Last Train Home

Developer: Ashborne Games
Release: Nov 28th 2023
Platforms:
Strategy
Immersive
Emotional
Strategic
Micromanagement
Buggy
Last Train Home Poster

" Engaging strategy with tactical combat, survival, and train management but overwhelming micromanagement "

Last Train Home Review

Last Train Home offers a unique blend of real-time tactical combat and resource management set against the historical backdrop of the Czechoslovak Legion's journey. Players appreciate its engaging and emotionally charged storyline, with well-developed soldier characters each having distinct backstories, which adds depth and immersion. The game challenges players with tough moral choices and strategic planning, making every decision impactful. The atmospheric art direction, sound design, and music complement the narrative, enhancing the overall experience.

However, many players find the micromanagement aspects overwhelming and the UI lacking clarity, complicating the assignment of soldiers and resource management. The tactical combat receives mixed feedback—while some enjoy the challenge, others criticize poor AI, ineffective stealth mechanics, and repetitive mission design. Technical issues and bugs also detract from the experience for some. Despite these flaws, the game is praised for its storytelling and unique premise, especially by those interested in historical settings and strategy games.

Highlights

Players praise the immersive storyline and deep character development, which emotionally engage throughout the campaign.

The game's art direction, sound design, and music are highly regarded for fitting the historical theme and enhancing atmosphere.

The blend of strategy, survival, and moral decision-making creates meaningful, tense gameplay that keeps players hooked.

The train management and resource allocation mechanics are seen as innovative and enjoyable aspects.

Historical context and educational value about the Czechoslovak Legion are also appreciated.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include excessive micromanagement with a confusing UI that frustrates players when assigning roles or managing soldiers.

The RTS combat is often described as unpolished, with poor AI behavior, ineffective stealth, and repetitive or uninspired mission design.

Some players experience technical bugs and glitches that impact gameplay.

The pacing can feel slow or tedious, especially in later hours, with little variation in mechanics.

The ending is considered abrupt and unsatisfying by some, lacking closure or detailed epilogues for characters.

Price is viewed as high relative to content by a portion of the community.

Pros

  • Engaging and emotionally charged storyline with well-developed characters.
  • Immersive art direction, sound design, and music enhance atmosphere.
  • Unique blend of tactical combat, survival, and moral decision-making.
  • Innovative and enjoyable train management and resource allocation mechanics.
  • Historical setting educates players about the Czechoslovak Legion.
  • Meaningful player choices affect campaign outcomes and character fates.
  • Strong narrative that balances strategy and story effectively.

Cons

  • Overwhelming micromanagement with a confusing and unhelpful UI.
  • Combat AI is poor, with allies missing shots and ineffective stealth.
  • Repetitive and uninspired mission design reduces gameplay variety.
  • Technical bugs and glitches detract from the overall experience.
  • Slow pacing and tedious mechanics especially in late game hours.
  • Ending feels short and unsatisfying without proper closure.
  • Price considered too high compared to the amount of content.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

The Great War is over - the fight continues. Command a legion of soldiers, desperately trying to make their way home amidst the chaos of civil war. Lead them through the unforgiving wilderness onboard an armored train. Manage your crew and resources and try to survive.

Release Date Nov 28th 2023
Publisher THQ Nordic
Developer Ashborne Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (1,940)
88% Positive 12% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
80