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. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    A true work of art, there is nothing like it and there will never be. I played it some years after its release, and before the PS2 was dead. The atmosphere was absolutely unique, I wish there were more games like this.
  2. Chirritox
    Aug 2, 2023
    8
    Este juego lo jugamso en directo y nos gusto bastante la historia es interesante algo criptica y confusa el gameplay es bastante entretenido y se nota que este juego es la inspiracion de los juegos indies actualmente la musica es casi nula pero en su sundtrack tiene bueno temas, el u pero que es muy corto y la compañante es muy tonta y irritante pero estuvo bien

    la audiencia que fue    Este juego lo jugamso en directo y nos gusto bastante la historia es interesante algo criptica y confusa el gameplay es bastante entretenido y se nota que este juego es la inspiracion de los juegos indies actualmente la musica es casi nula pero en su sundtrack tiene bueno temas, el u pero que es muy corto y la compañante es muy tonta y irritante pero estuvo bien

    la audiencia que fue mostrado este juego en el directo le gusto hubo varios espectadores.    … Expand
  3. 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
  4. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 18, 2023
    8
    Atmospheric and beautiful 3D platform game that sees you guiding a helpless damsel in distress through monster infested castles. Enemies can feel a bit more like a nuisance than a threat but the intriguing storyline and lovely visuals make for a rather unique experience.
  5. Judgement1991
    Mar 28, 2023
    10
    + Settings
    + Gameplay and puzzles
    + Art direction + Ambient sounds + Music + Plot + The castle is wonderfully interconnected + The relationship between Ico and Yorda who do not know each other and do not understand why they do not speak the same language, but who help each other to continue and escape from the castle + The feeling of making you feel small compared to the    + Settings
    + Gameplay and puzzles
    + Art direction
    + Ambient sounds
    + Music
    + Plot
    + The castle is wonderfully interconnected
    + The relationship between Ico and Yorda who do not know each other and do not understand why they do not speak the same language, but who help each other to continue and escape from the castle
    + The feeling of making you feel small compared to the environment around you that give you some camera shots
    + No icon and Hud screen that makes you completely immerse in the environment and the game world
    + The places of the castle you see in the game you will reach them during the game and from different places you will review the places you have already visited because the castle is wonderfully interconnected
    + Perfect duration for the game type
    + Unlockable extra content once the game is over

    - None

    For me it’s crazy to think that Ico came out in 2001 and it was an incredible game for the time and it’s incredible even now, also it’s crazy how they made a game like that more than 20 years ago and that is still very enjoyable today.

    For my one of the best games of all time and one of my favorite games.    … Expand
  6. 3ls0ul
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    Este juego aún no lo eh jugado o completado, así que pondré una reseña y nota diferentes cuando lo haga.
  7. Mastereed
    Feb 27, 2023
    9
    SHADOW OF THE CUCKOLD MAN

    BEFORE WE BEGIN: The game was played via the official emulator in its original PS2 version. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEA: The game begins, as usual of Fumito Ueda, the lead designer of Ico, Shadow of the Colossus and The Last Guardian, with a mysterious silent Cutscene depicting the protagonist in the middle of a journey to an immense castle by the sea. As per    SHADOW OF THE CUCKOLD MAN

    BEFORE WE BEGIN:
    The game was played via the official emulator in its original PS2 version.

    IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEA:
    The game begins, as usual of Fumito Ueda, the lead designer of Ico, Shadow of the Colossus and The Last Guardian, with a mysterious silent Cutscene depicting the protagonist in the middle of a journey to an immense castle by the sea. As per his style, the whole thing comes across as extremely mysterious and open to interpretation. This is remarked by the language that the protagonist will speak, namely a made-up language, similar to Japanese, with reverse sentences. With the same mysteriousness as the intro, the game explains its mechanics; There is, in fact, no tutorial; the player will have to try his hand from the start in what is a puzzle game with hints of sword fighting. Just ahead of the initial area the little cuckolded man will free and get acquainted with a young girl, little older than herself, imprisoned in what looks like a birdcage. From there on, Ico's goal, and the player's accordingly, will be to discover the history of this castle, and to get the girl and himself outside the immense walls that separate them from the sea.

    EMBRACE YOUR STICK:
    The gameplay of Ico turns out to be as simple as it is intuitive. The basic parkour is well aroused by the genre of the game, the paths to follow being very intuitive, except for a few chaotic smears in which a player will rarely waste time finding the correct path. Puzzles remain very basic ranging from moving crates to operating levers to open paths. Combat, on the other hand, is very repetitive, consisting of few attacks and animations, and a couple of weapons that stand out only by their aesthetics and damage. The story is linear, allowing the player to retrace his steps whenever he wants, but leaving little freedom for exploration. The mechanic that gives the game a huge prominence is that of the girl, who will be an interacting character and not just a static NPC; in fact, the goal will always be to take her by the hand to drag her through the most difficult situations, creating easy passages for her thanks to puzzles, and defeating the enemies who will try to kidnap her. All this is of course balanced by impassable walls without the young girl, and the impossibility of saving to the game except in pairs.
    A wonderful little treat is the box art, which, at least in the Japanese version, represents a famous painting by painter Giorgio De Chirico.

    A SPRINGY SIGHT:
    The difficulty of evaluating a game played 20 years after its release is insane, but it is indisputable that Ico was a standard in its scene, with excellent and pleasing graphics even in modern times. The use of dull, gray colors makes the sight of bright colors such as green and blue a wonderful and exciting contrast. The animations are smooth and extremely natural, so much so that they impressed me in the foreground. Finally, the greatest virtue, from which many games should take a cue, concerns the camera; it, relying on the automatic one, turns out to be practically always perfect, engaging and suitable for every situation, following prominent cinematographic and directorial canons.

    HEARING DISTANT SCREAMS:
    The audio side of the game could be a very contestable point, as here too Ico stands out from the crowd, with little more than 3 in-game OSTs; most of the adventure is shrouded in silence, accompanied by chirps, gusts of wind, and bursts of grass. The ensemble creates an atmosphere of solitude and tranquility unique to the game and rarely seen in other titles.

    BUT WHY 9?

    PROS:
    Ico turns out to be one of those timeless gems. Even played after its 20th anniversary it turns out to be perfect in certain aspects and even undefeated in others, such as the already discussed camera. From the review itself it is easy to infer the merits and so no further information is necessary.

