Shadow of the Colossus

 PlayStation 2
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1497 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,356 out of 1497
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 1497
  3. Negative: 75 out of 1497
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  1. LingX.
    Nov 21, 2005
    8
    one of the prettiest looking games that i have played for the ps2. the landscape design is vast, perfect, and beautiful. Now why didn't square enix did something like this to the ps2 FF games?! The character graphics are flawed up close. The puzzles here are about getting on top of the colossus and hitting its weakpoint. The gameplay is kind of repetitive but still enjoyable. since one of the prettiest looking games that i have played for the ps2. the landscape design is vast, perfect, and beautiful. Now why didn't square enix did something like this to the ps2 FF games?! The character graphics are flawed up close. The puzzles here are about getting on top of the colossus and hitting its weakpoint. The gameplay is kind of repetitive but still enjoyable. since it's a short game, you're better off renting it. it took me 9hours to finish this game 2 days the day after i bought it.… Expand
  2. SumDood
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    Awesome game i loved it. So unique and well done this is what a video game is all about. Gaming companies should take a page out of these developers book!
  3. GurlukovichS.
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    [***SPOILERS***] You battle 16 massively enormous colossus. The size of each colossus varies tremendously, the character your playing is like a size of an ant. The area your gonna explore is extremely vast, thank goodness you have a horse to use and explore the vastness of plains, forest, desert, caves to find and defeat the 16 colossus. Im surprise how very different the gameplay of Ico[***SPOILERS***] You battle 16 massively enormous colossus. The size of each colossus varies tremendously, the character your playing is like a size of an ant. The area your gonna explore is extremely vast, thank goodness you have a horse to use and explore the vastness of plains, forest, desert, caves to find and defeat the 16 colossus. Im surprise how very different the gameplay of Ico and shadow of colossus is. In Ico theres plenty of puzzles and the awe inspiring companionship of yorda while shadow of the colossus has no puzzle but does have the most imaginative design on the massive colossus. Finding weakness for each colossus is satisfying and also watching the birth of Ico on the end sequence. I do wanna see them create a playstation 3 game.… Expand
  4. AramisG.
    Nov 12, 2005
    9
    An excellent game with a few minor quirks. I found that it wasn't until I played it on hard mode that I got the experience the game originally promised. I found this game pretty superior to God of War, but perhaps a close contender for game of the year with RE4. Hopefully it runs like a charm when I get a PS3.
  5. NickB
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    A mature, unique fantasy tale that manages to compel and impress without falling back on the over-used tropes of coputer gaming. Possibly the best video game I have played this year, and the best PS2 game I have seen, hands down. We need morer games that push the envelope and provide new, unique experiences like Shadow of the Colossus.
  6. DanE.
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Cameron M. is a moron. this game is a masterpiece. its gorgeous and tons of fun. pick it up if you know whats good for you. definitely one of the best games of the year.
  7. Snappinn'Pappin'
    Nov 11, 2005
    9
    A very good game, and a lot of fun. I don't know about best of 2005, I'd give that honor to Resident Evil 4, but, this game is totally unique and fun. While the textures up close don't look too hot due to the PS2's lame limitations (is only Sony didn't make it, it could've been an xbox title), it does look amazing from afar due to the beautiful landscapes, A very good game, and a lot of fun. I don't know about best of 2005, I'd give that honor to Resident Evil 4, but, this game is totally unique and fun. While the textures up close don't look too hot due to the PS2's lame limitations (is only Sony didn't make it, it could've been an xbox title), it does look amazing from afar due to the beautiful landscapes, art direction and shear size of everything. Really breathtaking landscapes and the battles with the colossi are a lot of fun. I love the "wtf?" factor when you fight one of these guys. I just wish there was more to finding them and a harder battle once you do find them. You shine your sword, follow the path on a poorly controlled horse, and then fight it. Repeat 16 times. I think the battles would've been more meaningful and the journey to find them more interesting if there were some sort of puzzle, button to hit or something else to it. I do love the fact that its just you, your horse, your sword and bow though. No +3 augment silver sword of divine justice + might boosting and regeneration junk to clog up your inventory that can somehow hold enough equipment to arm a small nation. With that aside, it is still an addictive and beautiful experience and well worth your time (maybe 8 hours?). And the music is incredible as well. The Zelda creators REALLY need to play this game. Imagine this game as a zelda title where you get this type of vast and incredibly detailed environment instead of Waterworld Pt. 2.… Expand
  8. CameronM.
    Nov 10, 2005
    3
    It was like most hot chicks. Pretty but boring. Taking down the Colossi was fun but getting their was not. The controls of the horse were terrible, and the gameply was terribly repetitive. I had high hopes and looked long an hard to rent this game just to take it back the next day.
  9. RothwellG.
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    This game totally the best game in 2005. I think everyone should play it. this game is very unique.
