Last Call (video game)
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | John Cutler |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Last Call! |
Last Call! is a video game released in 2000 for Windows, published by Simon & Schuster. In this title, players take on the role of a bartender with the goal of increasing customer gratuities.[1][2]
Development
Created by Cutler Creative, Last Call! was compatible with Windows 95 and Windows 98. John Cutler, the game's originator, developed the concept in 1995 as an educational tool for learning cocktail preparation. Initially named Bartender USA, the gameplay involved advancing from working at a Howard Johnson's establishment to a fashionable bar in New York City. Despite lacking prior experience in game development and access to a computer, Cutler conducted research by attending E3 and bartending events. He recruited programmers and artists to produce a prototype. An early idea to incorporate live-action animation was eventually abandoned. Simon & Schuster, having recently published the comedy game Deer Avenger, agreed to back and distribute the game since it fit their publishing strategy. Comedian and Comedy Central writer Susie Felber was brought on board as a writer, who also introduced her brother Adam Felber to the project. Cutler acknowledged that using Macromedia Director facilitated development but encountered difficulties related to feature expansion and testing management.[3]
Gameplay
The setting is a fictional bar located in New York City where players perform as bartenders crafting more than 100 different beverages. Tasks include checking IDs to prevent underage drinking, engaging with customers, controlling the music selection, and avoiding over-serving patrons. While a recipe guide is accessible, greater scores are earned by memorizing drink formulas to expedite service. The primary aim is to maximize tips from approximately 20 distinct characters, one of whom is Vincent the Hedgehog—a real hedgehog. The game features notable voice performances from actress Tina Fey, comedian Brian Stack, and singer Tammy Lang.
Critical reviews
On GameRankings, the game received mixed ratings. Ben Silverman from GameRevolution characterized it as a casual experience appropriate as an inexpensive alternative to Solitaire but unlikely to maintain long-term player interest. Lisa Karen Savignano of AllGame commended its imaginative character design despite some graphical shortcomings. Vincent Lopez of IGN praised the broad selection of drinks but criticized the awkward animation.
Sales
Commercially, the game underperformed and failed to achieve significant sales. It was released under different titles in various regions: Happy Hour in France and the UK, and On the Rocks in Germany. Interestingly, Cutler noted that purchasers were almost evenly split between male and female players.