The Last Resort was the second episode of Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures, the adventure game adaptation of the clay-animated Wallace & Gromit films by Aardman Animations.
The story finds the dynamic duo on their way to a beach holiday. However, the weather has other plans when a huge storm abrupts, leaving the two forced to stay at home. This isn't a problem for Wallace, however, as he builds a beach resort inside his own house. Of course, Wallace being Wallace, he wants to show his new invention off, so he invites all of his neighbors to have a beach holiday at his place. As usual, things eventually go pear shaped, and the way this happens is delightful.
The puzzle-based final fight was fun in the first episode, but this one has it beat. It also has a fun boss, of sorts, who gets a rightful comeuppance. The duo have to deal with this adversary throughout the episode, so it is fun to give the bully some just rewards at the episode's end.
The music is fantastic as usual, with Jared Emerson-Johnson providing a soundtrack that would feel right at home in one of the duo's films. The art is also fun here, with the Telltale team going all out on the beach theme. It's bright, it's colorful, and it's all Wallace in it's wackiness.
Any Wallace & Gromit production has to have a great voice cast, as all of the characters have to shine through their vocals, with the exception of our favorite silent star, Gromit. Wallace has an eclectic group of neighbors, and we get to see their personalities shine in this episode. All of the voice actors are great in their roles. Ben Whitehead's Wallace voice is still a bit deep, but since he provides all of the quirkiness that Wallace requires, the slight difference from the performances of original voice of Wallace, Peter Sallis, is soon forgotten.
The Last Resort is not only a fantastic follow-up to the premiere episode of Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures, but it also tops it in every way. Although it takes place in Wallace's house, the beach resort premise gives way to some much needed variety to the usual glum basement with some fun props and backgrounds. The voice cast and music remain fantastic, as they all live up to the legacy of Aardman's most famous project.
Final Verdict:
4½ out of 5
