February 22, 2008
Me and my Shadow
Michael wrote this at 3:28 pm:
It starts with a low rumble… then the ground explodes, a creature rises from the debris and takes flight. I run to my horse to pursue and, ultimately, defeat it - all to save the girl. So she’s already dead; a mere technicality!
I’ve been going a bit “retro” by playing Shadow of the Colossus a fair bit recently; maybe you’ve heard of it? If you haven’t, it’s the sequel (and prequel) to the critically acclaimed game Ico - a strong contender for not only one of the greatest games ever made but also the concept of games as art. Not too bad for a couple of Japanese guys who’ve only made these two games together, eh?
Both Ico and Shadow of the Colossus could be described as… sparse. Both have only three ‘human’ characters, minimal dialogue and vast environments and that’s it - doesn’t sound very appealing does it? Yet, somehow, it works. They draw you into their worlds with an incredibly compelling, emotive story and just by developing a bond between the player’s character and their companion. When I was playing, I even found myself gettting twinges of guilt after defeating a Colossus… and don’t get me started on Agro, my horse
Of course, as with any game, they aren’t for everyone - some may find them too slow paced or repetitive. But if you don’t give them a chance, you have no soul! If you don’t have them, I demand you buy them! You can thank me later
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:25 pm
You’re right, they are two of the most amazing games I’ve ever played, even graphically, which is astonishing considering they are both on Ye Olde PS2.
As for feeling guilt whilst killing Collosi, yes, I had that too. The only other time I think I felt guilt in a game was in Call of Duty 4’s “Death from above” level where it was just a bit too… clinical… bombing all those enemies from above.
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Never finished SotC to my shame and so I don’t know the ending. My Mum made a face when I asked her if it was a good ending that implied that I really should make the effort to finish it. She made big popping out eyes and raised one eyebrow.
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:17 am
SoTC was AWESOME! The simple content of the game as mentioned (minimal dialogue/characters & vast environment) works wonders. Truly captivating.
Did you see the secret colossus?
http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Secret_Boss_in_Shadow_of_the_Colossus
Anyone who wants some SoTC merchandise:
http://www.siliconera.com/2006/10/18/shadow-of-the-mini-colossus/
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 am
Oh my… you really should finish it, Kirsten - include it in your RPG resolution! The last Colossus is one of the greatest bosses I’ve EVER encountered and the ending…
February 24th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
One of my favourite ever Penny Arcade strips:
http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2005/10/21
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Running across the beach at the end of Ico was probably the best ending I’ve ever seen to a game.
Shamefully, I didn’t get all the way through SotC. Got my 360 a week or so after I bought it (my last PS2 purchase, sniff), and ended up selling it on ebay. Kept falling off the colossi too.
By the way, SotC and Ico really kept their value! Barely made a loss at all buying and selling second hand.