A smiple concept that couldn't have been more nicely executed.
While combat itself can be seen as limited due to only two basic weapons in Wander's(the main character's name) arsenal, that won't matter one bit when you're facing off against those towering monsters, all of which require incredibly individual strategies to latch onto them and climb to their glowing vitals barehanded. Don't let their sizes fool you, some of them move fast or enough or have great enough attacks that you'll need to ride the horse (Agro) to even have a chance at dodging them. Even if you do manage to get onto them, unless you hang on to their fur, you'll be flying right off (this can also be used to your advantage in some fights), and will have to start from square one, which really doesn't bother me because I can't get enough of the sheer awesomeness of my favorite Colossi.
Character development and plot are almost non-existant, with the linear and simple objective of the game being the key element for most of the adventure. But what can be known is that there is plenty of foreshadowing with every Colossus you defeat: As the game progresses, Wander's physical appearence will change in terms of cleanliness and body color from a very healthy young man to a pale and almost unnaturally colored warrior with filthy tattered clothes. In essence, this can be viewed in quite a symbolic essence of what's to come upon the end of the journey. There are also several other things in the game that can give you an idea of the ending, but I sure as heck ain't one to spoil it!
Ultimately, if you love adventure games, and want to try something new and original, as well as orgasmic for the eyes, give it a go. With great graphics, sound and strategic gameplay that will leave you coming back for more, Shadow of the Colossus is not a game you would want to pass up.