Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Last Rites throws you into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, and your role as the Special Forces commander feels immediately urgent. From the first mission, you’re tasked with navigating sprawling compound interiors and wide-open exteriors that demand both precision shooting and careful tactical planning. The mission-based structure keeps each level feeling fresh—one moment you’re breaching a zombie-infested lab, the next you’re providing cover fire for a rescue convoy under siege.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

One of the game’s standout features is your AI-controlled squad of four commandos. They intelligently flank enemies, lay down suppressing fire, and even pick off stragglers while you focus on the bigger threats. You can issue simple orders—hold position, fall back, or concentrate fire—ensuring that your team remains a valuable asset rather than a liability. This cooperative element elevates Last Rites above many straight-up shooter clones of its era.

The arsenal on offer is equally thrilling. You’ll cycle through futuristic rifles, grenade launchers, and experimental energy weapons that feel utterly satisfying to fire. Ammo management becomes a subtle puzzle in tougher missions, forcing you to decide when to switch to a sidearm or conserve grenades for a sudden horde. These combat choices add a strategic layer, making Last Rites more than just a mindless run-and-gun experience.

Graphics

Powered by a 3D engine on par with DOOM, Last Rites delivers surprisingly detailed environments for its time. Indoor levels boast flickering fluorescent lights, blood-smeared walls, and shadowy corners where zombies can ambush you at any moment. The outdoor stages, meanwhile, feature ruined cityscapes, overgrown parklands, and moonlit bases that convey a bleak, haunting atmosphere.

Character models and animations hold up well: zombies lurch with jerky menace, sometimes breaking through barricades in gruesome fashion. Your commando squad moves in sync, taking cover and reloading realistically rather than teleporting in place. Even though the polygon counts are modest by modern standards, the clever use of lighting and texture work ensures that each mission area feels immersive and distinct.

The special effects—explosions, muzzle flashes, and gooey blood splatters—are where Last Rites really shines. Grenades tear chunks out of walls, creating new openings for flanking maneuvers, and the particle effects during energy-weapon discharges add a sci-fi flair. While you might notice a few repeating textures or flat backdrops, the overall graphical package remains engaging and supports the game’s intense combat scenarios.

Story

Last Rites sets you on a classic “humanity versus undead” trajectory, but it layers enough intrigue to keep you invested. As the commander, you uncover fragments of a conspiracy—bioweapons research gone wrong and a cover-up by a shadowy corporation. Short mission briefings and occasional radio chatter help flesh out the narrative, giving context to your objectives without bogging down the action.

The writing balances urgency with occasional moments of dark humor, such as a sarcastic commando calmly remarking on the absurdity of fighting living corpses with laser rifles. NPC dialogue is sparing but effective, providing just enough insight into your squad’s personalities and the stakes at hand. Though the main plot twists aren’t revolutionary, they’re delivered with enough flair to make each mission feel like a key chapter in a larger saga.

Environmental storytelling also plays a significant role: scattered documents, lab reports, and abandoned civilian shelters paint a vivid picture of society’s collapse. By exploring side corridors and hidden rooms, you piece together the backstory of the zombie outbreak, adding depth to the straightforward “clear the level” premise. This focus on world-building complements the strong gameplay loop, making every mission feel part of a greater struggle for survival.

Overall Experience

Last Rites offers an adrenaline-pumping shooter experience that blends the fast-paced action of DOOM with tactical team coordination. Its mission-based structure ensures variety, whether you’re defending a research facility, escorting survivors, or conducting stealthy infiltrations. The AI squad brings a welcome cooperative dynamic, saving you from feeling like a lone gunslinger against the undead hordes.

Visually and technically, the game holds up well for a mid-’90s release. The 3D engine powers memorable environments, and the special effects deliver visceral satisfaction. While some textures and level designs show their age, the overall presentation remains immersive, especially when played on original hardware or well-tuned emulators. The score and sound effects heighten the tension, with moans of approaching zombies and distant gunfire underscoring every step.

If you’re a fan of classic first-person shooters or zombie survival scenarios, Last Rites is a hidden gem that deserves your attention. Its strategic depth, weapon variety, and robust 3D engine make it more than a simple DOOM clone—it stands on its own as a compelling, action-packed adventure. Though only released in Europe, its engaging combat and atmospheric levels offer a memorable trip through a world teetering on the brink of total annihilation.

Retro Replay Score

5.3/10