I started The Last Campfire with no expectations whatsoever and, by the time I reached the end, I was genuinely surprised by what the developers managed to achieve. It's one of those games that's hard to describe simply, because it blends several elements at once: a set of puzzles, a fantasy narrative, an inspiring message, and even a touch of platforming. At its core, it's an experience centered on the simplicity of gestures and kindness, and on how those small actions can make a difference in the lives of those who have lost their "flame."
The narrative is deeply connected to that central idea and builds itself in a subtle but effective way throughout the journey. Ember, the character we control, ends up being easily relatable, reflecting very human feelings such as uncertainty, loneliness, and the difficulty of understanding our own place in the world. It's an emotional approach, but presented with lightness and sensitivity.
One of the game's strongest points is its presentation. The visuals are remarkable, with a carefully crafted art direction that creates a welcoming and visually enchanting world. The soundtrack perfectly complements the experience, helping to reinforce the adventure's introspective and emotional tone. The characters we meet along the way also contribute to that impact, each one representing different emotions and states of mind.
In terms of gameplay, The Last Campfire is essentially built around puzzles that serve as the experience's main challenge. The game can be completed in around five to six hours, which makes it relatively short, but well structured within its proposal. There's also the option of playing only the story, skipping some of the riddles — although that approach may reduce the overall impact of the experience.
In the end, The Last Campfire stands out as a very well-achieved combination of smart puzzles, stunning art direction, and an emotionally touching narrative. It's an experience that's simple in its form, but deeply meaningful in its content.
out of 10
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Game The Last Campfire Released 2020 Available on PC · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · Nintendo Switch · Apple Arcade Reviewed on Nintendo Switch |  Cover: IGDB |
| PL | Pedro Lopes Writer · Portugal |
A games writer from Portugal running on a highly irresponsible amount of coffee — his blood type is officially "espresso". He has been a content creator at Lisbon Games Week, a jury member at Over & Out ’25 and an attendee of DevGAMM Lisbon 2025 (mostly for the free coffee). He has a Pac-Man tattoo on his finger, which contractually obliges him to chase ghosts forever.