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Shadow of the Colossus Greatest Hits (Sony PlayStation 2, 2006)
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I just defeated Boss #9, but I think I'm ready to write my review. Pros: * the game feels like a motion picture. The landscape, the camera (most of the time), and the music all contribute to this. Some gamers may not like this sort of hands-off experience, but I don't think Colossus is "hands-off" so much as it is very linear and straight-forward: you start at Position A (every time), you locate Position B with no enemies or obstacles to stop you, and then you fight a boss for 10-30 minutes. * the colossi are very well-balanced artistically. On the one hand, each represents a different animal or combination of animals. There's some repetition for human-type colossi but that's about it. On the other hand, the colossi are really similar to one another artstyle-wise. Same colors, same eyes, same armor, same fur, etc. I like this sort of contrast juxtaposed with similarity. Thumbs up to the character designer. * You can die, but death is not something to be feared. A, the game lets you regenerate your health bar (albeit slowly) even in the middle of a boss fight. B, even if the boss does kill you (this happened to me twice), some weird things can happen. With the third boss (first time I died), my guy very clearly died but then he got right back up with full life. Cool. With the ninth boss (second time I died), I got a Game Over screen but was offered the chance to Retry. Selecting that, I was brought back to the boss's lair. Very nice. So by all means, just have fun with the bosses and don't be so afraid to die like you might in other RPGs. You have no items to lose, no money to lose, no EXP to lose, and -- thanks to the convenient spawn points -- no time to lose, either. Cons: * THE HORSE. Don't get me wrong, fans: I actually *like* the horse now. But he has a ridiculously high learning curve for effective use in exploring terrain that isn't flat. ;p * The graphics. This is not to be confused with art design. The art design is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. The game overall is a beautiful work of art. But the graphics (polygons, textures, etc) are very unimpressive for a 2005 release. And they hold up even more poorly today (2009). The graphics often remind me of those in the LucasArts game Indiana Jones & the Infernal Machine. The problem is, that game is 10 years old while Colossus is only 4 years old. For a game that is basically a beautiful, long, interactive film, I think it would be dishonest of the fans (myself included) to ignore this. It's a serious problem that the game has, one which will only be addressed only if they remake this game in the future. Neutral: * The replay value. On the one hand, once you figure out a Colossus's weakness, that takes out over half the challenge in the game. On the other hand, a replay could be that much more cinematic because of this! You could probably beat the game on a second play through in under 10 hours (is my guess), which isn't bad if you want to show the game off to friends and family during family vacation time. * the plot. On the one hand, it's absolutely enchanting. The moment I turned on the game I was hypnotized. Unfortunately, it's also quite predictable. This is just a theory of mine with zero in-game confirmation at this point, but I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to predict from the moment you meet him that Dormin is the villain, the colossi were seals that sealed him away, and our naive hero's been duped into doing Dormin's dirty work for him. I might be wrong, though!Read full review
Shadow of the Colossus is an unusual game that many won't take kindly to. For one thing, you play as a boy with only a sword (which he can only swing once and stab with attack-wise) and bow as his choice of weaponry. Another is the fact that the only objective in the game is to slay 16 giant beasts known as colossi. There are no other enemies around (or people other than the girl you're fighting for). You're just on your trusty steed traveling around this giant area in search of a colossus to vanquish (the sword is used to help show the way to the colossus by shining a light in the direction of the giant). There's not much plot to it or much action. At the same time though, these 16 colossus fights will probably be some of the best boss fights you'll play in your gaming life. Each colossus is pretty much a huge puzzle that you must solve to get on in order to bring down (which you do by stabbing the vital points of the creature). There are many cases where you have to make use of your environment, other times you just have to grab at the right starting point of the beast. Some of these battles will take a good eye and common knowledge of physics to solve. None of these involve mindless, ultra-violent killing as so many games have these days (which will put off many used to that kind of action). Once on the massive giant you must hang on for your life as the beast tries its best to shake you off. When you are by a vital point (indicated by a glowing symbol) you must stab it in order to do massive damage to the colossus (blood will naturally gush out). This is pretty much the only serious violence shown in the game. In the visuals department, many would agree that the game looks impressive (especially the giant colossi which no doubt reach the