The Last Story - Nintendo Wii

The Last Story (A relatively spoiler free review)If you're reading this it's because you've heard rumors and whispers of those rare games during the Wii era that did not feature Mario, or Zelda, or Luigi, or Yoshi - but were still fantastically made. I'm talking about those little gems that were outstanding, well-crafted experiences that you glossed over because you were busy playing through the worlds belonging to more popular royalties in the Nintendo Kingdom; Characters and icons whose games are such good experiences that if you had a Wii then you had those games. Sure you might have had other games but they were largely forgettable. That's not a knock on Nintendo. They simply do good work and other companies aren't able to utilize the hardware as well as its makers. But you've probably played a handful and wondered, Did the Nintendo Wii ever had a good game that wasn't based on the lives of Italian plumbers, bounty hunters, princesses, dinosaurs and karts?My friend, the answer is a resounding yes. There were several critically acclaimed games on the Wii that were exclusive, beautifully done and didn't have Mario in them. One of them in particular is the game you've clicked on.I'm not particularly fluent in JRPGs, I've dabbled in RPGs but never considered myself a fanatic. I'm not a shooter/football(American or World) 'Hardcore' gamer, either. My tastes, as broad as they are, never really stretched far into this branch. I learned of <b>The Last Story</b> as you might have; a whisper of a good game that flew under my radar. At the time there was a lot of talk about this game and another equally stunning release known as Xenoblade Chronicles. Not one to shy away from trying new things I read reviews on both and found that Xenoblade might be a bit long and featured a lot of wandering which I was doing plenty of in Skyrim. So I settled on <b>The Last Story</b>. What to say...<b>The Last Story</b> is a solid game. I mean a solid, well made game. From the music to the characters to the story. As I mentioned I'm not particularly accustomed to JRPGs so other's comments that the story is a little cliché might be on the mark. But in my opinion this is near-flawless execution of (possibly) familiar ground.<u>Music</u>: The music is haunting and beautiful. The opening screen (before you press A) plays this melody that you have to hear to believe. It's very gentle and sobering, befitting the game's title. I am not joking when I tell you every time I turned on the game I would just pause at the start and listen to the song. (Warning: Don't go to youtube and listen to it unless you can resist the urge to read comments. Loose lips sink ships and you'll encounter some people who spoil important bits of the game.)<u>Characters</u>: The characters really sealed the deal on me praising this game. But it would be dishonest to say everyone is perfect. The protagonist (you) is, unfortunately, not the strongest character in the roster. Think blue-eyed, naive young lad with a destiny. No envelopes were pushed. Thankfully he does grow a bit over the course of the storyline. The same can't be said for a female companion who falls into a similar cliché for her part in the story. She doesn't change nearly as much.The rest of the cast, however, are fantastic, from beginning to end. There's a brawl-loving drinker, a wistful food-fanatic hippie, a young man with socializing issues, a ladies' man with a knack for making light of situations (the banter between him and the brawler had me laughing-out-loud in real life, many times) and one straight-talking leader who brings the whole team together. (Yes, your character is part of this squad. A band of mercenaries, but I won't say much more on that.)These characters have a lot, I mean a LOT, of banter and commentary throughout the story. In fact there might have been more dialogue recorded for this game than there was for either of the first two Mass Effects - possibly combined. But it's also not a talk fest and all of it is very well paced and evenly distributed. No character really takes center stage but all share it equally creating a strong, believable comradeship.I can't stress enough that these characters really made the game, in addition to the music. And if you can avoid spoilers then you're set for some emotional dialogue. (My biggest regret was accidently reading a spoiler on a youtube comment section, under a video that was playing the game's opening theme. Even so, the scene played out so well I was moved, albeit less than I would normally have been)<u>Battles</u>: The battles are varied and require you to use your brain. I mean that. You might be able to get away with letting your character auto-attack for the first third or so of the game. But it quickly becomes more challenging as your character (and the band of mercs) start reaching higher levels and the enemies become more and more difficult. I actually started this game with auto-attack on, then life happened and I had to put the game down. When I came back I wanted the full experience so I restarted and switched auto-attack off. I recommend you do the same (switch it off) because auto-attack makes strategizing more difficult.Boss fights are epic, all around. And they get bigger/better/both with every encounter. One of the nice things about this game is you need to use ALL your skills throughout it. Meaning you can't forget early ones, or the early skills your squad has. In fact I lost several times towards the end because I had gone so long without really thinking of how to use some very basic combos. DON'T trust your squad to simply know what to do. They have a default strategy and attack but this is not always the best option. And it's most evident in boss fights that your team needs instruction or they might end up dying on you. That or undermining your plans, by accident of course.Weaponry factors HEAVILY into all fights. Which seems like a no-brainer but it's more than upgrading your stuff to the highest level. (A word of warning: Upgrading everything becomes hideously expensive and sometimes you find the very weapon you're upgrading at a higher level.) If you aren't careful your favorite blade could actually be working against you as I learned one frustrating night.Armor is less diverse than weaponry. And, to be honest, a lot of the armor you find (don't buy armor; You'll find better stuff on every mission) is ugly as heck. I don't mean graphically, either. But once you start upgrading you get some very nice looking armor that comes with options. Meaning while there's only seven or so armor types, you can customize the colors of most bits and can even hide/doff individual pieces so as to create the most unique looking set possible. The higher you upgrade the more pieces you can fiddle with. And, best of all, how you dress your squad carries over into cut-scenes so you get a nice look. Frankly screen shot functionality would have been nice because there were times when I wouldn't have minded saving a few for a Screen Saver.<u>Gameplay</u>: Separate from the boss fights and main missions, there's actually a decent amount of side quests. You can do them or not. But some are surprises which might lead to a chain of events or a special goody. I'm a Stop-and-Smell-the-Roses kind of gamer so I did as many as I could find. Alas there isn't much puzzle solving or mini-games.Graphics/framerate: I saved this part for last because, honestly, I'm not a graphic whore. That said, the games textures aren't works of art. In fact this is that rare game that I would eagerly buy a second time if Nintendo updated it graphically. It doesn't detract from the game itself, but the overall design was hampered by the Wii's hardware. On that note, frame-rates are choppy in the main city hub. There can be noticeable draw-in during certain sequences. It's forgivable in my book since it's a rare occurrence.<u>Conclusion</u>: The Last Story is not a slapped together, made-for-a-quick-buck type of game. It's a wonderful game and a lot of love went into it. The entire experience is memorable, the cast is believable - you want to know them and travel with them. The music is perfect in all situations (I'll be buying the soundtrack soon). And there's reason to play through a second time (I'll be starting my next play-through, shortly). Game length varies. Going at a leisurely stroll my first play took around 35+ hours. You might take more or less.My only wish is for this to not be the last story (*badum tsh*) because I want to enter this world again. So if you have a Wii, or a Wii U, get this game and give it a whirl. You won't be disappointed. I sure wasn't.4.5/5 Stars.