    CONS:
    The cons belong to small details that could be dictated by time and the inevitable aging of the video game. The biggest flaw is also related to the biggest virtue, namely the camera; it is not compulsorily automatic, but will be controllable by the player, in a way however, extremely unpleasant to the eye; the main sensation you get from using it is that it is like tied with a rubber band, and that it bounces every time you try to turn it. Combat is as already mentioned extremely repetitive, and the aesthetics of the enemies are of little consequence.
    The rest of the flaws found are superfluous and certainly given by the aging of the title, and it would therefore be pointless to criticize them.

    RATING
    Gameplay: 9
    Music: 7
    Story: 8
    Art Direction: 10
    _    … Expand
  8. 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
  9. AtomosFabian
    Feb 7, 2023
    10
    Una obra Maestra de los videojuegos, Fumito Ueda demuestra que los videojuegos son Arte. Creando un mundo y unos personajes increíbles, la historia y las sentimientos que transmites es fascinante.
  10. MadIsAdopted
    Oct 23, 2022
    8
    Simple yet genius.
    Ugly yet marvelous.
    Meaningless yet deep.
    Boring yet exciting.
    Outdated yet up-to-date.
    Goofy yet perfect.

    Forgotten yet legendary.
  11. Kjap92
    Sep 7, 2022
    10
    A Masterpiece. Beautiful story, you really become invested in the characters ICO and Yorda. The scenery is gorgeous and the level design great, good puzzles and obstacles.
    Controls are a little but clunky at times and the camera can be a bit unpredictable, but you soon become used to how it works! It's from the ps2 era so it isn't going to be perfect lol.
    Overall the storytelling,    A Masterpiece. Beautiful story, you really become invested in the characters ICO and Yorda. The scenery is gorgeous and the level design great, good puzzles and obstacles.
    Controls are a little but clunky at times and the camera can be a bit unpredictable, but you soon become used to how it works! It's from the ps2 era so it isn't going to be perfect lol.
    Overall the storytelling, characters and puzzles outweigh the bad. A must play.    … Expand
  12. SilentLev
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Торжество аскетичного дизайна, минимализма во всех аспектах.
  13. HuevoAlce
    Jun 27, 2022
    9
    Short but sweet. ICO continues so much story just by its sheer environment.
  14. bancandrei
    Apr 23, 2022
    8
    An action/adventure title from the same era as Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, from which it seems to take a lot of inspiration. But it does everything differently, like Jackie Chan describing his approach compared to Bruce Lee. And the end result is almost as good. Subdued an melancholic where Prince of Persia was bombastic and cinematic.
  15. hocineDZ
    Feb 26, 2022
    8
    The biggest issue here is the camera that affects the controls so directions are not accurate especially for free jumps it can be frustrating at some points and yorda is very slow especially climbing and descending ladders and she doesn't follow properly unless you hold her hand, the game has almost identical puzzles mirrored in the left and right part of the castle. level design, visualsThe biggest issue here is the camera that affects the controls so directions are not accurate especially for free jumps it can be frustrating at some points and yorda is very slow especially climbing and descending ladders and she doesn't follow properly unless you hold her hand, the game has almost identical puzzles mirrored in the left and right part of the castle. level design, visuals and sound are amazing… Expand
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Elite_Soldier
    Aug 20, 2021
    8
    The game was too sick. there's sj in the game, like cmon free up my guy, Travis Scotts my guy with the burger but the feminism allow that but pls allow it this ain't pokemon but nobody beats Goku, but kar98 is the best still, one-shot some kill.
  19. Aircus
    Jul 19, 2021
    10
    The most haunting game I ever play, a piece of art, doesn't like other popcorn culture games nowadays.
  20. Sergiopcv
    Apr 18, 2021
    10
    Sin lugar a dudas una obra maestra del team ICO, un juego muy simple en cuanto a jugabilidad y temática, muy minimalista. Otra de las obras indispensables en tu colección retro.
  21. FanAtreus-Drake
    Mar 4, 2021
    10
    Con solo mostrarte lo que ocurre y unos cuantos diálogos al comienzo, ICO te introduce en su mundo de una manera en la que sientes que tu lo estas viviendo. El diseño de niveles esta muy bien diseñado además de ser intuitivo y la historia que quiere contarte es conmovedora. En los tramos finales de la historia sientes el corazón en la garganta.
  22. Markfrancis
    Jan 7, 2021
    10
    Still holds up in 2021 I recommend this game to anyone. Would love it to get the same treatment collous recently got.
  23. DAV_2-0
    Sep 5, 2020
    10
    One of the best games i've ever played. From the mechanics to the environment to the characters to the level design, everything is so unique and emotionally overwhelming. Fumito Ueda is one of the best game directors and imo this is his best creation. Ico will forever live in my mind. 10/10
  24. Junjisiah
    Jul 12, 2020
    8
    난 이 게임 아주 추억의 게임이에요.
    오래전에 재미있게 했었어요.
    그러나 너무 오래됐네요.
    PS5로 리메이크 된다면 만점을 드릴께요!
  25. Inuyasha17
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    It's like a game in which a typical Japanese boy is the main character.
    It also feels like a legend of Zelda.
    I feel like I've become the main character in a fairy tale.
    It's a very well-made game, but it's too bad because it's an old game. I hope it will be released again on Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 4.
  26. Lenna_
    Jan 30, 2020
    10
    História e jogabilidade perfeita, merece um remake igual shadow of the Colossus
  27. 7ucky
    Jun 3, 2019
    10
    There was never a game ilke ICO when it was released and only a few since (most of which were directly influenced by or paid homage to ICO - hello Rime!). It's combination of level design, animation and story-telling are things I've not seen matched in any other game. Players can take as much or as little as they want to from this play experience and, for me personally, ICO will always beThere was never a game ilke ICO when it was released and only a few since (most of which were directly influenced by or paid homage to ICO - hello Rime!). It's combination of level design, animation and story-telling are things I've not seen matched in any other game. Players can take as much or as little as they want to from this play experience and, for me personally, ICO will always be a lovely vignette into a world I revisit every few years.

