The Last Worker: A Charming Puzzle Adventure with Room for Improvement

The Last Worker is a game that combines elements of first-person puzzling and stealth into a narrative-driven experience. Set in a dystopian future where automation has taken over, you play as Kurt, the last human worker in a massive, Amazon-like warehouse. The game, developed by Oiffy and Wolf & Wood and published by Wired Productions, was released on March 30, 2023, and is available for $20/£16. It’s a single-player adventure with no multiplayer component, playable both in VR and on traditional screens.

Gameplay Mechanics

The core gameplay of The Last Worker revolves around navigating a hovercraft through the warehouse, sorting packages, and avoiding detection. The game introduces you to its mechanics gradually, adding complexity as you progress. However, it never quite reaches a crescendo of difficulty that tests all your skills simultaneously. There are moments where the game shines, particularly when you’re tasked with balancing your job duties against covert objectives, like sabotaging company robots.

Stealth and Strategy

Stealth gameplay is a significant aspect of The Last Worker, requiring careful observation and timing to evade the watchful eyes of patrol bots. The game does well to mix in additional challenges and objectives within the stealth sections, but it could have taken better advantage of the hovercraft’s verticality to create more dynamic scenarios.

Story and Characters

The narrative of The Last Worker takes a more straightforward path than anticipated, with a clear anti-corporate message. While the story may not be as nuanced as other politically charged games, it’s carried by strong character performances, particularly Jason Isaacs as your robot companion. The game’s humor shines through in product previews, with clever puns and visual gags that add to the charm.

Overall, The Last Worker is a well-priced title that offers a unique gameplay experience. While it may not reach the heights of some of its contemporaries in terms of complexity or emotional impact, it stands out with its inventive hovercraft mechanics and engaging narrative.

• First-person puzzler/stealth gameplay
• Unique hovercraft navigation mechanics
• Engaging anti-corporate narrative
• Charming visual and verbal humor
• Playable in VR and on traditional screens