Trico

Trico is a fictional creature that serves as a central companion character in the 2016 video game The Last Guardian. It is a large, hybrid beast with characteristics resembling a bird and a mammal. Trico possesses a feathered coat, a long, prehensile tail, and the ability to fly using leathery wings. Its appearance is unique, featuring a mix of mammalian and avian features, including a prominent beak-like snout and large, expressive eyes.

Throughout the game, Trico forms a deep bond with the player-controlled character, a young boy. Initially distrustful and wild, Trico gradually develops a strong loyalty and protective instinct towards the boy. Their relationship is a core theme of The Last Guardian, emphasizing themes of trust, companionship, and mutual reliance. Trico's behavior is designed to be reactive and intelligent, often responding to the boy's commands and demonstrating its own initiative in protecting him from dangers.

The creature's abilities include immense strength, agility, and the capacity for flight. It can also emit a powerful roar and has a natural affinity for solving environmental puzzles that obstruct the boy's progress. Trico's design and animation were a significant focus for the game's developers, aiming to create a believable and emotionally resonant character. Its presence is crucial to the gameplay mechanics, as many challenges require cooperation between the boy and Trico to overcome. The creature's name itself is a portmanteau derived from "Tribe" and "Chico," reflecting its role as a loyal protector.