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. vim_commando
    Sep 26, 2010
    10
    Simply put, Shadow of the Colossus is one of my favorite games of all time. I recommend it to anyone who can enjoy a highly focused, uncluttered, and slower paced game.

    So much good has already been said about Shadow of the Colossus I won't reiterate it, instead I am going to focus on the criticisms I've been reading in the reviews. If you just cannot begin to understand why people rave    Simply put, Shadow of the Colossus is one of my favorite games of all time. I recommend it to anyone who can enjoy a highly focused, uncluttered, and slower paced game.

    So much good has already been said about Shadow of the Colossus I won't reiterate it, instead I am going to focus on the criticisms I've been reading in the reviews.

    If you just cannot begin to understand why people rave about the story.... please, finish the game first. I think 70% of the story is conveyed *after* the fall of the final colossus. For me, the ending sequence propelled this game from great to awesome. It explains so much and ties it together very well. Is it going to tell you everything? No. That is just the style of storytelling Team ICO uses, and they use it quite masterfully.

    First three words, in the introduction, form the manual: "in an undisturbed land." It is an element of the plot, there is a reason there is NOTHING around save for some birds and lizards--nothing is supposed to be there. Yes, grasslands are pretty boring, but you know what, they are pretty boring in real life too. The forest areas are genuinely beautiful, and there is more to the world than just the plains.

    This game pushes the PS2 to its absolute limits. I've seen effects that I didn't even know where technically possible on the system and the uninterrupted size of the world is very impressive. As a result, the frame rate does drop noticeably in certain areas, a minor price to pay.

    I never had issues with the controls of Wander (the hero) although there were definitely times the camera wouldn't stay where I wanted, but overall calling the controls bad is a gross overstatement. What about the horseback riding? Well...

    Agro (the horse) really is a living breathing character in the game. He is a part of this story, and in this game he is not your character. You are ALWAYS in control of the hero, Wander, who is RIDING Agro. Agro is not just some neat-looking speed-boost for your character. Try to run him off a cliff and he will turn, stop, snort in defiance, whinny out of disagreement, and refuse, just like a real horse would. Are the controls the easiest or simplest? No, but I have ridden horses before, and I will tell you they are absolutely the most convincing I have ever seen. In some way it also makes those long rides searching out the Colossi more engaging, if all I had to do was "push forward" to walk just like normal, but faster, it would have been a much more boring journey. I applaud the designers for not taking the easy route and obviously closely studying the behaviors between horse and rider.

    This game is about adventure and problem solving, e.g. puzzles. It is NOT an RPG, it is NOT a hack-n-slash, it is NOT an action game. Figuring out how to take down each Colossus given just yourself, a bow, and a sword is the whole point. It is about improvisation and resourcefulness. Some fights with the Colossi are just epic, and are really how boss fights should be. Instead of "how many times do I swing and/or cast this spell until he dies?"

    Overall I found Shadow of the Colossus to be a much more engrossing and enjoyable experience than something like God of War could ever be. God of War relies heavily on genre standards; I've lost count of how many collect the red/blue/green orb action games there are now. GoW provided a very solid game and threw in hefty doses of sex and over-the-top violence to make it stand out from the crowed, and it succeeded.

