the goid days when turn based rpgs were the big thing. Its pure nastalgia even down to the wonderfull soundtrack… Expand
  13. SpawnCap
    Apr 19, 2014
    8
    Great graphics, really enjoyable RPG. Combat mechanics are different, more strategy involved when making your units. Most people gave it bad score do to combat mechanics, but I feel its one of the most enjoyable aspects of game, have to think how your going to win battle.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
52
#52 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 49
  3. Negative: 3 out of 49
  1. Official Xbox Magazine
    70
    There are certainly bits and pieces of decent storytelling hidden throughout the game, but for every ounce of beauty, you get three humdrum pounds of grind. [Holiday 2008, p.78]
  2. Game Informer
    70
    In short, The Last Remnant that has all the trappings of a game in the RPG genre, but fails to stand out from the crowd. [Dec 2008, p.119]
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  3. GamePro
    60
    It's really too bad that The Last Remnant is so uneven. For every one thing it does right, there is a glaring fault that ruins the fun.
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