  10. NatA.
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    Full of artistic feature and the graphic was superb and magnificent. Never wonder a simple game like this could bring a deep impression into the hearts of the players. A truly masterpiece.
  11. MartmanTOTO
    Nov 1, 2005
    7
    This game is a pretty good game. The action in the actual gameplay is probably the only part of the game that is liked, but that accounts for alot. You honestly don't understand @#$% of the plot though and aren't really put into the story. To sum it up, the action of this game is fun and not finding the colossus. Also the story isn't presented well
  12. ANDYO
    Nov 1, 2005
    9
    I was very impressed by the original concept of the game, no little guppy bad guys, no leveling up, no weapons other than what you got, I was very scared about this one, but I am very happy with this game, it was still overhyped but the monumentous battles are uncomparable to any game I've ever played before, I went through my collection of xbox and ps2 and could not find a game with I was very impressed by the original concept of the game, no little guppy bad guys, no leveling up, no weapons other than what you got, I was very scared about this one, but I am very happy with this game, it was still overhyped but the monumentous battles are uncomparable to any game I've ever played before, I went through my collection of xbox and ps2 and could not find a game with such presentation of battles and excellent music to go with it, but as cool as this is there are downfalls, the biggest being the camera, it is hard to control and frustrating to try to keep track of the giant and yourself when getting to close. The lack of story does not pull you in to the game, I mean here we are in a huge beautiful land to track across to slay the monster but why? for what? to bring someone back from the dead is a little overused I think, it is not stupid but a nick in the story to pull you in wouldn't hurt. Riding the horse altough very cool and very real the camera really screws the enjoyment of riding the horse up. Which is disappointing since a good riding of the horse has not been done since the simple horse riding of dare I say it Ocarina of time. Overall the game is great if you have the patience to deal with the camera, the weak story is ok only because the visuals and huge fights are spectacular.… Expand
  13. Sean
    Oct 31, 2005
    9
    A great game. More and more I appreciate games that allow the player to take an active role in filling in the blanks as opposed to having one's role/motive/history completely spelled out for you. In taking on the role of this game's hero (who really is a hero for seemingly being so normal while standing against such overwhelming odds) I found myself sucked into a very living A great game. More and more I appreciate games that allow the player to take an active role in filling in the blanks as opposed to having one's role/motive/history completely spelled out for you. In taking on the role of this game's hero (who really is a hero for seemingly being so normal while standing against such overwhelming odds) I found myself sucked into a very living world that would exist and go on existing whether I saved the day or not. And, unlike most other games, nothing was ever allowed to clutter or take away from the pure experience of the game itself. If anyone ever wanted to know how it may have felt to be a legend-in-the-making from ancient mythology (ie. Hercules and his 12 labours) while not already knowing the tale or needing to adhere to a cumbersome and jarring system of hitpoints or character development (and, ultimately, a whole bunch of filler to give a sense of the "epic" in that the video game odyssey simply took a long time to complete), never before has a game captured the feeling and the atmosphere of a myth so well and with such vitality. Simply put, the minimal aspects work wonders if you let yourself play the role. And you need to think like a normal guy taking on giants to be successful at this game. This is not a game to be conquered more than an experience to lose one's self in. And, somewhat like in life itself, it's not for those who need to know the answer to every question "Why?" to be satisfied. Beautiful if not a little arduous at times, but aren't all legendary tasks every once-in-a-while? A game that rewards the mind... if you care to use it a bit more than you would for most games or movies. This game is epic in that it makes you feel so small. Absolutely unique.… Expand
  14. ChubbyWookie
    Oct 30, 2005
    10
    This is truly what "next-gen" gaming should have been about. Instead of just making the same old games "prettier", this game creates something that cannot be explained - it simply MUST be experienced. It is without a doubt the greatest game I have ever played - this is the one by which all other games should be judged.
  15. B.W.
    Oct 30, 2005
    7
    It's a good game, but not great. One boss battle after another; I can't help but feel that a real opportunity to tell a story between the battles has been lost. The game is beautiful but *DARK*. Turn all the lights out to play this one. The auto-exposure adaptations is cool at first, but keeps the game dark, which really hides the great artwork. Some really stunning moments and It's a good game, but not great. One boss battle after another; I can't help but feel that a real opportunity to tell a story between the battles has been lost. The game is beautiful but *DARK*. Turn all the lights out to play this one. The auto-exposure adaptations is cool at first, but keeps the game dark, which really hides the great artwork. Some really stunning moments and grand visuals are seriously marred by very bad controls and worthless camera system. These guys need to take cinematics 101.… Expand
  16. FUCollosisCK
    Oct 29, 2005
    5
    Great graphics but you hold on to the right trigger 90% of game climbing the monsters. Find collosi, Climb, rinse and reapet save yourself.
