The Mystical Last Guardian

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When I took my first steps out of the cave, I was taken aback by the vast, colorful and breathtaking unknown world I had entered. I was surrounded by bountiful foliage and ancient ruins covered in strange markings. Following close behind me was my companion, Trico, who was a large creature and a chimera. He seemed to be a bird, a dog, and maybe a mouse all combined into one massive beast. We had just begun our journey to find our way home. We had a long journey ahead of us full of puzzles, obstacles, and enemies that would do anything to keep us from uncovering the secrets of this magical place we were trapped in. As we made our way up higher into the ruins we had no clue of the mysteries we would uncover along the way. The Last Guardian was a game that I had been looking forward to playing ever since it was announced. I’m glad to say that after playing it, It was as exceptional as I expected it to be.

(My first look at the outside world)

The game opens with your character sleeping in the middle of a cave. When you awaken you can’t remember how you got there or why you are there. As I looked around and took in my surroundings I noticed strange markings all over my character’s body. As he contemplates how they got there, or why they even are there, he hears a strange sound. As he turns around, I soon realize that there is a massive animal that has been gravely wounded directly behind him. The boy feels a connection to the creature and decides to do all he can to ease it’s pain. Subtitles soon appear telling me the boy thinks he should remove the spears in it’s body. This resulted in getting knocked out several times, getting rid of the spears and finally, disconnecting it from the shackles that held it in place. The character narrates his thoughts to the player to guide them along the path of his story. After the creature, Trico, is free I soon realized that he was hungry. The boys narration prompted me to give him these barrels with a strange blue aura radiating from them. Sure enough after placing a barrel in front of him, he quickly devoured the strange contents inside of it.

(He can't wake up inside)

After getting his fill of food, Trico and I began by using our teamwork skills. There was a high point with a small opening further down the passage that I needed to investigate. I carefully climbed up Trico’s back and managed to jump from the top, to the edge of the entrance. As I began to make my way through the tunnel on the other side I couldn’t help but think that there might be more answers to the questions that were running through my mind at the exit. After finally paving my way through, I emerged in a large room with some strange object glowing in the distance. Upon further inspection I discovered that this artifact seemed to be a shield.

(I wonder where this might lead)

I walked around the room a bit more but eventually made my way back to my faithful companion, Trico. Something very strange happened when I got back. As soon as Trico saw me his eyes began to glow bright red with anger. At first I thought Trico was mad at me and still hungry, this time for human flesh. Luckily it was not a huge deal, I could just use my new shield to make Trico’s tail shoot lighting bolts out of it, nothing crazy or anything. Now I could do anything I put my mind to! My first target was the blocked up door that stood between my character and the freedom he justly deserved. I equipped my shield, took aim, and let Trico do the rest. In a matter of seconds the path was clear and I was another step closer to getting my character home.

(Free at last!)

After getting through some more puzzles, bribing Trico to go places with food and blowing up more obstacles with lightning bolts, I had finally gotten out of the cave. I took in the colors, the scenery and the lighting that made The Last Guardian even more incredible. It took me to a truly unique place that made me feel like even Trico was just as as small as my character, the place was huge!

(Nothing to see here, just trying to get home)

We eventually had to head into some ruins that had some strange symbols that bothered Trico. I got a bad vibe from the ruins and was unsure of what to expect, something didn’t feel quite right. As we ventured deeper it became apparent that there was something else with us in the seemingly vacant catacombs. We eventually made our way to a large opening with some sort of cage surrounding it. After hopping down onto the next level I realized that Trico hadn’t come down. I called to him, hoping that he would follow. With one great leap he landed less than gracefully next to my character. All of a sudden he began to have a breakdown. His eyes changed colors and it seemed as though he was in pain. He turned to my character and stared with his now menacing eyes. “Here we go” I said as he approached. Suddenly, he snatched the boy up in his mouth and the screen turned to black.

(Trico has serious hops)

I ended up grinding The Last Guardian for several days, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen when I played. After waiting for the last several years since it was announced I’ve been nothing but thrilled for the release of the game. Needless to say I wasn’t disappointed. If you were ever a fan of Ico, or Shadow of the Colossus, which were the predecessors to this game, definitely give it a try. It has a great story with excellent puzzles, mechanics and breathtaking graphics, if you get the chance to play it, I’m sure you will love it.