The Last Guardian: An Extraordinary Story Hardcover – 18 May 2017

This is for the hardcore fans of the game ... The design and styles are so unique

It’s a bit hard to know where to start with this book as it isn’t exactly an art book, a walkthrough or even a ‘making of’ – it’s actually a mixture of all three. This book is full of beautiful art perfectly printed on extremely high quality paper and has interviews with the creative team behind "The Last Guardian" with lots of great insights into the lore and creative processes too. There is also a comprehensive walkthrough of the game annotated with notes and concept arts relating to each new area you find yourself in, and a full trophy guide as well as a short section on Fumito Ueda’s other two games "Ico" and "Shadow of the Colossus". A beautiful book which is a worthy companion to an equally beautiful game.

This book has been a joy to read.I'm a huge fan of The Last Guardian, and started reading the book while on my third playthrough, flipping each page as I reached a new section in the game. It's a fantastic accompaniment, although could just as easily be enjoyed on its own.There are plenty of juicy details that the writing team discovered from the game's creators, presented alongside gorgeous sketches, art work and screenshots.The collectables guide was also very welcome, as I have yet to fight an online guide to finding all the "hints" that features as much detail.A must buy for anyone that calls themselves a fan of this game.

I bought this book purely for the artwork when it was originally announced - as with all team ico games behind the scenes is always shrouded in mystery. I was initially put off with the listing saying it was a walkthrough but on receiving the book I can say the main walkthrough is actually an explanation of game mechanics and accompanying sketches..I was pleasantly surprised. The book features alot of sketches rather than fleshed out concept art but even still offers alot of insight. The absolute bonus I wasn't expecting is the parts covering ico and shadow of the collosus at the end of the book - lovely artwork and a rare glimpse into the making of the other games. Highly recommend for all ico fans. I will say that my copy arrived with a dog eared corner due to packaging.

The book is beautifully presented, some of the screen shots of game moments are well chosen and could be cut out and framed, the book reveals what had to be left out of the game and what was included in final development stages, interviews with each member of the development team, explanations as to the story areas, tips on how to train Trico more effectively, as well as a general guide on accomplishing trophies.

One star off because of damage to corner of the book, otherwise in great condition. Amazing book, a must buy for anyone who enjoyed the game or is a fan of team ico's games. Goes very in depth about the game's design process and includes lots of concept art, diagrams and screenshots. Also includes some short sections on the development of ICO and shadow of the colossus. Well written.

Instead of a boring compilation of concept arts commissioned after production to look pretty, this publication doesn't shy away from showing raw sketches and messy drafts made by Ueda himself. It's not the usual in-your-face demonstration of skills of the studio, but more like an honest look at what it takes to design a game, level after level. Fascinating.

Présent for Xmas to my son who was very pleased with it !