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The Last Guardian

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Last Guardian
Item: The Last Guardian
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Puzzle and Logic, Drama, Single Player

AvailableDec 6, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperSCE Japan Studio

Overview

In a strange and mystical land, a young boy discovers a mysterious creature with which he forms a deep, unbreakable bond. The unlikely pair must rely on each other to journey through towering, treacherous ruins filled with unknown dangers. Experience the journey of a lifetime in this touching, emotional story of friendship and trust.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of The Last Guardian for its emotional depth and the strong bond portrayed between the boy and the creature Trico. Critics like Polygon, Game Informer, and PlayStation Universe highlighted the touching tale of companionship and friendship that unfolds throughout the game. The narrative was commended for its focus on the evolving relationship between the characters, with minimal dialogue but a deep emotional connection, as noted by PlayStation LifeStyle. The emphasis on trust, patience, and cooperation between the boy and Trico was a standout feature, creating a powerful and emotionally engaging experience, as mentioned by Digital Chumps and Gameplanet. However, some critics pointed out flaws in the storytelling of The Last Guardian. Stevivor mentioned pacing issues, with character development and narrative reveals held back until the final hours, which may have hindered the overall impact of the story. DarkZero criticized the storytelling for being spoon-fed to the player in a few cutscenes, suggesting that the world-building was more effective than the actual storytelling. Arcade Sushi highlighted technical issues that detracted from the emotional impact of the story, indicating a disconnect between the narrative and the player experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of The Last Guardian. The emotional depth, strong bond between the characters, and themes of companionship and trust resonated with many reviewers, making it a standout aspect of the game. The narrative's focus on the evolving relationship between the boy and Trico, as well as the heartfelt storytelling that creates a deep emotional connection with the characters, were widely praised. Despite some minor criticisms regarding pacing and storytelling execution, the majority of critics found the story to be moving, impactful, and a key strength of The Last Guardian, solidifying its reputation as a game with a very good story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics raved about The Last Guardian for its emotional depth and the bond between the boy and Trico, praising its touching tale of companionship. While some noted pacing issues and storytelling flaws, the majority found the narrative's focus on trust and cooperation to be a standout feature, creating a powerful and engaging experience. Overall, critics overwhelmingly praised the story for its moving and impactful nature, solidifying The Last Guardian's reputation as a game with a very good story.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Last Guardian has been praised for its unique mechanics that emphasize cooperation between the boy and the beast, Trico. Critics like Guardian and PlayStation Universe highlight the deep bond formed between the player and Trico through interactions and puzzle-solving. The deliberate controls, as mentioned by Push Square, contribute to a sense of tension and immersion, while Easy Allies appreciate the tactile feel and effort required in every move. The puzzles, as noted by Let's Play Video Games, are well-designed, creating high-stakes action scenes and a strong emotional connection with Trico. On the downside, numerous critics express frustration with the unresponsiveness and delayed commands in controlling Trico, leading to tedious and unsatisfying experiences. GamingTrend, Stevivor, and Trusted Reviews all mention issues with the AI character's unresponsiveness, flimsy character movement, and clunky camera, hindering gameplay progression. Additionally, CGMagazine and VideoGamer highlight technical problems and broken basic mechanics that impede the overall gameplay experience. The controls are described as archaic and broken by Trusted Reviews, while Cheat Code Central notes that the controls are sluggish and imprecise, impacting the player's ability to navigate the game world effectively. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of The Last Guardian is mixed. While some appreciate the emotional depth and sense of partnership with Trico, others are deterred by the frustrating technical issues and unresponsive AI. The game's emphasis on cooperation and puzzle-solving is commendable, as highlighted by TrueGaming and PlayStation LifeStyle, but the execution falls short due to inconsistent mechanics and glitches, as mentioned by Trusted Reviews. The blend of wonder and frustration in the puzzle platformer gameplay, as noted by Critical Hit, encapsulates the varied experiences players have had with The Last Guardian. Despite its flaws, the game manages to deliver a unique and emotional adventure, as acknowledged by Destructoid, Toronto Sun, and Gameblog.fr, resonating with those who appreciate the bond between the boy and Trico.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

