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A great title from the makers of Ico

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 12 / 14
Date: October 23, 2005
Author: Amazon User

You don't have to play Ico to enjoy Shadow of the Colossus. This game stands alone by itself. It's like one of those really touching independent movies that make you think "Now that's how movies ought to be made." This game is that saying for video games.

Briefs
Type: adventure/puzzle
Graphics: above average
Suitable for children: very much so
Pros: Beautiful scenery and very intense battles. Beautiful sunlight effects and sound. Story is touching.
Cons: Camera can be annoying and controls take getting used to. Short.

The game is basically 16 boss battles of a large scale. Literally, I haven't encountered larger bosses ever in a video game of this type. They're not just the only enemies in the game, they're also the puzzles. It's "How do I take this thing down?" You have a sword, a bow with endless arrows, a horse and some strong hands and legs. Trying to figure out how to take down these gigantic creatures covered in architecture and fur is what makes this game's puzzles.

But you also have to get to the creatures, which isn't a challenge so much as it is an excuse to go riding across one of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever encountered in a game. Sometimes I would just ride around and look at the sites wishing I had some way to take screenshots. It's very beautiful. But again, getting to the creatures isn't really a challenge, though some of them do require some climbing, mostly it's just exploring. This can be a little cumbersome later as you start to get annoyed with the controls for the horse. The horse will automatically turn away from obstacles in its way, which can often times lead you into a fight to control it (especially in forested areas). But once you get the hand of moving around, you'll figure it out pretty quick. I usually get the guides with games I get for the collection, and the guide game several extra things you can do with the horse that came in handy.

The battles themselves involve you finding a way to get the colossus to expose a vital point, climbing over the colossus to that point and attacking. That's pretty simple. Harder to execute as you go along, as some bosses dive under water where you have to hold your breath, fly hundreds of feet in the air, or even crawl under the sand. Most of them are pretty slow, but a few are smaller and rather lithe. You can whistle to get their attention, or shoot them with a harmless arrow. Also, you can use sunlight and reflect it off the sword and find weack spots on the colossus your fighting. This is also how you find the next colossus.

The story has a simple premise to it. You have a girl who's dead in your arms. It's kinda implied you love her and want to find a way to bring her back from the dead. By slaying these 16 colossi you can bring her back. So that's the idea and you're all for it apparently.

There is a life bar you have, which can be increased by eating fruit you find throughout the landscape. It goes down when you fall too far, when a colossus hits you or otherwise shakes you up. Most of the colossi can only run into you, smack you with some weapon or step on you. A few of them throw lightning balls at you. The other bar is very important, it's stamina. It's your ability to hold your breath underwater, to hang on, climb around thing and other physical actions. You can't latch onto a colossus and hold on forever; this stamina meter makes it important to hurry up or find a place to rest, which is rare to find on most of the colossi. You can fill this bar up by shooting arrows at lizards with blue tails and making their tails drop off. If you eat the tail, you gane some stamina.

It is very suitable for children, though it is challenging and pretty intense, and smaller kids might not have as much fun with it. There's no violence beyond you trying to take down 5-20 story tall creatures. There's no blood other than some black stuff that leaks from the colossus as you hit them. The language in the game isn't even in english. It's in that Ico language.

I would recommend this game to anyone who likes adventure games or things with beautiful scenery. Anyoen who liked Ico should also like this game. I can't really compare it to any other game other than Ico (as well I couldn't compare Ico with anything before Shadow of the Colossus either). It has some replay value though (something the creators must have learned from Ico). After you beat the game you unlock Hard mode and Time Attack mode. Time Attack mode can be accessed during any round 2+ games, but not on New Games. You can get cool items from the Time Attack mode, including the dark queen's sword from Ico. There's also a hidden garden in the game, but I won't tell you where it is. Hard mode also has its own Time Attack with better items.

This game is great in my mind (though the controls and camera keep it from absolute perfection, I do agree with GameSpy a little on it). It's really worth a rent if you don't think you're into it.

An unforgetable journey of colossal porportions!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 9
Date: November 11, 2005
Author: Amazon User

All this game is fighting huge cratures known as colosuss and getting to them,which may not sound like much but after you fight the 1st colosuss you'll be begging for more fights aginst bigger colosuss! I beat the 1st one at night and couldn't wait to encounter more the next day

I'm not an expert on graphics,but the colosuss look really good to me....and the whole world is quite a sight...