limits of the PS2). The 3D models move very well and the environments are simply breathtaking at times. That's not to say the graphics are flawless though. Upon closer (and sometimes not so close) inspection you can find many less than stellar looking things. This game is by no means ugly; It arguably has some of the best graphics for the PS2. It's just that some parts look a bit rushed. As for the music, one word can wholly describe it: epic. Though not chock full of background music (in fact, 99% of the music only plays during a battle against a colossus. most of the time there's just a realistic silence as you wander around the place) each piece is masterfully orchestrated. It really brings out the mood of events in the game. All in all Shadow of the Colossus is a very unique game that is so unusual that many won't touch it with a 10ft. pole. But if you have patience and get to appreciate the different atmosphere and strategic boss fights of the game you will probably find it a video game experience like no other.Read full review
Gameplay (4.5/5) Story (3/5) Navigation (4/5) Graphics (4/5) Overall/Replay (4/5) The point of the game is clear from the first 15 minutes of the game, which takes place almost entirely in an ancient temple. The player controls a nameless wanderer, who must find all 16 colossi and destroy them. It may seem a little mundane yet this seemingly repetitive journey became addicting and exciting. The main gamplay is traveling across the world and battling the colossus. Battles never get boring, because each colossi requires a different strategy and approach. In order to actually battle a colossus, the player must find a way to climb it. The atmosphere of the game is so well captured in the battle, as the colossi not only does major damage to the player but even affect its surroundings, which can give you clues on how to climb or damage the colossi. Upon climbing onto the colossus, the colossus will hurl its body back and forth to get the character off, which actually makes the player feel the panic and excitement. This game truly pulls you into the world and into the battle scene, a quality not many games can bring today. The story of “Shadow of the Colossus” is actually the prequel to the story of “ICO.” Like the story in “ICO,” there are many holes and missing links in the story of “Shadow of the Colossus.” This trait, however, is what the developers intended. There were times when I was edgy on my seat, hoping to actually find out more about the characters every time I defeated a colossi, but there barely any special cutscenes, flashbacks, and such. In that sense, I felt there was a some lacking within the story. There is a slight learning curve to the controls, but after a few minutes of traveling on Agro, the horse, it’s relatively easy to pick up. It’s easy to control the speed of Agro, getting him to pick up pace, slow down or make an instant stop. The character can perform basic movements such as running, jumping, climbing, kneeling, and rolling away. Before your first colossus battle, the game actually goes through how to perform each movement, which also makes it easier for the players. There are certain instances, however, when you jump onto a wall, thinking you can hold onto it, but find yourself falling a small distance. The environment can be a little deceiving in that sense. The game is not complex with menus and sub-menus. It only has one portion on the bottom right side of the screen where the character’s health, stamina/ power, and current weapon show. The way the information was portrayed was simple and enough to tell the player what he or she needed to know. My one complaint is the main map. The main map was extremely small (ironic, since it takes up the whole screen) and hardly readable. The environment, however, is beautiful. Graphics truly played a large role in the game since your gameplay and navigation required you to really know and take advantage of your surroundings. The game was unique and unlike any action/adventure game I’ve played before. Even without playing “ICO,” this game can easily captivate the audience. Upon finishing the game, you have a chance to replay it with new features and hidden items. Though these special features are incentives to play again, I think most people would want to replay this game just for re-battling the colossi and re-exploring the world. Yes, it’s just that fun. It's worth it. (Note: This review was taken from my official review at Epinions.)Read full review
I was checking it out this game and decided to buy it. When it came in i could'nt wait to try it. At first its a little hard but once i got the button figure it out it was easy. The game wont save progress untill you kill the first colossus, but its fun trying though lol. Glad i pick this up for my ps2. And for the price i got it for well worth it. Thank you.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This game is great. It requires puzzle-solving and careful execution. Ultimately it delivers a unique and enjoyable experience all of its own. While the graphics are impressive for the PS2, the game does experience noticeable drops in frame rate. Also, the view and camera control is not the best and sometimes results in a cramped and/or frustrating lack of control in direction. Other than this, SotC was well worth the minimal cost for such a beautiful and aesthetic experience. Hopefully the newer next-gen games can play on this winning concept.
