Following last week’s release of the FMV game The Bunker on the Nintendo Switch, Wales Interactive is porting another FMV title to the portable console: Late Shift. Funny enough, I had mentioned in my review of The Bunker that I’d hoped to see this one follow suit and be available on the Switch. In case you’re unaware, FMV stands for full-motion video and the games play like movies in which the player interacts by finding objects, selecting specific regions in scenes, or answering choices along the way to progress the story.
Late Shift is a high stakes FMV crime thriller with branching storylines. After being forced into the robbery of a lucrative auction house, mathematics student Matt is left proving his innocence in the brutal London heist. The consequences of his actions take him on a vicious and violent journey across the capital, escaping the twisted web the player has the power to weave.
Some of the features of Late Shift include:
- Multi-optional Storytelling: One story, countless storylines, seven endings.
- A completely live action, cinematic interactive thriller, filmed in full HD in London, England.
- Over 180 decision points in total with no pauses and no looping footage.
- Directed by Tobias Weber, and written by Michael R. Johnson, author of Sherlock Holmes (2009 film)
- Acting performances by Joe Sowerbutts (Matt), Haruka Abe (May-Ling) and Oliver Twist’s Richard Durden (Samuel Parr).
Unlike The Bunker which gave you time to explore, for the most part, players are tasked with making decisions like stealing a car or running away, following orders or sabotaging a plan, and other game-changing choices with only a few seconds to decide before the game continues. The choices made determine the direction the game takes — even not making a choice — leading players to one of seven different endings. The game was shot in full HD across London, and the game’s cinematic experience really does blend the line between movies, gaming, and interactive storytelling.
Late Shift launches on the Nintendo Switch on April 26th for $12.99USD/£9.99/€12.99. The game is also available on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Steam.
What do you think about Late Shift coming to the Nintendo Switch and FMV games in general? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