    Look beyond the date controls and camera scheme for this game that was launched in the early 2000s and you will be treated to a unique fairytale love story and creative partner-puzzle-solving experience.    … Expand
  28. abekdd
    Mar 16, 2019
    8
    He tardado, y aún desconozco el motivo, en darle la estocada final a Ico. Tras varios intentos en los que abandonaba esta obra, fuera por el motivo que fuera, justo en su broche final, he aprovechado el lanzamiento de PS Now en España para terminarla de una vez. Y como no podía ser de otra manera, no puedo estar más contento. Ico es la ópera prima de un Fumito Ueda que dota de su esencia aHe tardado, y aún desconozco el motivo, en darle la estocada final a Ico. Tras varios intentos en los que abandonaba esta obra, fuera por el motivo que fuera, justo en su broche final, he aprovechado el lanzamiento de PS Now en España para terminarla de una vez. Y como no podía ser de otra manera, no puedo estar más contento. Ico es la ópera prima de un Fumito Ueda que dota de su esencia a cada recoveco de este título, ofreciéndonos una historia única donde no desesperaremos en ningún momento. Bueno, miento, hay algunos saltos que... telita. Ico es abandonado a su suerte en un castillo, consiguiendo escapar de la cruel muerte que le espera por un golpe del destino. Allí conoce a Yorda, una muchacha especial que resultará la clave de una historia de caballeros y princesas (aunque no en el sentido más ortodoxo). Con una banda sonora única y una estética inigualable, el paso del tiempo no hace mucha mella en un título que nos formula a todos la misma pregunta: ¿a qué está esperando Sony para realizar un remake?… Expand
  29. Ydun79
    Feb 11, 2019
    8
    A beautiful game, though a bit too empty to score higher than an eight. It's a beautiful story though.
  30. 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
  31. Heisenberg93
    Dec 16, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Do you want to hear a funny story? I was playing for about 4 hours and just opened the East Gate in the game when, while waiting 5 seconds for saving before turning off the console... black out! Data saved corrupted, game to restart from beginning. Isn't it a funny story? In fact it's not. Sometimes my solid faith in science and coincidences wavers and it seems to me like there is only a huge conspiracy behind me. The experience with the game was a bit ruined, as far as I'm concerned, but I made sure to write this review without this affecting my judgment. Because it would not be right. So, ICO: cult video game, which marked Fumito Ueda's debut as a game designer and certainly left a mark in the history of video games.

    Not all the questions in ICO's plot are answered, and maybe that's the way it's meant to be. It's not clear – at least to me – the reason why these horned boys are born and why they should be sacrificed to protect their native villages. Maybe ICO's plot wants to tell us how this one particular boy with horns – evidently identified as an inborn evil – can ultimately show good heart, will and courage, revealing to be everything but wicked. Maybe it would have been the same for the others too, but it's interesting to note how he, in particular, had the fortune (or destiny?) to survive the sacrifice to prove himself. And he did: the boy fought to save himself and the girl and in the end, after thousands vicissitudes, it was the girl who saved herself and the boy.

    Most of ICO consists in moving in different areas solving puzzles, one after the other, reaching the final goal. Puzzles are indeed very well made, always understandable but still require a good level of reasoning. The game is able to silently communicate the right direction to the player, without interfering in gameplay with tutorials, suggestions or explicit explanations. Yorda's A.I. works fine and her silent and minimal relationship with the boy is enjoyable. Actions with her are really well integrated: the game makes you want to protect her, to help her. An empathy communicated with few words and actions, but full of meaning. The settings of ICO truly manage to evoke feelings, to ask questions in the head, to feel immersed in this castle, similar to Pandora's Temple on Kronos' back in God of War. These qualities are the most successful side of the so-called "subtracting design" created by Ueda. However, ICO is all but perfect. Triggering of interactions is not always accurate and it happens that it doesn't respond correctly to the player's commands. Then, honestly it happened to me very few times to see – even considering its origin era – video games with a "bird's eye" camera so poorly managed in many part of the game: it makes difficult to observe the environment, often causes game over because of unintentional falling or jumps which are badly calibrated and some fightings are almost unplayable because of bad camera shots. And speaking about fightings, it is clear how the combat system is just sketchy. It wasn't supposed to be Devil May Cry-like, but in ICO we are really at basic levels. Not only that: many fightings, especially against outnumbering enemies, tend to be a mere "back and forth" between black pools where Yorda is sucked into, trying to save her, rather than actually fighting. It doesn't even help the "recovery time" of the boy, whom as soon as he undergoes an attack will end up agonizing on the ground as if he suffers chronic stomach ache, instead of quickly raising up.

    Graphically ICO is great, considering its release in 2001, during PlayStation 2's first year. A good job in the realization of settings and evocative views, above all. There's not much to say about the soundtrack: it's intended to be minimal, but "You Were There" – the ending cutscene/credits theme – is probably one of the best and nicests songs in the history of video games.

    ICO is surely a video game with good ideas and a bit of originality and charm of its own, but these qualities are not enough to make a good video game into a masterpiece. Clearly Ueda was in his beginning years – ICO was in fact the first video game he designed – and this didn't allow him to notice some fallacies in the project. But is ICO an experience that must be played? Yes, of course.    … Expand
  32. Moony545
    Nov 14, 2018
    10
    По сути, игра это сплошная головоломка, задачи стоят перед игроком интересные, но не сильно сложные, я только в одном месте задержался надолго (на целые сутки, в ютуб не хотел подглядывать) Мне понравилась идея с девченкой, которую мы должны защищать и прорываться вместе с ней на свободу, потому-что только вместе они могут выбраться из этого плена, понравилось окружение в котором находятсяПо сути, игра это сплошная головоломка, задачи стоят перед игроком интересные, но не сильно сложные, я только в одном месте задержался надолго (на целые сутки, в ютуб не хотел подглядывать) Мне понравилась идея с девченкой, которую мы должны защищать и прорываться вместе с ней на свободу, потому-что только вместе они могут выбраться из этого плена, понравилось окружение в котором находятся герои, этот загадочный зАмок огромных размеров, с открывающимися взору не менее огромными пейзажами (аля Гад оф Вор), когда удается ненадолго покинуть мрачные залы зАмка. Битвы с врагами сделаны тут для галочки, в угоду сюжету и атмосфере игры, никакой сложности они не представляют, а боссов тут, вообще нет, соответственно, боевая система самая простая, какая она вообще может быть. Вспоминая о сюжете, можно сказать, что игра не балует игрока сюжетными видео вставками, 2-3 на всю игру, до самого конца ничего не понятно, но несмотря на это, сюжет очень хорош, да жесток, но... кажется тут стоит остановиться Что еще сказать, игра повторюсь своеобразна, как уже тут было сказано - на любителя... да, на любителя, но я заметил, что она притягивает взгляды людей, которые не шибко любят не то что головоломки а игры вообще и даже начинают "помогать" в прохождении игры

    ICO, это одна из тех игр, про которую мало что можно сказать, в нее нужно просто поиграть, прочувствовать самому эту игру, этот несомненный шедевр.    … Expand
  33. antenneone
    Sep 18, 2018
    9
    Primera obra de Fumito Ueda. Emocinante, jugabilidad maravillosa, preciosa historia, rejugable infinitamente. Un joya
  34. AKthaBeast
    May 7, 2018
    10
    Such a great game that allows the player to figure out everything on their own and really explore the world. The only downside is that it is a very short game but everything is done really well
  35. hustlie
    Mar 15, 2018
    9
    Embarked with ambient environments, brain busters, an arguably straightforward combat system and a story to remember, comes 2001's "Ico" a game exclusive to the PlayStation brand that can only be delivered with the comfort of it's controls on the DualShock controller.

