Last Vanguard

Last Vanguard is a Metroidvania shooter-platformer with RPG elements, set in a war-torn world ruled by an evil tyrant. Players explore a hand-crafted, desolate landscape filled with diverse biomes, facing off against 28 unique bosses and a variety of enemies. The game features 15 weapon types, customizable abilities, and strategic equipment choices, allowing for personalized combat styles. With stunning hand-drawn animations and a mix of action, exploration, and alliances, Last Vanguard offers a rich, immersive experience.

Last Vanguard: A Flawed but Promising Metroidvania Shooter

Introduction

Last Vanguard is a game that dares to blend the precision of a shooter with the exploration of a Metroidvania, all wrapped in a hand-drawn, post-apocalyptic world. Developed by the small but passionate team at Cool Tapir Studios, this game has been a labor of love, evolving through Early Access into a title that, while not without its flaws, offers a unique and engaging experience. This review will delve deep into the game’s development, narrative, gameplay, and legacy, providing a comprehensive analysis of what makes Last Vanguard stand out—and where it stumbles.

Development History & Context

Cool Tapir Studios, a two-person team consisting of Maxi Bavio and Leo Bavio, embarked on the journey to create Last Vanguard with a clear vision: to craft a Metroidvania shooter that emphasizes exploration, customization, and challenging combat. The game entered Early Access on November 5, 2024, and officially launched on May 15, 2025. The development process was marked by a strong commitment to community feedback, with the developers actively engaging with players to refine and improve the game.

The gaming landscape at the time of Last Vanguard‘s release was dominated by titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Blasphemous, both of which set high standards for Metroidvania games. Last Vanguard had to carve its niche by offering something different—a shooter-platformer hybrid with RPG elements. The technological constraints of the era, particularly the limitations of the Unity engine, posed challenges, but the developers managed to create a visually stunning and mechanically rich game.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Last Vanguard is set in a world ravaged by war and ruled by an evil tyrant. The protagonist, Tillian, must navigate this desolate landscape, forming alliances and uncovering the secrets of the world. The narrative is delivered through environmental storytelling, NPC interactions, and boss encounters, each of which adds depth to the lore.

The game’s themes revolve around resilience, exploration, and the struggle against oppression. The dialogue, while sometimes rough in its English translation, conveys a sense of urgency and desperation that fits the post-apocalyptic setting. The characters, though not deeply developed, serve their roles well, providing guidance and context to the player’s journey.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Last Vanguard is a Metroidvania shooter-platformer. The gameplay loop involves exploring a hand-crafted world, uncovering new abilities, and facing a variety of enemies and bosses. The combat system is robust, with a wide range of weapons and abilities that allow for extensive customization.

Combat and Progression

The game features 15 types of weapons, each affecting the player’s combat style. From pistols to bazookas, the arsenal is diverse, and players can switch between weapons to adapt to different situations. The progression system includes active and passive abilities, as well as helmets that provide various bonuses.

However, the game’s early iterations faced criticism for its clunky movement and aiming mechanics. The developers have since addressed these issues, improving the fluidity of movement and adding button customization options. The map system has also been overhauled, with features like zoom, fog of war, and custom markers enhancing the exploration experience.

Boss Battles

One of the standout features of Last Vanguard is its 28 boss battles, each with unique hand-drawn animations and varied combat styles. These encounters are challenging and require strategic thinking, making them a highlight of the game. The developers have balanced the difficulty curve, ensuring that players are adequately prepared for each boss fight.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Last Vanguard is a visual feast, with hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animations that bring the post-apocalyptic setting to life. The game features nine handcrafted biomes, each with its own distinct enemies and gameplay mechanics. The art style is reminiscent of classic Metroidvania games, with a modern twist that sets it apart.

The sound design complements the visuals, with a soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere of each biome. The sound effects are crisp and immersive, adding to the overall experience. The voice acting, while not extensive, is well-done and adds depth to the characters.

Reception & Legacy

Last Vanguard has received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, with 84% of the 63 user reviews being positive. The game has been praised for its challenging combat, beautiful art style, and engaging exploration. However, it has also faced criticism for its initial clunkiness and lack of polish.

The developers have been responsive to feedback, releasing numerous updates that address player concerns. These updates have improved the game’s performance, added new features, and refined the overall experience. The legacy of Last Vanguard is one of perseverance and dedication, with the developers continually striving to make the game the best it can be.

Conclusion

Last Vanguard is a game that, despite its flaws, offers a unique and engaging experience. The blend of shooter and Metroidvania elements, combined with a stunning hand-drawn world and challenging combat, makes it a standout title in the genre. While it may not be perfect, the developers’ commitment to improvement and community engagement is commendable.

Final Verdict: Last Vanguard is a promising Metroidvania shooter that, with continued updates and refinements, has the potential to become a classic in the genre. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of its developers and a must-play for fans of challenging, exploration-driven games.