Shadow of the Colossus

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2739 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,938 out of 2739
  2. Mixed: 417 out of 2739
  3. Negative: 384 out of 2739
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  1. GrumpyReviewer
    Mar 6, 2018
    10
    I can proudly say that I picked this up back in the PS2 days without any idea what this game was. Sat down with my girlfriend at that time and we were kind of clueless and lost - "what the hell are we supposed to do? We just wander around?". But the game was haunting, beautiful; the loneliness and the mystery made us want to remain there, in that old, forgotten, almost abandoned realm.I can proudly say that I picked this up back in the PS2 days without any idea what this game was. Sat down with my girlfriend at that time and we were kind of clueless and lost - "what the hell are we supposed to do? We just wander around?". But the game was haunting, beautiful; the loneliness and the mystery made us want to remain there, in that old, forgotten, almost abandoned realm.

    And then we found the first "giant". Or boss. Or colossus. "What the hell? Do we attack its feet?", we asked each other, while nothing seemed to happen. "Try hitting it with arrows", she said. Nothing. "What the hell are we supposed to do... climb it or something?".

    And then that was it. We were in love with that game, forever. "No way! No way!!!". We realized: the BOSS WAS THE PUZZLE. And that was it. Finding it, learning about it, outsmarting it, climbing it, finding its weak spots, killing it.

    I remember how mesmerized and shocked and amazed we were. Games were NEVER like that. We knew we had something different, so different, in our hands. And that was "Shadow of the Colossus", a timeless, unforgettable tale.

    Once it was released in the PS3 I played it again - loved and enjoyed every second of it - even though I pretty much knew everything I had to do. The game was incredible, still was. Modern, bold, fresh, perfect.

    And then... came this remake. My eyes could not believe the first trailers, once it was announced at E3. It was hard to believe, it was unreal. They were remaking this game... and what a beauty this is. The PS4 version is probably closer to Fumito Ueda's ideal version of it, since the systems back then were so limited. And I was thrilled to see that it was exactly the same game, just bigger, better, sharper, more beautiful, more haunting. But that loneliness, that solitude, that mysterious sense of visiting an abandoned realm was still there, just as I remembered. And what a joy it was to be back.

    This is one of those games that I wanted to get 2 copies. One to open and play exhaustively. Another to frame and hang in the wall. This is a masterpiece.    … Expand
  2. doodlerman
    Mar 23, 2018
    10
    I'm not sure how many people really asked for this. I bet we all would've been fine with another HD port, but now that it's all said and done, Shadow of the Colossus Remastered is pretty damn stellar. It adds just enough to feel fresh but doesn't overstep any nostalgic boundaries. It's basically what all video game remasters should strive to be.

    The updated control scheme is probably    I'm not sure how many people really asked for this. I bet we all would've been fine with another HD port, but now that it's all said and done, Shadow of the Colossus Remastered is pretty damn stellar. It adds just enough to feel fresh but doesn't overstep any nostalgic boundaries. It's basically what all video game remasters should strive to be.

    The updated control scheme is probably the only thing that kind of irked me, but I don't honestly see it as a bad thing. They're definitely more modernized (X is jump instead of Triangle, for example). Regardless, I prefer the original control scheme - and they tossed in the option to change either back to the original set-up OR go with a pseudo-updated set-up that's mostly the same except the roll command is mapped to Circle (whereas before it was R1+Circle). Genius.    … Expand
  3. Superfluid
    Mar 5, 2018
    10
    To this day, no game has come anywhere close to dethroning SotC as my favorite game of all time. It has its flaws, like everything else in our vast universe, but as a total package—the awe-inspiring sense of scale, the crushing loneliness that hangs over every inch of the Forbidden Lands, the captivating yet minimalistic narrative style, the morally questionable actions of the protagonist,To this day, no game has come anywhere close to dethroning SotC as my favorite game of all time. It has its flaws, like everything else in our vast universe, but as a total package—the awe-inspiring sense of scale, the crushing loneliness that hangs over every inch of the Forbidden Lands, the captivating yet minimalistic narrative style, the morally questionable actions of the protagonist, the sheer artistic majesty—nothing compares to SotC, and I doubt anything ever will...in my lifetime, at least.

    A true classic, that can stand beside the great masterpieces from any medium (not just video games) or any era.

