Shadow of the Colossus - PlayStation 2

I always wanted to play this game. I finally bought a PS2 a 2 years ago but kept forgetting about it. Was finally reminded after re-watching the "Zero Punctuation" review for this game and searched for it here. The game is short. Took only 3 1/2 hours to plow through all 16 colossi. However, (unlike a few people) I went into the game knowing that the 16 was all this game had. As a result, it was the greatest 3 1/2 hours I've ever had. Each colossi was so unique and beautifully designed that I always had to take a few seconds when the fight starts to just take the time to look at it. The fact that there are no lesser enemies in between was a welcome change of pace. It allows all the tension and anxiety to build up on the way to the colossi while you ponder about the statue and of what Dormin told you prior to heading out. The 1st one really set the stage for what was to come. Prior to playing, I knew how the 1st one looked and had an idea of his size. When I finally saw him first hand in the distance, it seemed I had accurately guessed his size. So I shot an arrow to grab his attention, then stood hopelessly gazing up as he lumbered over to me closer and closer till he was towering over me. My guess, was WAY off. Despite being the easiest, he was still amazing to look at and fun to bring down. The following colossi continued to exceed my expectations. Each one got my adrenaline, as well as my brain, to go into overdrive. The thrill of being flung around violently while only hanging on (with only one hand most of the time) to a single hair of the head while watching your grip gauge dwindling to nothing, it is unlike anything any other game could bring. In-fact, I can't think of any game I've played that has any similarities. The closest is God of War with the giant enemies, but those fights are nearly 100% QTE's (quick time events or, "Press X to not die"). I was actually afraid that this game would also suffer from QTE's but was very relieved to learn otherwise. Dare I say that Kratos might be jealous of this game because he can't do any big fights without QTE's unlike Wander? That thought gives me a good chuckle. The final colossus even further demonstrates that Wander doesn't need the QTE training wheels imo. Ok, that's enough bashing Kratos, he obviously wins in the gore and brutality department, but still, kinda funny when you think about it. So, if I had to score this game: Story: 8 It wasn't the greatest story, and it didn't really make itself apparent till much later in the game (not that that is a bad thing). It was pretty simple, but it was solid and delivered pretty well... (minus a slightly confusing moment at the end) I'll also add that there were some tearful moments in this game (especially one moment in particular, tore me apart... I'm sure those of you who've also played know exactly what I'm talking about) Characters: 10 Despite not only having barely a handful of them as well as little to no dialogue most of the time (except for Dormin), They were very well done. It didn't take long to get attached to Wander and his quest. With Agro *Note, everywhere that I've read seems to indicate Agro is a she so that is how I will refer to her*, at first I thought she would just be another Epona. Just be a useful means of traveling. That changed pretty quickly. I grew more attached to Agro than any other character/support-character I've played/accompanied. I was always sad when I couldn't bring her to some of the fights. Even went as far as trying to forcibly find a way to get her to come along (but fail, obviously) even just to dismount her and have her watch. This game even made me more and more intrigued by the dead Mono and more determined to beat all 16 (not just for beating them, but to actually revive her and find out just who she is). Enemies/Battles/Gameplay: Over 9000 This is were this game towers above all other games. These 16 colossi are what this game is all about. Lesser enemies were absent so the developers could give these 16 110% of their attention. Is this move a risky gamble, yes. Did it pay off? You bet it did. Each one richly detailed. Each one moved so life-like that you believed they were real. Each one required a different strategy to reach it's vitals. Some of them even required that the key to your success, was your skill with handling Agro. Number 10 and 13 (maybe add 9 as well) really bring out the need for Agro the most imo. My personal favorites would have to be #2, #5, #7, #10, #13, and #15. #16 is great but I don't like fighting him in Time Attack. To get the most out of him you must include the entire journey up to him (all prior colossi included, even after previously beating the game). Adds more emotion to the fight. Soundtrack: 10 While absent during each or your treks across the land to find a colossus. Once your near the location, ominous and eerie music begins playing. Then, when you finally begin to see/fight it, the music changes to a more frantic/hopeless track (depends on which one you are fighting) to further convey you are nothing more than an ant (sometimes less) to these giant beings and you have no hope in bringing them down. Then, once you figure the trick to defeat them, the music seemingly knows when you've figured it out and changes to a more heroic track. When that begins playing, it is like the game, the colossus, and you immediately know that you are a bad@$$ and you WILL win. Then, when you finally land that final hit, it changes to a more somber (not the most accurate but the best I can describe it) tune while you watch the colossus slowly (and almost gracefully for some of them) fall to the ground. Visuals: 10 Considering it is for the PS2, they are masterfully done. My jaw drops each time I take the time to look at not just the scenery, but the colossi as well. Some might disagree with me about the scenery, yes there is a lack of vegetation and other things, but imo that makes the "forbidden land" feel all the more forbidden. There is not supposed to be much of anything there except for the colossi. My only complaint is in Time attack mode, the sun seems to be more intense and blinds me from the view of watching #13 make its entrance. I kinda wish I had a PS3 so I could play the HD revision of this game. Overall: Depends on what your expectations are going into this game. If your hoping for another Zelda or God of War or, well anything else for that matter, your not going to get much out of it. However, If you go in just with the expectations of some amazingly made huge colossi, then this easily just might be the best experience you ever had... 9038 out of 10

