The Last Hero of Nostalgaia review (PS5)

In “The Last Hero of Nostalgaia,” Coatsink and Over The Moon deliver a satirical action-adventure game that pays homage to the souls-like genre while adding its own unique twists. Set in the collapsing world of Nostalgaia, a realm of video game nostalgia, players take on the role of a hideous pixelated hero fighting through hordes of mindless inhabitants. The game features hard but fair combat, full character customization, and engaging narrative mechanics rich in lore – and it has now come to additional platforms, allowing us to review it on a PlayStation 5.

The premise of the game revolves around the pixelated world of Nostalgaia, which is crumbling into a mysterious pixelation. As the last hope for its restoration, players embark on a quest to uncover the cause of the chaos and save Nostalgaia from oblivion. The game’s story is simple yet engaging, with a touch of humor provided by a cynical narrator who accompanies players throughout their journey. The narrative offers a few twists and turns, keeping players invested in the unfolding events.

Visually, “The Last Hero of Nostalgaia” combines pixelated and more realistic elements to create a unique aesthetic. The pixelated landscapes and character models fit well with the nostalgic theme, while other areas offer a surprising amount of depth despite their pixelated style. However, the map design could have been improved, as some areas feel bland and occasional navigation issues do pop up.

The game introduces a variety of enemies, each area featuring its own set of challenges. Players must adapt to different enemy types and learn their attack patterns, reminiscent of other souls-like games. The boss fights stand out, with nods to iconic bosses from games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, though the final boss may take a few rounds to recognize fully.

Combat in “The Last Hero of Nostalgaia” follows the familiar souls-like formula, with two attack buttons and the ability to block and counter. The game offers a wide array of unique weapons, armor, and shields, often referencing other games and franchises in how they look and sound. Players can upgrade their weapons through a blacksmith and even “remember” certain weapons, adding additional specs and providing a sense of progression. Collectible items and spells, which help buff or protect against enemy status effects, add depth to the gameplay.

While the game simplifies certain aspects compared to other offerings in the genre, such as stats and leveling up, it lacks a decent fast travel system. The absence of a robust fast travel mechanic can be inconvenient, as players can only set one checkpoint at a time and activate it at a checkpoint location.

The audio presentation of “The Last Hero of Nostalgaia” stands out, with top-tier sound effects that immerse players in the action. Critical hits, in particular, provide a satisfying auditory experience. The voice acting, especially by the narrator, is above par, contributing to the game’s humor and overall atmosphere. While ambient noise is always present, the game lacks a full soundtrack, with music only playing at certain moments. However, the soundtrack during boss fights is exceptional, striking a perfect balance between retro and modern vibes.

In addition, the recently added “Rise of Evil DLC” expands the game with two new areas, Easymaker’s Retreat and The Builder’s Sanctuary. Players can confront three new challenging bosses, and the DLC also introduces new weapons, armor sets, and spells, further enhancing the customization options for players.

The DLC builds upon the strengths of the base game, offering additional content for players to explore and conquer. The new areas bring fresh challenges and provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the lore of Nostalgaia. The boss battles in the DLC are particularly memorable, featuring unique mechanics and requiring players to employ different strategies to emerge victorious.

Overall, “The Last Hero of Nostalgaia” and its “Rise of Evil DLC” combine to create an enjoyable and nostalgic experience for fans of the souls-like genre. With its satirical narrative, pixelated aesthetics, challenging combat, and the recent expansion of the DLC, the game offers a solid and entertaining adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the genre, this title has something to offer.

Score: 7.2/10