Shadow of the Colossus

Overview:

You’re trying to revive your dead girlfriend by being a bounty hunter of sorts for a god-like voice that promises if you kill 16 “Colossi” that he can possibly help you out. Oh, and you have a horse.

Gameplay:

Though my synopsis of this game may have sounded a tad sarcastic, I honestly do love this game. First of all, you need to realize that this game is a form of art. Most games you play don’t focus on the art as much as they should, but Shadow of the Colossus goes above and beyond. Keeping that in mind: you play as a man by the name of Wander, and with your trusty steed Aggro you venture around the vast , empty landscape defeating colossal creatures whenever you cross them. The thing is- there are only 16; therefore, this game is game is 16 epic boss battles. This concept may be a turn off for some, but when I say epic, I mean epic. Each colossi has its own weak spot, and depending on how crafty you are, the battles can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Once you find yourself plunging your sword into the colossi for the final stab though, you’ll feel a sense of self-worth, accomplishment, and a hunger for more.

Controls:

The game plays very well with the controls given to you. Making drastic jumps onto colossal giants and grasping for your life while stabbing it repeatedly doesn’t seem as difficult as it sounds (Though it is by no means easy). The controls work rather smoothly and don’t take more than the first battle to get a grip of.

Sound:

The affects of the music and sounds in this game definitely make their mark. The solemn trotting of your horse in the surrounding silence makes you really feel the loneliness of the world you’re in. The roar of the colossi can make you cower as well, especially once you see what you’re up against.

Graphics:

This game’s visuals are astounding. The artistic vision of the developers of SotC is well known in the gaming industry, and this game shows off the true potential of the Playstation 2. The environments and overall art of this game are above and beyond most of what you’ll find on any other PS2 game. If you’re looking for some artistic eye candy in games, then this is should be on your priority list to purchase.

Replay Value:

The replay value depends on how much fun you had playing through the game the first time. After your first run through, you’re given the option to start the game over in hard mode. The game doesn’t have any other option than the story mode to play, and rightfully so considering the epic quest that ensues from the moment you start a new game. If you aren’t ecstatic about the mechanics and such, you’ll probably put this title down after the first run through, but if you like to defeat colossal monsters, then this game will have you coming back time and time again.

Is It Price Worthy?

Undoubtedly. With what most retailers are asking for it now, there is no reason not to pick up this title. Shadow of the Colossus should be experienced by all, and is a gem among the thousands of games available for the Playstation 2.

Score: 9/10

Shadow of the Colossus is an acquired taste. All the elements of a great game are here, but you can’t really compare it to others. Like its predecessor ICO- this isn’t your average title, and I think that will be the turn off for most. Remember: just because something is different doesn’t mean it isn’t golden, and that’s just what this title is.

-Dave