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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. EricD.
    Apr 27, 2002
    9
    Very awesome game, but it doesn't give any clues as to what to do or where to go ....you pretty much are on your own when you get control. Other than that....awesome graphics, awesome color, incredible landscapes, just plain awesome!!
  5. 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
  6. Meredythe
    May 8, 2003
    10
    Real. Engrossing. Beautiful and eerie. Somehow both simple and epic..... it haunted me.
  7. 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
  8. 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,
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. SiW.
    Apr 22, 2002
    9
    One of the best looking most atmospheric games ever! Really damn clever and fresh. Don't even consider touching if Devil May Cry is your cup of tea. There is NO shooting, guns, masses of crazy monsters etc ... its a PUZZLER!
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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?
  16. [Anonymous]
    Aug 27, 2002
    9
    Nearly perfect. Graphics, mood, gameplay, everything. I like ICO because it actually makes you think, unlike other games coming out lately. Why the 9? ICO IS TOUGH! VERY TOUGH! I've been stuck on one puzzle for, like, three months now. You should still play this game, somehow.
  17. MikeK.
    Jan 29, 2004
    10
    Great.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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
prev
Page:

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 »