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Absolutely amazing - one or two caveats though...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 292 / 304
Date: October 20, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This is a perfect game for people who like a very artistic, environmental, and unique game. Most games can be decribed by referring to other games, but this one definitely stands alone.

The visuals are outstanding. The graphics almost look like they were painted onto your screen. (If you have a TV with component inputs, it's worth getting the cabling for it for this game.) The colors shift from soft to sharp at different points in the game, and they do a great job of drawing you into the experience.

The story turns out to be an incredible part of this game. As you hunt down these lumbering hulks, you begin to feel a sense of sympathy with some of them. For a game to invoke any kind of emotion is quite an accomplishment. I'd love to continue talking about the story, but I don't want to give any more away...

The score works perfectly within the game. As you approach, survey, and finally begin combat with these giants, the music changes to fit the feeling of the action. The developers obviously put most of their efforts into creating an enveloping experience, and they succeeded.

There is very little that is at all negative about the game, but I've hit a couple of points where the action gets heated and the frame rate dropped rather low. Fortunately, they designed a rather clever workaround: if the frame rate drops, the frames start to blend together smoothly so that you don't get any kind of stuttering.

The gameplay is solid, although adjusting to the controls takes some effort. The fact that there aren't armies of meaningless enemies between you and the collossi just adds to the ambiance of the game. The fact that you don't level up, find new weapons, gain new strengths, etc. really adds to the feeling that you are nothing but a tiny fly compared to these hulks.

Overall, it is an outstanding, artistically brilliant game that really draws you in and doesn't distract from its very single-minded focus. Add to that a brilliant score and a great sense of atmosphere, and you've got a great, unique game.

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.

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!

WHO WOULD OF THUNK IT!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: October 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

How many games have you played that really grabs you and doenst let go?. Quite a few i assume. how many games have you played that traps you in its world and want to stay there for a very long time.
Shadow of the colossus is less a game and more of an experience. Right from the start you are taken straight into it's world. Meaning, the storyline is not present. you start off riding your horse carrying a girl into a temple. Immediately after you begin your quest. This game is full of unforgetable moments and emotions. For instence, when you face the first colossi...AMAZING!!. the beauty of the atmosphere from the detailed graphics to the well orchestrated score. This game has so much to offer to the player...yet,the concept of the game is so simple.
For the casual gamer who wants a hack n slash game...keep far away. Many people were dissapointed by the fact that there are no enemies roaming the vast lands. Only the 16(or 15...i cant remember)colossi that you must destroy in order to awaken the mysterious girl from her death bed.
I cant recommend this game enough even though i've only played for about 3 hours. It's an instant classic for the gamer with patience.
Overall, this game gets a perfect 5 in every category! Forget what the skeptics and wannabe "magazine reviewers" say. Take it from a gamer who plays just about all genres and knows when a sleeper hit is destined to awaken.

Ico meets Metroid Prime

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 216 / 224
Date: October 22, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Shadow of the Colossus is one of those all-too-rare titles that defies easy description and doesn't really fit comfortably into any existing genre. Is it an action game? Yes. Adventure? Sure. Puzzle? Yep. Platformer? Yeah. It even has slight horror elements.

On the surface, Shadow sounds simple: search for the colossus, find its weak spot, and stab it. Sounds easy enough, but that's like saying that To Kill a Mockingbird is a legal drama, or Platoon is about the Vietnam War - it's not the whole story. Even Shadow's story - boy wants to save girl - slowly reveals itself to be something much more complex and mysterious.

Where Shadow excels is in its design. Finding each colossus requires travel through a landscape that can only be described as dreamlike, yet it feels real. You'll seamlessly travel from a cliff overlooking a river to a thick forest, and then you could find yourself in the middle of a desert or at the edge of a lake. Since the land is so vast (and, besides the colossi, relatively uninhabited), you travel by horseback, courtesy of Agro, perhaps the best-animated animal character ever seen in a game. Controlling Agro is initially complex, yet intuitive, and thankfully his A.I. is sophisticated enough to keep you from riding him off the edge of a mountain. You're armed with only a sword and bow (with unlimited arrows), and there's no way to upgrade your weaponry. The real upgrade lies in the learned experience of defeating each of the colossi hidden in the valleys and mountains.

Each colossus is haunting, fantastic, ominous, and awe-inspiring, and there's even a slight sense of innocence. I won't go into specifics because the sense of wonder and discovery is vital to the gameplay, but if you avoid walkthroughs and spoilers (and you certainly should) you will constantly be surprised at each one. Defeating them requires careful thinking, experimentation, and trial-and-error, and there's not always one way to achieve victory. Just as the brilliant bosses of the Gamecube's two Metroid Prime games demanded quick thumbs and quick wits, the colossi are masterfully imagined, rendered, and designed, and get more complex as you progress. They had to be, as the game is basically sixteen boss battles. Still, there's nothing like the rush of finally discovering the key to each beast, but that's only part of the battle, as you then have to put your plan into action. Simply put, the colossi are some of the most cinematic and exhilirating experiences in gaming, and each one is unique and memorable.

