| Developer | Publisher | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Moonatic Studios, Maniac Panda Games | Moonatic Studios, Catness Game Studios | Microsoft Windows-Xbox Series X/S-Xbox One-Nintendo Switch-PlayStation 4-PlayStation 5 |
One Last Breath is an indie video game that recently entered the scene, inviting players into a dark, atmospheric world reminiscent of popular puzzle-platformer titles like Limbo and Inside. The game combines elements of platforming, puzzle-solving, and atmospheric storytelling to create an immersive experience. However, while One Last Breath shares some similarities with Limbo and Inside, two renowned games in the genre, it falls short of matching the depth and polish that made these predecessors iconic.
The World of One Last Breath
Set in a desolate, decaying world, One Last Breath puts players in the role of a fragile protagonist trying to survive in an unforgiving environment. The story unfolds in a world ravaged by an unknown calamity, where creatures and environmental hazards lurk around every corner. From the outset, One Last Breath immediately recalls the haunting atmospheres of Limbo and Inside. Like these classics, it uses minimalistic storytelling, relying on visuals and environmental clues to convey the narrative. Despite this promising start, One Last Breath often lacks the same level of impact. Where Limbo used its stark, monochrome visuals to create an atmosphere of existential dread, One Last Breath sometimes feels like an imitation. It introduces familiar themes of isolation and survival but struggles to bring any fresh perspective.
Familiar but Unrefined
The gameplay in One Last Breath revolves around side-scrolling exploration, platforming, and solving environmental puzzles. As the protagonist moves through various landscapes, players must navigate obstacles and traps using a combination of jumping, pushing, and pulling mechanics. The puzzles are integrated into the world itself, requiring players to think creatively to progress. However, One Last Breath attempts to differentiate itself by emphasizing a more “organic” interaction with the environment. For instance, some puzzles involve manipulating nature, like shifting plant growth or altering the landscape. While this concept is intriguing, it often feels underdeveloped.
Unlike the fluid puzzle design of Inside, where each puzzle has a logical progression and a seamless connection to the story, the puzzles in One Last Breath can occasionally feel arbitrary or disconnected from the narrative. This lack of cohesion can be frustrating, especially when players are forced to repeat certain sections due to trial-and-error gameplay. Another area where One Last Breath falls short is in its platforming mechanics. The controls can feel imprecise at times, which detracts from the overall experience. In a game that relies heavily on timing and accuracy, the clunkiness of the controls can become a source of frustration rather than enjoyment.
Striking but Less Impactful Visuals
Visually, One Last Breath is undoubtedly impressive, with a somber color palette and beautifully rendered backgrounds that draw players into its world. However, while it captures a haunting mood, the visuals lack the unique, unforgettable style that made Limbo so impactful. Limbo achieved this with its minimalist black-and-white aesthetic, which conveyed a sense of hopelessness, while Inside used striking color contrasts and surreal imagery to create a deeply unsettling atmosphere.
One Last Breath attempts to create a similarly oppressive environment, but it doesn’t feel as refined or as memorable. The use of shadows, lighting, and environmental design feels more conventional, lacking the subtle details that gave Limbo and Inside their edge. This is not to say that One Last Breath isn’t visually appealing, but it doesn’t push the boundaries of visual storytelling in the same way.
One Last Breath is a Missed Opportunity
A key aspect of what made Limbo and Inside unforgettable was their ability to evoke a profound emotional response without relying on traditional storytelling techniques. Both games used their silent protagonists and ambiguous narratives to invite players to interpret the story in their way, often leaving a lasting impression. One Last Breath attempts to follow a similar path but doesn’t quite achieve the same emotional depth.
While the world-building hints at a tragic backstory, it feels less immersive and less open to interpretation. The game’s narrative feels more straightforward, leaving little room for players to speculate or connect emotionally with the protagonist’s journey. In conclusion, One Last Breath is a visually captivating and atmospherically rich game that shows potential, especially for fans of puzzle platformers. However, when compared to Classics, it feels more like an homage than a fully realized original experience.
The review code was provided by the publisher
| GAMEPLAY | ART | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| 65% | 60% | 60% |