PSVR2’s The Last Worker – VR Doesn’t Save First-Person Order Pickers

Online order fulfillment was inevitable, but we thought games would be harder to beat and have more to say than The Last Worker. As Jüngle’s last human employee picking up packages, the setup is fertile for some sharp satire, but it is ultimately not utilized.

Jüngle’s dystopian workplace is full of potential, but it doesn’t reach its full potential. You won’t be able to circumvent the CEO’s efforts by sabotaging deliveries or refusing to work together. It is just an unmistakably bad place run by a brazenly duplicitous dude. A singular narrative path is all you have if you don’t meet your delivery quota.

A VR experience of Jüngle’s package-cluttered halls is still a neat spectacle, and it would be the definitive way to play The Last Worker if it weren’t for the limitations on movement it imposes. On a flat screen with a controller, you can move in any horizontal direction, but in VR you have to face your opponent. We recommend playing outside of virtual reality to make the instant fail state stealth sections significantly less frustrating. PSVR2 offers a sense of presence, scale, and spatial awareness.

This doesn’t mean The Last Worker does not have anything to offer. Its small cast and simplistic story are elevated by some stellar voice work. Their ill-mannered quips and puns are enough to smirk. The animated intro cinematic is outstanding and sets the scene perfectly without dialogue. Shame it’s the only one.

This is a VR game that’s better without VR. Fulfilling online orders in an apocalyptic capitalism is an excellent idea marred by inconsistent execution and confounding restrictions placed on VR movement. It’s short enough not to overstay its simplicity, but it’s not smart enough to make any astute thematic statements.

Pros:

  • A promising idea.

  • Humorous.

  • Performances to die for.

  • Intro is remarkable.

Cons:

  • Narrative squandered.

  • Inaction of players.

  • Gameplay is average.

  • Inefficient VR.

Score is 6 over 10.

Author: Maricel Cuico