Last Day of June PS4 Review
| Game: | Last Day of June |
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| Publisher: | 505 Games |
| Developer: |
Last Day of June is a game that tells a moving story about love and loss. It’s also one that is sure to live on in the memory of many who experience it.
The game follows the story of a couple, Carl and June, who are spending a relaxing day together beside a lake. However, tragedy strikes when June is killed in a car accident on the way home, leaving Carl in a wheelchair and alone to deal with his grief. The game then takes players on a journey through time and space as Carl tries to make sense of what happened and find a way to change the course of events that led to June’s death, revisiting the tragedy and taking control of different characters in an attempt to reshape it to a far better outcome.
The characters in Last Day of June are also a highlight of the game. Despite the lack of full voice acting, each character has their own unique story to tell through visual storytelling, and learning more about them can often provide new insights into the game’s overall narrative. The game’s use of time travel mechanics also allows you to see different perspectives on the events that led up to June’s death, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Last Day of June’s stop motion-like visuals are basic but striking. The game’s environments are beautifully rendered, with a distinct watercolour-like quality that creates a dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere. While the game’s visuals are not particularly complex, they are undeniably striking and help to create a memorable and immersive experience.
The environments in Last Day of June are another standout feature of the game. From the serene lake to the quaint village, each environment is beautifully rendered and filled with intricate details that bring the game’s world to life. The game’s use of colour and light is particularly noteworthy, with a vivid palette that ranges from warm, inviting hues to cool, melancholic shades. The changing weather conditions also add to the game’s immersive atmosphere, with rain, wind, and fog all playing a role in shaping the mood and tone of each environment.
The game’s soundtrack, composed by Steven Wilson, is also a standout feature, perfectly complementing the game’s themes and providing an emotional anchor for the story. Last Day of June took direct inspiration from Wilson’s song Drive Home, which deals with themes of love and loss, while the video of the song features a similar visual style to the game. The music video was directed by Jess Cope, an award-winning animator and filmmaker who worked closely with the game’s developers to ensure that the game’s visuals not only looked beautiful but also conveyed the game’s themes and emotions. Cope’s unique style is evident in every frame of Last Day of June, making it a true collaboration between some of the most talented artists in their respective fields.
The puzzles in Last Day of June are cleverly integrated into the game’s narrative and require players to think creatively to progress. Each puzzle is unique and requires players to use a combination of exploration, observation, and trial and error to solve. While the puzzles may not be the most challenging, they are well-designed and add an extra layer of engagement to the gameplay experience.
Overall, Last Day of June is a beautiful and emotionally engaging game that is well worth playing. The game’s music, visuals, puzzles, and characters all work together to create a rich and unforgettable gameplay experience. Whether you’re a fan of puzzle games or narrative-driven experiences, Last Day of June is sure to leave a lasting impression.
