Almost 13 years ago, Team Ico released its second title, Shadow of the Colossus. It would go on to win Game of the Year accolades, top "Best of PS2" lists, and cement itself as a masterpiece in the gaming landscape.
Now Playing: What Makes Shadow Of The Colossus A Masterpiece?
In the video above, Mike Mahardy takes a deep dive into Shadow of the Colossus, discussing why it's a masterpiece that has overshadowed numerous other modern releases, and continues to be an example of stellar game design, affecting artistry, and lasting influence.
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What makes the game unique, well it's ability to have two separate games the one ico, and the one colossus have no relationship to each other, only two have both games become abstract and isolated while never revealing the outside world only that such events happen and go.
For me it is because it's a game so confident in the delivery of it's experience that does try little or not at all to fit any category pursuing tropes from action games or other genres to meet. You may say enviromental puzzling was more about that time (Why can't we have that back eh?), but if the game carrying it is still excellent, then the whole package has beaten the time.
(Spoilers) I don't think Dormin is evil. They used to worship him and when they found a new god and no longer needed him they destroyed him. He has every right to be angry. He also kept his promise to bring the girl back to life. An evil being would not have done that. It's also said in the opening that she was sacrificed, likely to their new god, and no good deity would demand a human sacrifice. Their new god is a god of death, while Dormin is a god of life.
Its not an online run and gun and loot boxes and pay to win to start with. Developers who make amazing games such as this will ensure proper gaming stays around
I can't think of any reason anyone would hate on this release.
I have both the Xbox One X and the Pro and this is easily one of the best looking games i have ever seen due to the obsessive art direction taken by the dev.
The fact they also worked so hard to ensure it is smooth even on a base PS4 is refreshing and i wish all devs looked to lock games at either 30 fps or 60 fps unlike Monster Hunter world which is a complete mess as far as framerates go. Fine for PC with adaptive refresh but useless for consoles and anyone not using an Xbox one X with a Free Sync screen.
In any case i am really hopeful this studio has now earned the right to produce something from scratch as they clearly deserve the chance to do a full AAA new release after this.
I am also really surprised just how cheap this game is even in Australia where the preorder price is as low as $46 .
@deviltaz35: there cannot be enough said for developing/coding a game to the 'metal' of a platform. 'metal' the exact architecture. Since most all games are made to one or another specific console and then ported up or down to the other, there is always something lost even with graphic fidelity gains.
Since the xbox one X hasn't really even had one game designed for it first and then ported elsewhere- I feel we haven't seen what all this new console can do. Also why it is not worth getting one for $500.
@deviltaz35: I think he means Xbox gamers who will go out of their way just to crap on something. remember all those fake DriveClub reviews just to kill Metacritic percentage.
Not saying some Sony folks dont do the same but its really hardcore Xbox followers to really enjoy doing it and make sure they do it no matter what haha, especially when they know Sony really kills it with awesome exclusives. i mean if Xbox had better Exclusives i would be saying that all the time even if i didnt own one you know.
@7tizz: What’s there to be threatened about? Xbox One 35 million Consoles sold vs PS4 74 million LOL have fun playing lousy Sea Of Thieves And Crackdown 3 While I have a blast playing God Of War 4 And Spider-Man.
@7tizz: for the time, the controls and camera where about as good as it was gonna get, for the hardware of the time. None of that, took anything away from the experience. How do we know- the word masterpiece is still mentioned with this game ever after this many years. And not Madden 2005
@7tizz: Like a lot of people, I think you're missing the point. Those things are intentional. Have you played Ico or The Last Guardian? They all control the same way. It's a design choice and it's not meant for everyone.
It's an action game that's more like a puzzle game. It mixes calm amazing atmospheric graphics/scenery exploration periods with intense action. It provides a minimalist story that still keeps you engaged. It's got astounding audio design. It's just the right length. And it's got a horse that actually listens to you.
There is nothing more exciting than to hunt down and kill white tailed small lizards to increase your stamina pinkish circle. Kill 16,32,48 Collossi and still not getting the trophy for maxing your stamina.
The general lack of a script in the game was another part of what made it great. Just like Journey.
The developers could have easily inserted a bunch of "flashback" material where Wander is spending time and having conversations with the deceased woman (before she died). They could have also added some NPCs to give hints about where the next colossus is located, warning Wander about his quest, describing the benefits of the fruits and silver lizards, or vaguely explaining the game's lore.
