LocoRoco was succeeded by LocoRoco 2, and a remaster of the original is currently available on PS4.Īs this list will testify, Japan Studio are known for innovative titles, and no stranger to rhythm games. LocoRoco wasn’t a huge commercial success but it was well received by players, and very deserving of being on this list for the sheer originality of the concept and accessibility of the play. The quirky music and the bright colours makes for a really aesthetically pleasing output 100% of the time, and it becomes even more enjoyable as your collective blob grows in number, gaining additional voices singing along in unison. There’s something really satisfying about rolling around as huge blob, deforming to fit the landscape, and launching yourself at enemies. This clever use of physics, including that of the shapeshifting and multiplying of the LocoRoco, makes for truly amusing gameplay, albeit not all that challenging. This original take on platforming sees the player control the world, by titling it with the R and L shoulder buttons, to manoeuvre a gelatinous blob known collectively as the LocoRoco. LocoRoco is probably the wackiest Japan Studio game to date, but in all the right ways. The game had a few technical hiccups running on PS4, but PS5 owners today can experience this game flawlessly on the PSPlus collection. The AI has been criticised as being almost too realistic in regards to the frustrations of handling a wild animal, but for many, that is simply part of the charm. The visuals and music are breathtaking, and the experience is endearing above all else. Trico learns commands over time, as the player directs him in advancing their escape from the castle. The AI of Trico is, if nothing else, an incredibly innovative technical achievement. The player sees a bond grow between the creature and the boy as they grow to understand each other. The game is very similar to Ico, with elements of Shadow of the Colossus in that you are a young boy trapped in ruined castle that must escape with the help of a magnificent half bird half cat beast named Trico. For a time, it seemed like The Last Guardian would never see the light of day.Įventually, with external support from Ueda’s new external team GenDesign, The Last Guardian was finally able to deliver on the original vision. The development difficulties on PS3 and huge delays caused Ueda to leave Japan Studio in 2011, which caused even further delays. ![]() An early demo of the game was revealed at E3 2009 and scheduled for release on PS3, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the game finally surfaced as a PS4 game. The Last Guardian, although a wonderful game in many respects, will probably always be remembered in infamy in the collective consciousness of gamers. In any case, those that missed or want to revisit the game and it’s worthy sequel can still enjoy the eccentric action-adventure fun on PS4, with PS4 Pro upgrades available for PS4 Pro and PS5 owners.įumito Ueda‘s final game with Sony, and the final entry of the unofficial Ico trilogy. We would hope for another outing with Gravity Rush’s adorable gravity defying protagonist, because the series still has plenty of potential. Since the news of Japan Studios’ closure, the future of this franchise sadly lies in obscurity. That aside, the thrilling sensation you get from floating around in free flight around a city, the lovely blend Japanese and Western comic art styles, and the overall gameplay make this a very notable creative work from Japan Studio’s Team Gravity (FKA Team Siren). ![]() ![]() The bold vision of the title isn’t bullet proof, and some have criticised the overall camera scheme and controls. The gravity bending mechanics and scope of the game were not only an impressive feat in terms of originality, but also a notable technical achievement considering the limitations of the PlayStation Vita hardware. The brain child of Keiichiro Toyama (of Silent Hill fame), Gravity Rush is an ambitious game with plenty of innovation to boot.
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