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I Hold The Hand Of The One Who Will Lead Me Places

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: December 01, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I first saw this game on a Non-playable Demo, and at first glance I wasn't impressed at all. I usually prefer rich, colorful graphics, but this game's graphics seem bland, and washed-out almost as if the contrast on my TV was turned all the way up. And the gameplay itself seemed even less appealing; running through endless rooms of a castle while dragging some chick along by the hand. But after seeing one of the hosts of Extended Play give it a rave review, I decided to try out a playable demo of Ico. The sample I got, left me craving more!

Suddenly the opaque animation took on a new life, subtle hues revealing the eerie beauty of the mammoth castle. And outside, instead of familiar blues, and orange of sunsets for the sky, the Cliffside of the castle is shrouded in misty whites and grays. Leaving you feeling both uneasy being in the castle, yet wanting to see more of it.

Normally, I would balk at yet another story were the "Helpless Princess needs to be rescued" But for some reason this game seems different. Perhaps because, it's more of a team effort with Ico and the Princess working together to find a way out of the castle, I also think there is more to the "Pale Princess" than meets the eye. And I have to admit, it was fun to have Ico grab hold of her hand and take off through the castle, but I think the animation might be a little too real there, every time they started to run, it felt like her arm was in danger of being yanked out of the socket, and I wanted to keep slowing Ico's pace down so he wouldn't hurt her. Yeah, I know, I know, it's JUST a game, but it's a testament to how WELL they made it!

I also liked that the controls on this game are very simplistic, there was no frustration in trying to figure out which button controls what. I've read that the battles in this game are fairly easy, and from what I've sampled I'd have to say so too. But that didn't detract from my enjoyment.

If the game is short, I don't much care, as long as what there is of it is satisfying and I'm fairly certain that it will be, because this review was written based just on the demo I played, I'm hoping to get the full version for X-mas, and I cannot wait to see how the rest of this game plays out!

Best level design ever!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: October 02, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Ico has the most amazing level design I've ever seen on any game on any platform. The puzzles are more environmental than cerebral which is a good thing so those with little patience for puzzles (like myself) won't be frustrated. Solving a puzzle is mostly a case of looking around your local area and seeing how you and Yorda can navigate it, and how it can be changed so she can traverse it. The game also does a good job of keeping you moving forwards even though you're inside a massive environment where you can go anywhere and which isn't split into multiple game stages. It's similar to Prince of Persia in many ways with the level design and excellent use of animation. Ico also has some of the best animation I've ever seen in a game and it's used to show the emotion of the characters beautifully, such as the way Yorda holds hands with the hero and the way he helps pull her onto high ledges, etc. The world is very well animated with waterfall effects, birds flying, animating drawbridges, etc. The AI shown by the spirit enemies is also superb; the way they attack as a team and try to lure you away from Yorda so one can grab her from behind you. When you leave Yorda for a while to explore a nearby room and hear her cry out as she's attacked by the spirits it really does invoke emotion as you rush back to save her. The environments are beautifully rendered and the depth of the level design is incredible. From any area you can see for hundreds of yards to other areas still to be unlocked as you weave your way through the enormous castle. To those who say the game is too short I say quality over quantity. It's better to be well entertained for 7-10 hours than bored or frustrated after 1 hour. Ico is easily the best PS2 game released so far.

Beautiful game!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: October 03, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I just want to say that this game is great. The story, the music and graphics are cleverly mixed together. The controls are very easy to get used to. As you play the game you feel like being trasported inside the castle, thanks to the music. I strongly suggest this game to anyone.Go buy it!

Ico

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: October 05, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Mixed feelings about this one. Overall, I like it; it has a grandiosque dreamy quality to the visuals. Very large scale surroundings but it seems to be a bit foggy and light at times (intentional i'm sure; certainly NOT due to PS2 capabilities)--graphics-wise, I was expecting better. The story is quite original. I do like the fact that there is no health bar to worry about...you 'die' if you fall too far or if the villian shadows capture the girl. Its a puzzle-based game and it can get quite tough at some times (I find myself hitting online playguides). The interface is simple, you can pick it up in about 5 minutes.

Same as everyone else

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: November 14, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This is my first review of anything. I have played many different games. I just had to write something on ICO though. Just read anyone elses review. The bad part of the game is that it ends.

The most impressive video game I have ever played.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 16, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Just read the other reviews... 'nuf said. Still, I'd like to point out a few things that I found special about the game.

-Comhesive architecture. Even though the game is linear, you'll be walking somewhere and look down and say 'oh, I remember that part there was a puzzle and I had to do...'; Throughout the game, you'll eventually end up exploring every part of the castle, nothing is there "just for show"
-Grahpics. Contrary to what some people might say, I found the graphics to be very good. In terms of pixel count or raw power, Ico doens't hold up against most games, but it's strength lies in it's presentation. The game seems to have a fuzzy look to it, but even when you zoom in, it the quality doesn't depreciate that much, but adds to the overall dream-like quality of the game.
-Playtime. Even though it only took me 10 hours to beat the game, I savored every minute. Everything just feels right for some reason, and although some people complain (mostly an afterthought) the game is too short, nobody has yet lodged a specific complaint, saying "This part should have been longer". Yes, it's only 10 hours, but it's an excellent 10 hours.

DO NOT BUY THIS GAME IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BLOOD AND ACTION

a great game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: November 18, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I picked up this game just because i had alot of mone and i went to the store onbe day and got it cuz it was only 29.99. Not knowing anything about it i started to play it. It is different than most games. It is beautiful in the sense that it has great graphics. Just cuz the batles are easy doesnt mean you should dis it. I fell in love with the game jkust cuz it is a great adventure on a different level than other games. The end is sad and im 15 and cried cuz it was sad and the game is so touching. I will always rember this game cuz it is so good and WE NEED A SEQUEL, ICO 2. Im waiting for one.

-Andrew-

one of the best

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: November 10, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Ico is one of the best games i have ever played. The puzzles are not hard but there not easy either and the fighting system has a lot of cool combos. One of the down sides is the monsters are all black shadows that just take different form. What really makes this game challenging is your protecting a princess from all the mosters and if they get her then you lose and some times that gets really annoying but if you like a good puzzle and a good adventure I highly reccomend Ico: )

very fun game!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 22, 2002
Author: Amazon User

this is one of my favorite games for the PS2. the graphics are amazing, and the gameplay is very good. the only downside was that this game could be completed in 10 hours or less. but who cares about that right?

ICO, ICO, ICO

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 17, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This is asctually one of the best PS2 games I've ever played! Although it is a little confusing at the beginning, players will learn quickly how to control the game. My favorate thing about this game is how it is not to easy, but not to hard, with battling and solving the puzzles. If you don't buy this game, your are missing out on one of the greatest games playstation 2 has to offer.

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