The Last Transmission by Hidden Veil Studios
The Last Transmission is an atmospheric walking simulator rooted in most of the basic horror elements. Exploring an ominous environment in first-person checks a box, as do the eerie noises echoing in an otherwise quiet setting. However, several moments of this chilling interactive experience are…underwhelming.
Developed by Hidden Veil Studios, The Last Transmission does well in setting the stage with its gloomy environment and ambience. You play as the last operator at a remote radio station, and your task is to record the weather every half hour and keep a lookout for anomalies.
Don’t Answer the Call
To add to the suspense, you’re instructed to simply focus on your job and not ask unnecessary questions. An ancient rotary phone rings occasionally. Do not pick up the phone. Do not speak first.
It turns out that I am quite rebellious. In a way, The Last Transmission encourages you to be.
Various peculiar reports start coming in, which are to be recorded on the typewriter. If you’re unsure of your current task, the typewriter will literally spell it out for you. On occasion, exploration triggers the next event. The simplicity of The Last Transmission eases players in the right direction most of the time.
Are You Receiving?
A night on the job starts out normally until you get a phone call from someone (or something) sinister, claiming “they’re lying to you.” The atmosphere begins shifting, the weather outside becomes unsettling, spooky anomalies start appearing in the sky, and mysterious writings appear on the wall.
The transitions are smooth, and I appreciated the small details, such as a creepy mannequin-type doll suddenly staring me straight in the face.
The game auto-saves after a task is completed, though the timing feels a tad random. You can’t technically “lose,” which is reassuring.
However, there was a moment when I saw an axe lodged into a log outside the station. I really, really wanted to grab it for my own protection. However, it appears there are few things you can physically “take” in The Last Transmission. The key exception: acquiring audio tapes is crucial in unveiling key elements.
Garbled Transmission
Despite being someone who is usually terrified playing any horror game, The Last Transmission didn’t make me as fearful as I’d hoped. I would have loved (and hated) to be chased by that daunting voice on the phone to the point where my heart rate shot through the roof. Unfortunately, the gameplay is fairly mellow.
The story also falls short on clarity, and I still have a lot of questions. The multiple endings are anticlimactic.
As the credits rolled, I asked myself, “Is that it?” I need more answers! The overall experience is short-lived and lacks impactful moments.
The Verdict:
Though The Last Transmission’s environments are clearly crafted with love and are appealing to the eye, I yearned for more jump scares and a wicked backstory for a game labeled as “psychological horror.”
Ultimately, it left me wanting more.
The Last Transmission is available via Steam.
Watch the official trailer for The Last Transmission:
