It also does not do a lot of hand-holding. On that note, I wish it had an option to zoom out so I can make better sense of my environment.ĭo be warned that the game can get brutal at times as you’ll witness stabbings, maulings and dismemberment. Instead, it’s the temperamental camera, which can swing into unhelpful positions or get stuck at a bad angle that prevents you from seeing around you. Personally, however, AI hiccups weren’t really that big an issue for me.

When it doesn’t work, you might find yourself frustrated as you call and climb Trico multiple times at the same spot just to get things right. When it works, The Last Guardian turns into an excellent puzzle platformer that lets you use your powers of observation to unlock the next path with your animal buddy. Trico is most definitely an integral part of this mechanic and will sometimes even provide clues of where to go next. Think of it as Tomb Raider and Prince of Persia with a dose of Nintendogs thrown in between. In fact, a large part of what you do involves using Trico to access various areas you normally could not. Eventually, you can issue more commands and gain greater control over what Trico does, including guiding him to destroy obstacles with lightning. Things start out simply with you being able to pat and rub the beast or call him to a specific spot. The Last Guardian is an action adventure game, with heavy emphasis on the adventure part - a big portion of which depends on interacting with Trico. Granted, Trico’s lifelike qualities also can be a double-edged sword when it comes to gameplay.

The same can be said about points of conflict in the game, which are further heightened by my emotional investment in its characters as well as a musical score that fits the mood well. Trico’s tendency to fiercely and, at times, desperately protect his young friend also evoked the same type of admiration and affection that I experience when I see my dog do the same thing. Meanwhile, Trico’s attempts at rolling around water or even a simple sneeze made him feel much more lifelike. Seeing his head stick through an opening as he looks at me made me laugh the same way that my pets do when they peek through my blanket. Trico’s mannerism, meanwhile, remind me of all the beloved cats and dogs that I have had in my life. The way the wind blows Trico’s feathers and individual blades of grass, for example, add a feeling of serenity in a ruined world that feels both ancient and alien. The way those visuals are used, however, go a long way in drawing a wide range of emotions from the player. The game’s visuals are certainly not the greatest in terms of pure graphical power. Trico’s storytelling is complemented by a look that enhances the tale it tells. Trico, however, is as much a star of The Last Guardian - perhaps even more so than the boy he grows to love. It’s easy to think of the boy you control as the protagonist of this story. This results in an impressive bond that would make Hachiko proud. Just as you nurse and strengthen Trico back to normal, the relationship between the boy and Trico also grows stronger. The first time you meet the supposed “man eater,” Trico sports broken horns, shriveled wings and several wounds. Behind Trico’s majesty, however, are signs of vulnerability. In addition to towering over you, Trico’s, Trico’s tendency to cause structures to crumble portray from his sheer weight demonstrate his incredible size and power. The game does a great job in capturing Trico’s massive scale. Trico is no Luck Dragon but does feel like it sometimes. It doesn’t take long, however, before hearing those loud thudding steps near me became a source of comfort. I started the game feeling a bit apprehensive whenever I heard Trico’s footsteps. RE7: Capcom’s Kawata talks building a better Resident Evil | TechnobubbleĮventually, however, Trico takes a liking to you, causing the creature to follow you around as you try to escape the ruins that keep both of you captive.

Efforts to remove the spears stuck on his body, meanwhile, are rewarded with vigorous shaking that literally knock you unconscious. Attempts to approach Trico initially earn an indignant snort that pushes you away. It’s a relationship that starts out roughly at first. There, you awaken next to a chained beast, immediately coming face to face with the gigantic yet hapless creature. It all starts inside a dark cell that serves as a prison.

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