This is my review for Shadow of the Colossus: now one of my favorite games.
I got home and set up my PS2 for the first time in years. I stuck in the game and let my mind get blown. The game has a brilliant 30 minute intro and then starts you off on your quest: kill 16 Colossi to bring back your girlfriend that was sacrificed. It took me about 15 minutes to get used to the horrible controls, but eventually I got the hang of it.
Let me say here that this is not a game; it is a work of art. As you travel through the Forbidden Land you see valleys, canyons, prairies, deserts, jungles, lakes, the ocean, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural wonders as well as man-made bridges and temples scattered throughout the land. You wont be wondering how or why a specific thing is, because it all feels so natural. That 30 foot waterfall you saw on the way to the 10th colossus? It belongs there. That jungle that serves no purpose but to let you explore it instead of going to the 12th colossus? It serves no purpose, but it sure as Hell belongs there. The man-made bridge that is in the middle of nowhere belongs there too.
When I play a game, everything needs a purpose. "Why is so-and-so there?" "It doesn't matter, Jet. Just keep playing." So, when I played this game, I felt the need to explore; good thing this is a massive sand box game as well.
Now, on to the colossi themselves. You will spend about 30% of the time getting to it, 45% of the time figuring out how to kill it, and 25% actually killing the beast. No two colossi are alike; they all have their own story and charm about them. Their weapon is there for a reason; the stones they wear is there for a reason; and the colossi themselves all serve as building blocks to propel you to their demise.
The world itself is rather bleak. Clouds cover the sky, and overall, the game keeps an aura of sadness. Even the main character becomes affected as the game draws on. It reminds you that what you are doing may not be right, but you keep playing to save your girlfriend anyway.
All in all, SotC will keep you guessing and struck with awe at the same time whether you're exploring, killing, or riding Agro. The scenery is amazing and the colossi are a breed all their own.
I would give this game a 10/10, but seeing as how the controls could have been much better, I'm giving Shadow of the Colossus a 9.5.