About half a decade ago the horror genre was resuscitated, mostly thanks to Frictional Games, although the community’s interests had shifted towards the more “substantial” horror with monsters and general panic while you run in the dark. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But sometimes horror doesn’t have to be first-person, doesn’t monsters jumping at you, and not even to be in high resolution. Sometimes, all that’s required to make us turn on all the lights around the house are a skilled writer and sound designer. Sometimes, all that’s required is a game like Last Door.
First of all, we have to mention that, like with any “Season 2” game, you need to be acquainted with the story from the previous part to gain the full picture of the events. So, take a break and play the first season. Done? Good, let’s proceed. The second season of Last Door casts you in the role of Jon Wakefield, the protagonist psychiatrist from Season 1 who disappeared somewhere in Victorian England, and is a direct continuation of the original game. Jon is resolved to find his client, and the road will lead him through a network of mysteries, cults, conspiracies, and teetering on the brink of madness. From the psychiatric institution on one end of the city, to dreary streets and opium dens, you will unravel the story over four episodes in a classic point&click manner, with enough Edgar Alan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft to satiate even the biggest horror connoisseurs. The game features an inventory, item combining and other P&C hallmarks, but they are never designed to get you stuck. Perhaps some might fault the game for its slightly lower challenge difficulty ceiling, but it’s something we commend it for because it avoids artificial obstacles and therefore allows the story to develop naturally.
At first glance (and second, third and fiftieth), the game doesn’t seem like some spectacle. Trust us, it doesn’t have to. Even if the shapes aren’t very clear, it’s more than well suggested what sort of horrors you’re experiencing. In charge of hair-raising is actually the audio, which is masterfully interwoven with music themes. You’ll be aware that you’re somewhere you shouldn’t be as soon as you step there and the soundtrack hums menacingly. As with every horror, this is a game that you have to play by yourself, with headphones or surround sound, and a clear path to the nearest light switch in case of panic. We are only sorry that this season as well lacks any sort of voice acting or at least narration, because the texts truly deserve to be dramatically read out in a raspy baritone. Also, if you decide to buy the game on Steam or GoG, you will receive the Collector’s Edition that includes a few additional scenes and the soundtrack, ready to keep you company in those nights when there are no street lights and the branches of the nearby trees scrape against your windows.
Don’t be dissuaded by the game’s looks. Although the number of pixels on the screen rarely exceeds the one we saw on Commodore 64, the atmosphere built by the story and sound will freeze your blood as you click on, revealing more and more creepy bits of this Lovecraftian puzzle. While you’re playing it alone in the dark, you’ll want to think hard if you dare to open that last door and see what they hide. We recommend that you at least take a peek through the keyhole.
Author: Bojan Jovanović
The Last Door: Season 2
Pros:
- Truly creepy story
- Blood-chilling sound
Cons:
- The pixelated graphics aren’t for everyone
- No narration... again
