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. 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.
  2. MattA.
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    Simply amazing play this game.
  3. 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
  4. PaulL.
    Nov 26, 2006
    10
    Great experience very challenging beautiful screen play one of PS2's best titles.
  5. Adam
    Jan 22, 2006
    10
    How can you overlook this game? The visuals up close may not be great but if you use the camera to your advantage and look at the background, it really takes you back. Although the camera controls may be stubern, the innovation, gameplay, and design in this game is enough for at LEAST a 9.0 score if not more!
  6. WesleyE.
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    Shadow of the Colossus will likely not sell well in the US. We Americans don't seem to appreciate art when we see it, living in a slightly inhibited society where videogames, among all forms of entertainment, are somewhat dumbed down. Shadow nof the Colossus invites you to leave your world, and experience one of the most involving and emotional experiences ever created within the Shadow of the Colossus will likely not sell well in the US. We Americans don't seem to appreciate art when we see it, living in a slightly inhibited society where videogames, among all forms of entertainment, are somewhat dumbed down. Shadow nof the Colossus invites you to leave your world, and experience one of the most involving and emotional experiences ever created within the binds of electronic nentertainment. Shadow traverses above the tumultuous masses of lackluster games, and becomes a true work of art. It's likely the only game of this console generation (besides ICO) that manages to do so. A true masterpiece.… Expand
  7. MichaelN.
    Nov 12, 2007
    10
    This game really had an effect on me. I've played it numerous times and every time is like a new experience. I can spend hours playing it, exploring the vast, desilate, yet majestic landscape. The music just adds on, every song captivates me. The stunning graphics and art. All of it is just so great. I will definetly say that Shadow of the Colossus is one of the best games in This game really had an effect on me. I've played it numerous times and every time is like a new experience. I can spend hours playing it, exploring the vast, desilate, yet majestic landscape. The music just adds on, every song captivates me. The stunning graphics and art. All of it is just so great. I will definetly say that Shadow of the Colossus is one of the best games in PlayStation history. I am very glad that I spent my money on this. I don't regret it at all.… Expand
  8. Cow
    Jan 14, 2007
    10
    Dynamic! One of THE BEST games I have ever played! Awesome Graphics, Great Story, and The Music Was Surpurb! This game would make a great movie! Total Adrenaline!
  9. LeeW.
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    Oh my gosh. This game is simply epic. Nuff said. The visual effects are absolutely stunning and the AI of the Colossi and Agro are amazing. The landscape is also fantastic. The world is so vast and stunning and it really gives you a sense of solitude. Definitely one of the best games I've ever played.
  10. ParkerL.
    May 23, 2007
    10
    The most amazing game I've ever played. Graphics were beautiful, even if they were constant throughout the clips as well. I can not express enough how amazing the music was, it was incredible and really went well with the game and helped stimulate it even more. I have never played a game like this before, and I can garentee you that there is no game that has offered anything like the The most amazing game I've ever played. Graphics were beautiful, even if they were constant throughout the clips as well. I can not express enough how amazing the music was, it was incredible and really went well with the game and helped stimulate it even more. I have never played a game like this before, and I can garentee you that there is no game that has offered anything like the colossus and there complaxity and chalenges. Love the simplicity of weapons and gameplay, but simple doesn't always mean easy. Good use of diversity of the colossi and how to bring them down. Two things to work on to make this game perfect: 1) Camera angles, to much manual use, and you don't have time to mess with it in a battle. 2) Explain the storyling. This game probebly has the most web sites that have theorys about the plot. GREAT GAME!!!… Expand
  11. IainT.
    Jul 27, 2007
    10
    After Ico I was wondering if a game could ever replicate its utterly absorbing atmosphere of loneliness and silence. Then Kenji Kaido gives us SOTC and my question was answered. I looked and some of the very low rated reviews people were giving this game and what made me laugh was many were giving low ratings for the very reasons I love the game (what I call the lonely silence). It is After Ico I was wondering if a game could ever replicate its utterly absorbing atmosphere of loneliness and silence. Then Kenji Kaido gives us SOTC and my question was answered. I looked and some of the very low rated reviews people were giving this game and what made me laugh was many were giving low ratings for the very reasons I love the game (what I call the lonely silence). It is such a beautiful game. I feel these are the best graphics to come out of a PS2. Better than Black even.… Expand
  12. 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.
  13. GaryP.
    Dec 28, 2007
    10
    Amazing game...I do so hope they bring out a similar game with Orc-like battles or fights. This is very LOTR type and is great fun! The heart beats faster when you encounter the Colossus! Massive!
  14. Regal4point1
    Jul 31, 2012
    8
    I have the utmost respect for this game's epic feel and tragic tone that is told through subtlety. I think its one of the greatest stories told through this medium, and I also think its one of the greatest examples of boss design and creativity. The game doesn't find the correct balance between enjoyable and frustrating though. Wander handles pretty poorly as well, and he constantlyI have the utmost respect for this game's epic feel and tragic tone that is told through subtlety. I think its one of the greatest stories told through this medium, and I also think its one of the greatest examples of boss design and creativity. The game doesn't find the correct balance between enjoyable and frustrating though. Wander handles pretty poorly as well, and he constantly struggles to hold onto the titans. Besides that, there's really nothing wrong with this game except maybe if you do not like the formula this game follows.… Expand
  15. truefreestyle
    Jan 10, 2014
    8
    The boss battles truly make this game amazing. Truth is it suffers in a several areas though. Such as extremely slow movement traversing terrain and a horse that sometimes likes to randomly stop or run into walls.
  16. Welterweight426
    Jul 2, 2012
    9
    This game is good. However, it is REALLY overrated. The gameplay is fun but awkward and clunky. The soundtrack is glorious and the game looks great. I enjoyed this game and felt both a strong sense of attachment and a strong feeling of frustration. Those Colossi are tough.
  17. Jouna92
    Jul 31, 2012
    8
    Great game. EPIC Boss battles but nothing else. Music and Graphics are amazing but gameplay have its flaws but once you have played you get to used to it.
  18. PhiloDandy
    Aug 21, 2012
    9
    Shadow of Colossus is such a beautiful piece of videogameart! you have never seen or experienced something like this! First i thought this game was not finished by the programmers, cause even when the landscape is beautiful, its somewhat empty and lacks some life, but the longer i played, i realized that those "quiet" parts between this colossal boss-fights are essential for the feeling,Shadow of Colossus is such a beautiful piece of videogameart! you have never seen or experienced something like this! First i thought this game was not finished by the programmers, cause even when the landscape is beautiful, its somewhat empty and lacks some life, but the longer i played, i realized that those "quiet" parts between this colossal boss-fights are essential for the feeling, for whats going on inside the player. the nature is so beautiful, this "quiet" parts ARE atmospheric and essential also for the story, which is also unique, and this game really dont need more than those bossfights and this moments were the player is alone with this beautiful presented nature. though its unconventionel and strange that they have invested so much time in buildung up a country full of nature, but with no gameplay. it was brave to this, but the result concede the programmers that they were right. amazing game!… Expand
  19. xexoxix
    Apr 25, 2013
    9
    This is by far one of the best single player experiences I have ever set foot upon. The reason this is a 9 out of 10 instead of 10 out of 10 is because the horse is aggravating, which is ironic considering the horse's name is "Agro." The music is MASTERFUL, the game play is fluid, the bosses (it is a game specifically of bosses) are memorable, and the ending could be one of the best of ALLThis is by far one of the best single player experiences I have ever set foot upon. The reason this is a 9 out of 10 instead of 10 out of 10 is because the horse is aggravating, which is ironic considering the horse's name is "Agro." The music is MASTERFUL, the game play is fluid, the bosses (it is a game specifically of bosses) are memorable, and the ending could be one of the best of ALL TIME. All in all, buy it. Right now.… Expand
  20. iKen
    Apr 12, 2020
    9
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
  21. LuciusMcGibbon
    Jul 22, 2017
    10
    Anybody who gave this game a bad review was either drunk when they played it, or just suffers from crippling stupidity.