    Shadow of the Colossus instead tries to be unique in its design and presentation, appealing to a very different tastes, and it succeeds beautifully.    … Expand
  2. Treima
    Sep 23, 2010
    5
    Maybe you have to look at it differently than I did, but to me this game was nothing more than an above-average puzzle-platformer. I applaud Team ICO for the attempt, but this was hardly as great as everyone makes it out to be.
  3. Cody
    Aug 27, 2010
    10
    This is probably one of the most amazing games I've played, for a ps2 the scale and graphics are amazing. And the story line is superb, the reason why some people don't like this game is because its "not to date". Y a its from 2005 its 5 years old the graphics weren't that great. The boss fights are different from any other game I've played is a must have for adventure action fans. AlsoThis is probably one of the most amazing games I've played, for a ps2 the scale and graphics are amazing. And the story line is superb, the reason why some people don't like this game is because its "not to date". Y a its from 2005 its 5 years old the graphics weren't that great. The boss fights are different from any other game I've played is a must have for adventure action fans. Also some people didn't give this a good score because their dumb and didn't bother to play the whole way though and stopped at the second colossi.… Expand
  4. Kideoteque
    Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Shadow of the Colossus Every 'Art game' made from now on will have been inspired by this true masterpiece.
  5. Steve
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    Shadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece. The art direction, story, and characters are amazing. This game is the best to be released on any previous generation console.
  6. BriceS
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    A lot of the criticism for this game seems ill warranted. Some say the graphics are bad, but why are you comparing a PS2 game to current gen releases? You say the game is boring and repetitive in nature. What do you do in FPSes besides shoot people? You say there's nothing to do besides kill Colossi. What's wrong with a game containing only the best part of action/adventure A lot of the criticism for this game seems ill warranted. Some say the graphics are bad, but why are you comparing a PS2 game to current gen releases? You say the game is boring and repetitive in nature. What do you do in FPSes besides shoot people? You say there's nothing to do besides kill Colossi. What's wrong with a game containing only the best part of action/adventure games (boss fights)? I don't understand how people can say the game is boring in nature since, "All you do is find weak spots and kill them." because any game can be boiled down to such simple principles when you think of it like that. Each boss fight is an interactive experience. If you honestly feel like taking down the first colossi (which was a simple "climb up top and kill him" task) was the same as the 8th (where you used diversionary tactics to defeat him) or the 9th (where you used geysers and the landscape to ascend), then you are a misguided fool. Each experience is so inherently different from each other. To say they're the same simply because you utilize the same toolset (sword/arrow/horse) is as ridiculous as it is ignorant. I can, however, understand the criticism about such a sparse landscape with little to do. However, that's the game's intention. To make you feel empty and alone and place greater emphasis on navigating your way to the boss and defeating him rather than to distract you with other things. If that's not your cup of tea, so be it, but accept that it's not and don't criticize the game because of it. That's like playing a racing game and saying it sucks because you find racing to be boring. Well, maybe you shouldn't be playing a racing game then. That doesn't mean it's a poor racing game. It means you don't enjoy racing games. Shadow of the Colossus is far from a poor production. If you didn't enjoy it, it's because it's not something you'd enjoy. Not because it's a bad game. Learn to accept that and don't criticize it for nonexistent faults.… Expand
  7. BorisP
    Jan 5, 2010
    3
    I agree with Brad B - I've started this game several times, hoping that something new would happen after 1 or 2 colossi, only to remember that there's nothing more to it. A waste of a sleek engine.
  8. BillyN
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    A cinematic experience that that doesn't take the reigns away from you. You're not watching it, you're playing it. With some of the best control, graphics, and sound design on the PS2. The game opens with a cinematic of you trekking across different lands to find you're way to this hidden/forsaken land. You start from a central "hub", you've ridden in with what A cinematic experience that that doesn't take the reigns away from you. You're not watching it, you're playing it. With some of the best control, graphics, and sound design on the PS2. The game opens with a cinematic of you trekking across different lands to find you're way to this hidden/forsaken land. You start from a central "hub", you've ridden in with what seems to be a comatose or dead girl, who you place on an altar, and are trying to bring back to life through the power of this magical land. A voice tells you that to bring her back to life, you must to defeat colossus beasts one by one. And that's it; off you go making your way across the land to the different boss fights. It's an incredibly simplified game, that somehow manages to pull you in. Once you've started taking down the colossi, you can't help but want to find the next one, and then the next. The boss fights themselves are a mixture of timing and twitch gameplay with a dose of puzzle solving, (you have to find a way to reach the weak points of each boss.) Once you've defeated a boss, you're transported back to the main hub/area, and are treated to a little cinematic/ talk from the omnipresent force. Then you're off again to a different area of the map, riding along huge expansive