Fumito Ueda’s Upcoming Game Resembles a Sci-Fi Version of Shadow of the Colossus

Fumito Ueda, the acclaimed Japanese game designer, is celebrated for his groundbreaking PlayStation titles including Shadow of the Colossus, Ico, and The Last Guardian. Despite directing only three games throughout his notable career, Ueda’s influence on the gaming industry is immeasurable. His debut, Ico, marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment and has inspired many developers in the field. Likewise, Shadow of the Colossus and The Last Guardian quickly garnered cult status, further solidifying Ueda’s reputation as a visionary creator.

All three of these masterpieces were developed by Team Ico, a branch of Japan Studio, which was then owned by Sony. The studio received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to game design. However, after Ueda’s departure from Sony in 2011 for unspecified reasons, Team Ico was disbanded. Ueda subsequently founded GenDesign to oversee the completion of The Last Guardian. Unfortunately, Japan Studio itself was dissolved in 2021, a move attributed to underwhelming performance of recent titles. This series of closures left a void for fans of Ueda’s work; nevertheless, excitement has surged with the recent announcement of his new game.

GenDesign’s Untitled New Game: A Nod to Shadow of the Colossus

Fumito Ueda’s Next Game Unveiled at The Game Awards

At The Game Awards 2024, GenDesign premiered a teaser for its forthcoming title, currently shrouded in mystery. The trailer depicts an enigmatic character scaling a colossal robot while navigating an impending shockwave. The protagonist enters the robot’s head, detaching it from its rust-covered body, and subsequently ascends into the skies. True to Ueda’s narrative style, the trailer is largely devoid of dialogue, featuring only the robot’s voice counting down to the approaching shockwave.

Determining the identity of this unnamed character or the setting remains elusive. However, the game’s environment appears to be an alien planet, starkly contrasting the ethereal landscapes familiar from Ueda’s previous works. The dark, purple sky and desolate terrain indicate a shift from the fantasy realms depicted in Ico and The Last Guardian. While the narrative direction seems to diverge, gameplay elements echo those found in Shadow of the Colossus.

A Fresh Interpretation of Gameplay Mechanics

In this upcoming title, reminiscent of Ueda’s iconic 2005 classic, climbing monumental creatures appears to be central to the gameplay experience. In the provided trailer, the protagonist is observed ascending the giant robot, suggesting a gameplay dynamic where players utilize these formidable machines. It seems these robots are not merely adversaries but potentially serve as vehicles for navigation. The detached robot head hints at the possibility of piloting a mech, albeit not at the frenetic pace typical of titles like Armored Core 6 or Daemon x Machina. Instead, players may maneuver through perilous terrains, similar to what was showcased in the trailer.

Published by Epic Games Publishing, Ueda’s new project has yet to receive a release date. However, it has been confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via the Epic Games Store. While fans may need to exercise patience, hopes are high that this project will resonate with the same quality and emotional depth that defined Shadow of the Colossus.

Source&Images