    I've owned this game since 2006, and it's the only reason I will always replace a failing PS2. I've grown incredibly meh towards all video games over the years, but this game will never, ever, ever bore me.
  22. AD_79
    Feb 25, 2013
    9
    This game is near flawless. The soundtrack, the world, the way you kill these giants. SotC is an amazing game that has something different to offer from other RPGs (Is this an RPG?), and that is the fact that you are all alone. The only other living things here are your horse and the 16 colossi. The biggest thing that holds this game back from being a perfect 10 is the game has a fewThis game is near flawless. The soundtrack, the world, the way you kill these giants. SotC is an amazing game that has something different to offer from other RPGs (Is this an RPG?), and that is the fact that you are all alone. The only other living things here are your horse and the 16 colossi. The biggest thing that holds this game back from being a perfect 10 is the game has a few camera issues. The game does allow you to lock on ti the colossi, so you are looking at it. When you do this while climbing a colossus, the camera tends to zoom in, making it a little harder to climb. Also, 15-20 frames per second? Yeah... but it's all right. Overall, an amazing game with just a couple flaws.… Expand
  23. chreynol
    May 6, 2013
    9
    Shadow of the Colossus is a beautiful art game that understands how to strike a balance between its interesting narrative concerns and engaging gameplay. More impressively, it knows how to use the mechanisms of its medium to reinforce these thematic concerns.