    If you're a fan of unheavy complexion in video games, It's fair to say your chances of enjoying this game could come    Embarked with ambient environments, brain busters, an arguably straightforward combat system and a story to remember, comes 2001's "Ico" a game exclusive to the PlayStation brand that can only be delivered with the comfort of it's controls on the DualShock controller.

    If you're a fan of unheavy complexion in video games, It's fair to say your chances of enjoying this game could come natural considering it takes a bit more than just the average IQ to progress in all stages of this game. There hasn't been a single puzzle believed to be the end of the road, if you utilize and understand your options, the game aids but doesn't baby you throughout the story.

    As mentioned before, the DualShock controller is your only tool to help you on your journey to beating Ico. Considering your options in this game, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase the game with the assumption that the controls might be too overwhelming or difficult to understand, this is the kind of game your entire family can enjoy with minimal effort.

    I can't say I've been disappointed. All things considered, I've come to realize that Ico was a game going out of the typical comfort zone of puzzle games and delivering a solution to a complex issue without being afraid to introduce the use of prior knowledge or backtracking as well as having the free-will to let your mind run wild as you try your best to find out what happens next.

    Style points for being oddly unique from the opening intro, menu system, overall battle presentation and feel of the game but perhaps a little too unique for my taste. At times, it does feel that some elements may come across as repetitive and sometimes even very slightly unnecessary but viewing it from a designer's perspective, it's easy to see these elements are present to preserve the dramatization of it's scenes but that's just a case of nitpicking if that kind of stuff matters to you.

    As you'll come to find out, the story runs deep and it's characters undoubtedly memorable. It's not a story understood primarily through logic but rather through sentiment and justice is served to the environments, the characters, it's system and the way it portrays it's unique puzzles. All in all, this game will leave you with very few words to describe it's experience and I couldn't have designed it's visuals better myself even if I tried.    … Expand
  36. 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
  37. 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.
  38. Rewswiss
    Nov 14, 2016
    8
    Weniger kann so viel mehr sein: Ein Junge und ein Mädchen traumwandeln in "Ico" Hand in Hand durch eine Burgruine. Sie können einander nicht verstehen und kommunizieren, allein durch Gesten. Das Game lässt den Spieler ebenso im dunkeln wie die Hauptpersonen. Und knüpft so ein emotionales Band, das weit über das normale Verhältnis zu Spielfiguren hinausgeht. Man kann dem Spiel zwar dieWeniger kann so viel mehr sein: Ein Junge und ein Mädchen traumwandeln in "Ico" Hand in Hand durch eine Burgruine. Sie können einander nicht verstehen und kommunizieren, allein durch Gesten. Das Game lässt den Spieler ebenso im dunkeln wie die Hauptpersonen. Und knüpft so ein emotionales Band, das weit über das normale Verhältnis zu Spielfiguren hinausgeht. Man kann dem Spiel zwar die träge Steuerung in der B-Note abziehen und sich über den Minimalismus mukieren aber dann ist "Ico" ein Meisterwerk des Minimalismus, das fast komplett auf Story, Musik oder aufwendige Gegner verzichtet und so seine zauberhafte und einzigartige Poesie entfaltet.… Expand
  39. Leoka
    Aug 19, 2016
    9
    El único problema de este juego es que cuando lo juego con mi PS2 en una tele moderna el juego no anda, solo se escucha el sonido pero la pantalla queda totalmente negra. Igual es un gran juego, y uno de los primeros de PS2.
  40. XxJoseManuelxX
    Aug 16, 2016
    10
    Ico is a puzzle-platformer and action-adventure video game developed by Team Ico and published by Sony Computer Entertainment.

    + Ico and Yorda Mechanics
    + Fun Puzzles
    + Emotional
  41. ergonomicoT2000
    Aug 12, 2016
    9
    Even if its old take the opportunity to play this amazing game. It simply is outstanding and teaches a lesson the not so many developers understand: art and story overcome the technical shortcomings.

    This basically means that replaying it over a decade after its development it is still worth the time and kids loved it. Cannot wait to play the last guardian.
  42. josesueiro
    Apr 15, 2016
    10
    Ico is a puzzle-platformer and action-adventure video game developed by Team Ico and published by Sony Computer Entertainment

    Ico is primarily a three-dimensional platform game. The player controls Ico from a third-person perspective as he explores the castle and attempts to escape it with Yorda. The camera is fixed in each room or area but swivels to follow Ico or Yorda as they move;    Ico is a puzzle-platformer and action-adventure video game developed by Team Ico and published by Sony Computer Entertainment

    Ico is primarily a three-dimensional platform game. The player controls Ico from a third-person perspective as he explores the castle and attempts to escape it with Yorda. The camera is fixed in each room or area but swivels to follow Ico or Yorda as they move; the player can also pan the view a small degree in other directions to observe more of the surroundings. The game includes many elements of platform games; for example, the player must have Ico jump, climb, push and pull objects, and perform other tasks such as solving puzzles in order to progress within the castle.These actions are complicated by the fact that only Ico can carry out these actions; Yorda can only jump short distances and cannot climb over tall barriers. The player must use Ico so that he helps Yorda cross obstacles, such as by lifting her to a higher ledge, or by arranging the environment to allow Yorda to cross a larger gap herself. The player can tell Yorda to follow Ico, or to wait at a spot. The player can also have Ico take Yorda's hand and pull her along at a faster pace across the environment. Players are unable to progress in the game until they move Yorda to certain doors that only she can open.