If you have a PS2 and want something challenging, beautiful, and unlike anything else you've played before, Shadow of the Colossus is an absolute must. It's an instant candidate for Game of the Year, and should at the very least get recognition for its design. Games like this don't come along often - enjoy it.

Shadows and Dust...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: October 22, 2005
Author: Amazon User

You might as well do yourself a favor and get this title on its way to you even before you proceed to read reviews here at Amazon. Know right now that this is indeed one of those rare games that is worth its price tag and a lot more.
- My ps2 doesn't do much but collect dust these days as I'm finding it harder and harder to get myself interested and/or immersed in video games. Now if that has more to do with me growing older and not caring for the whole vicarious nature of games as much, or if it has more to do with recent releases I've played being poorly made and just failing in their attempts to thrill the mind, I don't know. But as a jaded gamer, I popped in Shadow of the Colossus and I was immediately blown away. I felt so awed and inspired and excited playing this game that I think it reminded me a little bit of what the whole fantasy gaming experience should be like in the first place. And I think that's whats so amazing about SOTC: it breaks new ground by doing something so simple. And it's somehow so spellbinding in it's own very unique way it just has to be seen to be believed. If you own a ps2 or even if you just have access to one, you will be missing out big time if you do not play this game. I realize that here we are at the end of my little review, and I have not mentioned one facet of the game's mechanics, story, or tilt. And I don't have to. - Its all been said. What you need to know is that SOTC is an amazing and epic fantasy experience that will without a doubt inspire and enchant you. Don't pass on this one.

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.

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.

Leaves others in it's "Shadow"

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: October 25, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I knew about this game for months. Desperately wanted the demo, but couldn't find it, and when it was scheduled to come out, the shipment was postponed! Let's just say the wait was well, A WAIT. But when I finally popped this bad boy in, the beginning alone was reminiscent of a LOTR movie, and when you see the look in the eyes of the first Collosus as he notices you; you want to turn the other way! Needless to say, He can be dropped in about five minutes, but let me tell you, I fought with the 9th Colossus for over an hour! I've had harder boss battles before, but mainly due to the fact that they CHEESE you, or their pattern hasn't been figured out yet. But this one Colossus actually made me use my brain, and when I finally figured it out I was kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner. The game throws you a turn in the fact that the vitals of some colossi are so obvious in the beginning, but are damn near hidden once you hit the midway point. Those bastards, right? This makes for interesting battles where you are essentially trying everything you've learned from the previous fights. But it's actually fun. The less you know about each behemoth, the better you'll feel after sticking it out and giving em' the sharp end of the blade. I remember shouting "die, die, die" as I slayed the 9th.
Those with puzzle solving minds and a knack for exploration will be pleased when they come across something that was previously unknown. The game is 100% better if you have no prior knowledge to tactics, secrets, or the world in general. There are things you can do that the manual doesnt even touch on, and this was done on purpose. Graphic-wise, it pushes the PS2 to the limit, and I say so because sometimes I'm amazed at the look of the Colossi themselves, however, the character himself is a little pixelated and the land could be sharper. The game froze on me once, luckily I was only replaying a battle...Yes, I had started a new game simply to re-kill Colossi I had alreday put down to show my girlfriend how awesome the whole experience is. If somone sees Colossi #7, they might be amazed, but if they see you start at the first and seek, climb, stab, and kill your way to the 7th; they will be in awe and on your side. There is a downside to the fact that the Colossi are the only major part of the game, as the really determined will just seek out and beat every monster back to back in two days. I'm on the 11th with nine hours and change play time...and I can honestly say I've only played hardcore for about a day or two. And once you know how to beat each one, it's not a mystery anymore, so that takes away from the fun factor. STill semi-intense, but definetly not like the first time because there's only one way to approach and beat each Colossi.
Overall, I still love the game because of its subtleties and it's unique story. Murdering beasts wouldnt be as heartfelt if there wasnt a compelling story behind it. And its all a mystery. The animations are great, and each Colossi kinda have a personality too. the one I'm battling now is like an over anxious dog that doesnt know it's own strength. The environment transitions are really smooth, making the land seem far larger than it really is. there are hidden nooks, caverns, and gorges. I just wish there was a tad more to do between Collossi; like hunting something besides Lizards, as the important ones are usually found solely on the shrines. I've rarely died the whole game, as it's also easy (and sometimes necessary) to take a breather or hide to regain strength. I thought that was a novel idea, usually games don't do that.

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