Nao Games, a Japanese indie developer, has unleashed their upcoming title “Last Standing” on the Steam store, with an expected release date set for November 2024.
“Last Standing” is a side-scrolling action game that puts players in the shoes of a lone warrior on the battlefield, tasked with constantly defeating enemies emerging from both sides.
Its main standout aside from its dazzling pixelated artwork is that the attack range expands as more keys are pressed simultaneously.
With the left half of the keyboard controlling attacks on the left side with the right half of the keyboard controlling attacks on the right, players must vigorously press keys to maneuver their character and unleash attacks.
Notably, these attack actions also serve as movement. Moreover, when the gauge reaches its maximum, players can unleash a devastating special move by swinging the mouse, enabling them to clear out enemies with ease.
During nighttime, wandering merchants emerge, providing chances to acquire items for healing and power-ups. With the passage of time, tougher enemies arise, making it essential to vanquish as many foes as possible, but given the unique control scheme I can’t help but worry that it’ll take some time getting used to it.
According to Nao’s official website, the developer originates from Osaka, Japan, boasting 17 years of experience in the gaming industry before venturing out to pursue his dream of creating games that aligns with his own vision.
One of his previous games, titled “Ninja or Die,” was released on August 3, 2023, after nearly two years of development. This roguelike action game features captivating pixelated graphics and a unique gameplay mechanic where movement and attacks are executed solely through jumping.
The game requires strategic thinking, reflecting the developer’s penchant for unconventional control schemes in his creations.
Upon its release, “Ninja or Die” received relatively low reception, garnering just 12 reviews on Steam with an average “Mixed” rating of 58%. While reviewers appreciated the pixel artwork and the game concept, they criticized the level design as “sadistic” or “not designed to be fun.”
Some likened the movement system to that of “Jump King.” However, the general consensus among reviewers was dissatisfaction with the game’s level design, describing it as either bland or overly difficult.
Nao regularly shares development updates on Twitter, and while his titles cater to an extreme niche audience, they possess a unique charm. Personally, I hope his next game receives a better reception than his last. “Last Standing” might catch your interest, as it’s important to support indie developers who craft games with genuine love and passion, rather than large corporations solely focused on narrative and working with race-obsessed DEI consultants like Sweet Baby Inc, who are being protected by games journalists and even the United States Government.