    Escaping the castle is made difficult by shadow creatures sent by the Queen. These creatures attempt to drag Yorda into black vortexes if Ico leaves her for any length of time, or if she is in certain areas of the castle. Ico can dispel these shadows using a stick or sword and pull Yorda free if she is drawn into a vortex. While the shadow creatures cannot harm Ico, the game is over if Yorda becomes fully engulfed in a vortex; the player restarts from a save point. The player will also restart from a save point if Ico falls from a large height. Save points in the game are represented by stone benches that Ico and Yorda rest on as the player saves the game.    … Expand
  43. ursynhu
    Mar 20, 2016
    10
    Este jogo é incrível! Eu recebi e ainda não posso parar de jogar. Os gráficos são tão detalhadas para um game e é desafiador, mas divertido e terá que jogar por horas! A história é complexa e profundamente pensado. O melhor jogo que eu já joguei de forma
  44. Antemiz
    Mar 13, 2016
    8
    I was amazed seeing why this game is popular, im surprised i havnt forgotten this game along with sotc, its in my memory, i liked it, wasnt that bad, confusing though
  45. 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.
  46. Madalena
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    I just can't believe this game is 15 years old. I played it on its release year and I haven't found another title that made me feel like ICO still makes me feel. This is such a haunting experience that it will stay with you quite for a long time - I don't feel any other title will ever be a match to the kind of powerful little (enormous) thing that ICO is. No Shadow of Colossus, not any.I just can't believe this game is 15 years old. I played it on its release year and I haven't found another title that made me feel like ICO still makes me feel. This is such a haunting experience that it will stay with you quite for a long time - I don't feel any other title will ever be a match to the kind of powerful little (enormous) thing that ICO is. No Shadow of Colossus, not any. No other game will be as poetic and eerie and powerful and breathtaking. Do I need to say again it is 15 years old? Do I need to refer the massive changes gaming had in a decade, let it alone in a decade and a half? But ICO is still to this day the best, innovative, and stunning games ever designed - unique too. Just play it.… Expand
  47. Twin2712
    Nov 26, 2015
    9
    + clever puzzles and world design
    + The relationship between the characters
    + moving and engaging story told in very few cutscenes

