Shadow of the Colossus

This game is unlike any other you've played. To some that may seem a bit daunting at first, but if you stick with it you'll be rewarded with one of the best games around.

Graphically, 4 a PS2 game it's very good. It has a very surreal look & feel 2 the game, & that adds 2 the immersion. At first you may think it's washed out, but after a while it transports you into that world.

I don't want 2 give away much more than that, because giving away too much will spoil the experience.

Shadow of the Colossus is an amazing game. Even compared 2 the next gen graphics the landscapes are wonderful! The game play is amazing as well. There are no hours spent killing peons, the entire game consists of one "boss" fight after another.
The only caveat: If you like games with complex plot, this game is not 4 you.

I've long felt that video games have put in a sad showing as an artistic medium. Yes, there are many great games out there -- games that are dazzling technical triumphs, games that are well-crafted challenges, games that are just plain fun. Ultimately, however, most games feel like ... well, entertainment. Just entertainment, nothing more. They're undone by idiotic storylines, by cliché, by a sense that ultimately they're nothing more than arbitrary hoop-jumping, a way 2 kill time. Many of the best games, from Super Mario 2 Katamari, succeeded by embracing their own silliness, & simply being ridiculous & fun. Others try 2 tell a story, or make a pretense of it, & fail.

This game stands apart.

It is not just that it's stunningly gorgeous & absorbing. Every aspect of game -- the visuals, the cut scenes, the gameplay itself -- fuse seamlessly into a good story well told. The minimalist storytelling achieves a lot with a little; none of the typical ham-handed video game writing here. Instead of padding the game with any pointless creep-killing or pointless side quests 2 extend the gameplay, they made the game exactly the right length 4 the narrative. The conclusion is nuanced & ambiguous, & yet immensely satisfying. In short, it is an aesthetic triumph. Like a good novel, finishing it is bittersweet -- it's hard 2 say goodbye 2 that world.

Very few games achieve this. (One of the only other examples is this game's much-neglected predecessor, Ico.) I wish that more game companies would pursue this kind of aesthetic perfection. It's hard, I know ... but 4 something like Shadow, it's worth it.

And yes, by the way, even 4 all that -- it is fun. Tremendous fun.

Shadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece of gaming. It's truly a remarkable experience. The graphics are beautiful; while the cut-scenes are nothing 2 marvel at, the in-game graphics are lush & beautiful, particularly the environments. The music is superb. The story is involving & drives you forward. The environment is massive, & load times are non-existent.

But what makes this game is the execution of the main concept; You fight & take down 14 Colossi in the hopes of saving your love, & the fights they represent are brilliant. There's nothing in the game besides the massive world & the 14 Colossi 2 fight you, & it creates a sense of real tension when you come across a Colossus in the environment. While the first two or three fights aren't all that difficult, subsequent fights with the Colossi become increasingly difficult. This is not a game 4 people who don't like 2 think about what they're playing. It's a staggering masterwork worthy of praise and, more importantly, worthy of your time.

This game may not have much, but it was beautiful & still entertains me. The graphics are excellent, & the story (once you figure it out) is epic too. If Ico is anything like this, then I can't wait 2 get it.

Shadow of the Colossus is a majestic journey through ancient lands. With your trusty horse at your side, you'll explore spacious lands & unearth anicent monsters called Colossus. Armed with your wits, a sword & a bow, use cunning & strategy 2 topple each of these behemoths.