Last Survivor (Japan) (FD1094 317-0083)

Trapped within a labyrinthine maze, players in Sega’s Last Survivor compete to be the first to escape. Up to two players navigate separate screens depicting the twisting corridors and hostile inhabitants of the maze, each seeking to collect four keys necessary for unlocking the exit. The catch? Keys are only obtained by eliminating other players – ensuring a frantic free-for-all within the enclosed environment. Movement is controlled with an eight-way rotary joystick allowing players to traverse the maze in all directions and rotate their viewpoint. Scattered throughout the levels are shops where players can spend earned currency on weapon upgrades, increased speed, or protective armor. Map pillars provide momentary glimpses of the level layout and the positions of other contestants, crucial for both strategic planning and avoiding ambushes. Last Survivor, released in 1989, utilizes Sega’s X Board hardware to deliver a unique blend of third-person shooting and competitive gameplay where survival depends on cunning, reflexes, and a willingness to outmaneuver opponents.