I am an avid fan of role playing games in general and have enjoyed many console-based RPGs since Dragon Quest was released on the NES. When I play a RPG my enjoyment and satisfaction is based on four elements in order of importance to me: 1) Character development and depth of character relationships, 2) Story development and believability, 3) Interaction and engagement with the world, and 4) the battle system. Below I talk about each one of these, but if you are not interested in reading my detailed review, this is how I rate each on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best:Characters: 4.5Story: 4.5World: 4.0Battle System: 5====Characters====Development of characters and their relationships among each other is important to me because this is what drives the rest of the game. Many recent console-based RPGs have suffered with flat characters and/or underdeveloped relationships of the characters. Typically, only the main protagonist receives focus, leaving others (especially antagonists) flat. In terms of individual character development in The Last Story, this game does a wonderful job not only in showing confusion, suffering, and enlightenment in the main character's (Zael) growth, but in the other protagonists as well. This is usually done through optional side quests and conversations among themselves. One area that was lacking in the game, however, is the antagonist is not developed enough. I feel like the game developers could have enhanced the motivation and background story for the antagonist more (at times it felt cliche).In terms of developing relationships, I think this game does an amazing job. You truly get a sense of the camaraderie (or lack of, at times) of the group. Also, the interactions within the protagonists' party show subtle nuances of where friendships lie as well as trust. The relationships don't feel forced and the characters respond to each other based on how they view themselves within their group (which changes as the game progresses). The voice acting is superb and the accents of each character (even NPCs) fits their personality. Overall, I felt the directors and producers of this game did an outstanding job on the characters and their relationships. Again, the only hesitation I have with giving a perfect 5 is an underdeveloped antagonist (though some may disagree with me).4.5 out of 5====Story====The story is the second most important aspect for me. When I think of the story, I think of the overall progress of the game and the elements that drive it. What motivates the protagonists to action? Why are they together? What major events exist in the world influence their action and thoughts? I won't reveal many of the events that are surprising jewels in this story, but I will say I love this story. The events in The Last Story are logical in their sequence and existence in the storyline. I didn't feel like events were forced in. In some games, certain events are forced into the storyline because the developers need it to drive the story and motivation of the characters. This can leave the player feeling confused and frustrated. This doesn't happen in this game (except perhaps one part in the dungeon with the archaeologist). Each event has a part to play and it fits with the overall theme. It engaged me and I never doubted its believability. The reason I rated the story 4.5 instead of 5 is that it felt too linear to me. I enjoy RPGs that allow me to roam and go at my own pace. Many times I felt that the story would force me to move on when I wanted to interact with the world more. However, the story is still enjoyable to make up for this lack.4.5 out of 5====World====Even good characterizations and a great story won't work if the world the characters live in is dull and boring. I love a world where the developers have not only made it very interactive and desirable to explore, but look real (i.e. moss on stone, stunning details on trees in forests, etc.). The majority of your time will be limited to the city and castle on Lazulis Island. Those of you who are like me and played Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy since their inception expect the ability to explore an entire planet (even underground worlds or the moon!). Not so in this game. While other locations off the island are played, the play is limited in those areas and you are not at your leisure to explore. This can be very frustrating, especially since events involve the entire world.Now, the reason I didn't give this a poor rating is that the city and castle are very rich in detail. The city itself has much to do and much to explore. Many NPCs will ask for your aid in some task that sends you searching throughout the city (even the castle). Of course, these are optional. The interaction does not stop there. When you bump into people they are thrown off their course and respond to you in like kindness. You can even knock your head into overhanging signs! The detail of the people, buildings, and even the weather is amazing in how real they are portrayed.One specific area in the world is worth mentioning: the Arena. Whenever I am tired and need a break from the main story, I can fight various creatures in the arena to test my group against. In return, I receive dropped items from the creatures as well as items people have bet on the group. This allows players of the game the opportunity to earn extra gold, experience, and items if you don't want to return to a dungeon.4.0 out of 5====Battle System====The battle system is not turn-based, but action-based. While hacking and slashing enemies is a simple affair (you just walk up to them and your character attacks), the system is more complex, especially in tougher situations. Enemy units have different abilities and you must plan your attack prior to engaging them. For example, should you take out magic casters first? If so, do you assault them head on or use a sniper? The terrain will influence your tactics and so different locations offer different types of battles.As your characters level up they gain special abilities. These abilities can combine to create new offensive and defensive benefits. Once Zael learns the command ability, you can command your teammates to perform certain abilities against certain enemies.In terms of negatives, I do not have any problems with the battle system itself. When engaged in melee combat, the camera doesn't always operate how I control it and it causes confusion. However, this isn't such a big deal. I thoroughly enjoy the battle system and would place it in my top 5 for console-based RPGs.5 out of 5====Bonus Material====I love the bonus material that came with this game. As other reviewers have mentioned, the music in this game is beautiful and high quality. It is great that the game comes with a CD with the following tracks:1. Theme of The Last Story2. Chitsujo to Konton to3. Yorokobi no koe ga kikoeru4. Machi no neiro5. THE LAST STORY - Kizuna6. Jyajuu7. ToberumonoIn addition, the game comes in a wonderfully designed box showcasing the art of the game. Inside the box you will find the game as well as an art book. I love the art and as I looked through and studied each of the pages I got the sense that the characters were given the most attention for details. The creators of the game spent time in getting the characters' clothes to match their personalities. I can't imagine how much work went into designing and creating the characters, non-player characters, and scenery of this game!====Conclusion====Overall, I give this game a 5 because I can't give a half star. Many years have gone by and I have not played a RPG as amazing as this. I definitely get the sense the creators and developers gave everything they had to make this game. While my scores reflect an average lower than that, I feel together those aspects as well as the effort put into developing this game deserves a 5. I hope a sequel (or prequel) is planned because I would not hesitate in purchasing it.

