The making of The Last Express: How Prince of Persia’s Jordan Mechner created one of the last great classic adventure games

PC Games

Exploring The Last Express: A Look at Jordan Mechner’s Vision

Back in 1993, Jordan Mechner embarked on a creative journey unlike any other in his career. In his journal, he expressed the daunting task ahead of him in creating The Last Express: “Directing a feature film would be easy compared to the job this is going to be.”

Set on the Orient Express on the brink of World War 1, The Last Express was not just a game for Mechner, it was a passion project that took four years of his life and all his savings to bring to fruition. After a hiatus from game design to study film, Mechner found himself drawn back to the world of gaming by the allure of creating a cinematic experience unlike any other.

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In a recent interview, Mechner shared his journey from film school back to game design, stating, “Instead of making a film, why not make a game that’s cinematic?” This decision led to the birth of The Last Express, a game that blurred the lines between film, graphic novels, and interactive storytelling.

The rotoscoping process was painstaking, but created an art style that holds up to this day, even in a 25 year-old game. | Image credit: Jordan Mechner

With Smoking Car Productions in tow, Mechner delved into the intricate process of bringing The Last Express to life. Balancing multiple roles, from directing voice recordings to overseeing animation shoots, Mechner poured his heart and soul into creating a game that would challenge the traditional narratives seen in the gaming industry.

As the story of The Last Express unfolded aboard the moving train, Mechner drew inspiration from classic films like Alfred Hitchcock’s works and Indiana Jones, steering away from the typical detective tropes found in Agatha Christie’s novels. The game’s narrative complexity and character depth were a testament to Mechner’s commitment to delivering a truly immersive experience.

A male actor holding a child’s hand on the set of The Last Express.

The actors were made-up and filmed from various angles. Then, Mechner and his team created and processed over 40,000 frames of animation. | Image credit: Jordan Mechner

Through meticulous planning and attention to detail, Mechner and his team crafted a truly unique gaming experience that still resonates with players today. The blend of cinematic storytelling, intricate character interactions, and historical depth set The Last Express apart from its peers, solidifying its status as a timeless masterpiece.

A computer program showing how an actor was animated into The Last Express.

Actors were filmed on-set and then drawn directly into the game with proprietary software. | Image credit: Jordan Mechner

Despite initial sales setbacks, The Last Express remains a shining example of how innovative storytelling and artistic vision can withstand the test of time. Mechner’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of game design and narrative depth has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, inspiring a new generation of creators to explore the boundless possibilities of interactive storytelling.

As we look back at The Last Express, it’s clear that Jordan Mechner’s bold vision and unwavering commitment to storytelling excellence have cemented his legacy as a true pioneer in the world of gaming.