10 Video Games That Only Work ONCE

10. The Last Guardian

The rule of diminishing returns is normally applicable to big budget films and games, in which series fatigue and repetition set in. Unfortunately, it can happen to auteur studios and their cult darlings too.

Following Shadow of the Colossus, The Last Guardian's prolonged development and release had gamers hoping it would strike with that whimsical, Team ICO brand of magic we'd come to love.

And, to an extent, it did.

Whilst retaining its clunky, on-brand controls, leading the nameless lad and his pet dog-bird-gryphon-thing is fun to play. Scaling towers, fleeing an unknown sense of evil, whilst reaching the literal heights of escape is great.

However, once it's done, there's no real incentive to go back to it. Knowing how to solve the puzzles and/or Trico-leading sections removes the... magic, if you will. There's no other story paths to take, nor are there any divergent sightseeing paths to show off how well Team ICO do pretty landscapes.

There are speedrun and collectible-based trophies, but that's about it. No recycled whimsy, just the frustration of trying to fast-track your pet's behavioral skills.