"SOME MOUNTAINS ARE SCALED.
OTHERS ARE SLAIN."
Developer : Team Ico
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment
Rating : T (Teen)
Released : 2006
As a spiritual successor of Sony Computer Entertainment's 2004 hits action puzzle, ICO, Shadow of Colossus really has what it takes to stand at the peak of PS2 generation. Amazing storyline, stunning graphics, epic soundtracks with full orchestra works make this game a gem in video game world.
The story begin with a scene where an unnamed main character, known as Wander in the game's novelization, walking through mountain cliffs and forests with his faithful horse, Agro. Their journey lead them to pass through an unknown gate leading to a vast and unpopulated peninsula, known as the Forbidden Land, separated from the outside world by a mountain range to its North and sea to the South and East. The presence of ruins and other ancient structures indicates that the area was once a settlement. The region is only accessible via a small cleft in the mountain to the north, leading to a massive stone bridge that spans half the distance of the landscape and terminates at a large temple which located at the center of the land. The temple is called the "Shrine of Worship".
It is revealed that Wander's purpose of getting there is to reclaim a girl's lost soul, known as Mono, who was used as a sacrifice by shamans in her village for the sealed entity, Dormin. In legends of the game's world, it is said that Dormin has the power to revive the dead. Wander seek assistance from Dormin in reviving Mono. Dormin agreed to help him but in exchange, he has to destroy the sixteen colossi that are used as a seal containment for Dormin. Thus, Wander's journey of a life time has just begun.
The story begin with a scene where an unnamed main character, known as Wander in the game's novelization, walking through mountain cliffs and forests with his faithful horse, Agro. Their journey lead them to pass through an unknown gate leading to a vast and unpopulated peninsula, known as the Forbidden Land, separated from the outside world by a mountain range to its North and sea to the South and East. The presence of ruins and other ancient structures indicates that the area was once a settlement. The region is only accessible via a small cleft in the mountain to the north, leading to a massive stone bridge that spans half the distance of the landscape and terminates at a large temple which located at the center of the land. The temple is called the "Shrine of Worship".
It is revealed that Wander's purpose of getting there is to reclaim a girl's lost soul, known as Mono, who was used as a sacrifice by shamans in her village for the sealed entity, Dormin. In legends of the game's world, it is said that Dormin has the power to revive the dead. Wander seek assistance from Dormin in reviving Mono. Dormin agreed to help him but in exchange, he has to destroy the sixteen colossi that are used as a seal containment for Dormin. Thus, Wander's journey of a life time has just begun.
First time playing this game, you will be shocked by the enemy that you must defeat. Your enemy is not just typical humanoid form with approximately same size as your character. We're talking about something big..........really big! Your enemy is so huge that it's size can reach 100 times of your character's size. It's just like fighting ultimate boss at the start of the game. What about the other 15 colossi? the first one is already so huge. Well, that's the essence of this game, fight against gigantic monsters.
Among other games in the same platform, Shadow of Colossus has the most detailed graphic never seen before. Even if we compare it with most games in next-gen platform, SotC is still superior. So what makes Shadow of Colossus is so amazing?
The horse, Agro, plays a large role in the game. She's the best sidekick you could have in any game, especially in this game. Sure, she wasn't a human or any kind of creature with human intelligence, but who cares? She's a perfect description of what a sidekick should be. Loyal to the hero, available at all times in sadness and joy, even in danger. She would not hestate to sacrifice herself for the sake of her master. She proved it by receiving "Best Sidekick in the History of Video Games" at IGN's best of 2005 award.
Lastly, the colossi, your main opponents in this game. The colossi are armored, most often enormous creatures with forms ranging from various humanoids to predatory animals, and live in all manner of surroundings and environments including beneath water and flying through the air. Their bodies are a fusion of organic and inorganic parts such as rock, earth, fur, and architectural elements, some of which are weathered or fractured. Some Colossi ignore Wander and will only attack when provoked, while others will attack on sight. Inhabiting specific location in the forbidden land, they do not venture outside their own territory. Attacking Colossi require thinking process as player cannot defeat a Colossi by simply attacking them. The player must first discover each Colossus' weakness, indicated by glowing sigil, that can be illuminated and identified by the sword's reflected light. Then, the next step is to find a way to reach the sigil and stab the Colossus at that point. This is where the challenge is on. Player must often use surrounding environment in order to reach the sigil. Each Colossus has areas covered with fur or protruding ledges, which Wander may use to grip and scale the Colossus while it thrashes about in attempt to dislodge him. While scaling a Colossus, player must act quickly, as Wander has a limited grip gaugethat decreases while he hangs onto the creature. Once slain, Colossi will remain where they fallen as a mound of earth and rock vaguely resembling the original colossus. So, in order to fight a Colossus, use your brain not your brawn.
Well, even greatest things has some weakness. This game too is no exception. The main problem that often become a hindrance when playing this game is about the control issue. It is quite difficult to control the movement of Wandr when he is riding Agro,not to mention when he does a little acrobatic action like standing on top of Agro and shooting arrows while she's running. Actually it kinds of make the game more real because the developer intents to create Agro as a realistic representation of a horse. A real horse...doesn't always obey. It's not like a car or a motorcycle, it won't always turn when you say turn. Another problem is when we are hanging on top of a Colossus. the camera position is always not on the right spot. We have to control Wander and the camera simultaneously in order to get a right view as one false step and Wander will fall from the Colossus. But, as soon as you get a hang of it, things getting a bit easier.
