A dark and moody atmospheric game set in a quiet, lonely post-apocalyptic world.
Normally, I'm not one for adventure games. Usually they frustrate me when it turns out I need a key - but instead I should combine a broom with a turtle and shake it over a pot of soup. Last Rose in a Desert Garden does not have any strange quests or incredible leaps of logic like that. It is a dark, game which plays almost like a visual tone poem.
Did that last sentence make sense? It will when you play it. Though, be warned, its text heavy to begin with, and only reading all of the introduction will the mood be set. Its creepy and scary in a quiet and meditative way. Nothing leaps out to grab you, but the atmosphere is full of fear and hesitation.
Without drivelling on with flowery text about the feel of the game, let me say its quite entertaining in a certain way, and is also quite short. The puzzles are straightforward and logical and all contribute to the ultimate goal. Whatever that is.
I'll try to stop going on about it, and suggest you play it straight away. Even for people not familiar with the genre, its that non-complex that you'll pick it up easily and be done with it in less than 30-45 minutes. And it may very well be one of the most interesting set of minutes you'll spend in front of a game.
The game starts with the main character telling you about the past. The description is so well written you instantly connect with him, and feel his pain, his sadness. Soon he finds hope, and even somehow you feel the hope too. You want so badly for everything to end well...
From a gameplay perspective this game is not really that good at all. But the mood it sets is truly amazing. The end's emotion (which may be relief, happiness, sadness... I wont say and spoil it) is extremely powerful.