    You become excited by the chase and anxious by the scale of your encounters with the vast, beautiful creatures whose destruction    Shadow of the Colossus is a beautiful art game that understands how to strike a balance between its interesting narrative concerns and engaging gameplay. More impressively, it knows how to use the mechanisms of its medium to reinforce these thematic concerns.

    You become excited by the chase and anxious by the scale of your encounters with the vast, beautiful creatures whose destruction forms the central mechanism of the experience, but more atmospheric elements--the diminishing certainty of purpose, the proximity to the forbidden, and the sense of isolation --become tactile experiences, as well. When Wander's grip fails, and he tumbles down the flanks of a living mountain you've spent the past half-hour learning to kill, you share his exhaustion. When the final blow dims the iridescent eyes of the colossus, your relief at the end of the struggle is a physical one. On the other hand, you also share the futility of Wander's attempts to outrun the consequences of his victory...

    Even the repetition of the central game mechanic and the sparse diversion between boss fights, which first struck me as weaknesses in execution, seem, on further reflection, a central component of the experience. This is a bleak place that you've come to, and your purpose becomes a grim one. While rewarding is a somewhat unqualified term to use for this game's unique intentions, Shadow of the Colossus will certainly return your investment.    … Expand
  24. Twin2712
    Nov 26, 2015
    10
    + Unique
    + All the Bosses are breathtaking and challenging
    + Great approach to story telling- that NEVER gets in the way of the gameplay, but is still moving
    + The world feels so barren and mysterious yet beautiful

    - Frame rate issues
  25. brockcheese
    Nov 25, 2015
    9
    This game is good. I really like it. You kill monsters and das cool but what i realy is that is got art. and i like art. van gg=ogh is a good artist. so am i.
  26. SileSixEcho
    Aug 6, 2015
    9
    I played the HD remaster and after getting used to the controls (that seem to be a little clumsy for these days), I've found myself in a beautiful game with incredible bossfights that reminded me once more, why I love the games from From Software. Shadow of the Colossus rarely grabs you by the hand and assumes that you are a thinking being. It's desolate yet beautiful landscape is worthI played the HD remaster and after getting used to the controls (that seem to be a little clumsy for these days), I've found myself in a beautiful game with incredible bossfights that reminded me once more, why I love the games from From Software. Shadow of the Colossus rarely grabs you by the hand and assumes that you are a thinking being. It's desolate yet beautiful landscape is worth exploring and the beautiful arranged soundtrack does the rest to deliver a great experience that still holds up in 2015. 9/10 would play again!… Expand
  27. gisarts
    Nov 5, 2014
    10
    No matter how much time passes, this game is still a work of art. A story that is told almost in silence, with the magic of a book, and a brilliant and innovative gameplay.
  28. juanker
    Dec 14, 2013
    9
    The power of the physics in this game is just too much a ia ia iai iai iaia i ai aia iai ai i ai ai ai aia i iaiai i ai aiia i ai aai ia screw you flanders
  29. RaptorX3
    Jul 2, 2016
    10
    Simple and the best game.You don't need to level up for hours to fight colossus or look for something for the fight.Only arrow and a sword that's all you need.No need for complexity. Music is perfect and reflects the epic atmosphere.
  30. LolTacoBell
    Feb 15, 2015
    9
    Wow, what an incredible game. Puzzles, exploration, story: this game has it all! Would recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh game that breaks the barriers of what is the norm now.
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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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