Released in the US on October 18th, 2005, Shadow of the Colossus was the second game to be developed by Japan Studio's Team Ico, creators of the cult hit, action-adventure game Ico, to which this game is considered a spiritual successor. Much like its predecessor, the game shines as a work of art due to its refined simplicity in gameplay mechanics and design, which makes for an experience so easy to become immersed in and helps to exemplify the awe-inspiring wonder of these giant beings. Equipped with only a sword, bow, and trusty steed, players are tasked with hunting and striking down 16 scattered colossi hidden away in a forbidden land. In doing so, you are told you will be able to restore the life of your lost love. You'll notice right from the start there these forbidden grounds are rather barren and void of any towns or general life to interact with. The hunt for colossi is often a quiet march of nervous anticipation and regret of the life you are directly removing from this land. And then the wickedly foreboding soundtrack will pick up as you approach your target's destination, as you question to yourself how in the world you are to take down such a daunting and intimidating beast whom you dwarf in comparison.
These battles with the colossi are very much like one large and dynamic puzzle to be solved. Their massive scale is almost a landscape in of itself to climb and circumnavigate, and figuring out the means in which to reach their weak spot requires careful observation of their behavior and your surroundings. And with such a wealth of distinct and varied colossi, from great winged birds to wall crawling, acid-spitting lizards, there is always the thrill of finding a new tactic to rise above what feel insurmountable challenges. What stands as one of the most impressive aspect of this game is how the developers were able to achieve these fights all in real time. Though the controls may a bit wonky and difficult to come to grips with at times, this technical achievement remains a marvel to behold to this day. Be it you're playing the PS2 original, PS3 HD remaster, or PS4 remake (shown in the above video), there is such a sense of exuberance to scaling these towering forms, looking down at the incredible foe in which you climbed and the vast landscape farther down below. Shadow of the Colossus manages to stand tall as a shining example that one simple idea if well executed can make an exceptional game and work of art.
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