After running the risk of falling into obscurity, Team Ico dragged The Last Guardian back into the spotlight last night during Sony’s E3 press conference to rapturous applause, and now the platform holder has rolled out some official screenshots of the long-in-development adventure game that ensures the whole re-reveal wasn’t just some pie-in-the-sky fever dream.
Visually speaking, Team Ico’s demo was very reminiscent of the original gameplay debut back in 2009, showcasing a young boy befriending a strange and mythic beast. The griffin-like creature will serve as your companion throughout the adventure, helping you overcome various obstacles and puzzles as you explore The Last Guardian‘s decrepit ruins.
Here’s the official synopsis courtesy of Sony:
In a strange and mystical land, a young boy discovers a mysterious creature with which he forms a deep, unbreakable bond. The unlikely pair must rely on each other to journey through towering, treacherous ruins filled with unknown dangers. Experience the journey of a lifetime in this touching, emotional story of friendship and trust.
An Unlikely Companion: Discover a fantastical beast named Trico who will act as companion and protector, forging a bond that drives an emotional and harrowing journey. Truly Unique Gameplay – Take control of an ordinary young boy who must communicate with his gigantic companion in order to overcome obstacles and survive mysterious dangers.
A Beautiful Fantasy World: Through advanced lighting and particle effects, detailed environments, and lifelike character animation, The Last Guardian transports players to a breathtaking world filled with crumbling ruins and mysterious secrets to discover.
With only a vague 2016 release window attached to The Last Guardian, there’s little hope of any more details being released for some time. Whether Team Ico can meet the title’s astronomical expectations, though, is another question entirely.