  17. ErikB.
    Oct 28, 2005
    7
    The land is huge and beautiful (although a bit colorless). The fights are amazing. Play control was pretty good but the camera controls got a little squirrely in some of the fights. The main problem I had was the lack of story until the end; I had no connection to the main character and why the crap he was following the mystery voice from the heavens. The sound effects and music were The land is huge and beautiful (although a bit colorless). The fights are amazing. Play control was pretty good but the camera controls got a little squirrely in some of the fights. The main problem I had was the lack of story until the end; I had no connection to the main character and why the crap he was following the mystery voice from the heavens. The sound effects and music were perfectly matched to the action during fights, and really added to the fun. I really wish this game had come out on a next-gen console, because they could've really taken it to the next level and the action could be a bit more fluid.… Expand
  18. BobK.
    Oct 27, 2005
    6
    Sloppy framerate, lackluster gameplay, predictable plot, and horrendous programming (esp. audio). Possibly one of the most overrated games in the last decade. Unique concept, yes. Does that classify the game as great? Hardly. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. I can only imagine how much Sony payed off the review crew to hype this garbage.
  19. MattA.
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    Simply amazing play this game.
  20. SteveM.
    Oct 25, 2005
    9
    Definitely up there for game of the year. I absolutely LOVE this game and is my fave PS2 along with, of course, ICO. Ueda and company know how to get things done and I'm eagerly awaiting their next profect. A perfect concept and gorgeous game with only minor technical flaws. DO NOT miss it!
  21. TioJoão
    Oct 24, 2005
    10
    Tudo ok.
  22. RivetMan
    Oct 23, 2005
    10
    This is a masterpiece. A great game to a great year for games. Resident Evil 4, God of War and now this piece of art. I got say, I didn't stop play it until the end and now I'm just started the hard mode and looking for secrets out there. Beautiful.
  23. AlexeiK.
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    By far the best game of the year thus far in terms of telling a story and placing the elemnts of gameplay ina fun/interesting/intuitive field of play. having jsut finished the game yesturday and given myself time to assess it's value I haveto honestly say that there is little competion thus far this year for not only a compelling original setting and story, but an easy to control, By far the best game of the year thus far in terms of telling a story and placing the elemnts of gameplay ina fun/interesting/intuitive field of play. having jsut finished the game yesturday and given myself time to assess it's value I haveto honestly say that there is little competion thus far this year for not only a compelling original setting and story, but an easy to control, mind grinding gameplay mechanic that makes the player enthrulled to be there. In my honest opinion the best game of the year.… Expand
  24. Spartan
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    I count myself as a hardcore gamer who is always looking for the next great game. I have played all of the suppossed great games of all times, but beleive me...nothing tops this, nothing.
  25. KyleH.
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    Prepare to be stunned. This game is a must buy for anyone who has ever played a video game. Shadow of Colossus is a gaming masterpiece, artfully stitched together for an overall breathe taking experience. The vastness of the land and the fluidity of the camera play this game off just like a movie. Don't expect any filler or half-thought out side quests, because this game has none. Prepare to be stunned. This game is a must buy for anyone who has ever played a video game. Shadow of Colossus is a gaming masterpiece, artfully stitched together for an overall breathe taking experience. The vastness of the land and the fluidity of the camera play this game off just like a movie. Don't expect any filler or half-thought out side quests, because this game has none. The entire focus is on the main story-line. Minimalists be praised for this game is a life-changing experience.… Expand
  26. SamA.
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Innovative masterful work of art! Even with a few minor camera issues, I cannot give this game anything but the best - 10/10 all the way!!
  27. JoeyD
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    A 10, even coming from someone who didn't like ICO. This game evokes feelings that other games could only dream of. A must buy for any gamer who can appreciate good art, and doen't have to be shooting aliens, zombies, or hookers to stay entertained.
  28. MahebruH.
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Phenomenal.
  29. KyleW.
    Oct 21, 2005
    9
    The colossi are stupendous and ingenious. But the environment is their equal: beautiful, grand, detailed and awe-inspiring. I've conquered the first colossus in the demo so I've spent my first two hours with the game just exploring. Whether a beach, forest or desert, all areas are well realized and worth the effort of finding them. That said, more interactivity, or gameplay The colossi are stupendous and ingenious. But the environment is their equal: beautiful, grand, detailed and awe-inspiring. I've conquered the first colossus in the demo so I've spent my first two hours with the game just exploring. Whether a beach, forest or desert, all areas are well realized and worth the effort of finding them. That said, more interactivity, or gameplay opportunities, would be appreciated. For instance, a facade built into a mountain featured two holes leading to an enormous cavern. I should have been able to enter but couldn't and actually got stuck in one hole swimming like a fish out of water. Maybe later there's a colossi to kill inside and I'll be able to enter but right now it just seems glitchy and an arbitrary limit to exploration. BUT, a minor point that only slightly detracts from the score. This is a rewarding experience, a wondrous game that deserves at least a look.… Expand
  30. LeoF
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Easily one of the best games I have ever played on any console (and I started with the Atari 2600...) You are NOT a fan of videogames if you don't play this art/game.
