The development team brilliantly contrasts Trico’s daunting presence with its kind and compassionate nature, which endears you to the fluffy cat-bird-dog. “Some of the levels were already made before all of the work on Trico was solidified, so trying to finish work on its movement and fit that into an area which was already created was extra difficult.” “There are loads of calculations that made Trico move in the game, and that was one of the hardest parts of development,” says Ueda-san. It’s these things which are easily taken for granted, but a large amount of work and research was done to make Trico truly feel part of the environment. Grass gets crushed underfoot as Trico walks, and its sometimes less than majestic leaps are often accompanied with screen shake effects to dramatically convey a sense of weight. Subtle details really help emphasise Trico’s intimidating size in contrast to the boy’s diminutive stature. The texture of its fur-like feathers that drift and flail in the wind, the way they fold when the boy grabs hold of them and the delicate watercolour style are especially striking. It’s impossible to not admire the sheer amount of attention which has gone into Trico’s appearance. With that in mind, here are a few of the little things we want to celebrate in a world that you’ll be entering very soon…ġ) It’s the most adorable giant pet you’ll ever see But, like a good fantasy novel, you’ll find a richer experience in enjoying the care put into its every detail. With everyone’s eagerness at fever pitch, there’ll undoubtedly be temptation to gobble up its adventuring delights quicker than a hungry Trico chows through tiny crates of food. Having played a fair bit of The Last Guardian, I can tell you it’s an experience that – appropriately – demands you take your time with it. At the same time, I’m still waiting for the actual feeling that it’s really done to sink in.” “But there’s a huge sense of relief that it’s done and I’m happy that gamers will be able to play it. “There were times where even I thought that maybe this game will never come out,” admits Ueda-san, when we sat down with him last month. We know you’ve been waiting a long time – but if you think the path towards The Last Guardian‘s launch was extensive for you, spare a thought for its Creative Director Fumito Ueda.

Happy glass game guadian