    The GOAT is reborn.    … Expand
  4. Lycanthropunk
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    When this came out originally on the PS2 it blew me away. I considered it to be The Greatest Game Of All Time. Its elegant simplicity, incredible visuals and soundtrack and huge emotional impact left an indelible mark on me. I was so excited upon hearing it was being remastered for the PS4, and what a job they did. It's not for everyone- I daresay many would find it cumbersome and boring,When this came out originally on the PS2 it blew me away. I considered it to be The Greatest Game Of All Time. Its elegant simplicity, incredible visuals and soundtrack and huge emotional impact left an indelible mark on me. I was so excited upon hearing it was being remastered for the PS4, and what a job they did. It's not for everyone- I daresay many would find it cumbersome and boring, but for the rest of us, this is what a masterpiece looks like. Easiest 10/10 ever.… Expand
  5. andy_indierock
    Feb 27, 2018
    10
    those dont like this game must be the ones like to fight minions a lot before the big boss. this game better than all zelda games combined.
  6. C3realkillah
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    A masterpiece reborn

    Ever since i heard shadow of The colossus was getting a remake i was overjoyed. I've played it on ps2, loved the remaster and now im able to play the remake of one the best action titles ever created. I couldn't be happier that this remake happened.The graphics, sound,  everything has been remade running on a brand new game engine entirely. The colosi and    A masterpiece reborn

    Ever since i heard shadow of The colossus was getting a remake i was overjoyed. I've played it on ps2, loved the remaster and now im able to play the remake of one the best action titles ever created. I couldn't be happier that this remake happened.The graphics, sound,  everything has been remade running on a brand new game engine entirely. The colosi and environments have been overloaded with amazing detail and the world feels very alive despite the quieting emptiness of it. With detailed texture work and lighting this game looks absolutely gorgeous. It's also butter smooth hardly ever dropping frames even when giant colossi are thrashing about. The story has been left untouched retaining the same emotional journey the original offered. No new colosi or extra story but Everything else however has been improved to the MAX. Bluepoint games did a phenomenal job of remaking this classic. ID even go as far to say this surpasses the original and is one of if not the best game remakes ever created. A masterpiece has been made even better i can't wait to see what bluepoint games does next. Absolutely incredible job. 10/10    … Expand
  7. SileSixEcho
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    This is an excellent port of an already great game. It comes with small improvements in the gameplay area that don't let us forget that success has to be earned but ultimately make the game more playable. The graphics are just beyond amazing. This is exactly how Shadow is supposed to look. There is no excuse anymore, this modern classic needs to be experienced by everyone.
  8. GeneralSultan
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    Practically a 1:1 copy of the original in a fresh sheen. BluePoint's remake magic could never get a better display.
  9. Molag-Bal
    Feb 7, 2018
    10
    What can i say that everyone has not said already. This game is beyond amazing and is a timeless classic.
  10. yatesy
    Sep 11, 2018
    10
    9.5/10

    I couldn't play the original on PS2 as the camera was infuriatingly impossible to control but glad I revisited this game the developer Bluepoint has refined and polished it to a fine tee. Closest you're likely to get to Zelda-esque title on PS4, so satisfying to take down this huge scale Colossi and the musical score to accompany it is just breathtaking at times.

    A true masterpiece.
  11. iliasapos
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    One of the besy remakes of the last years!!
    Technically perfect and sublime
    Bluepoint games are a the best remake studio in the world!!
  12. Voodoo123
    Mar 28, 2018
    10
    +Hauntingly beautiful
    +Fantastic soundtrack
    +Purest sense of adventure +SOC's use of scope and scale is wonderous +Bluepoint have set the new standard for a videogame remake -Controls are clunky at times -No hand holding so objective not always clear! I had just brought my 4ktv and this was the first game I tried and in resolution mode the visuals were most impressive. HDR    +Hauntingly beautiful
    +Fantastic soundtrack
    +Purest sense of adventure
    +SOC's use of scope and scale is wonderous
    +Bluepoint have set the new standard for a videogame remake
    -Controls are clunky at times
    -No hand holding so objective not always clear!

    I had just brought my 4ktv and this was the first game I tried and in resolution mode the visuals were most impressive. HDR highlights the wonderous haunted land accentuating the beauty in the art design. Having only played the original once round a friends on his ps2 years ago I kind of knew what to expect going in, but the experience simply blew me away on my ps4 pro.