environments, which is a mix of desert, and plains, with some rocky areas, and some forest /marsh areas in there as well. you don't fight any enemies along the way either, it's just you and you're horse discovering new areas, and taking in the view as you ride along, using your sword as a homing device to find the next boss. Some areas have you dismount and do a bit of platforming before you find your way to the boss. And although this game isn't perfect, (a couple of the boss fights are repeats, just in different areas) and the game play can get a bit repetitive, it's as close to perfect as most games will get, which I think makes it very deserving of a 10. I personally think Nintendo can really learn a thing or two from a design standpoint from this game, when making their next Zelda. Nothing beats riding all the way out to a far off cliff side, and then panning the camera around to take in a view that's ACTUALLY breathtaking, or standing up on your horse mid-stride and using it as a boost to jump off onto a boss that's flying by you. Or firing off you're crossbow on horseback, as a snake boss comes racing up from the sand behind you. Truly epic gameplay.… Expand
  9. EvanG
    Dec 24, 2009
    10
    Simply amazing, truly captures the emotion and feel of a desolate world. It's easy to call it a "Hardcore Legend of Zelda."
  10. BradB
    Nov 18, 2009
    3
    God, you people act like you're critiquing artwork instead of reviewing a video game... I played the demo for this game a long time ago... and that was it. I couldn't stand anymore. All of you who are giving this stuck up 'games as art' argument for this game must be able to stare at a rock and call it a masterpiece. The world is so desolate and boring and when God, you people act like you're critiquing artwork instead of reviewing a video game... I played the demo for this game a long time ago... and that was it. I couldn't stand anymore. All of you who are giving this stuck up 'games as art' argument for this game must be able to stare at a rock and call it a masterpiece. The world is so desolate and boring and when action/adventure games are often all about the journey, this journey is a tedious one. There's no real progression outside of fighting the colossi, which dampens the feeling of accomplishment. You're as outfitted as you're going to be throughout the game: bow/arrow, sword, horse. Nothing else. It's a puzzle game in a deep disguise, and not even that complex of a puzzle: find weak spot, attack, kill. Rinse and repeat. BORING. Also, if i wanted a 'compelling' story, I'd watch a movie or read a book, not play a PS2 game. All in all, a game where minimalist design is exactly what it looks like, lacking in all areas. But what do i know? I'm an uncultured swine of a gamer looking for a fun time, not some haughty elitist that needs everything I play to be a moving experience.… Expand
  11. PaulL
    Oct 31, 2009
    10
    Utterly sublime. A truly grown up , haunting, epic gutt wrenchingly emotional experience. The lonely rides across the desolate landscape in search of the colossi only emphasises the impact and scale of the battles. The music is unbelievably powerful, possibly one of the greatest scores of all time. The game also defies the usual gratfiying 'victory celebration' following most Utterly sublime. A truly grown up , haunting, epic gutt wrenchingly emotional experience. The lonely rides across the desolate landscape in search of the colossi only emphasises the impact and scale of the battles. The music is unbelievably powerful, possibly one of the greatest scores of all time. The game also defies the usual gratfiying 'victory celebration' following most boss fights in video games, opting instead to subtly build a sense of guilt and dread at what you are doing building ultimately to what is possibly the greatest ending in video game history. Those who have criticised the ending usually do becuase they do not understand or appreciate its subtle meaning (youneed to be familiar with Ico in order to) . This is an adult experience, there is no quick or cheap gratification here. Its is an artistically bold and utterly beautiful experience.… Expand
  12. DavidD.
    Oct 8, 2009
    10
    Desolate environments, difficult and rewarding boss fights mixed with a story that carries itself on emotion with very few words. This game remains the best game ever made, even though the new console generation is already halfway through its lifespan.
  13. SteveG
    Sep 27, 2009
    9
    16 great battles and the effort in finding them -- that is what this game is. It has beautiful music and a very zen vibe. A truly inspired game. However, the ending is more than a little annoying. I won't give it away, but there is really no foreshadowing of the ending and its kind of a long non-sequitor. That doesn't mean it is not a great game. It is. It is a great game with a 16 great battles and the effort in finding them -- that is what this game is. It has beautiful music and a very zen vibe. A truly inspired game. However, the ending is more than a little annoying. I won't give it away, but there is really no foreshadowing of the ending and its kind of a long non-sequitor. That doesn't mean it is not a great game. It is. It is a great game with a questionable ending. I played it on a PS3 and it looked and sounded marvelous.… Expand
  14. NinjaHatori
    Aug 23, 2009
    9
    I think this game is awesome n realy enjoyable...simplicity is the key...we dont need unimportant add-on...
    true! this game not for everyone,well its their lost..not everyone can enjoy art..the camera and framerate is frustating,especialy in the middle of action..but graphic,sound,gameplay,realistic movement of heroes n agro is more than enough to cover the flaws
    overall colossus is    I think this game is awesome n realy enjoyable...simplicity is the key...we dont need unimportant add-on...
    true! this game not for everyone,well its their lost..not everyone can enjoy art..the camera and framerate is frustating,especialy in the middle of action..but graphic,sound,gameplay,realistic movement of heroes n agro is more than enough to cover the flaws