My favourite Wii game and probably one of best on the system.The Last Story is an action RPG with fairly simple but effective controls. The story follows one of a band of mercenaries and his adventures that (without spoiling anything) take him and his comrades to many places and change many things.Although it graphically challenges the Wii, the player probably won't feel taxed in the same way. That is in no way a bad thing, I personally think sometimes games tend to overburden the player these days and I do like the storyline over "grinding" factor.

Omg I have no idea where to start ! I just happened to pick up a copy of it at my local library and i ened buying it off amazon because i wanted a copy to myself.this game was such a delight to playthe graphics,dialogues were amazingamazing story/plot twist, it left my emotions flying everywhere. I was addicted to playing this game and especially the musicit was just perfect .the battles got a little repetitive and lengthy at times but the different environments you got to explore would just leave you wanting more.it felt like you were part of the the so called gang of mercenaries in this game .in conclusion it was soooo worth it ! If you really like RPGS then lets just say you be will be engulfed in lazulis city for a while.

EL juego esta en muy buenas condicioens, para la cantidad de años que tien de haber salido. Graficamente se ve muy bien, es facil de aprender, pero complicado de dominar. La historia es muy hermosa y vale cada centavo que gastes en el. Una lastima que no esta en la eshop del wii u, siendo esta la unica forma de poder disfrutarlo.

Reçu dans les temps et en très bon état. Après des heures d'amusement dans un jeu aux décors magnifiques et aux dialogues autant rigolos que touchant par occasion, j'ai finalement terminer l'histoire. Je n'ai par contre pas encore réussit à finir le jeu car en plus de l'histoire il y a énormément de quêtes secondaires et le fait que le jeu ce joue aussi en français sont vraiment de gros plus pour moi. Je le recommende sans hésiter à tous les fans de rpg.

Superbe jeu. On sent que la Wii est un peu faible pour ce genre de graphiques détaillés, mais ils restent très beaux et l’animation est toujours très fluide. C’est de loin le meilleure RPG de la console.