Indeed a very special game, it can't be described with any other means than the word,different.
He meets a strange girl in the castle
They combine forces to get out of the castle.
ICO really has a very simple feel to it,it's really easy to whack down enemies. But still they do knock you down now and then.And if they manage to take the girl with them,it's game over.You have no health bar,only way to die is by falling,or if the girl is taken by the shadow creatures.
Graphicwise the game is very beautiful,it has graphics that are fitting for the game,strange as it may sound. But the result is really beautiful.
Sadly,there's a lack of music in the game,if you look away from a cute tune when you save,and the shallow battle theme. But the silence fits the game,it gives you this feeling of being alone,and the only sounds you'll hear is that of waterfalls,the rastling of trees,and the wind.
The game is very short,so unless you're specially interested you might feel it's a waste of money, and time. As I said earlier this game is unlike any other,so if you play the demo,or try it,and think... it's a bit boring,but it'll get better I guess. Trust me,it won't the game continues in the same track throughout,if you don't get hooked when you start playing,you might as well don't bother.
This is a game for the gamer looking for platforming,mixed with strategy. The game is pure gameplay almost throughout,you will see some movies now and then,but not much. Furthermore this is no action game,you won't find it any fun to slaughter your way through the enemies,you'll find it a lot better to just run to the nearest door and make the girl use her magic.
This game is for the player looking for puzzle solving,don't expect an intense action adventure RPG.