Three years ago today, on September 15, 2021, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call hit VR headsets, bringing an epic conclusion to the Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge experience. Developed by ILMxLAB, the studio responsible for other Star Wars VR projects like Vader Immortal, Last Call was the highly anticipated second part of the Galaxy’s Edge VR series, exclusive to the Oculus Quest platform.
So, what made Last Call special? Why did it captivate Star Wars fans and VR enthusiasts alike? Let’s dive into everything that made this game stand out, from new storylines to enhanced gameplay mechanics.
The Journey to Last Call
To truly appreciate Last Call, we first need to revisit its predecessor. Released in late 2020, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge introduced players to the planet Batuu, a setting first brought to life in the Star Wars theme parks. Players assumed the role of a droid repair technician who, through a series of unexpected events, found themselves battling pirates, dodging blaster fire, and embarking on missions with some of the galaxy’s most famous characters. The first installment was fun, but it felt like the story wasn’t quite finished. That’s where Last Call came in.
Released nearly a year after the original game, Last Call acted as the thrilling conclusion to this two-part VR adventure. It picked up the narrative threads from the original while introducing new content and characters that made the experience feel fresh and exciting.
Expanding the Story: New Adventures and Fan Favorites
Last Call didn’t just expand on the gameplay—it deepened the story in significant ways. Players once again found themselves exploring Batuu, but this time with new missions that were more varied and, frankly, more fun.
One of the highlights of Last Call was the introduction of two new “Tales,” a hallmark of the series where players can step into the shoes of characters from across the Star Wars universe. In one tale, players got to embody IG-88, the famous bounty hunter droid, in a mission that felt like a direct homage to fans of The Mandalorian. Playing as IG-88, you took on dangerous mercenaries and explored the galaxy’s seedy underworld, delivering a power trip for anyone who ever wondered what it would be like to be one of Star Wars’ deadliest bounty hunters.
The other standout tale was a more thoughtful and meditative Jedi story that followed Ady’Sun Zee, a character first introduced in the original game. Now a full-fledged Jedi Knight, Ady’Sun takes on an apprentice of her own, and players experience the trials and challenges of Jedi life from the perspective of a mentor. The Force-based puzzles in this storyline were more intricate and rewarding, offering a change of pace from the usual blaster combat.
Gameplay Enhancements: Bigger, Better, and More Explosive
The gameplay mechanics in Last Call received some much-needed upgrades over the original. One of the major complaints about the first game was the limited weapon selection and the simplicity of some combat encounters. Last Call remedied this by adding a wider array of weapons, including charge-up blasters, shielded guns, and explosives that gave players more options for dealing with enemies. Players could also carry more weapons at once, thanks to new shoulder holsters, making the battles feel much more dynamic.
The enemy variety was also improved. While the first game mostly pitted players against standard goons, Last Call introduced tougher foes like droids equipped with advanced weaponry and mercenaries with shields. These changes made combat more challenging, forcing players to rethink their strategies during each encounter.
For players who love exploration, Last Call expanded the playable areas, introducing new environments and hidden secrets across Batuu. With improved navigation tools and the ability to move more freely thanks to an updated hoverpack, players could explore the world in more detail, adding to the game’s immersive qualities.
Immersive VR: Bringing Batuu to Life
One of the things that Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge does incredibly well—Last Call especially—is make you feel like you’re in the Star Wars universe. ILMxLAB’s attention to detail is staggering. From the sound design (you’ll hear blaster bolts zipping past your head) to the environments (Batuu’s cantinas and alleyways are rich with atmosphere), the game immerses players in a way that few other VR experiences manage.
Last Call also features several familiar faces from the Star Wars universe. In addition to playing as characters like IG-88 and Ady’Sun Zee, players encounter classic droids like C-3PO, making it feel like you’re part of a much larger galactic story.
A Satisfying Conclusion: Wrapping up the Story
One of the best things about Last Call is how it ties everything together. While the original game left some threads hanging, Last Call delivers a proper conclusion to the story. The stakes are higher, the villains more dangerous, and the final missions feel appropriately climactic. The game even includes some cameos from fan-favorite characters that serve as the icing on the cake for any Star Wars fan.
Despite its relatively short playtime, Last Call offers a rich and varied experience, with enough side content and exploration to keep completionists happy. Whether you’re chasing down mercenaries or wielding a lightsaber in one of the Jedi-themed missions, Last Call delivers a well-rounded experience that feels like the perfect finale to the Galaxy’s Edge saga.
Looking Forward: The Legacy of Last Call
Three years after its release, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call remains a standout VR experience for both Star Wars fans and virtual reality enthusiasts. It combined compelling narratives, engaging gameplay, and immersive VR elements to create a truly memorable adventure in the Star Wars galaxy.
While the game hasn’t sparked a direct sequel just yet, its success in expanding the VR storytelling landscape makes it a key chapter in ILMxLAB’s growing portfolio. As virtual reality continues to evolve, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more Star Wars stories told in this format, potentially building off the foundation that Last Call helped establish.
In conclusion, Last Call provided a fitting end to the Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge series and remains one of the most polished and engaging VR games available. Three years later, it still holds up as a must-play for anyone looking to step into the Star Wars universe and explore Batuu like never before.