    - Short
    - Frustrating A.I.
    - Repetitive Combat
  48. palomiusdan
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    una verga de juego, muy inmersivo y que necesidad de mucha complejidad te transporta a otro mundo, donde tu y una chica (zukulentho) deben sobrevivir.
  49. CaptainAssassin
    Jan 22, 2015
    9
    This is what fantasy gaming is supposed to be... immersive, whimsical storytelling with little to no dialogue. The Hero's Journey incarnate, and still to this day— unique. Well done.
  50. Sephiroth_X
    Nov 6, 2014
    9
    Everyday im moving towards this type of game, less or no item usage, simple gameplay (but complex in its own way) and very atmospheric, like a surreal ethereal experience. At first thought this was going to be another zelda clone, and while its inspired by it, is a complete different thing.
    My only grip is the controls, but they are not that bad, dont kill the experience at all.
    Cannot    Everyday im moving towards this type of game, less or no item usage, simple gameplay (but complex in its own way) and very atmospheric, like a surreal ethereal experience. At first thought this was going to be another zelda clone, and while its inspired by it, is a complete different thing.
    My only grip is the controls, but they are not that bad, dont kill the experience at all.
    Cannot recommend this enough, just go and play it if you haven't is one of those games you'll treasure and keep for your grandchildren to play. Timeless almost masterpiece.    … Expand
  51. 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
  52. Frankpsn
    Nov 5, 2013
    8
    This game is a visual treat. It can be fantastic too, if you completely forgive Yorda's dumb AI. Needless to say, the game is good. Frustrating, but good
  53. itkirk
    Aug 29, 2013
    10
    I LOVED this game, with capital letters. I can't pin down one thing why I love this game, it's probably the superb atmosphere that is spread around the environment, the whole mystery why you're there, the exploration, the sense of isolation, the simple yet provocative mission of saving a girl. There are so many things that this artsy game gets right, the gameplay, the combat, theI LOVED this game, with capital letters. I can't pin down one thing why I love this game, it's probably the superb atmosphere that is spread around the environment, the whole mystery why you're there, the exploration, the sense of isolation, the simple yet provocative mission of saving a girl. There are so many things that this artsy game gets right, the gameplay, the combat, the exploration, the mystery. This game is definitely not for everyone. If you're a battlefield or Call of Duty player and love those games, then this game is not for you. If you love fast paced action games, then this game is not for you, so don't bother playing and writing a review, because there's not going to be any weight to it. This is a game for those that take their time, want to explore every nook and cranny of the castle you're put in to explore, those that like to decipher the story without it being force fed to you. The emotional attachment that goes on after leading a companion around the castle happens naturally, and a sense of loss can happen if you are separated for a bit. I love this game because it takes a risk in telling a simple story, and it succeeds gloriously.… Expand
  54. potatoes351
    May 22, 2013
    10
    ICO is a beautiful game. You play as a young boy named Ico, who has been taken from his home village and imprisoned in a castle because his horns bring bad luck to the townsfolk. Upon being imprisoned a tremor causes your cell to collapse and you begin your journey to escape from the castle. You soon encounter a young girl named Yorda who glows pure white and speaks in a different languageICO is a beautiful game. You play as a young boy named Ico, who has been taken from his home village and imprisoned in a castle because his horns bring bad luck to the townsfolk. Upon being imprisoned a tremor causes your cell to collapse and you begin your journey to escape from the castle. You soon encounter a young girl named Yorda who glows pure white and speaks in a different language to you. Through means of physical contact and trust you must guide yourself and Yorda through the castle to escape. However a dark Queen wishes Yorda to stay and so you must battle the shadows to stop them from taking Yorda from you.
    The game looks absolutely stunning for an early PS2 game, extremely large environments, next to no loading times, highly detailed world and a beautiful soundtrack to match.
    ICO is a game everyone must experience, young or old, gamer or not. Every few years a game comes along that defines why gaming exists...this is one of them.    … Expand
  55. 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.
  56. 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
  57. 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
  58. roymcgeeters
    Feb 26, 2013
    9
    Ico may be a little bit un-attractive at first glance. The box art features an ugly little kid on the front holding a stick, and on the back it says "solve the puzzles or join the tourmented souls forever." It embraces the fact that it is a puzzle game, and you might dismiss it for that. Even if you are a fan of puzzle games, you might turn your head and look at all of the other puzzleIco may be a little bit un-attractive at first glance. The box art features an ugly little kid on the front holding a stick, and on the back it says "solve the puzzles or join the tourmented souls forever." It embraces the fact that it is a puzzle game, and you might dismiss it for that. Even if you are a fan of puzzle games, you might turn your head and look at all of the other puzzle games that might possibly be good. But I will tell you right now: ICO is a truly immersive, rewarding, magical experiance that you will remember for the rest of your life. Indeed, its games like this that make people go into deep thought at what they experienced, and very few games have ever effected me emotionaly; made me care about the characters; made me feel so satisfied; made me so awe struck. ICO is truly an experience that no developer could ever duplicate. The story of ICO is very minimaland barley there, but is so intruiging and mysteryious that I can say it is one of my favorite video game plots ever, right up there with Final Fantasy VII, and Shadow of the Colossus. You play as ICO, a boy who was born with the curse of horns on his head, and is considered a bad omen among his village, and so he is banished to a castle as a sacrifice left to die, but a small tremor sets him free of his prison, and he tries to find a way out of the castle when he meets Yorda, a girl who was trapped in a cage before Ico rescued her, and is being hunted by shadow demonds, who plan to kidnap her. Ico and Yorda go about the castle together and try to find an exit and escape the castle. You might think that this story is really simpilistic, but the story goes on after that point, and I won't say anything because spoiling the game is the last thing I want to do to you guys, and the story is just as good as you make it out to be. As you play the game, you start to build some sort of connection to Yorda and feel the need to protect her. It's things like this that make me truly care about the charcaters, instead of finding them annoying and uninteresting (*coughahemfinalfantasyXcoughahem*). The chracters are as deep as you want them to be. Take ICO for example: He is a boy who is looked down on as a cursed child, hated and feared by everyone, maybe even his parents, and having to go through life with all of this must have been a nightmare for poor ICO. I could go on and on, but I think its time for the gameplay. ICO is a puzzle game, with platform elements in the mix, and you have to examine the enviorment around you to solve the puzzles to succede. While doing this, you also need to find a path for Yorda, as she cannot do athletic things that Ico can do, and you need her to open certain doors that Ico cannot. Each puzzle is well designed and requires a lot of examination and thinking to solve, although some puzzles can be really stupidly annoying just because the game didn't explain how the controls work. How was I supposed to know that I had to press O to swing on a chain? It is satisfying to complete a puzzle that had you stumped for so long, and then you find out what to do gives a great sense of accomplishment. Occasionaly, Shadow demonds come out of holes in the ground and try to capture Yorda, which leads to combat. I'll be blunt for the sake of time: Combat is button mashing, but you do get a sense of fright when these mosters come, and it works. Moving on. The graphics for the game are breath-taking!!! I'm serious, it's suprising that Sonic UNleashed, a PS2 game that was released as a wii port in 2008, doesn't compare to ICO, a game released in 2001, a year after the PS2 launched. The lighting, camera angles, animation and detail all combine to make one fantastic looking game. I spent a good amount of time stopping and staring at the game's backgrounds, and getting lost in the scenery. The music, while like the plot, is small and barley there. A majority of the time, all you'll hear is the clmaping of your sandals, wind or birds chirping. But the rare moment music does appear, it's well done. I love the saving theme music, the acoustic intro music and the main ending theme, "You Were There". But ICO, in my opinion, didn't really need music in it's levels. I would have much rather have the silence that the game provides me, and it works remarkably well. However, ICO isn't as perfect as I make it out to be. I already mentioned the combat, but the control feels a bit clunky, and jumps feel floaty. Its not that big of an issue though, the control is tolerable. However, the lack of replay value isn't ICO took me a good 9 hours to beat, which is a satisying length, but once you beat the game, there is no reason to ever pick it up again. There is no unlockable artwork, sound test, nothing. I probably won't pick this game up again until years later when I've forgotten most of the puzzles. Bottom line, no game has affected me more than ICO has. It touched me emotionally, and no game has ever done that before. You will be amazed.… Expand