Shadow of the Colossus is an extraordinary video game in both concept and execution. The story, though somewhat abstract for most of the game (a good thing, in my opinion), is simple and marvelous, while the graphics for the environment and colossi are breath-taking, especially once you consider that it was released in 2005. The music is also amazing; it perfectly fits the game's environment, and it strongly accentuates the many feelings and thoughts you will have while playing. I have never played a video game quite like SotC, but that only makes it an even greater experience! (It is a little bit short, however, if you're a quick learner, but don't let that deter you; it's still brilliant in every way!)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Shadow of the Colossus is a game that differs from other console games. The plot revolves around a young man seeking to resurrect his fallen love but to do this he must destroy all of the Colossus in the game world. The scale of the colossus' bodies are what makes this game so different. Extreme puzzle solving skills are needed to find the weak spots of the colossus and then attack them. Those with a lack of patience or lack of puzzle solving skills should shy away from this game due to the fact that many of the collossus are extremely difficult and have to be fought multiple times. Controls are a little touchy (esp. when on horseback) but the plot and graphics will keep the game moving enough not to notice. Anyone enjoying puzzle/action genre games will enjoy Shadow of the Colossus.
Video games have always been art to me. The amount of time and care that goes into making a memorable experience in a game, is no less amazing than that which goes into making a great cd or movie. But games have always been seen as second fiddle to music and movies, and other forms of accepted art. That's because Shadow of the Colossus didn't exist. This game is not perfect. It stutters at times, and has some frame rate issues, but those completely fall to the side of the overall experience. Imagine what it would feel like to ride your steed into battle against a monster the size of a skyscraper. You shoot arrows until you wound it and climb up its body until thrusting your sword into its skull to fell the giant beast. There's a lot of games that try to recreate this type of thing, but thats all they do is recreate it. When you play this game, you feel it. You are the hero and you are risking everything to kill these creatures. As engrossing as a well written book, the encounters here are truly memorable. The atmosphere and music attribute greatly to the artistic feel as well. The world springs to live in great detail as you explore a vast wilderness populated by lizards and fruit trees. The music is beautiful and haunting and does a phenominal job of building tension and fear as you battle each of the temples guardians. One downfall is the games length. For an experienced gamer, it can b beaten in under 10 hours, but luckily there are many extra modes to make playing again wirthwhile. New Weapons to acquire, and even alternate looks for your horse, it really is a game that will last as long as you want it to. Overall it's an incredible, moving experience, that doesn't get ruined by the few mechanical flaws brought about by the aging PS2 platform. Buy this game, and treasure it.Read full review
This is easily one of the best Playstation 2 games, but I'm willing to say it's one of the best video games ever. However, if someone were to contest that assertion, I would still fiercely defend it as one of the most artistic. And, it is exactly that word, artistic, that describes why this game is a masterpiece. The following is all information you learn within 30 minutes of game play; no heavy spoilers. You play a young man with a magic sword, bow, and a horse named Argo. You have 16 Colossi to take down; the colossi are giant monsters mad of stone and flesh and some kind magic. While this may seem like an action adventure at first glance, it is elegantly fused with puzzles, which are the colossi themselves. Each colossi has a different body, weak points, environment, and behavior. You'll find that you never really do the same thing twice yet the game uses the same controls and mechanics all the way through. If there is any draw back to this game, one might find the camera to be limiting at times and the execution of the controls can be a bit screwy. However, these are just another part of the artistry. When the controls are messy it's because you're just a man trying to slay monsters, and there are forces interfering with your ability to do so. When the camera is limiting you view it's because your trying to crane your neck at an impossible angle. The game wants you to only see the feet of the thing you're fighting, because you're tiny and it's huge. Aside from the actual focus of the game, you are provided with a beautiful and dangerous lost land to explore. In your search for each colossus you'll pass by some incredible scenery. I would highly encourage taking to time to look around. Even if you don't care for the landscape, you might just find some other things to do. It's action, adventure, puzzle, dramatic, beautiful, powerful, and overall overall a breathtaking unique experience. You're on a quest, all alone, in the shadow of the colossus.Read full review
I am in deep love with this game. Based in old world mythology, you are the hero, and must save your lover from impending death of the soul. You have asked the gods to return her soul, and it's your job to do thier dirty work to prove you are worthy of thier services. In the end, it's all about managing time, and not being too hasty. You have to view your opponent, and instead of cowaring because of it's size, you have to think how to climb these Colossi, and find thier weak points. I find it very easy to stab away, or shoot the less-obvious weak points, as it can make it much easier for when you hang on at the end, before slaying the colossi. They have a tendancy to throw you off of them. This game doesn't really have an easy way to find out all the secrets, but all I can tell you, is to take a closer look at all of the trees you come across. Climb them as well, and always chase after, and kill the little black lizards you find. The game itself is extemely frustrating if you have a short patience. I'd buy it Black Label. This game will increase in rareity over the years.Read full review
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