Analysis of Project Trico

In an industry that relies so heavily on the creativity of its pioneers, Sony’s “Team Ico” shines as one of the best. With only two projects under their belt, this team has captured the imagination of gamers in such a profound way, which has made their third project one of the most anticipated announcements in recent years. Headed by Fumita Ueda and named after their first PS2 title, Ico, the team has maintained their success by developing games with a consistent art style and similar themes that flow throughout. Their first game titled “Ico” centered on a young boy, imprisoned in a giant castle with a mysterious princess. The gameplay was primarily focused on platforming and puzzle solving that forced players to protect, guide, and use the princess in various ways. The spiritual follow up, “Shadow of the Colossus” was the story of a young boy traveling a vast land to kill a series of giant rock beings known as Colossi in order to bring the woman he loves back to life. Both games shared the same aesthetic and overall design which suggested that the team had created their own unique universe that all of their games were destined to share. While each game had it’s own unique concept and over-arching goal, they both managed to create a deep-rooted attachment to the character and their respective partners (Princess Yorda/ Agro the Horse) despite the game’s lack of spoken dialogue. Through a beautiful blend of art design, ambient music, adult themes, and ingenious game design, Team Ico has mastered the ability of creating games that transcend interactive entertainment to become experiences that most summer blockbusters only dream of.

Following the critical success of Shadow of the Colossus, the industry quickly began to buzz about what the team would do next. With the imminent release of the Playstation 3, journalists speculated that the team’s next project would make its debut on the next gen console. In January of 2008, the games existence was confirmed with the release of a single piece of concept art (Shown above) that really confirmed nothing except that the game would share the same aesthetic as it’s two predecessors. The game was indeed destined for release on the Playstation 3 but details as to the games concept and gameplay were nonexistent. The rumored official announcement was expected at a number of big gaming conferences but each time, the project was nowhere to be found. Finally, in May of 2009, the proof of concept trailer, showing early footage of the game was leaked onto the internet and the speculation has run wild. With an official announcement expected at E3, all we can do is watch the trailer repeatedly and make vague guesses as to what the game might have in store for us.

The leaked trailer opens with a familiar scene, a detailed look at the concept shot that was released in early 2008 depicting a large chain secured in a hole. Until now, the significance of the chain has been a mystery. Only moments into the trailer, the mystery is solved, the chain begins to move and it is quickly apparent that a large creature is tethered by the chain and is eager to escape. A young boy who looks very similar to the boy in Ico is depicted running down a large stone corridor as the monster breaks free and gives chase, incapacitating an unexpecting guard in the process. As the boy reaches the end of the line and almost takes a plunge off a cliff, the monster enters the sunlight and makes it’s debut. Surprisingly, the creature is a rather adorable griffin with cat-like features and the beak and feet of a bird. The creature pulls the boy to safety and places him on his head, suggesting a close bond that will be forged between the two characters throughout the game. The scene is rather touching and quickly sets the tone for the games concept. The boy must work closely with this giant to solve puzzles and navigate the world. Various shots depict the boy utilizing the creature by throwing items into his mouth or using his size to reach new areas via climbing or swimming. As interesting a concept as this is, the true nature of the relationship between the two characters has probably yet to be revealed. By looking closely, you may notice arrows stuck in the creatures back suggesting that combat may play a more prominent role in this game than in Ico. Several shots depict the duo entering into different themed environments, possibly suggesting a “Zelda-esque” temple structure to the game. Team Ico’s reputation ensures that these rather simple concepts will become more complex as the game proceeds.

Each game from this team has given the player a strong motivation throughout the game. In “Ico”, it was a boy’s desperation following his banishment and entrapment in a dangerous castle. In Shadow, it was a boy’s refusal to accept the death of the woman he loved. The motivation in this new project is still a mystery but it appears as though the boy may have broken some sort of law by attempting to release the creature from its captivity and is forced to aid in it’s escape. Could this be a story of a boy who feels trapped and attempts to free a creature that he feels he shares much in common with? Could this game somehow tie the three stories together? There are still many questions left unanswered. We can only hope that “Team Ico” will provide some answers and perhaps even an official title during the first week of June at E3 2009.

-Nick