The music seals the deal,once you start a battle some really great battle music that goes really well with whatever colosuss you're fighting (there are a number of different tunes) AND when you start to climb the colosuss and reach his weak point,the music changes,and it makes all the battles a lot more enjoyable.

The story,it really doesn't seem to have one,its just 'defeat all 16 colosuss to bring your lady friend back to life"
But all is explained in the end,but I won't spoil any part of this great story

There's much to do after you beat the game,time attack mode is unlocked and if you beat it a certain amount of times you can explore new areas that where previously unreachable. I'm almost done with my 3rd time beating it...

Highly recommended! At $40,it's a steal!

Alienating, but certainly worth a shot

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 9
Date: December 20, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Shadow of the Colossus is easily one of my top 10 favorite games of all time. I've played all the greatest games through the ages -- from 8-bit classics like Castlevania and Mario all the way up to the newest and most popular titles like Metal Gear Solid 3 and Resident Evil 4 -- and Shadow of the Colossus has just earned a spot among elites.

But that's not important, because this is a very unique game aimed at an equally niched audience. Depending on your gaming preference, Shadow of the Colossus is either a beautiful, indescribable work of poetry; or an uneventful, melodramatic trudge with only sixteen things to kill. I'd be willing to bet that if you think games like Halo and Grand Theft Auto are the best games of all time, then you almost certainly won't appreciate anything about SotC. However, if titles like Panzer Dragoon Orta, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Gunvalkyrie, and Ico have stolen your heart, then you will be absolutely awestruck by everything about this game.

On the one hand, just the opening movie alone may move you on a level you haven't experienced since Final Fantasy VII. The music is hauntingly beautiful and forebodes a tragic and lonely tale about a desperate young warrior willing to die in battle for the soul of his lover. Finally, the title screen pops up, and yet you hesitate to press Start because you're still taking in the epic scope of the scenery laid before you. You can't possibly fathom that this is a real-time shot of the game's world being rendered before you, and that it's all being done on the PS2's meager hardware. After a moment, you begin the game where another cinematic unfolds, laying bare the foundations for a very minimalistic story where you, as the player, are allowed to use your imagination to fill in the gaps that weren't already explicitly explained. What you begin the game with is what you will end the game with: a bow and quiver of (infinite) arrows, your ancient sword which doubles as your compass, and your best friend and trusty steed Agro. The cinematic scope of this game is remarkable - you needn't bother with annoying and contrived lifebars, ammo counters, timers, maps, radars, etcetra, etcetra. Instead, whatever graphical interface you require to play the game only shows up when you need it to so that you're not otherwise inhibited to fully appreciate every expertly-crafted tree, cliff, and ancient ruin you may come across. And the handcrafted animations are simply breathtaking. The first time you see Agro in action is just as amazing as taking control of Mario for the first time when he debuted in 3D on the N64. In fact, all the characters in the game -- yes, the colossi are so spectacularly individual in design that they warrant being referred to as actual characters -- move with such grace and fluidity that really conveys the feeling that these are living, breathing creatures that are actually anchored to the game world with mass and purpose. And as I stated earlier, the music is completely unforgettable. The score is as sweeping as it is dynamic; the pace of the music changes right along with the pace of the battles. For example, when you finally face the first flying colossus the music takes a slow, eerie tone while you watch the beast fly around overhead. But once you get his attention and are able to latch on to the creature, the beat picks up and a full orchestrated array of instruments comes in to lend some excitement and adrenaline to an equally exhilarating aerial battle.

And on the other end of the spectrum, the action-seeking, bloodthirsty, trigger-happy player will be appalled at the lack of CG cutscenes, voiceovers, power-ups, and constant slew of enemies. Yes, it's true: there are sixteen enemies in this game. Not sixteen TYPES, just sixteen separate and individual entities for you to slay. Even the most desensitized of players can appreciate the variety in the colossi, but I imagine the average gamer would find it very boring to do nothing but ride a horse for twenty minutes to the next battle without so much as a floating platform or spike trap to navigate. The story also probably leaves much wanting in the way of plot development, romance, and humor. Sorry, the colossi aren't plotting to take over the world. There are no aliens to kill, no ninjas to slash, and no spies to execute -- so what's the point? And the closest you're going to get to leveling up is your gradually-increasing grip gauge which measures the amount of time you can cling for dear life on one of these lumbering beasts.