The Last Guardian's gameplay shines with unique mechanics emphasizing cooperation between the boy and the beast, Trico, creating a deep bond and emotional connection. Critics praise the puzzles and high-stakes action but express frustration with unresponsive controls and technical issues, leading to a mixed consensus. Despite flaws, the game delivers a unique and emotional adventure that resonates with those who appreciate the bond between the characters.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of The Last Guardian, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics such as PlayStation Universe and PlayStation LifeStyle commended the stunning visuals, with detailed animations for Trico that brought the creature to life and created an immersive world. The Guardian and Hardcore Gamer also noted the masterfully animated visuals, particularly in the design of Trico, capturing natural behaviors and expressions effectively. The attention to detail in Trico's appearance and movement, as mentioned by NZGamer and Trusted Reviews, was impressive and added to the emotional connection between the characters. However, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the graphics and visual design of The Last Guardian. CGMagazine and Worth Playing mentioned issues with inconsistent frame rates, especially on the standard PS4 model, impacting the overall visual experience. Arcade Sushi and Let's Play Video Games highlighted frustrations with camera controls and occasional game-breaking bugs, detracting from the otherwise beautiful visuals. Additionally, Metro GameCentral and Impulsegamer noted that while the game had impressive moments, there were noticeable weaknesses compared to current-gen titles and occasional frame rate drops during intense sequences. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating the enchanting visuals, detailed environments, and the lifelike animations of Trico. The game's unique visual style, as mentioned by GamesBeat and TheSixthAxis, stood out and contributed to its charm. Despite some technical shortcomings and inconsistencies, the majority of critics found The Last Guardian's graphics and visual design to be a significant strength, creating a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praised The Last Guardian for its stunning graphics, lifelike animations of Trico, and immersive world design. While some noted issues like inconsistent frame rates and camera controls, the overall consensus leans towards the positive side with many appreciating the game's enchanting visuals and detailed environments. Despite some technical shortcomings, critics found the graphics and visual design to be a significant strength, creating a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience for players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of The Last Guardian, highlighting it as a standout aspect of the game. Critics such as Digital Chumps, Gameplanet, and Guardian all commended the emotional impact and immersive experience created by the game's audio elements. The orchestral score was particularly lauded for its ability to enhance the storytelling and overall atmosphere. The sound effects, especially those of Trico's vocalizations, were noted for effectively conveying emotions and strengthening the connection between the player and the creature. DualShockers and GameSpew also emphasized the impressive sound effects that heightened the gameplay experience, with GameSpew mentioning the beautiful score during key moments. While the general consensus leans heavily towards praising the Sound Design and Music of The Last Guardian, there were a few critics who had differing opinions. Cheat Code Central mentioned that the game was largely music-free, relying more on sound effects, which they described as sparse. This minimalistic approach to music may not have resonated with all players, as some may have preferred a more consistent musical presence throughout the game. Additionally, Push Square highlighted the understated musical score with wind instruments, which, while adding whimsy, could potentially be seen as lacking in variety or depth for some players seeking a more robust soundtrack. Overall, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is that The Last Guardian excels in its Sound Design and Music, with the majority praising it as a standout feature of the game. Critics appreciated the emotional depth and immersive experience created by the orchestral score, sound effects, and Trico's vocalizations. The audio elements effectively enhanced the storytelling, gameplay, and emotional connection between the player and the characters. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the minimalistic approach to music or sparse sound design, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics like Worth Playing and Game Informer emphasizing the solid atmospheric sound work and lifelike qualities captured through the game's audio.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised The Last Guardian for its exceptional Sound Design and Music, with standout elements including emotional impact, immersive experience, and a captivating orchestral score. Trico's vocalizations were noted for enhancing player connection, while some critics found the minimalistic music approach lacking. Overall, the game's audio elements effectively heightened storytelling and gameplay, earning widespread acclaim for its atmospheric sound work and lifelike qualities.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the PS4 version of The Last Guardian, some critics highlighted aspects such as smooth character movements, impressive animation quality, and the game's grand scale and emotional connection with Trico. Game Informer specifically praised Trico's movements as smooth and engaging, while Easy Allies appreciated the grandeur of the game's scale and the bond with Trico despite some issues with controls and performance. On the negative side for the PS4 version, numerous critics pointed out technical shortcomings that hindered the overall experience. These issues included frame rate drops, control problems, camera issues, unresponsive AI, and clipping. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy, CGMagazine, and Digital Spy all mentioned frame rate drops, control issues, and camera problems as significant detractors from the gameplay experience. Toronto Sun specifically criticized the unintuitive camera controls and frustrating gameplay segments that impacted the pacing and overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of The Last Guardian on the PS4 is mixed. While some reviewers acknowledged the game's ambitious design and emotional depth despite technical issues, the prevalent complaints about frame rate drops, control problems, and camera issues cannot be overlooked. Critics like Trusted Reviews and Yahoo! emphasized the negative impact of technical glitches, cumbersome controls, and AI behavior on the overall experience. Despite some positive aspects like the emotional connection with Trico and the game's scale, the technical performance issues seem to have significantly affected the gameplay experience for many critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised The Last Guardian on PS4 for its smooth character movements, impressive animation quality, and emotional bond with Trico, but technical issues like frame rate drops, control problems, and camera issues hindered the overall experience, leading to a mixed consensus among reviewers.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Last Guardian are quite varied, reflecting the diverse experiences players may have with the game. Critics like Easy Allies and PlayStation LifeStyle highlight the positive aspects of the game that contribute to its replayability. The emotional bond with Trico and the unique mechanics create memorable moments that can make players want to revisit the game. The narrative depth and brilliance of the relationship between the boy and Trico also contribute to the game's high replay value, as mentioned by PlayStation LifeStyle. On the other hand, some critics point out potential negatives that may affect the game's replayability. GameCrate and Gaming Age mention frustrating points in the game that could deter players from replaying it. Limited replayability due to lack of additional in-game options, such as chapter select or unlocks, is also highlighted by Gaming Age. The intentional frustration built into the gameplay and the repetitive nature of solving puzzles with Trico may not appeal to all players, as noted by Worth Playing. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards acknowledging the emotional impact and unique experience offered by The Last Guardian as key factors contributing to its replay value. While some aspects like frustrating gameplay elements and lack of incentives for replay may be deterrents for certain players, the emotional journey and bond-building moments with Trico are highlighted as reasons to revisit the game. The game's narrative depth and memorable moments seem to outweigh the potential negatives for many critics, making it a title with moderate to high replay value for those who appreciate its distinctive qualities.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on The Last Guardian's replay value, with some praising its emotional bond with Trico and unique mechanics, while others criticize frustrating gameplay and lack of incentives. Overall, the game's narrative depth and memorable moments make it worth revisiting for those who value its distinctive qualities.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Last Guardian has garnered praise for its emotionally resonant storytelling, captivating character development, and unique bond between the boy and Trico. Critics such as Gameblog.fr and PlayStation LifeStyle commend the game for delivering a moving and heartfelt experience that leaves players amazed and emotionally invested. The game's ability to evoke strong emotions and create a genuine connection between the player and the characters is highlighted as a standout feature, with reviewers like Trusted Reviews recommending players to endure the gameplay flaws to experience the compelling narrative. On the flip side, The Last Guardian has faced criticism for its technical issues, frustrating gameplay mechanics, and outdated design choices. Critics like Let's Play Video Games and CGMagazine point out the game's flaws in terms of gameplay, technical problems, and visual design, which detract from the overall experience. Issues such as sluggish controls, camera problems, and sparse environments have been highlighted as hindrances to fully enjoying the game, leading to a divided opinion among reviewers regarding its playability and overall execution. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding The Last Guardian is mixed, with a balance of positive and negative feedback shaping the overall reception of the game. While some reviewers appreciate the game's emotional depth, unique storytelling, and memorable moments, others are critical of its technical shortcomings and frustrating gameplay elements. Despite its flaws, the game is recognized for its artistry, emotional impact, and the special bond it fosters between the player and Trico. The Last Guardian is considered a niche experience that may not appeal to all players but is still recommended for those who value storytelling, character-driven narratives, and are willing to overlook its imperfections for the sake of the emotional journey it offers.

