The Last Guardian PlayStation 4 Game Review

Released in December 2016, The Last Guardian for PlayStation 4 is an action-adventure game that brings emotional storytelling and breathtaking visuals to the forefront. Developed by Japan Studio and directed by Fumito Ueda, this title follows in the footsteps of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, blending artistic beauty with unique gameplay mechanics. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its story, gameplay, graphics, and overall experience.

Story: A Tale of Friendship and Trust

The story of The Last Guardian revolves around a young boy and a mythical creature named Trico. Waking up in an ancient, mysterious ruin, the boy discovers that he is bound to Trico, a massive bird-dog hybrid, through an unspoken connection. Together, they must navigate the ruins, uncover the mysteries of their bond, and escape from their perilous surroundings.

The narrative’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. There’s little dialogue, yet the emotional depth is conveyed through the bond between the boy and Trico. As you progress, their relationship evolves, teaching players the values of trust, compassion, and teamwork. This connection is the heart of the game, making it more than just an adventure—it’s a poignant journey.

Gameplay: Unique but Imperfect

At its core, The Last Guardian is a puzzle-platformer with heavy reliance on environmental interaction. Players control the boy, who must guide Trico through intricate puzzles and dangerous obstacles. Trico, powered by impressive AI, plays a central role in solving puzzles and battling foes.

Strengths of the gameplay:

• Interactive AI: Trico feels alive. It doesn’t behave like a traditional game companion but like a real animal, with its own instincts and quirks.
• Challenging Puzzles: Many puzzles require creative thinking and collaboration with Trico to overcome.
• Exploration: The ruins are sprawling and layered, encouraging players to explore every corner.

Weaknesses of the gameplay:

• Controls: One of the most significant criticisms is the clunky controls, which can lead to frustrating moments.
• Camera Angles: The camera often struggles in tight spaces, making navigation tricky.

Graphics and Art Style: A Visual Masterpiece

The visual presentation of The Last Guardian is nothing short of stunning. Despite the PlayStation 4 hardware’s limitations compared to modern systems, the game uses a distinctive art style that prioritizes atmosphere and detail.

Highlights:

• Trico’s Realism: The animation and design of Trico are phenomenal. From the twitch of its ears to the way it reacts to its environment, Trico feels like a living creature.
• Environmental Design: The ruins are vast, beautifully decayed, and filled with light and shadow that add depth to the game world.
• Cinematic Presentation: The game’s slow pacing and sweeping camera angles create a sense of grandeur.

Sound Design: Immersive and Emotional

The soundscape of The Last Guardian is another standout feature. The music, composed by Takeshi Furukawa, perfectly complements the game’s emotional beats, swinging between moments of tension and tranquility. Trico’s vocalizations and the environmental sounds bring the world to life.

Replayability: A Limited Drawback

While the game offers a deeply immersive experience, its replay value is relatively low. Once the story is complete, there’s little incentive to return unless you want to relive the emotional journey or uncover hidden collectibles.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Emotional storytelling and a strong bond between characters.
• Stunning visuals and atmospheric design.
• Innovative AI that sets Trico apart from traditional game companions.

Weaknesses:

• Clunky controls and camera issues.
• Pacing can feel slow for some players.
• Limited replayability.

Is The Last Guardian Worth Playing?

Despite its imperfections, The Last Guardian is a masterpiece in emotional storytelling and artistic game design. It offers a unique gaming experience that transcends traditional action-adventure titles. If you’re a fan of games like Ico or Shadow of the Colossus, or if you enjoy titles that focus on emotional depth and creativity, this game is a must-play.

FAQs

What makes The Last Guardian unique?
Its focus on the bond between the boy and Trico, combined with the creature’s lifelike AI, sets it apart from other action-adventure games.

Is The Last Guardian suitable for all ages?
While the game features mild peril and combat, its lack of graphic violence makes it appropriate for most ages. However, younger players may struggle with the controls and puzzles.

How long does it take to complete The Last Guardian?
The game typically takes around 12–15 hours to complete, depending on the player’s familiarity with puzzle-solving mechanics.

Are the controls really that bad?
The controls and camera can feel outdated compared to modern standards. While manageable, they may require some patience, especially in tight spaces.

Is The Last Guardian connected to Ico or Shadow of the Colossus?
While the games share thematic elements and a similar art style, there’s no direct narrative connection between them.

Is The Last Guardian available on other platforms?
As of now, the game is exclusive to PlayStation 4.

Final Verdict:
The Last Guardian is an unforgettable experience that marries art and emotion with gameplay. Though its technical flaws may frustrate some, the bond you’ll form with Trico and the game’s stunning world make it a title worth experiencing.