“The Last Guardian” is the latest adventure game from the creators of “Ico” and “Shadow of the Colossus“. After nearly a decade, the title is finally released on PlayStation 4 with an epic story about discovery and companionship. Check out my complete review of one of the most anticipated games of all time.
Originally revealed in 2007 as a PlayStation 3 exclusive, The Last Guardian endured a turbulent development cycle. The game from the Japanese studio Team Ico, led by visionary director Fumito Ueda, faced multiple delays and was even declared canceled in 2014.
After its cancellation, the title was resurrected at Sony’s E3 2015 press conference—gaming’s biggest stage. Many doubted the project would survive, given it outlived the very console it was designed for. But believe it: The Last Guardian is finally here.
The story follows a young boy and his giant, mythical companion nicknamed “Trico.” Together they embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of a mysterious world, putting their unexpected bond to the test.
Mechanically, the game focuses entirely on the interaction between the pair. At first, the boy must earn Trico’s trust through gentle gestures. As their bond grows, the boy teaches Trico to perform actions like jumping, crouching, and eating.
The core gameplay consists of intricately designed puzzles and obstacles. Their teamwork is constantly tested: both must think in unison to execute strategies correctly.
For example, while the boy pulls a lever atop a tower, Trico stands below to cushion his fall. It’s truly impressive to see player‑controlled and AI‑controlled characters working together so seamlessly.
In other words, The Last Guardian is essentially a masterclass in exploration. Although Trico occasionally fends off angry stone knights, the boy never directly fights: he remains a strategic partner, acting behind the scenes.
Trico’s AI is generally solid but can falter. Sometimes he gets stuck, unsure of how to proceed—even after repeated commands. Usually you must call his attention and point to an object before he obeys.
Yet, this “flawed” behavior sometimes feels intentional—much like training a newly adopted animal. Trico’s learning curve mirrors Agro’s in Shadow of the Colossus: incremental, requiring patience.
Given its nearly ten‑year history, minor technical limitations are expected: slightly blurry textures, subtle lighting and reflection effects, and modest detail in characters and environments.
Still, the art direction is flawless, living up to Ueda’s reputation with breathtaking levels that linger in memory. The visual style evokes Shadow of the Colossus but is optimized for current‑gen hardware—complete with HDR support for richer colors.
As anticipated, the adventure is driven by a gorgeous orchestral score. Beyond the boy’s calls and Trico’s heavy footsteps, the world is mostly silent, amplifying its sense of isolation.
Verdict
- Graphics
- Interface
- Entertainment
- Gameplay
- Features
Summary
“The Last Guardian” is a timeless work, a game that even after nine turbulent years remains relevant thanks to the strong emotional appeal it provides to the player.
The title does not stand out for its gameplay, much less for its cutting-edge graphics: it simply makes the deep relationship between such different companions something special. Amidst so many action games on the market, here is an experience that is finally capable of touching hearts.
