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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. JeffK.
    Dec 3, 2001
    5
    The lighting and sound is cool, and I like the idea, but the game play seems really bland.
  9. 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
  10. SteveC.
    Mar 17, 2006
    4
    Very pretty and innovative, but there's just not enough to do and the problem solving is too straightforward. I usually love aestheticly oriented titles (such as UGAs Rez or Shadow of the Colussus) but there isn't enough to the game to hold me.
  11. Leviathon67201
    Dec 21, 2016
    4
    The entire game is an escort quest. An ESCORT QUEST. The worst video game idea since quick time events. The combat is clunky and unsatisfying, the controls are loose and floaty, the camera is an absolute chore to control, and the graphics are subpar, even on the HD bundle on PS3. It's an annoying game that I strongly recommend against. Just skip it.
  12. MikeC.
    Jun 26, 2004
    2
    Good Lord, what a dull game. It's as though some Latvian programmer played Myst about 30 times and decided that everyone in the WORLD needed to experience his own particular, peculiar fantasy universe. News flash to Latvia: gamers want to *do something* in the pretty fantasy palace--not merely walk around, pant, and stumble into lame puzzles. It's astonishing how this ever got Good Lord, what a dull game. It's as though some Latvian programmer played Myst about 30 times and decided that everyone in the WORLD needed to experience his own particular, peculiar fantasy universe. News flash to Latvia: gamers want to *do something* in the pretty fantasy palace--not merely walk around, pant, and stumble into lame puzzles. It's astonishing how this ever got released. Do yourself a favor: do *anything* else but play this game. Hitting yourself in the head with a mallet softly and repeatedly will produce the same effect as playing Ico, but is likely to be cheaper; and more interesting for your friends to watch.… Expand
  13. YourfriendNextdoor
    Dec 23, 2001
    1
    BAD!
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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 »