Jordan Mechner, renowned for crafting the iconic 'Prince of Persia,' is now offering fans a deep dive into another of his less commercially successful but critically adored projects, 'The Last Express.' Released in 1997 by Smoking Car Productions, this point-and-click adventure game set on the Orient Express just before World War I didn’t initially capture a broad audience. However, over the years, it has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, drawn in by its rich narrative and innovative gameplay.
The uniqueness of 'The Last Express' lies in its real-time, non-linear storytelling enriched with a distinctive art nouveau style. This technique was achieved by rotoscoping live actors, lending the game an animated yet realistic feel that was groundbreaking at the time. The game unfolds on the legendary Orient Express, immersing players in a plot filled with murder, romance, and political intrigue, all unfolding in real-time as they interact with various characters aboard the train.
Jordan Mechner recently began sharing his personal journey through the development of this unique game on his blog. Each Wednesday, he posts entries from his journals dating back to the early '90s when the game was just a concept being nurtured into existence. His writings cover everything from the initial formation of Smoking Car Productions to the meticulous process of writing and research, which included trips to the actual Orient Express to capture its essence authentically.
These posts not only recount the development challenges but also give insights into the creative process, including dialogue writing and character development. On July 3, 2024, Mechner shared a tweet showcasing some of this process, with audio clippings from the game to illustrate how the team aimed to recreate the atmosphere of a 1914 luxury train realistically.
Alongside his journal entries, Mechner has also shared several never-before-seen materials from the game's development stages. These include early rotoscoping tests, personal photographs, pre-production animations, and casting recordings, all of which paint a vivid picture of the creative journey behind 'The Last Express.'
The reception to these shares has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing interest in an "interactive documentary" release of the game. Such a project could potentially be undertaken by Digital Eclipse, similar to their previous work on 'The Making of Karateka.' This would offer a modern audience not only a chance to play the game but also to experience its historical creation process.
Discussing the possibility of such a collaboration, Mechner expressed openness, though he emphasized that 'The Last Express' was the product of a sizable team's effort over four years. As such, any retrospective project should ideally include contributions from as many original team members as possible, to fully capture the diverse voices and experiences that shaped the game.
For those eager to explore these journal entries and learn more about the making of 'The Last Express,' Mechner’s blog is readily accessible, with plenty more content anticipated. The game's development spanned from 1993 to 1997, and with Mechner’s updates currently detailing events up to mid-1994, there is still much to look forward to.
These publications are more than just a window into the past—they are a celebration of adventure gaming's history and a testament to the complexities and joys of game development. Mechner's open sharing of his experiences provides a gem for video game historians and enthusiasts alike, ensuring 'The Last Express' continues to fascinate and inspire long after its initial release.
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