    overall colossus is one true masterpiece...    … Expand
  15. JBunka
    Jun 28, 2009
    10
    One of the best games i have ever played and we loole u must be really bad at this game, dont trust someone who cant spell third right. This game has to be experienced no one colossus is the same and everything is awesome graphics, fights, story (teardrop), and the environment. GREAT GAME.
  16. CameronW.
    May 29, 2009
    10
    One of the best games ever (in my opinion). as of may 2009 i am still playing this aswell as my ps3 colection. graphics are in the space of past gen and next gen. all in all a imaginative, original and utterly incomparable game.
  17. HassanH.
    Apr 30, 2009
    10
    Everything that an epic adventure needs to be. Memorable enemies, a story that allows the player to use their imagination, tight controls, and one of the most impressive soundtracks of recent note. In short, it's classic.
  18. CodyB.
    Mar 20, 2009
    9
    One of the best games the ps2 has to offer; The storyline is satisfying as well as the beautiful graphics (oh the graphics...), Agro the horse is THE number one sidekick in video gaming history, and all the 16 colossus battles are epic!!! The ONLY flaw with this game in which it got a 9 instead of a perfect score is because it's too short (4-5 hours). Over all it's HIGHLY One of the best games the ps2 has to offer; The storyline is satisfying as well as the beautiful graphics (oh the graphics...), Agro the horse is THE number one sidekick in video gaming history, and all the 16 colossus battles are epic!!! The ONLY flaw with this game in which it got a 9 instead of a perfect score is because it's too short (4-5 hours). Over all it's HIGHLY recommendable, especially for those who like or love epic adventures for young adults such as okami and final fantasy 8.… Expand
  19. dankay
    Dec 26, 2008
    10
    i felt it my duty to add to the positive accounts of this game....i only got to play about 5 colossi, and i was so enamored i just had to get my hands on my own copy....it in the mail and on the way now.....truth be told....incredible...and the funny thing is.......all the intelligent reviews came from people who rated the game 8 and up....some people less than that are entitled to theiri felt it my duty to add to the positive accounts of this game....i only got to play about 5 colossi, and i was so enamored i just had to get my hands on my own copy....it in the mail and on the way now.....truth be told....incredible...and the funny thing is.......all the intelligent reviews came from people who rated the game 8 and up....some people less than that are entitled to their opinions...but the complete morons who wrote the 0 1 2 3 4 reviews..........holy crap......your ignorance shows in your ridiculous misunderstandings of the game, the fact that you were to stupid to find the next colossi for battle, and in your awful use of the english language....now i know this review doesn't have perfect punctuation, and i'm sure someone will call attention to it...but that's out of choice....not because i don't know how to write correctly....so anyway........point is.....awesome game....totally worth the time and money...and anyone who doesn't think so........should probably go back to kindergarten and start over from scratch.....… Expand
  20. kyuudmc
    Dec 10, 2008
    10
    this isn't a game! its ART! aaah you'll never understand unless you try it out. the game play isn't so challenging but the game feels totally different than any other game ... than ANYTHING actually. the music! the feel .. its just something else. something far different than the games you used to play.
  21. EricB.
    Dec 6, 2008
    9
    This is a great game, no doubt about it. I'm not saying "Oh this is the best game ever there's nothing wrong with it its perfect", because there are some flaws. First of all, the controls are a bit unstable, especially on horseback. The camera also suffers, as it swings out constantly to a not so desirable spot. Along with that, the framerate and textures sometimes suffer, but This is a great game, no doubt about it. I'm not saying "Oh this is the best game ever there's nothing wrong with it its perfect", because there are some flaws. First of all, the controls are a bit unstable, especially on horseback. The camera also suffers, as it swings out constantly to a not so desirable spot. Along with that, the framerate and textures sometimes suffer, but not too much. The actual battles are the most epic I've ever done, forget what people are saying with the "you've killed one you've killed them all". Each one has its own strategy and environment to its or your advantage. If you are looking for a great game for PS2 that's gorgeous, has actual innovation (which is rare these days), and an amazing, if not subtle, story, pick up Shadow of the Colossus.… Expand
  22. SandeepK.
    Sep 26, 2008
    9
    One of the best games I have played . Graphics were excellent. Background music is just amazing and caught hold of my mind. And, to me, the best thing about this game was its simplicity in playing and yet not so easy availability of the weak points of the monsters. Not much of getting stuck for a huge amount of time. One more thing that was good was the hero of the game being more of an One of the best games I have played . Graphics were excellent. Background music is just amazing and caught hold of my mind. And, to me, the best thing about this game was its simplicity in playing and yet not so easy availability of the weak points of the monsters. Not much of getting stuck for a huge amount of time. One more thing that was good was the hero of the game being more of an adult and not the HERO that we usually expect heroes to be. In simple words no trash pure good quality gaming.… Expand
