Last Call BBS

Last Call BBS
Developer(s)	Zachtronics
Publisher(s)	Zachtronics
Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows MacOS Steam Deck
Release	August 4, 2022
Genre(s)	Puzzle
Mode(s)	Single-player

Last Call BBS is a puzzle video game developed by Zachtronics. Released on August 4, 2022, it was the studio's final game before its closure.

Gameplay

Set on a Z5 Powerlance, a fictional 1990s PC, Last Call BBS features eight small puzzle games with distinct gameplay.[1] To install the games, the player needs to dial an in-game BBS.[2] All games contain elements of previous works developed by Zachtronics. For instance, 20th Century Food Court, a factory simulation game where the player arranges machines to make food, incorporates the assembly line elements of SpaceChem.[1] With point-and-click controls, the games begin with easy introductory levels, before increasing in difficulty as new gameplay elements are introduced.[2] In addition to the puzzle games, the game contains a circuit creation game, model-building simulator and a retro-style minigame of solitaire, similar to those present in previous Zachtronics games.[3][4]

Development and release

The closure of Zachtronics was announced in June 2022, along with the announcements of Last Call BBS and a compilation of all solitaire minigames in the studio's previous works.[5] Last Call BBS' official trailer was released online later that month.[6] The game was released on Steam via early access on July 5,[4] and its final version was released on August 4.[7] In an interview with Kotaku, Zach Barth, Zachtronics' founder and lead designer, said that the reason for their breakup was that they "felt it was time for a change."[5] The team officially disbanded following the release of The Zachtronics Solitaire Collection, though some of its members, including Barth, are still active in game development.[8] Last Call BBS received favorable reviews from critics upon release.[1][2][3][4]

References

1. Watts, Rachel (2022-07-11). "Last Call BBS is a tour through a decade of Zachtronics indie development". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Archived from the original on 2024-05-29. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
2. Macgregor, Jody (2022-07-05). "Why Last Call BBS is the last call for indie studio Zachtronics". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 2024-08-27. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
3. "Last Call BBS, its creators' final game, is a love letter to the process". AV Club. Archived from the original on 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
4. Cunningham, James (2022-07-05). "The Final Zachtronics with Last Call BBS Early Access Release". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
5. "Goodbye Zachtronics, Developers Of Very Cool Video Games". Kotaku. 2022-06-24. Archived from the original on 2022-07-05. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
6. Zachtronics (2022-06-15). Last Call BBS, by Zachtronics. Retrieved 2024-10-10 – via YouTube.
7. "Last Call BBS, the final game from Zachtronics has left Early Access". GamingOnLinux. 2022-08-04. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
8. Ostler, Anne-Marie (2022-06-24). "Acclaimed puzzle game studio Zachtronics will release its final game next month". gamesradar. Retrieved 2024-10-10.

External links

• Official website