The Last Guardian. A game with a legend that is enormous in the gaming community. The crazy part is that it is almost out and we will soon be able to play it. Originally shown in 2009 and in the works since 2007, the game has long been anticipated after Team Ico released the critically acclaimed Shadow of the Colossus back in 2005. That game won people over and helped push artistry and storytelling in the games industry. Given that the game has taken this long it is reasonable to believe that there is no way it will be as good as we hope it will be, but maybe that is because we expect the wrong things from it. Maybe we're part of the problem.
The Last Guardian has been decidedly vague in its marketing and for good reason. Story spoilers for a game like this would be heartbreaking. It's trailer depict a large and sometimes intimidating creature that is quite adorable and lovable, and a boy that seems to grow a strong bond with this creature. Thankfully we don't really know much else. If we did it could ruin the magic and spectacle its been building. It seems as though it will have more in common with Ico the 2001 classic PlayStation 2 game than Shadow of the Colossus. People want this game to be great, myself included. Those of us that played the games that came before it understand how special they are. They pull at our heartstrings and allow us to be swept up in an incredible journey.
My fear is that with the development cycle taking as long as it has that it will harm the perception and reality of what the game truly is. It is not yet known if the game will be great. If you expect something incredible and life changing then I think it is safe to say you will be let down. When we hype something too much the excitement and anticipation gets lost in the noise allowing us to be numb. For those of us that understand it is just a game and proceed to judge it without bias and expectation it can make the experience that much more emotional and thrilling. I guess the bottom line is to temper expectations and don't assume something spectacular, but rather let the experience take place with no expectation. The task is monumental believe me. The game has so much riding on it for fans of the compelling and beautiful games that Team Ico has made in the past. I totally understand how hard it is, but if you separate yourself from the hype it just might let you enjoy one of the most anticipated games in the industry.
