One Last Breath, a brand new release from Catness Game Studios developed in collaboration with Moonatic Studios and Maniac Panda Games, invites players into a visually striking yet terrifyingly desolate post-apocalyptic world. Available on the PlayStation 5, this 2.5D adventure weaves together environmental puzzles, platforming, and a silent narrative, delivering a mixed experience that balances moments of brilliance with occasional shortcomings. Here are our thoughts.
Set against the backdrop of a world suffering because of humanity’s greed and neglect, One Last Breath follows Gaia, a humanoid embodiment of Mother Nature, on her quest to restore life to the barren landscape that we’re now left with. As players guide Gaia through abandoned cities, crumbling factories, and strange laboratories, they’ll encounter a diverse array of creatures and obstacles that stand in the way of her mission.
The narrative of One Last Breath unfolds silently yet powerfully, painting a bleak picture of a world on the brink of extinction. Through environmental storytelling and atmospheric design, players are immersed in Gaia’s journey, experiencing the tension and despair of a world that’s no longer home to human life. But while the game’s pacing and atmosphere are strong in the first half of the game, the latter chapters struggle to maintain the same level of engagement, with encounters becoming less frequent and the sense of urgency diminishing – this is where a more explicit narrative could have helped to keep the pace up.
At the heart of One Last Breath’s gameplay are its environmental puzzles, which task players with manipulating the world around them to progress. From creating pathways using trees and vines to outsmarting menacing creatures, the puzzles offer a mix of challenge and satisfaction. However, the quality of puzzles can be inconsistent, with some feeling repetitive or overly simplistic, detracting from the overall experience.
Visually, One Last Breath shines with its stunning 2.5D art style, reminiscent of acclaimed titles in the puzzle platforming genre. The environments are beautifully crafted, with each location telling a story of its own through intricate details and haunting imagery. Despite its visual appeal, the game suffers from occasional polish issues and technical hiccups, including clipping issues, which detract from the immersion but which we hope to see fixed in a post-launch update.
Complementing the atmospheric visuals is the game’s soundtrack, which heightens the tension and emotion of each moment. From haunting melodies to moments of serene beauty, the music enhances the overall experience, reminding players of the fragile beauty of the world they are fighting to save as it adapts to fit the right atmosphere throughout your journey.
In summary, One Last Breath is a captivating yet slightly flawed journey through a world on the brink of collapse. While its silent narrative and striking visuals offer moments of brilliance, the game is held back by inconsistent puzzles and technical issues. Despite its shortcomings, One Last Breath remains an intriguing addition to the puzzle platformer genre, offering players a hauntingly beautiful experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 