Be warned: this article may become very heavy-handed and
whiny. I apologize for any use of foul language or backhanded comments.
This is a sore subject for me and one that has taken quite
some time to come to terms with. However, I think “The Last Guardian” only has
one more shot at giving me hope for a release and that’s the 2014 Tokyo Game
Show. I know it sounds harsh to give up on a game, but it would be better for
my outlook on games and mental health if I just learn to let go. After all, I
have somewhat patiently waited for the titles release since 2009 when the game
“began development.” Since then, I have attended a community college, moved on
to a university, made the decision to pursue a career in journalism, closely
followed all E3s and TGSs and constantly gotten my hopes up for any scrap of
information Team Ico could muster up. The best I got was a teaser trailer only
making me salivate in anticipation even more. Oh yeah, and the former director
of Team Ico’s, Fumito Ueda, separation from Sony(although he is said to still
be part of the game’s development). Rumor after rumor surfaced about the game
and it’s progression, and keeping up with the title’s trip to completion has
been a roller coaster ride of spotty information and endless delays. But I’m
keeping my faith for the “The Last Guardian” for one last video game expo. If I
don’t get some good news from Tokyo, I won’t expect it ever. But if I’m going
to be honest with myself and you all, what are the chances some good news could
be over the horizon Sep. 18-21? Will this year be the one we get some
definitive, credible news about a release?
Sit. Stay. Finally get released... Good boy!
I think as a gamer whom fell in love with Team Ico and its
two instant classics, “Shadow of the Colossus” and “Ico”, I want to say yes;
but as journalist who tries his best to stay impartial no matter what the topic
is, I want to firmly say maybe.
Yeah, I know, not the answer most of you wanted to hear, but
what more can I really say? It isn’t a for sure and absolute no because Sony
defended the title’s legitimacy when people questioned where “The Last
Guardian” was at E3 2014. They said if the game had been cancelled and there
was no chance for a release, the public would surely be informed. However, it
wouldn’t be the first time a promise wasn’t kept in the gaming world. Release
dates being moved back is a harsh norm in the industry and projects are tossed
out regularly. Just look at Battlefront 3! Half-Life 3! Another Duke Nukem
game! Okay, that one did have a release, but we don’t talk about that… The fact
of the matter is that it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities to see
“The Last Guardian” cancelled. Heck, people have speculated that for years now.
I just get the feeling that Sony knows how foolish it would be to put the
kibosh on such an anticipated piece of software.
Awww, he's taking baby steps! Just like development...
Like I said, both of the games Team Ico created were a huge
success. So much so they were given a rerelease on the PS3(it was rumored at
one point that a Last Guardian demo would be on the Team Ico collection). If
“The Last Guardian” did make an appearance on the PS3 or PS4 or both, Sony
would turn a huge profit. Especially at a time where there isn’t a huge PS4
library to boast about. I see no reason that the game should just be dropped.
Why put so much time and effort into something you know will sell if you’re
just going to give up on it years later? Granted, I’m not the most
knowledgeable on video game development. But I think it’s a valid point. So, in
the end, I guess this article turned out to be aimed more at Sony than anyone
else.
Sony, if you’re reading this, hear me now and heed my
advice. Have Team Ico release a trailer with more in-depth information about
the game (gameplay and consoles the title will be released on), set a definite
release date, DON’T CHANGE THAT DATE and, above all else, keep trucking along
on this game and hold yourselves accountable. I hope that’s not too much to
remember. You did say that we should expect the game to still be released
unless you say otherwise, and as of yet you haven’t.
Now, getting back to addressing my usual readers, I truly expect to see something about “The Last
Guardian” at Tokyo Game Show whether it be a new trailer or an announcement
that will leave Team Ico fans rolling their eyes. There will be something- I
just hope it’s the former and not the latter. In the case there is nothing,
well… I think that’ll be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for me. It’ll
be my chance to forget about a possible release entirely, and maybe that’s the
kind of chance I need. After all, one can only take having their dreams crushed
so much. Just ask the 30 people crying in the corner every E3 at the lack of a
new F-Zero title. That’s why this year’s TGS will be the last chance for “The
Last Guardian.” Hey, if Kingdom Hearts 3 can happen… why not this?
What games are you crossing your fingers for at this year’s
TGS? Let me know in the comments below, and share this article so we can hear
what other people have to say! :]3
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