So that's it: Shadow of the Colossus is an inspiring, boring, beautiful, sappy, intriguing, mind-numbing game of epic battles and drawn-out horseback riding. It's not visceral, but it's stimulating and provocative. In short, it's a bargain-bin masterpiece. I totally and completely adore this game, but I won't take it personally if you don't.

An excellent game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 13
Date: October 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I was excited about this title simply because it's brought to us by the same people who created ICO. I knew what to expect with this game; simple gameplay, beautiful graphics, a relationship with the characters. This game does not disappoint. I've defeated 8 of the 16 Colossi so far, am eager to get after the rest of them (and whatever else might await afterward), and I'd gladly start the game over and do it again. The battles are unlike any you've ever experienced.

And the way I cared so much about Yorda (the waify girl you're trying to save in ICO)? I find I care just as much about the horse, Agro. He behaves much like a real horse, even drinking water if you stop in a pond. He's also smart, able to navigate paths and cliffs with hardly any problems.

One thing about the horseback riding, though... if you've played The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, do NOT think this is like riding Epona. It's quite different (more realistic), and it takes a little getting used to in terms of shutting the OoT experience out, but soon you'll be riding like a pro.

Grab this game. Never mind there being no other enemies, or not involving strength/magic levels, or not letting you just hack and slash at things. This game wants to be different, and just like ICO, it does it right.

Breathtaking!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 8
Date: October 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

First off this isn't really like anything you've played before...the ONLY game I can say has "elements" of it is the "Prince of Persia Sands of Time" games. But ONLY in the fact that you have to climb walls etc to get to where the next colossus is. Its also similar when climbing a colossus but more challenging in the fact that the thing is moving and tries to shake you off slowly to violently at times. The game is immersive in the fact that you are instantly drawn into the game from the get go (Unless you are a no holds barred ALL action gamer then you'll be disappointed). Each Colossus can take anywhere from ten minutes to an hour to beat depending on which one you are fighting as each one gets increasingly more difficult as you go along. Some might say "well why not just rent it as it wont have any replayability?" Well, for gamers seeking more of a challenge the game offers a "hard mode" after you beat the normal mode. If hard mode is conquered it will raise your life bar. But the most amazing thing is to see a colossi appear and how truly "small" you really feel when you realize that this game doesnt give you powerups, special potions,invisibility etc... If you get stomped by a colossi youre going to DIE! If you fall off of one high up you'll die, if you fall off a cliff....you get the idea. Its realism is what makes it sparkle! Even riding the horse is unique and revolutionary! You have to actually pull back on the left stick HARD to make it stop completely or slightly to slow the horse so riding up fast on a cliff will get you dead. Even small things like being able to pet the horse are included along with stunning scenery and graphics for the now outdated PS2. The framerate does have some issues with blocky graphics occasionally but its forgivable and not even noticable when in battle with a colossi etc. Would it look nicer on the Xbox or the gamecube? Sure, but Sony got the rights exclusively and it works well enough to show how far the PS2 is able to be pushed. I pray that this game does well enough to generate a sequel on the PS3 or even another next gen system. The game has a slight learning curve that takes a bit to get used to but once you get used to it, it works fine enough to get the job done and quite nicely I might add. Its also challenging but not impossible like some games out there. If you work hard at it and use your brain you'll figure out how to topple each monstrosity but it might take a few times with LOTS of patience. If thinking games that are immersive and time consuming are your thing then this could be your next favorite game! If not, sadly its not for EVERYONE but its still worth checking out even if youre only mildly interested. It might surprise you with its grandeur.

Easy a 5 out of 5 game!

A Fantastic game that is truly an epic adventure.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 8
Date: April 22, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game has got to be one of the best games I ever played. The first thing that blew me away was the game's incredible graphics. Situated in a vast and empty landscape, you and your noble steed track down gigantic creatures of acient myth. With its fantastic visuals and atmospheric surroundings, Shadow of the Colossus radiates beauty and artistic genius.

Whats best about SOTC is the Colossi. Towering giants that are each different in apperance and size, wander the empty land with earth shaking footsteps. Each Colossus has its own personality, size, attack and structure. Making each battle a different experience. When first approaching the Colossus, a great feeling of perspective and size is evedent when looking at the towering giant. With its slow fluid motion and thundering footsteps that shake the earth, can only be succeeded by the games fantastic graphics and lighting effects. And then you say to yourself: "How the hell am I going to defeat this thing".

