The latest issue of EDGE magazine (via ibTimes) contains some fresh details on Team ICO’s upcoming The Last Guardian for PlayStation 4.
Among the new details revealed by creator Fumito Ueda include the fact Trico, the cat-like beast that accompanies the young boy protagonist, is very much his own free spirit, and cannot be fully controlled by the player.
Ueda-san revealed that having a creature that does everything you say “wouldn’t be enjoyable” for him. “There are a lot [of games] out there where you can do that,” he said. “I think I’ve had enough of them.”
The publication went on to say that Trico’s relationship with the player will strengthen over time, and its eye colour will change depending on its mood. In addition, the creature is able to shoot a red bolt of lightning from its tail at a point designated by the player.
Ueda-san also re-confirmed that the game will be released in 2016, saying that while he has “some worries” he’s “also very excited.”
The Last Guardian was originally announced back at E3 2009 during Sony’s press conference. After a few updates over the next few years, Sony finally confirmed a holiday 2011 window for the much-anticipated adventure, although later confirmed the project had been delayed.
Little was shown on the game after this, and it later emerged that Ueda-san had shifted to a freelance capacity within Sony Japan to finish the project. After a series of E3 no-shows over the next few years, it was rumored the game had been canceled; something which Sony was quick to refute.
Finally, at E3 2015, Sony re-revealed The Last Guardian for PS4 following a long period of silence on the game. The game will be the first project from Team ICO since 2006’s Shadow of the Colossus.
Despite this, Sony admitted that the game would have likely been canned had it not been for fan demand.