ICO

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 528 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 448 out of 528
  2. Mixed: 57 out of 528
  3. Negative: 23 out of 528
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  1. Uter
    Mar 6, 2004
    7
    It's a decent game, but mine is very glitchy. It has frozen up 3-4 times in about 3 hours of play. The fighting is unbelieveably simple, and I don't think there will be much of a reason to replay it. Although the atmosphere and environments are inspired. The game could grow on me a little with time, but I guarantee I won't ever want to change my rating to a 10. It's It's a decent game, but mine is very glitchy. It has frozen up 3-4 times in about 3 hours of play. The fighting is unbelieveably simple, and I don't think there will be much of a reason to replay it. Although the atmosphere and environments are inspired. The game could grow on me a little with time, but I guarantee I won't ever want to change my rating to a 10. It's crazy how many people think it's a 10/10 game - believe me, it's far from perfect.… Expand
  2. Mindurbidniss
    Jan 31, 2022
    7
    The true enemy of Ico is the enemy of most PS2 era games... The camera. Be prepared to repeat puzzles over and over again due to camera error. Ico clumsy, bulky controls, while endearing to the character, don't lend themselves well to actually enjoying the game. This is one that once I complete it, I'll certainly never return to it.
  3. ihatecheez
    Mar 24, 2013
    6
    just played this game after playing show of the colossus, and this game is nothing like it. i had high expectations for this game and this game didn't reach reach them by a milestone. this game didn't age very well, the gameplay and story is nothing special compared to shadow. the puzzles (for me) were way too hard, i might be dumb but i was stuck on each puzzle for a good 20 minutes eachjust played this game after playing show of the colossus, and this game is nothing like it. i had high expectations for this game and this game didn't reach reach them by a milestone. this game didn't age very well, the gameplay and story is nothing special compared to shadow. the puzzles (for me) were way too hard, i might be dumb but i was stuck on each puzzle for a good 20 minutes each and it got annoying and repetitive for me.

    graphics are amazing for its time ill give it that, you'll be looking around and seeing the environments and what you're about to do next.