The real challenge of the game is figuring out how to defeat the Colossi, each of which is unique in its own way. Your sword and bow are indispensable tools in the appropriate situations, but your most important weapon against the great beasts is your wits, which you'll need to use in full to puzzle out the right way to defeat each Colossus without being ground under one massive heel after another. In fact, Shadow of the Colossus feels almost as much like a puzzle game as it does an action game, or an adventure, since you'll frequently have to make creative use of both the environment and your weapons just to reach a monster's weak points, much less strike at these points effectively to bring it down. There is a bit of repetitiveness while killing the different colossi, but its not too noticeable as each Colossus is different.

The only bad things I can say about this game is that the map isn't detailed enough and the camera angles can sometimes frustrate. However, this does not ruin the gaming experience. With A1 graphics, superb gameplay and outstanding imagination, this is a PlayStation title that no PlayStation owner should be without. If you liked God of War and the visuals of Ico, then this is a game for you. A true classic that will echo in gaming history.

Shadow of the Colossus is my favorite game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 8
Date: October 20, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I started playing games 15 years ago when I was 8 years old. Since that time, I've played many many games. Shadow of the Colossus is now officially my favorite game ever!

You are an adventurer that traveled to a distant land to find a being who can resurrect people. Bringing a girl with you, you find this being. You are told that you need to defeat the Colossi that roam the land. The story is very mysterious. All you have in your possession is a sword, a bow, and your horse. Using only these and your wits, you will need to find and take down sixteen Colossi.

In Shadow of the Colossus, you don't care about collecting heart pieces, or getting new weapons and armor upgrade. There is nothing of that sort in this game. This system actually gives players a great sense of accomplishment. You will feel proud after taking down a giant monster with your skills only. There is no "gain a couple of levels to defeat the monster" type of playing.

Shadow of the Colossus is very immersive. The areas are superb. Exploration is one of the key elements in the game. Riding your horse, Agro, you can travel long distances. You have to find your way to the Colossi by holding up your sword which creates a light beam in the direction of the Colossus you have to defeat. After finding the Colossus, you get down on the ground if you're still on your horse to engage it.

The music is spectacular in Shadow of the Colossus. There are many soundtracks. Pressing music enters the soundtrack when you engage a Colossus. The sound effects are very good and help in the immersion. Just hearing a Colossus walk near you or screaming at you will give you the chills.

The graphics are superb. This game almost feels like a movie.

Some may say that the camera is a little bit awkward but I like it. The way the camera works are done help create a cinematic and immersive feel to the game.

If you like games that have an epic feel to them, and you wish to try something new, Shadow of the Colossus is one of the best games out there.

You've NEVER played anything like this!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 8 / 8
Date: October 23, 2005
Author: Amazon User

My PS2 has been nothing more than a bare-bones DVD player for the past year or so. I'm a PC gamer foremost and the Xbox has more games that appeal to me. But when I learned about Shadow of the Colossus, I knew it was time to dust off that PS2.

In Shadow of the Colussus there are 16 colussi that you must slay. Some are as big as a mountain...no exaggeration. This game is really a set of 16 amazing boss battles, David VS Goliath style. You must bring down these monstosities with only a sword, bow, and your wits. Many of these monsters you have to find a way to climb up on them as they try to violently shake you off. I haven't had this much of a thrilling time on a console game in a while. Holding on for dear life as a 100 foot Colossus tries to shake me off of his head...sheer gaming goodness!

Graphically, it is the best the PS2 has seen yet. A MASSIVE seamless outdoor enviornment...no load times WHAT SO EVER as you travel across it on your trusty steed (The horseback riding is really fun!). And the lighting, texturing, and particle effects are great, especially on the Colussi. This game has to be seen to believed...I couldn't believe this game was possible on a PS2. Eat your heart out Xbox.

Now for the downside that kept it from a 5 star...it's not all that long. Shadow of the Colossus does not take more than a week to beat...and many hard core gamers could probably beat it in one or two nights (And have a blast doing it might I add). There is no combat aside from the 16 colossi, which is a little disappointing. Such a massive enviornment and you only get to kill the Colussi and some little lizards wandering around. This game touches on greatness, and if they had gone further to make it a lengthy adventure with items, side quests, other characters etc...it could have rivaled Zelda...no seriously..it could have really given Zelda a run for it's money...