  59. heychrisfox
    Oct 26, 2012
    10
    Ico runs in the same vein as Shadow of the Colossus, all titles of the cult classic churning development team, Team Ico. The plot is subtle, yet deep, and you get the feeling as Ico - our protagonist - saves the princess in need Yorda from the evil Queen of the Castle, that you're the part of something much larger than yourself and the characters on the screen. What is this castle? WhatIco runs in the same vein as Shadow of the Colossus, all titles of the cult classic churning development team, Team Ico. The plot is subtle, yet deep, and you get the feeling as Ico - our protagonist - saves the princess in need Yorda from the evil Queen of the Castle, that you're the part of something much larger than yourself and the characters on the screen. What is this castle? What is the backstory behind Ico, Yorda, the Queen, and the mysterious people who take Ico to the island? Many questions are left unanswered, which is the point: this is intricate, delicate storytelling at its finest; a plot that interweaves with Shadow of the Colossus. The visuals on screen are simply stunning, especially for such an early release for the PS2. The controls can be a bit cumbersome at times, but they're so simple, it's hard to gripe. The combat with the evil shadow beings varies from run-of-the-mill to dire and desperate swinging depending on the situation, and will thrill any player. And the entire game caries a strong sense of emptiness, loneliness, like you really are alone in a strange world, having to take care of yourself. Ico has become an artistic classic of the next-generation age. One can only claim they are a true gamer in contemporary times if they've added Ico as a notch on their belt.… Expand
  60. IamandaI
    Aug 21, 2012
    8
    ICO is an example of triumph in minimalism. It's beautiful, vast, haunting, and very simple. The player guides a boy named Ico throughout puzzles as he tries to escort a frail-looking girl named Yorda towards the outside of the castle in which the game takes place. There's also a bit of combat, but just barely. Ico and Yorda's ultimate objective is to escape the Queen, who intends to useICO is an example of triumph in minimalism. It's beautiful, vast, haunting, and very simple. The player guides a boy named Ico throughout puzzles as he tries to escort a frail-looking girl named Yorda towards the outside of the castle in which the game takes place. There's also a bit of combat, but just barely. Ico and Yorda's ultimate objective is to escape the Queen, who intends to use Yorda as a mean to expand her lifespan. It's possibly the most simplistic game I have ever played, one that relies on intelligent level design, bloom lightning and emotional impact. ICO has barely any dialogue, but it does a fine job of selling the instant devotion that Ico feels towards Yorda, and their relationship plays a great part in the game's charisma.… Expand
  61. Subject98
    Jun 25, 2012
    8
    I picked this up in 2011 because I had heard so much about it... late I know. I really liked it despite a few frustrations with the platforming. It doesn't focus too much on any one particular aspect of the gameplay, there is combat but it takes a back seat for the sake of exploration and solving puzzles in order to proceed to the next area. I think I still would have enjoyed this game hadI picked this up in 2011 because I had heard so much about it... late I know. I really liked it despite a few frustrations with the platforming. It doesn't focus too much on any one particular aspect of the gameplay, there is combat but it takes a back seat for the sake of exploration and solving puzzles in order to proceed to the next area. I think I still would have enjoyed this game had the combat been completely removed. The graphics are quite good for it's time and I liked that the whole game world is so well designed that you could look over a ledge and see a location in the distance you had been before hours ago. I prefer shadow of the colossus to this but Ico is still a charming game that shouldn't be overlooked.… Expand
  62. Icekyng
    Dec 28, 2010
    10
    You are looking at this because its about to come out in HD on PS3. Get it now, its haunting, original and actually a beautiful game. There are few games like this anymore with this sort of desolate atmosphere but the feeling of exposure and vulnerability when playing it is palpable. If GTA and third person shooters are your only bag it really won't appeal, but for puzzle fans and gamersYou are looking at this because its about to come out in HD on PS3. Get it now, its haunting, original and actually a beautiful game. There are few games like this anymore with this sort of desolate atmosphere but the feeling of exposure and vulnerability when playing it is palpable. If GTA and third person shooters are your only bag it really won't appeal, but for puzzle fans and gamers who are interested in emotive experiences buy it. Thank me for it later.… Expand
  63. Lev
    Aug 23, 2009
    10
    Judging from many rewievs, I thought I might find this game too 'artsy', but I was very wrong. It was a great game, a good example of minimalism done right. I don't think I should say more, it would mostly be praise, but others have already done that before me.
  64. ReyA
    Apr 26, 2009
    8
    Ok, so I played this thinking it'd be as good as Shadow of the Colossus. I was wrong. It was fun, but I got stuck too often and had to refer to the walkthrough every half an hour or so. I didn't like having to carry the girl around with me; she gets kind of annoying. This reminds me of the puzzles from God of War. What could have made this better: less annoying girl following me Ok, so I played this thinking it'd be as good as Shadow of the Colossus. I was wrong. It was fun, but I got stuck too often and had to refer to the walkthrough every half an hour or so. I didn't like having to carry the girl around with me; she gets kind of annoying. This reminds me of the puzzles from God of War. What could have made this better: less annoying girl following me around, more hints to solving puzzles on my own, better camera angles and camera work, and a better way of fighting or at least more variety of enemies.… Expand
  65. MartoM.
    Mar 8, 2009
    10
    A fantastic tale, tragic, and enigmatic. This game had an unmatched atmosphere, and the scale of the architecture that you traverse has an almost haunting effect due to its drastically isolated feel. Everything feels natural, and the lack of music throughout most of the game gives it an eerie ambiance. Everyone should play this! Beautiful title, with something to offer that's never A fantastic tale, tragic, and enigmatic. This game had an unmatched atmosphere, and the scale of the architecture that you traverse has an almost haunting effect due to its drastically isolated feel. Everything feels natural, and the lack of music throughout most of the game gives it an eerie ambiance. Everyone should play this! Beautiful title, with something to offer that's never been seen before, or seen since. Even its successor, Shadow of the Colossus, doesn't quite measure up in terms of atmosphere.… Expand
  66. RobC.
    Dec 17, 2007
    9
    What an original game. And the idea where there are no obvious clues to how you'd solve a puzzle is genius. These are the true puzzle games, where only you can figure this one out. A game that will always be remembered in my book.
  67. NickC.
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    I have only played the demo of this game and thought it was really cool. Good graphics, good gameplay, good story how much better can it get?
  68. EliseE.
    Feb 1, 2007
    10
    Quite honestly my favorite game to this day, absolutely breathtaking.
  69. Inesdg
    Nov 27, 2006
    9
    This game is a masterpiece, but it is not for everyone, it is a little bit hard and the the puzzles and enigmas are very hard to solve.
  70. KlausF.
    May 10, 2006
    10
    This game is simply a make of art and so original. It's one of the most beautifal tales ever told and it's so sad at the end when the ki- woops I was about to reveal a spoiler. I'm sure Pablo Picasso would be proud if he was still alive. All hail this electronic peice of art.
  71. 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.
  72. CozoniW.
    Feb 22, 2006
    9
    Like the very best games, ICO sucks you in and never let
  73. 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.
  74. nick
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    This is the best game I have ever played. No contenders.
  75. Yorda
    Jul 20, 2005
    10