  23. SamK.
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Shadow of the Colossus is a unique and remarkable game. Some gamers will have the decency to come online and say how bad it is (with no mini-guys, no weapon upgrades, etc) But thats the whole point, which the "gamers" have yet to figure out. It is a beautiful and original game all on its own, one of the most legendary to come in a very long while. SotC is worthwhile, don't listen to Shadow of the Colossus is a unique and remarkable game. Some gamers will have the decency to come online and say how bad it is (with no mini-guys, no weapon upgrades, etc) But thats the whole point, which the "gamers" have yet to figure out. It is a beautiful and original game all on its own, one of the most legendary to come in a very long while. SotC is worthwhile, don't listen to all that other bull! Even after finishing it, you will still feel the need to explore more in depth. And yes, there is very much an incredible story.… Expand
  24. weloole
    Jun 23, 2008
    1
    This game make me hate the playstation :D ... for that i give it 1 point in rate, but really i get weared when i see people give it more then 5 !!!! .. i play it more then 10 hours .... hahaha 10 hours of boring, i decide to broke the cd and go back playing devil may cry :P:P .... i comment after i have the real feeling of the game, first there are no plane to play just walking and wast This game make me hate the playstation :D ... for that i give it 1 point in rate, but really i get weared when i see people give it more then 5 !!!! .. i play it more then 10 hours .... hahaha 10 hours of boring, i decide to broke the cd and go back playing devil may cry :P:P .... i comment after i have the real feeling of the game, first there are no plane to play just walking and wast the time trying to find the next mission after thet you have long story to figure out how you can kill him then you have sick from the playing after you win you search and find nothing i kill 2 then i go all over the map to find the thired and i find nothing ... really i give it money and time and it doesn't deseve all that .. sorry for that comment ... we loole.… Expand
  25. MarkM.
    Jun 15, 2008
    1
    The horrible camera work made me give up on the game within 30 minutes of starting to play it. I have no idea why people are so enamored with this game as I've never been so frustrated when starting a game. Just awful.
  26. SamJ.
    May 19, 2008
    10
    A perfect combination of simplicity, art, and game design. Players who see it through maybe scratching their head and wondering what it all means but once you figure it out, the impression is ever lasting.
  27. SteveS.
    May 15, 2008
    1
    This game was awesome... till you get to the second colossus. I mean there is more interaction in old first person shooter games like duke nukem 3D. Yes the graphics were amazing but i had about as much fun killing the little lizards running around as i did with the colossi. I got a real "you've killed one you've killed them all" feel in this game
  28. ChrisH.
    Mar 18, 2008
    9
    It stands as the most beautiful game I've ever played, and also one of the most creative when it comes to storytelling. Utterly captivating and moving. Definitely woth playing, even if it isn't the longest game in the world.
  29. ZigguratB.
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    This game is simply a pure masterpeice. The battles, the monsters, the story and the music trult give it the feel and an epic adventure. Though the true beauty lies in the feeling of icolation one feels when playing the game. I mean, everything is quite unless you are fighing. All that can really be heard are the galloping feet of the horse and the call of the hawks in the sky. Truly a This game is simply a pure masterpeice. The battles, the monsters, the story and the music trult give it the feel and an epic adventure. Though the true beauty lies in the feeling of icolation one feels when playing the game. I mean, everything is quite unless you are fighing. All that can really be heard are the galloping feet of the horse and the call of the hawks in the sky. Truly a game like this becomes more than a game when one can truly feel the loniness and the emotion that the character may be feeling.… Expand
  30. SabrinaM.
    Mar 7, 2008
    5
    I rlly dont get why this game got such a great review.. i find the idea of the game was good but it got soo boring! when u see the first colossus your lke wow its huge but once u learn how to kill it its wtv .. cause afterwards u pretty much are doing the same thing over n over.. i dont kow why people freak out over the graphics i find them dull and boring but there is moments where the I rlly dont get why this game got such a great review.. i find the idea of the game was good but it got soo boring! when u see the first colossus your lke wow its huge but once u learn how to kill it its wtv .. cause afterwards u pretty much are doing the same thing over n over.. i dont kow why people freak out over the graphics i find them dull and boring but there is moments where the setting does look kinda nice. also the guy u play as doesnt even walk normal looks like he's dragging his arm as he walks , the horse is hard to controle and there's no story line ! u dont even get to learn more of guy your playing as so it feels like your just playing any arcade game… 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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