Review: Last Call BBS

The word "comfy" gets thrown around when it comes to atmospheric pixel games. Recent entries like Unpacking fit into this category where they are great games with a rewarding gameplay loop, solid music, and a visual aesthetic that it commits to. Last Call BBS from Zacktronics Studios delivers a similar experience with 8 minigames that are challenging but fun all wrapped in a nostalgic 90s computer skin.

The general gameplay around Last Call BBS is relatively simple. The player is put in front of a computer screen, complete with effects to make it look like an old cathode ray screen that is curved around the edges, and they have to play these various minigames that are incredibly difficult in a rewarding way. The player starts with Solitaire and can expand out with games that require them to build anime statues, run a restaurant conveyor belt, and build a dungeon in an interesting picross logic game. As the player explores the computer, they get to learn how to play the games which unlocks more of the information regarding the history of the company that made it.

Last Call BBS is a game that rewards patience. There are built-in wait times that at first glance seem excessive, however, once one gets into the gameplay flow, feels essential to the game. I would just spend that time playing probably the single hardest game of Solitaire ever coded which, is more than worth the time to download. The soundtrack is also fantastic and adds to the nostalgia, which is probably the biggest selling point for the game.

If someone is looking for a fun game that will likely keep people engaged for a little bit, Last Call BBS is definitely the game for them. That said, at the list price of $19.99, it may be a little light in the content so it is best enjoyed via Game Pass (where it is available) or if purchased at a slight markdown, hence the 4 out of 5 stars.

★★★★