    Hey, friend next door! BAD, is that got to say?! This game is the most beatifully journey i have ever experienced!!
  76. Karlmarx
    May 30, 2005
    10
    Shame on you PS2 owners for not buying this excellent game. Do not make the same mistake with the sequel. If i have to look at the charts one more time and see it cloged up with EA sports and run of the mill sequels again, I swear i'll......! ahhh
  77. MateusC.
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    This is not a game, this is a dream.
  78. AmandaF.
    Jan 20, 2005
    10
    One of the most interesting games I've ever played and pretty much the only game I played more than 2 times all the way through.
  79. AgataM.
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    The best game I have ever played!!
  80. Julien
    Nov 2, 2004
    10
    ICO is visually and emotionally stunning. I can't really add to what others have already said... it's so nice to see so many people enjoyed this game.
  81. VinceC.
    Jul 28, 2004
    10
    Amazing! The purity of this game is almost intoxicating. Never have I walked away after beating a game so fullfilled and happy. I felt better after session of this game and when it ended I wasn't upset at all. I was happier. Anyone that rates this game below a 9 is wrong, anyone who rates this game below a 5 is mentally unstable, and anyone who rates this a 2... wow. never before has Amazing! The purity of this game is almost intoxicating. Never have I walked away after beating a game so fullfilled and happy. I felt better after session of this game and when it ended I wasn't upset at all. I was happier. Anyone that rates this game below a 9 is wrong, anyone who rates this game below a 5 is mentally unstable, and anyone who rates this a 2... wow. never before has a game made me care so much for its characters. 10/10. Perfect.… Expand
  82. ChrisX.
    Jul 15, 2004
    10
    This game is excellent, stunning, and strangely eery. It is like a movie almost, it is so cinematic in nature, that you almost forget you are controlling the character yourself... it feels like a lucid dream. To the guy who made the comment about it being dull: Go play whatever you usually play, like mindless shoot-em-ups, or run-of-the-mill franchise games like Star Wars, and leave the This game is excellent, stunning, and strangely eery. It is like a movie almost, it is so cinematic in nature, that you almost forget you are controlling the character yourself... it feels like a lucid dream. To the guy who made the comment about it being dull: Go play whatever you usually play, like mindless shoot-em-ups, or run-of-the-mill franchise games like Star Wars, and leave the real game reviews to the grown ups.… Expand
  83. 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
  84. CornD.
    Jun 22, 2004
    10
    This game indulges your appetite to make the fantasy of this game your own reality. completing each level makes your curiosity hungry to know whats awaiting at the next stage. wild and vibrant imagination was dedicated to this game and in pausing to take notice at the surrounding each level holds proves that. this game is euphoria. awesome.
  85. JimP.
    Jun 9, 2004
    10
    Still my all time favorite game of any genre. Unique. Hopelessly beautiful.
  86. OdinoW.
    Jun 3, 2004
    9
    Nearly perfect! Game is very relaxing, I sometimes just stare into the scenery for minutes, it's awesome. And then at some point you can see parts of the castle where you have been before and you just think it's well cool. Why only a 9? The fighting is annoying, especially as it sometimes just drags on way too long and then you often find yourself just button bashing while theyNearly perfect! Game is very relaxing, I sometimes just stare into the scenery for minutes, it's awesome. And then at some point you can see parts of the castle where you have been before and you just think it's well cool. Why only a 9? The fighting is annoying, especially as it sometimes just drags on way too long and then you often find yourself just button bashing while they take the girl. Another thing is the last stretch of the game, you can fall down way too easily and have to do a lot again and again! Finally there are 2 towers you have to cut a rope, they are identical...pretty lazy. But in the end this game is awesome from start of finish and I'll play it again one day for sure. I also hear rumours of a sequel but it would have to be very good and creating a similar plot, style and design without just copying the first game.… Expand
  87. Lily
    Apr 17, 2004
    10
    Unbelievable game! What an atmosphere, I haven't felt one quite like it in a while. The simplicity of fighting in the game was done on purpose, not because the creators are lazy/incompetent. They want you to concentrate on exploration, not on dying or fighting. However, this is not an easy game and therefore not for everyone who has little patience to think and solve through puzzles. Unbelievable game! What an atmosphere, I haven't felt one quite like it in a while. The simplicity of fighting in the game was done on purpose, not because the creators are lazy/incompetent. They want you to concentrate on exploration, not on dying or fighting. However, this is not an easy game and therefore not for everyone who has little patience to think and solve through puzzles. But the game offers SO MUCH that other ones don't, please don't miss out if you're interested.… Expand
  88. NoahG.
    Mar 11, 2004
    10
    SImply stunning and magnificent. great plot and game. best game ive played in a while.
  89. NoahG.
    Mar 11, 2004
    10
    SImply stunning and magnificent. great plot and game. best game ive played in a while.
  90. 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
  91. JamesS.
    Mar 2, 2004
    10
    I give this a ten becuse its truly desved to get the total vote a nine, I felt in love with the game and can't wait for ICO2 but I have heard its disappointing, but this game is my best its have shown feelings and emoions.
  92. JohnG.
    Mar 2, 2004
    10
    This gamne is amazing the japanes girl is stunning beatiful, yet a powerful game.
  93. OyamasenseiSeizan
    Mar 2, 2004
    10
    This games inspired me, its one of those one out of a hundreads games that you'll say (Great!). I do fell in love with that girl.
  94. EkachaiP.
    Mar 2, 2004
    10
    It bring tears to my eyes,am not posting here to seemy comments but to show how I feel, it reminds me when I first felt in love with a girl in Japan, she never cam back for five years now, the game itself is a fantastic achivement, Eee Ko (ICO) have been a game out of a hundreads that stands out, the way the girl react amke me want to find her, surely this game have to be rated atleast an It bring tears to my eyes,am not posting here to seemy comments but to show how I feel, it reminds me when I first felt in love with a girl in Japan, she never cam back for five years now, the game itself is a fantastic achivement, Eee Ko (ICO) have been a game out of a hundreads that stands out, the way the girl react amke me want to find her, surely this game have to be rated atleast an 9....willi ever see your smiles. ni mei ha seir de sin gor.… Expand
  95. Tearstomy...MeikatoEndlessinlove
    Mar 2, 2004
    10
    Hi, everybody, I have once lost a contact to my girfriend and this girl ico, in the game look like her,I've been playing this game all over again and again, this game have an efffect and haunt me, one day she will return from Japan and met me and i'll tell I love her. Nei ma hei sai ei sa,
  96. AnonymousMC
    Feb 12, 2004
    10
    I don't quite understand it. I've Played through 3 times now and I get more and more intrigued everytime. I love it all from beginning to end, i just wish i got all the PAL stuff. Its cool the story, sound, gameplay, and characters were enough for me. (I'm also well aware there was what many people call no REAL character development, funny I cared more about both of themI don't quite understand it. I've Played through 3 times now and I get more and more intrigued everytime. I love it all from beginning to end, i just wish i got all the PAL stuff. Its cool the story, sound, gameplay, and characters were enough for me. (I'm also well aware there was what many people call no REAL character development, funny I cared more about both of them then I did anyone in FFX.)
    Can't wait for NICO!!    … Expand
  97. MikeK.
    Jan 29, 2004
    10
    Great.
  98. Howlonging
    Dec 8, 2003
    10
    Absolutely stunning. Few games had the same effect on me: Zelda III on SNES, the first Tomb Raider on PSOne, and now this. If you like adventures, ICO is the game to get. It will just blow you away.
  99. Meredythe
    May 8, 2003
    10
    Real. Engrossing. Beautiful and eerie. Somehow both simple and epic..... it haunted me.
  100. Larty
    Mar 19, 2003
    8
    Very Simplistic, but grand at the same time. Gorgeous and able to strike awe with the visuals alone. Story is almost nonexistant, but leaves room for the player to immerse themselves into the world, and feel as lost and helpless as the main characters. Replay value is very low so enjoy your way throught he first time. It's a great experience.
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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.
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  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!
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