I'm essentially working from this sprite sheet (as seen below)

I've started working out actual game mechanics and characters.

Protagonist--the only thing you will ever know about this character is that his last name is Fischer. In the game, there will be two versions of this character working on two separate timelines; however, they will still operate on the same plane and interact with the same world. I have not worked out how the controls will work, but the general idea is that the younger protagonist has to clear a path for the older protagonist. Any recommendations on how I could change this mechanic or make it more interesting will certainly be welcome.

Aurora Fischer (Mrs. Fischer)--she has moved back in town with her husband's body for the funeral and will be the motivation for our Protagonist's quest. Mrs. Fischer does not play a huge role in the game, but to offset that fact and underline her importance in the game, she will utter the famous words "It's dangerous out there, here, take this" (as she hands you an item of specific interest).

Mr. and Mrs. Sheehy--a couple that lives in the mountains. Years ago, our protagonist snuck in their house to steal a pearl. Beyond that, you will never know much about these two: only that they are the victims of a terrible incident that has rendered their escape from the mountain impossible.

Lindin Fischer--an idealistic brother. He comments early in the game about a giant egg the two brothers had come across in the woods. Lindin cut open a crack to find a sleeping bird, but was too scared to crack open the egg. He establishes the goal within the game, to go find and crack open the egg.

The Igbo twins:Nkemka "Nkem" Ihejirika,Ndubuagha "Ndu" Ihejirika--These twins are special in this game. Both represent completely opposing philosophies--one (Ndu, for instance, represents existentialism and free will while the other, Nkem, represents fatalism and Nihilism). In a way, I want the game to ask the question: Do we make meaning, is meaning given to us, or is there no meaning at all?

Essentially, I've planned the ending to be interpreted in several ways without losing it's impact. I'd personally like to explore all these concepts much deeper so that I can expand upon them metaphorically within the bounds of the gameplay. If you have any comments and critiques, feel free to comment. If you find my post troll food, then please, eat your fill.

Let us talk Shadow of the Colossus and Ico.

So far, I've enjoyed Shadow of the Colossus a bit more than Ico. Thus far, Ico hasn't presented as much of a challenge as Shadow of the Colossus. Even so, both games are absolutely fantastic. I'm really speechless. So speechless, in fact, that all I could do after playing both was sit down at the piano and start working on compositions.

I've never been so inspired by a game before. Both these games make me excited for The Last Guardian.