Last Alert

Last Alert features somewhat basic top-down shoot 'em up gameplay. In addition to a primary weapon which has unlimited ammunition, there are consumables such as a flamethrower, grenades, and a hovering turret. There are also minor RPG mechanics, such as a points system, class leveling, and weapon upgrades. In the game, the player gains experience points by killing enemies or completing objectives.

These points allow the player to reach new classes, and each new class serves to raise the player's "vital", or health. Furthermore, gaining levels grants the player access to new primary weapons; the player starts with an M1911A1, but through leveling obtains an Uzi, an M16, an M203, an LMG, and a rocket launcher, each progressively more powerful than the last.

Last Alert's story begins on November 20, 1988. Guy Kazama, an American commando in the Special Mission Unit, has been dispatched to the jungles of South America to rescue hostages upon a request from the Lloyd government. The request, however, was a trap, and Guy Kazama's unit is ambushed by an attack helicopter. Guy Kazama is the sole survivor of the ambush, and the antagonists of the game are introduced: an international arms band collectively known as the Force Project, whose ultimate goal is to rule the world.

Its leaders are Colonel Jim Kadat of the Republic of Lybid, Mr. Tommy Lee of the Hong Kong mafia, Chairman Steve Lloyd of the Dual Foundation, and Dr. Che Garcia, a brilliant physicist.

While it received generally warm reception when it was released and was especially praised for its graphics and music, it received criticism by some for linear and repetitive gameplay. It has, however, received praise for its snappy controls, balanced experience point system, and comedic value in the campy story, dialogue, and acting. The Japanese version, on the other hand, has received praise for its voice acting.

Electronic Gaming Monthly listed Guy Kazama as #4 on its "Top 10 List of Video Game Blabbermouths", listing voice acting they considered "goofy" or causing laughter because of its poor quality.