TL;DR

The Last Guardian wins praise for its emotional storytelling and bond between characters, but faces criticism for technical issues and frustrating gameplay. Reviewers are divided on its playability, with some lauding its depth and connection while others point out flaws. Ultimately, the game offers a unique, emotionally impactful experience recommended for those who value storytelling over technical perfection.

MONSTER

Reviews

173 reviews found

100

Washington Post

PlayStation 4

Dec 9, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last Guardian is described as a masterpiece that expands, enriches, and ends a relationship through a collection of small and large gestures. The reviewer highly recommends the game.

100

New York Daily News

PlayStation 4

Dec 22, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last Guardian is a tremendously worthwhile game with a terrific relationship and story.

100

Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 4

Dec 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last Guardian is praised as Team ICO's magnum opus, combining elements from their previous games to create a masterpiece. Despite minor flaws, it offers a unique and rewarding gaming experience on the PlayStation 4.

100

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Dec 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last Guardian is described as a near-perfect game that stands out in the industry for its focus on a simple yet profound experience between the boy and Trico. The review praises the game's artistry, gameplay mechanics, and emotional depth, recommending it as a must-play title.

100

Telegraph

PlayStation 4

Dec 8, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last Guardian is described as a beautiful, heartfelt, unique, and sometimes infuriating game that stands out for its warmth, fascination with companionship, and elegant sense of exploration. Despite its technical quirks, the game's remarkable qualities make it a joy to experience.

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100

Easy Allies

PlayStation 4

Dec 6, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last Guardian is a mesmerizing adventure that is not perfect but unforgettable, with a 5 out of 5 Stars rating from Easy Allies Reviews.

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100

The Daily Dot

PlayStation 4

Dec 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last Guardian is a emotionally evocative masterpiece in the annals of modern gaming.

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100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Dec 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last Guardian is praised as a singularly brilliant game, highlighting its emotional impact, unique gameplay mechanics, and exceptional execution. It is described as an exquisite gem and a standout title in Fumito Ueda's portfolio.

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100

Gameblog.fr

PlayStation 4

Dec 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A captivating and emotionally resonant experience that will leave players moved and amazed, with some minor flaws like the frustrating camera system.

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Dec 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last Guardian is a special and unique journey that was worth the wait for fans of Fumito Ueda and Team Ico. While it may not meet nine years' worth of expectations, it offers a memorable experience for all PS4 owners.

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