The Last Guardian Reviews

The Last Guardian is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Unscored
Jan 11, 2017

Just like Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, many will grow fond of and be inspired by The Last Guardian for years to come. It's a fairy tale that pulls on the heart strings with a whimsical world, provoking childlike wonder at every corner. After being in the stream of development for so long, it surfaces with dings and wear in the form of an unrefined camera and controls. Some unclear objectives and strange puzzles may be evident as well, but with a profoundly intriguing and lovable AI companion, stirring score, and captivating scenery and animation, it's easy to see why this anachronistic anomaly was far too unique and precious to stay under forever.

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9 / 10.0
Dec 12, 2016

The Last Guardian certainly feels like a masterpiece that will gamers will look back to. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, it's a unique game that that everyone should try to experience.

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9.2 / 10.0
Dec 11, 2016

Ueda has worked on a game that's not perfect, but it's purposely not perfect… which ironically just about makes it a perfect experience. If you have a heart it's going to pull on all those strings, be prepared. Ueda is truly the last guardian of pure gaming 'feels' of our time.

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9.8 / 10.0
Dec 22, 2016

The Last Guardian is well worth the wait! The storyline is compelling and grips you right from the beginning. The characters are endearing, taking on lives of their own as they form a bond that is the heart and soul of the story. The gameplay is challenging but fair, the visuals are absolutely cinematic, and the game is one that can be replayed over and over without losing any of its charm. Any fan of the previous games will adore this addition to the series, and newcomers can easily find their roots in the series within The Last Guardian.

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5 / 5
Dec 12, 2016

The Last Guardian offers something different and contrasts the hand-holding nature and ease-of-progression that modern titles offer. Despite all its issues, The Last Guardian stands as a bastion of what video games used to be in-terms of progression, combined with an animal so imposing, mythical and mesmerising that its a wonder how they managed to make it so lifelike. The Last Guardian won't be to everyone's tastes, but you should go out of your way to experience it for yourself.

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4 / 5
Dec 14, 2016

The Last Guardian is a game that's going to give back to you what you put into it. At its 10-15 hours play time, I don't think it is a game that can be tackled lightly or by the only mildly interested. It requires an investment in the core relationship between the boy and Trico as well as some patience, both with the beast and the game's technical issues. This is an incredible experience and one that isn't for everyone, but those that embrace it may find something deeply rewarding, emotional, and memorable.

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Dec 15, 2016

For decades now, there's been discussion of games as art, and what qualifies or what doesn't, but in my view, art simply has to provoke discussion, emotion or analysis. If one game qualifies for that, it would be The Last Guardian.

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Evan Norris
Top Critic
Unscored
Dec 15, 2016

In a year defined by dozens of great gaming experiences, The Last Guardian stands tall above them all.

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91%
Dec 16, 2016

The Last Guardian is an outstanding game. The level design is outstanding and the characters are unforgettable. Recommended to everyone

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8 / 10.0
Dec 15, 2016

The Last Guardian might have its issues, but it manages to overshadow a lot of them with sheer excellence. The controls, frame rate, and AI can be messes at times, but the storytelling and personality are ingenious.

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8.5 / 10.0
Dec 17, 2016

An emotional journey, a decade in the making

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Sep 10, 2017

Trico is battered and bruised and bloody by the end of this story and he remains a faithful friend until the end. His sacrifice and the emotional weight it carries are incredible. Near the end there is a climactic battle and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a character I care about so much be so utterly brutalized. It’s haunting. He risks everything to protect you, everything. And it feels so good when you get to return the favour in one of the most bittersweet endings to any game I can remember.

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Dec 19, 2016

An enchanting adventure with an amazing atmosphere and an incredible creature with loads of personality. Camera and controls are a let-down but aren’t enough to stop this being excellent overall.

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10 / 10
Dec 10, 2016

In Technical terms, The Last Guardian is a disaster. Control issues, bad camera angels and graphical bugs are all over the place. Nevertheless, The art design, character development and story are so incredibly good that you can close your eyes on all of those technical issues and just enjoy a masterpiece.

Review in Persian | Read full review

Jan 9, 2017

A gorgeous experience from beginning to end.

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9.5 / 10.0
Dec 18, 2016

Imagaining that a game like this was cancelled is utterly painful and bothersome. We must greet sony for crediting such brilliant idea and for inspiring Ueda and his team to finally finish The Last Guardian. The game which was planned to be released in the 7th generation is now one of the most amazing results in the 8th generation.

Review in Persian | Read full review

Dec 5, 2016

The game is deep, meaningful, and powerful. It's reflective, different, and beautiful. It may well end up being more divisive than Ueda's previous masterpieces, but that doesn't mean it's not a masterpiece, from one of the industry's true auteurs. Play this game. Even if you hate it, it's going to broaden your horizons around what games are truly capable of.

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Dec 5, 2016

The biggest question I keep coming back to in between moments of awe and terrible frustration is, 'Is The Last Guardian any fun to play?' Ultimately, I feel like it isn't. The gameplay is too purposefully obstructed, too deliberately designed to be rough around the edges.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
8 / 10
Dec 11, 2016

I have never, in my three decades plus of gaming been as motivated to save another video game character as I was during the last act of The Last Guardian.

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Zoomg
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Dec 13, 2016

The Last Guardian is an unique experience which everyone should have it. Two companions in a mysterious world, create an experience which you cannot easily forget. If you are patient with some of the puzzles and can manage Trico, you can enjoy The Last Guardian. The game has some frame rate and technical issues but they hardly have an influence on overall experience of the game. The Last Guardian should be played because it isn't like any other game.

Review in Persian | Read full review