The Last Guardian Thread

I don't know if I'd consider the previews that have popped up in numerous big-name gaming publications this morning a 'complete lack of coverage', but how and ever :pac:

Really, I'm not sure what level of marketing blitz people are expecting. Truth is we're talking about a game that is out-of-step with current market demands, for worse and (IMO mostly) for better. ICO and SotC were 'art games' before 'art games' were really a thing. They are very often slow, frustrating and patient games that explore a very unique world and vision. They are light on plot, heavy on the slow burn and subtle in terms of the relationship between mechanics, theme and story. Everything I've read suggests this game is the same, which - going by today's previews - makes for an often frustrating experiencing in demo form at least (if the relationship is meant to grow and evolve over the course of the game, that's an incredibly hard thing to illustrate). But, going by Ueda's past form, there's few games I'd imagine are harder to communicate in short form - whether that's a typical trailer or indeed a short demo on the TGS floor. It is also likely to be significantly out of touch with the way current games are consumed and advertised. It may also, from what I've read, be out of time in terms of controls, which may not be such a good thing but we'll see :P

As concerning as the protracted development has been, I'm cautiously optimistic that it is at least partially the result of a true gaming auteur not having had the technology at his disposable to realise his very unique vision. Unlike Duke Nukem Forever - a silly franchise sequel that seemed to have suffered from a crippling lack of creative vision alongside technological woes - everything I've seen suggests this is the game Ueda wanted to make. Certainly good reason for some caution - a lot of time has passed, and I still reckon the PS4 may still not have the raw oomph the game needs. There's a good chance this game will seem like something of a relic - but, given the way AAA has shifted in recent years, that could very well be to its favour too. There's no doubt The Last Guardian is wildly out of step with the sort of big name exclusive we've grown accustomed to, and based on the previous games I for one wouldn't have it any other way.