Shadow of the Colossus has to be one of the most intriguing games I've ever played. Scratch that, it is the MOST intriguing game. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, varying from one individual to the next. However, in my case, the artistic nature of this game, alongside its "narrative", if you can call it that, is enough to call it the best game I've ever played on the Playstation 2 console. I truly do not wish to spoil any of this game, because every moment must be appreciated to the fullest. The game focuses around a silent hero, with little information being presented about him. Through the course of the game, you come to appreciate his motivation, but your task is essentially to destroy 16 Colossi. (plural of Colossus, for those who don't know) These beasts are like nothing you've seen in any video game before, ever. The concept is the same across all of them--find a way to scale them, and then use your sword to destroy them by attacking their very visible but not always so accessible weak spots, in the form of white glowing glyphs around the creatures' bodies. This task sounds easier than it is--the first of the colossi is simple enough, but as you progress, the difficulty as well as the scale of the creatures increase, and the challenge of figuring out how to approach each colossus is just as tricky as the task of implementing your plan is. I don't want to say any more, but the feeling of beating a colossus after challenging bouts, deaths, or utter confusion is one of great joy. The game is very nontraditional in the sense that there are really no other characters in it. It is just essentially you and your loyal horse, Agro. Many have said it before, but I to this day I have not seen better animations than in this game, especially for the horse. Some get discouraged by the controls, but it actually feels like it has weight and mass to it, like a real horse. Additionally, controlling the protagonist can be tricky at first, but it feels very good after you adjust to it--it's a very different game from any other you've likely played, to say the least. The visuals are very impressive for the PS2 era of games. I was at first very frustrated by the framerate, which admittedly does skip on occasion, but after I started to look at the level of detail in yourself, your horse, and the world around you, you really appreciate how much this game accomplished for its time. The fur on the colossi is incredible, for a PS2 game, and though the graphics aren't on par with the current generation of consoles, this is the next best thing, in my opinion. Some find it very tough to "get into" this game. There are no real interactions, except between you and your horse, for the most part. Most of the story is not spelled out for you--instead it is "understood". By this I mean that you as the player need to fill in the majority of it--the story is unclear for the very reason that it does not need to be specific to have an impact on the player's emotions. There is a wonderful landscape and beautiful terrain to cross, which does take some time, so make sure you look around as you ride. There is a "hint" button to find the next colossus, which is essentially holding your sword up and allowing reflected light to lead you to it. Traversing the landscapes is something to appreciate, not something the developers wanted to torture you with, so remember to keep that in mind as you move in the game world. One thing to keep in mind is that Shadow of the Colossus is a VERY UNIQUE game. It is NOT for everyone. If you're looking for a hack-n-slash adventure game, you may prefer Zelda. If you're looking for deep character development through interactions with NPCs, find a Final Fantasy. But if you want a deep game, which takes some thought to really appreciate, this may be for you. This is one of the only games I would ever consider calling "art" in the traditional sense, and I say that for a reason. I hope you all enjoy my favorite PS2 game based on this recommendation.

This article was FULL of stickers, I mean EVERYWHERE! Stickers on: - transparent plastic of the PS2 game case (on front AND back) - non-transparent plastic of the PS2 game case (on outside AND inside) - actual game cover behind the PS2 game case (on front AND back) - instruction booklet - THE GAME DVD ITSELF! Now the worst of all: IT DOES NOT WORK!! I had to clean the DVD because of the dust on the blank side but nonetheless I am now an owner of this ONE AND ONLY game, my PS2 cannot read! DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS "SHOP"! FML...

A true classic. This game creates the feels like no other (maybe Last of Us) while still maintaining fun gameplay. Taking down a Colossus is a thrilling experience and keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you want to play this game but don't have a PS2 (or just want a more updated version), then there is a collection with Ico and this game on PS3. I really think everyone should check it out at least once!

Mandatory for any PS2 owner, and perhaps anyone who thinks of themselves as a "gamer". A beautiful yet lonely open world, sparsely populated with gargantuan creatures. The game is incredibly simple where it needs to be; no leveling up, no upgrades (except for unlockables), no dungeons, and barely any other characters. It's you, and the colossi - and that's all there needs to be.

i nearly certain that this is a problem with the copy of the game i was sold, if the game would run i would easily give this game a 5 star review

Graphics: High end graphics for the PS2 that 16:9 and Progressive Scan(even know it's not marked with this on the box) Sound: Amazing music and sound Story: I have not completed the game at the time of this review but the story so far is intersted but not amazing. [ Gameplay: Exploration and boss battles, you take each colossus down byfigure out how to get on it and moveing around it's back, you NEVER use quick time events! Only problem is sometimes, it's a bit hard figuring out what to do next :(.