Because this game is not a very long one, some might prefer to rent it. It would be one of the best PS2 rentals I could recomend right now. And if you do decide to buy it, I assure you that you are getting a quality game that is a LOT of fun to play. Just don't expect a really long adventure. This adventure is epic in size but not in length.

One of THE BEST Games I've played in a LONG time!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 10
Date: November 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

About a week ago, I went on a little spending rampage (3 games = about $130) because I am currently very bored after the work day is over. I picked up the game not expecting much since I hadn't heard of it before I saw it on the shelf, but it had a horse and a guy with a sword and some mythical monsters in need of slaying, so why not?
I popped it in for the first time three days ago. I haven't been able to tear myself from it (besides to go to work and chow, of course). The graphics were, I feel, unbelievable for anything else I've seen on the PS2 console. As at least one reviewer mentioned, I as well have never seen such well done graphics on fauna, especially when it comes to horses. I definitely give two thumbs up to the person or team in charge of Agro (the horse). I grew up with horses, riding/breeding/training/showing until the age of 16, and the personality and traits of this horse are far from unreal. I'm very impressed with how well the horse was done, from the hooves to the tips of the ears to the muscles in his shoulders. Also, he nudges on the main character a lot, in a sort of endearing way, especially when you pet him. Ok, enough about the horse...
Indeed, the controls are something to get used to in the beginning but during your search for the first colossus, it is all explained to you and most people learn quick. I didn't find it difficult at all. What's really helpful is that you can always focus the camera on the colossus during battle, which helps for the keeping track of the quicker ones.
When I confronted the first colussus, I thought there was no way a little flea like my guy could bring down that mountain. But this little guy is actually a lot tougher than he looks, though certainly not invincible. There was almost a certain feeling of accomplishment and excitement when I brought the first one down.
I won't go into the story or plot too much because it really shouldn't be spoiled.
The landscape is another amazing thing. It feels like you could ride forever, and it looks so much more real than in many other games. You don't just navigate on a map, but you actually pretty much explore these amazing places atop your trusty steed which, if you dismount, is rarely far enough away for you to have to whistle for him to come. He's actually necessary as well to defeat some of the colossi.
I'm still not finished with the game but I'm returning to it in another few minutes, after I finish writing this, but I'm not to eager to finish this adventure, this quest.
Now, for the very minor negatives. There isn't too much detailed background information, which leaves you with questions, but it does add a certain dark, mysterious quality to the game. Also, I find this game is perfect for those who are bit more of an introvert. I have yet to come into contact with any other humans, which, personally, I find refreshing. There are just times that I don't feel sociable, not even in a video game. And it's very quiet, with great music (also mentioned by another reviewer) soft, yet exciting during battles and not overdone or overly dramatic.
It definitely has puzzles. Before you seek out each colossus, you are given a sort of riddle or hint about the creature, which can reveal the way to defeat it if you are a thinker. You have to have at least a little brain power and patience (mostly with yourself) in order to defeat each colossus. They are all in different surroundings and are different in form. Their environments also play a big role. Pretty much you have to outsmart them.
Overall, I will finish playing, and then replay this game just for the simple-yet-beautiful quality, and the introvert in me that it comforts. I recommend this game to anyone (wielding just a little brainpower) who wants to seem something entirely unique and play a game that really, totally draws you in. For the ingenuity, the art, and the personality of the game (and everything else), I give Shadow of the Colossus the full five stars.

Great, but Not for Everyone

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: October 19, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Shadow of the Colossus is one of my favorite video games of all time. However, several negative reviews here gave me pause: There are legitimate complaints to be made about the game, and whether you enjoy it or not depends a lot what you are looking for in a gaming experience.

The controls are difficult at times. The Colossi vary from fun to fight to occasionally tedious and frustrating. And there is a LOT of riding a horse around an empty land trying to find the giants.

I think that might be what finally separates lovers of this game from the, er, non-lovers. If you enjoy gaming primarily for non-stop action, this isn't the game for you. If on the other hand you can get wrapped up in the atmosphere of a unique game world, you will enjoy this.

Personally, I found the empty landscape haunting and evocative; the very emptiness of it made me feel the protagonist's loneliness in his quest. I felt immersed in a unique world and really felt part of a mythic universe, and to me it became an emotional experience. I bet a lot of the game's other fans would say the same. But that isn't everyone's cup of tea.

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