Last Resort (video game)

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Last Resort is a 1992 arcade shooter made by SNK for the Neo Geo. In the game you fly a cyber jet through five stages (and you play them twice). You can upgrade your firepower in three different ways and speed up your jet. A key feature is an indestructible drone that acts as both a shield and extra weapon. The drone can hover around you or stay in place to block bullets and help fire.

Storywise, the game imagines a future where humans have space colonies. A computer virus infects a space station’s main computer, turning defenses against Earth and urging humans to side with it. Earth’s last hope is advanced, powerful spaceships like your cyber jet.

Last Resort was developed by SNK, with involvement from former Irem staff. It originally released for the Neo Geo MVS arcade system and was later ported to the Neo Geo AES home cartridge and the Neo Geo CD.

The game has been re-released several times: as part of SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 for PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Wii; and in 2017 as part of the ACA Neo Geo series for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Reception has been largely positive. Early reviews praised its graphics, sound, and action, with comparisons to R-Type and visual nods to Akira. Some criticisms included occasional slowdown, a short game length, and, for the AES version, a high price. Over time, it’s often listed as one of the best shooters on the Neo Geo, including recognition on Neo Geo CD lists.