Last Call is a bartending simulation. Though this description will most likely deter the majority of gamers, if you sit down with this one for a few hours, you may enjoy it and *phear* maybe even learn something. Though for recovering alcoholics such as myself, this game may not be the best title (the virtual liquor is teasing me) but it's full of useful recipies and drink combinations that could come in handy at your next party.

This title can be examined as either a Sim or a Tutorial. From the standpoint of a Tutorial, you can enter into the game's recipe book and choose from an alphabetized list of drinks, each broken down into amounts of each ingredient, mode of preparation and how to serve. From a Sim perspective, this game can be somewhat frustrating. The underlying story is rather lax; You are a bartender and you work for some woman who initially introduces herself as "not being a bitch". The basic premise here is to advance to your next shift, which is accomplished after attaining a certain amount in tips within the allotted time. Surpass this value, and a bonus round becomes available.

Shifts are the equivalent of levels. As you advance through the levels, you will meet more interesting customers as well as be required to whip up much more extravagent cocktails. The patrons of the bar actually add to the atmosphere quite nicely, especially if you mix your drinks properly and they begin to get drunk. As the bartender, you have very limited interaction with the customers, however, you can flirt, check ID, call the bouncer and take their orders. This game is not intended for a younger audience, which becomes apparent with some of the responses you get to your flirts. When dealing with customers, you must always card them upon meeting them for the first time. Should they not meet the age requirement of 21, call the bouncer.

The character animation, though somewhat cheesy and cartoony, fits this title rather well. The background never really changes, though since the action takes place behind the counter where you will always be, this doesn't matter. Every character that comes into the bar has a very distinct personality and this is coupled by some very good voice acting. The background music is reminiscent of any more upscale lounge. All audio effects suit this game perfectly.

Once you get used to the controls and the location of all the bottles (each accompanied by a keyboard shortcut) and start to learn some of the drinks, this game can get to be quite fun. Any one who aspires to become a bartender (and I know you do), this title is definitely worth a try. After playing it, I actually went to the bar down the street and told the bartender "Gimme an Alabama Slammer". When he looked at me and started consulting his list, I just chimed in and told him how to do it. Though I may never be allowed back into that bar, Last Call served me well, maybe even more so than "Hooked on Phonics". Cheers!