This1 James Veugelers Last Message (25 June 2021) JamesGamesNZ on Steam <store.steampowered.com/app/1141030/Last_Message/> free walking simulator that takes, generously an hour to play properly, is many things. It is a exploration into the experience of a non-heroic survivor in a zombie apocalypse, a meditation on the anxiety of the aftermath of the world’s mediocre response to Covid-19 pandemic, and a fantastic example of how walking simulators can offer amazing immersion in a role.
As its only a short game with a very linear story, I’m not going to go into the plot or characters – I’m instead going to recommend you play it yourself (it’s free, its a small install and a short play). Rather I wanted to put in the context of a conversation I saw a friend having about being over traditional Computer Role-Playing Games,2 Duke Revier (3 January 2026) BlueSky <bsky.app/profile/dukerevier.bsky.social> and how it ties to Robert Yang’s thoughts on the recurring deaths of immersive sims.3 Robert Yang “The second death of the immersive sim (2007-2017) and a dark prophecy for a third-wave immersive sim” (12 October 2017) Radiator Blog <www.blog.radiator.debacle.us>
Last Message uses very simple graphics (low polygons models, simple colour palettes), and extremely simple mechanics – WASD move, E for action, F for flashlight, Tab for leaving a play mode, and Escape for menu etc. There is nothing in there which doesn’t need to be there – no obligatory combat system, no mini-games, and no stats.
There’s still exploring to do if you want to uncover some heart-breaking environmental storytelling, and tasks you can do because the option to is there – but core experience requirements none of it and is still heavy without it. (Also someone who enjoys feijoas please try the recipe in the game and report back)
So, it could be a visual novel. However the way the game puts lot of emphasis on the sound, environmental story-telling, opportunities to immerse and need for players to take action when part of them doesn’t want to. Whether it’s giving an uncomfortable but necessary response in a chat or leaving the feeling of safety to help another.
I also feel the lack of combat or a survival mini-game increases the horror. As Ellen Rose explained at length in her recent talk about her plunge into horror games – mechanics that shift your focus or force a lot of retries tend to diminish the overall fear effect and replace it with simple frustration.
It also, as all horror does, include a few bits of comic relief – some of which were definitely inspired by the frustrations of Covid-19 in New Zealand.
Overall Last Message is a great story experience, and a great example of what you can accomplish with really tight design.
- 1James Veugelers Last Message (25 June 2021) JamesGamesNZ on Steam <store.steampowered.com/app/1141030/Last_Message/>
- 2Duke Revier (3 January 2026) BlueSky <bsky.app/profile/dukerevier.bsky.social>
- 3Robert Yang “The second death of the immersive sim (2007-2017) and a dark prophecy for a third-wave immersive sim” (12 October 2017) Radiator Blog <www.blog.radiator.debacle.us>