To put a whole in a nutcase, Shadow of the Colossus is one of the glowing gems in video games history. It is epic, marvelous, and amazing. No other games in PS2 platform could even come close, even when compared to some games in the next-gen platform. At least until The Last Guardian coming to market as it is created by Team Ico, the same team responsible in creating this masterpiece.
Among other games in the same platform, Shadow of Colossus has the most detailed graphic never seen before. Even if we compare it with most games in next-gen platform, SotC is still superior. So what makes Shadow of Colossus is so amazing?
First, the environment. As you start playing this game, you would be amazed by the beautiful soft sunlights that shine among the pillars of the shrine's main chamber. As you come outside, a vast and beautiful land to explore awaits you with its lush forest, desert, lake, and huge cliffs. The size of environment is huge compared to your character and really fits with "Colossus" term.
Next, the characters. Even though this game only has a few cast of characters, they have rich development and their expressions felt really alive. Start from Wander, our hero who try to save his love. First time contrrolling him, you will think that this guy is so weak. When he unsheathed his sword and running with it, he just dragged the sword as it is seemed to be too heavy for him and often causing him to fall down. How in the world will we be able to defeat the giant colossus using this weak main character? It seemed so impossible. But, this is what makes this game is so amazing. Looking at Wander's struggle as he falls down and raise up again many times in his quest for searching a way to defeat each Colossus will really make you astounded. It reminds us that a man's road to achieve success in their lives must first come through hardships, sufferings, and struggles. Even in our imitations, we must not succumb in despair and giving up. When there's a will, there's a way.
Next, the characters. Even though this game only has a few cast of characters, they have rich development and their expressions felt really alive. Start from Wander, our hero who try to save his love. First time contrrolling him, you will think that this guy is so weak. When he unsheathed his sword and running with it, he just dragged the sword as it is seemed to be too heavy for him and often causing him to fall down. How in the world will we be able to defeat the giant colossus using this weak main character? It seemed so impossible. But, this is what makes this game is so amazing. Looking at Wander's struggle as he falls down and raise up again many times in his quest for searching a way to defeat each Colossus will really make you astounded. It reminds us that a man's road to achieve success in their lives must first come through hardships, sufferings, and struggles. Even in our imitations, we must not succumb in despair and giving up. When there's a will, there's a way.
The horse, Agro, plays a large role in the game. She's the best sidekick you could have in any game, especially in this game. Sure, she wasn't a human or any kind of creature with human intelligence, but who cares? She's a perfect description of what a sidekick should be. Loyal to the hero, available at all times in sadness and joy, even in danger. She would not hestate to sacrifice herself for the sake of her master. She proved it by receiving "Best Sidekick in the History of Video Games" at IGN's best of 2005 award.
Lastly, the colossi, your main opponents in this game. The colossi are armored, most often enormous creatures with forms ranging from various humanoids to predatory animals, and live in all manner of surroundings and environments including beneath water and flying through the air. Their bodies are a fusion of organic and inorganic parts such as rock, earth, fur, and architectural elements, some of which are weathered or fractured. Some Colossi ignore Wander and will only attack when provoked, while others will attack on sight. Inhabiting specific location in the forbidden land, they do not venture outside their own territory. Attacking Colossi require thinking process as player cannot defeat a Colossi by simply attacking them. The player must first discover each Colossus' weakness, indicated by glowing sigil, that can be illuminated and identified by the sword's reflected light. Then, the next step is to find a way to reach the sigil and stab the Colossus at that point. This is where the challenge is on. Player must often use surrounding environment in order to reach the sigil. Each Colossus has areas covered with fur or protruding ledges, which Wander may use to grip and scale the Colossus while it thrashes about in attempt to dislodge him. While scaling a Colossus, player must act quickly, as Wander has a limited grip gaugethat decreases while he hangs onto the creature. Once slain, Colossi will remain where they fallen as a mound of earth and rock vaguely resembling the original colossus. So, in order to fight a Colossus, use your brain not your brawn.
As you make your way on top of each Colossus, several epic orchestral soundtracks will accompany and encourage you. Soundtracks like "Revived Power" and "The Opened Way" really will burn your spirit with it's incredibly amazing arrangements. While some of them like "Demise of the Ritual" from the last Colossus will make you think whether your acts was right all along or false after all. It will create an atmosphere that make you fell as you experience Wander's journey yourself.
Well, even greatest things has some weakness. This game too is no exception. The main problem that often become a hindrance when playing this game is about the control issue. It is quite difficult to control the movement of Wandr when he is riding Agro,not to mention when he does a little acrobatic action like standing on top of Agro and shooting arrows while she's running. Actually it kinds of make the game more real because the developer intents to create Agro as a realistic representation of a horse. A real horse...doesn't always obey. It's not like a car or a motorcycle, it won't always turn when you say turn. Another problem is when we are hanging on top of a Colossus. the camera position is always not on the right spot. We have to control Wander and the camera simultaneously in order to get a right view as one false step and Wander will fall from the Colossus. But, as soon as you get a hang of it, things getting a bit easier.
To put a whole in a nutcase, Shadow of the Colossus is one of the glowing gems in video games history. It is epic, marvelous, and amazing. No other games in PS2 platform could even come close, even when compared to some games in the next-gen platform. At least until The Last Guardian coming to market as it is created by Team Ico, the same team responsible in creating this masterpiece.