    if you've played show of the colossus first, dont expect the same here because it is not.    … Expand
  4. Vzhik
    Mar 9, 2016
    6
    Хорошая, интересная игра. Такое неспешное приключение. Но вот из-за неудобного управления и раздражающих мест, которые по 10 раз надо было проходить, сильно портится впечатление. Особенно место где вдруг надо было бомбы кидать и с цепи прыгать. Без ютуба не прошел бы. А так очень атмосферно. Я мало игр осиливал в последнее время, а эту вот прошел. О чем-то да и говорит.Хорошая, интересная игра. Такое неспешное приключение. Но вот из-за неудобного управления и раздражающих мест, которые по 10 раз надо было проходить, сильно портится впечатление. Особенно место где вдруг надо было бомбы кидать и с цепи прыгать. Без ютуба не прошел бы. А так очень атмосферно. Я мало игр осиливал в последнее время, а эту вот прошел. О чем-то да и говорит.
  5. Empyrea
    Feb 9, 2019
    5
    I played this game in my ps3 and, well, I can't speak about the plot but the gameplay... Maybe it's because I feel too much the difference between ps2 games and ps4 games but I found it difficult and when you die you have to do part of the game again. Really, I don't have that pacience. Maybe when we were younger we were that pacient but not any more. At least me. I think Shadow of theI played this game in my ps3 and, well, I can't speak about the plot but the gameplay... Maybe it's because I feel too much the difference between ps2 games and ps4 games but I found it difficult and when you die you have to do part of the game again. Really, I don't have that pacience. Maybe when we were younger we were that pacient but not any more. At least me. I think Shadow of the Colossus will be better.… Expand
  6. FelleBanan_ygsr
    Mar 4, 2018
    7
    It’s an inspiring piece of art, but not a great game.
    The game’s music and style is strange, but beautiful. It creates a very unique, mysterious atmosphere.
    The reason why I give this game a ”low” score is because of the lacking gameplay. The game is VERY frustrating to play as it has segments where you fight shadow monsters while ALSO escorting another character. Everyone hates escort    It’s an inspiring piece of art, but not a great game.
    The game’s music and style is strange, but beautiful. It creates a very unique, mysterious atmosphere.
    The reason why I give this game a ”low” score is because of the lacking gameplay. The game is VERY frustrating to play as it has segments where you fight shadow monsters while ALSO escorting another character. Everyone hates escort missions and this one should not be able to pass the judgement. The game would be a lot better if it either removed the shadows or if the girl you’re escorting could actually protect herself instead of running around like a stupid chicken.
    In my opinion the game is actually not that great, but I definitely think that it’s worth to play the game for the ending alone. Yes, the ending is amazing.    … Expand
  7. wesker2012
    Mar 21, 2013
    6
    I really wanted to love this game completely. What I did love about it was the gorgeous architecture and the simplistic gameplay. I loved how this was a game where you had to figure out what to do completely on your own. This was one of the most brutally challenging adventure puzzles I've ever played and the puzzles were really brain scratching. The things that broke the experience forI really wanted to love this game completely. What I did love about it was the gorgeous architecture and the simplistic gameplay. I loved how this was a game where you had to figure out what to do completely on your own. This was one of the most brutally challenging adventure puzzles I've ever played and the puzzles were really brain scratching. The things that broke the experience for me was the unresponsive controls and ai of yorda. Most of the game I'd be cursing the controls and her ai which turned the experience more into a grueling chore than an immersion into another world. Throughout the game, just getting Ico to turn the right away or jump the right way was an infuriating pain in the ass that made me want to smash the controller repeatedly into the ground. The hit detection for the monsters was also very annoying. If the controls had been tight and responsive, I would have game this game a 10. Because this game really is an artpiece and I wish people could see how mature and artistic games could be. Unfortunately, I'm afraid this game would turnoff a lot more nongamers than get them interested in gaming. No doubt, this game has/will have a cult following, but if it ever wants to reach masterpiece status, it will have to work on its clumsy controls, since controls are the foundation of a game.… Expand
  8. BlueFalcon
    Jan 18, 2006
    6
    The fighting is super basic and the graphics aren't that great. I didn't find the puzzles especially rewarding either. It's got neat environments, but that's the only real thing it has going for it. Ico is an above average game though, so I'll give it a 6.
  9. phillanegro
    Jun 2, 2014
    6
    I don't get the hype for this game.Yes,it is innovative but deeply flawed at the same time.The game is basically a giant "escort" game.You are put in the shoes of a boy sentenced to imprisonment/death because he has horns.Soon after you meet up with a girl and besides the fact they don't understand each-other,decides to break her free as well.You have to get ou of a giant castle,solvingI don't get the hype for this game.Yes,it is innovative but deeply flawed at the same time.The game is basically a giant "escort" game.You are put in the shoes of a boy sentenced to imprisonment/death because he has horns.Soon after you meet up with a girl and besides the fact they don't understand each-other,decides to break her free as well.You have to get ou of a giant castle,solving many environmental puzzles in the way and fighting off "shadow creatures",you have no health bar and only fail if you fall a great height of if your companion is captured...First off,the pros...The game presents a great atmosphere where you really feel alone and estranged.But thats about it. For a game with so much emphasis on platform,the mechanics feels dated (even for its time) and odd.You'll miss jumps a lot,and it plays very awkwardly too.The lack of any kind of checkpoint (except for the end of the game) make the fails just more annoying.Don't believe the hype.This is a short and flawed game within it's mechanics.See a online walk trough,it will spare you the frustration and you get to see the beautiful scenes.In the context of it's time,i give it a 6.5/10… Expand
  10. DronScan
    May 6, 2013
    7
    Beautiful story but the gameplay is horrible.
    It's full of bugs, and because of that simple movements turn to frustrating replays of the same area that you have to play again.
    But for a game like this is worthy.
  11. JeffK.
    Dec 3, 2001
    5
    The lighting and sound is cool, and I like the idea, but the game play seems really bland.
  12. B00tador
    Dec 5, 2021
    7
    A cool story, but would imagine it doesn't hold up well today. I'd play a remake/sequel though.
  13. The_D4RknesS
    Jul 29, 2023
    7
    I'm still giving it a 7 because the game has beautiful graphics, good gameplay and a rousing soundtrack other than that it's 90% walking and solving puzzles
  14. ZangBang
    Feb 9, 2023
    7
    Intuitive, dynamic and engaging puzzles organically lead players through the lonesome atmospheric environments of a wonderfully interconnected, imposing yet peaceful castle, while the threat posed by perilous platforming and hostile creatures create a delightful feeling of dread in spite of the simplistic combat, especially thanks to a perfectly placed checkpoints. A scarcely replayableIntuitive, dynamic and engaging puzzles organically lead players through the lonesome atmospheric environments of a wonderfully interconnected, imposing yet peaceful castle, while the threat posed by perilous platforming and hostile creatures create a delightful feeling of dread in spite of the simplistic combat, especially thanks to a perfectly placed checkpoints. A scarcely replayable but memorable journey where gameplay and story intertwine with powerful, mesmerizingly immersive results.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best PS2 Game of 2001
8
#8 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
8
#8 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 59
  3. Negative: 0 out of 59
  1. Just Adventure
    100
    Easily the most addictive game I have played this year on either console or computer and would be a welcome addition to any adventure gamer's collection.
    Read full review
  2. Maxim Online
    80
    Odd adventure.
    Read full review
  3. Cheat Code Central
    90
    Although it borrows from other gaming experiences in certain places, you haven't ever played a game like Ico. Highly recommended!
See all critic reviews »