Game Review: Shadow Of The Colossus

To counter some recent newer games I've reviewed, I thought I might review a classic PS2 game, Shadow Of The Collossus.

WARNING: THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

1) Plot

Team Ico, makers of Ico, are well known for memorable stories. With dialogue in a made up language and almost no other characters other than your horse, the plot  is amazingly well told. The "narrator" tells you of your missions really well in riddle form.  Wander, the main character, may not talk during the game very much, but he does convey emotion really well. Sad moments are sad and moments of victory are gratifying. And the wasteland and nothingness between collossi feels like a weathered and rough landscape, beaten down by these great beings. The battles are memorable and quite sad when you see this majestic, peaceful creature, that did not mean you harm, fall, dead to the ground. The game leaves a lasting imprint and the end is very mysterious. The game itself is open to interpretation about the end, but one thing is for certain. This game is a classic

2) Graphics

The old PS2 graphics would make anyone cringe, but SOtC pulls it off with stunning light effects and camera work. The game looks amazing on PS3 with redone textures and better lighting. The vast landscape is gorgeous and the collossi are detailed and vivid. Although its not Battlefield it is good looking.

3) Mechanics

The mechanics and controls of this game are very early Playstation and triangle as jump and holding R1 are actually pretty good. You feel like Wander, holding on for dear life. I love the use of your horse, Agro, because the map is HUGE. The different ways you have to use things to defeat collossus does make the game more of a puzzle than an action game. It makes you think and be strategic, using your landscape to your advantage, from making one attack a peice of stone ground to break its weapon, to making one run into structures to stun it. The game pits you against superior opponents with only your wits and your sword. 

All in all, the game is amazing and I love it. I believe if you own a PS3 you should play this game. $9.99 and it is a very good deal. It is good enough I have no negative comments for it. This short and sweet review sums up a short and sweet game.

9.6/10