  31. DudeLabowski
    Oct 20, 2005
    1
    Played the demo and found it horribly boring. Also the graphics made my eyes hurt. Oh and the contols suck big time. Not sure why everyone is on this games nutz cuz the demo had nothing good about it. I don't even remember hearing any music and the sound was nothing special. Oh boy lets jump on the back on a large gorrila type thing and stab it till it dies! What a joke. Gets aPlayed the demo and found it horribly boring. Also the graphics made my eyes hurt. Oh and the contols suck big time. Not sure why everyone is on this games nutz cuz the demo had nothing good about it. I don't even remember hearing any music and the sound was nothing special. Oh boy lets jump on the back on a large gorrila type thing and stab it till it dies! What a joke. Gets a 1 cuz at least it didn't crash or anything. And it was free cuz it was a demo. If I had payed money for this game I would be pissed cuz its lame. And if you bought it your lame too. That includes you boneheads below me. Yeah I said it what you gonna go about it.… Expand
  32. CoreyD.
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    Have only played 5 hours, but there's nothing it can do later on to recieve anything less than a 10.
  33. ChrisV.
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    This game is an inovative masterpiece. I never played ICO but even if you haven't you can enjoy this game. Controls are take some getting used to, but once you do, its awesome.
  34. MikEYP.
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    If you own a playstation 2 and you don't buy this game, you're a fool.
  35. IgorG.
    Oct 19, 2005
    10
    This is the gaming experience of the year and will be remembered for years to come as a title that showed the videogames are a medium that can convey a sense of wonder and emotiions.
  36. BrianD.
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    Awesome game! The visual slendor, the sheer emocional existence, the powerful storyline and great artistic value make this game a tremendous experience. Each colossi is a creature unto itself. Each living and breathing in their own way with their own quirks and ways to take them down. The only real problem was the camera, not enoguh to take away from the game, but a problem none the less, Awesome game! The visual slendor, the sheer emocional existence, the powerful storyline and great artistic value make this game a tremendous experience. Each colossi is a creature unto itself. Each living and breathing in their own way with their own quirks and ways to take them down. The only real problem was the camera, not enoguh to take away from the game, but a problem none the less, Don't let this discourage you thoguh. The game is defnintely one of those defining games that don't belong to an exact genre.… Expand
  37. saluddiaz
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    I had the pleasure to play the demo of this unbelievable game. I did love ICO and I would recommend this game to anyone. I'll go further and say that this game alone justify the purchase of the PS2. Unfortunately I cant find (so far) a game that justify the purchase of xbox 360.
  38. ChasM.
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Beautiful.
  39. HarryJohnson
    Oct 16, 2005
    10
    Great ****ing game!! Most original game i've played!!
  40. SkylarF.
    Oct 14, 2005
    10
    Now, i'm basing this purely on the demo that I've played...but if the real game is anything like this, then it is going to be amazing. It's totally original and radically different from anything I've ever played before. Which is a breath of fresh air in a world filled to the brim with sequals, prequals and remakes. Also, the graphics are clearly pushing the PS2 to its Now, i'm basing this purely on the demo that I've played...but if the real game is anything like this, then it is going to be amazing. It's totally original and radically different from anything I've ever played before. Which is a breath of fresh air in a world filled to the brim with sequals, prequals and remakes. Also, the graphics are clearly pushing the PS2 to its limits. And that's without even touching on its awesome gameplay. The physics of the characters movements is great. Its like the Gran Turismo of action games. But mainly, I must say that the tone, the mood it sets is exactly what I think most gamers are looking for. Its completely opposite of our world. Think "Legend", kind of mixed with Legend of Zelda. That's really the only way to put it. And the list of great things just goes on. All in all, from what I've seen here, this looks to be a very solid title that I think no one should miss.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS2 Game of 2005
4
#4 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
3
#3 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 77 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 77
  3. Negative: 0 out of 77
  1. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    If you can appreciate artistry in games, if you hanker for an experience that transcends genre, if you want to see what happens when a creative design team is allowed to ignore sales numbers and flavor-of-the-month trends, by all means bring yourself into Shadow's world. [Oct 2005, p.98]
  2. Game Informer
    88
    A truly unique experience that inspires emotions in a way few games can. It has its share of problems, but I love it just the same. [Oct 2005, p.130]
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    88
    It's unlike anything else you've ever played, and so you may love it or you may hate it. Count me firmly in the "love" boat. [Nov 2005, p.142]
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