    According to that same friend this is an accurate remake and nothing new has been added only a visual upgrade so in that regard the game has aged well in my opinion. If you are a fan of adventure games zelda etc and own ps4 then this game is essential for your collection. I kept thinking of films like Legend, Princess Mononoke and Labyrinth as I played through.    … Expand
  13. Quina
    Nov 22, 2020
    10
    Not sure what the mixed scores are all about. This game is perfection in every possible way.

    Lots of people criticising the controls. Others say the story is shallow. I say poppycock. The story is precisely what it should be: a simple plot, told in the best possible way and almost without words, purely with the emotions of the player. The controls take some time getting used to, but    Not sure what the mixed scores are all about. This game is perfection in every possible way.

    Lots of people criticising the controls. Others say the story is shallow. I say poppycock. The story is precisely what it should be: a simple plot, told in the best possible way and almost without words, purely with the emotions of the player.

    The controls take some time getting used to, but are far from the mess some of these reviews are making them out to be.

    Every 5-ish years a game comes along that might just alter your view on video games as a whole. This is one of those games. How many others even have this potential?

    Don't pass up on this.    … Expand
  14. Niichts
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    Easily one of the greatest games of all time. So glad to see it in the gorgeous HD it deserves. A remaster done right. My only wish is for it to be on PC as well but beggars cant be choosers.
  15. PSz
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    Expect this to be flooded with purist trolls that wiil make companies question if there's a reason to make remakes. THANK YOU HARDCORE GAMER NECKBEARS
  16. Minge
    Feb 15, 2018
    10
    One of the best games ever made..

    Truly a work of art, the music the atmosphere and story is just incredibly well done..

    Credit to Bluepoint games for making an already timeless masterpiece get the makeover it deserves.

    10/10
  17. OldSilentHill
    Dec 13, 2019
    10
    Oustanding remake of one of the best videogames ever made. Simple mechanics for the art of wonder and emotion.
  18. Rewenom
    Feb 10, 2018
    10
    Легендарный ремейк легендарной игры. Для тех кто играл - комментарии излишни, для тех кто не играл - обязательно попробуйте.
  19. njja02
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    The original version of the game was a bit wonky, and the motion blur killed my eyes. But this remake completely fixed all of that, and now Shadow of The Colossus has become one of my favorite games of all time. Every boss is memorable and extremely sad to take down. The story was engaging and heartbreaking, and the game sounds and looks incredible. Plus the atmosphere felt so alone andThe original version of the game was a bit wonky, and the motion blur killed my eyes. But this remake completely fixed all of that, and now Shadow of The Colossus has become one of my favorite games of all time. Every boss is memorable and extremely sad to take down. The story was engaging and heartbreaking, and the game sounds and looks incredible. Plus the atmosphere felt so alone and sad, and the music is some of the best I have heard in a video game.… Expand
  20. vgmkyle
    Feb 7, 2018
    10
    With Nintendo Switch Ports (which is basically all the Switch is) you pay SIXTY DOLLARS, you get a game that can barely break 720p on a cheap overpriced screen. For FORTY dollars you can get a game completely overhauled for a new generation at the reasonable price of $40.
  21. FranchuteKikito
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    A timeless classic if you never played this game you owe it to yourself and if you alredy played it there is enough in this remake to fall in love all over again.
  22. Dreizehn
    Feb 9, 2018
    10
    This is the way a remaster should be done. Still one of the best and influent games in history. Now this PS4 is without doubt the best way to play this master piece.
  23. hichaman
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    I haven't beat yet. it looks fantastic, one of the greatest games ever made!

    Haters go back to your Cross boxes, and dwitche pieces of plastic.. leave PS awesome games alone!
  24. Wimpher
    Nov 9, 2022
    10
    Wasn’t going to write a review for this but never in my entire life have I seen an audience get something all so very very wrong. What am I reading and seeing here? Never have I been more disappointed in humanity than I am right now seeing all those red reviews.

    This is the greatest damn video game ever crafted with haunting themes of loss and despair. I think many people just do not have    Wasn’t going to write a review for this but never in my entire life have I seen an audience get something all so very very wrong. What am I reading and seeing here? Never have I been more disappointed in humanity than I am right now seeing all those red reviews.

    This is the greatest damn video game ever crafted with haunting themes of loss and despair. I think many people just do not have the deep sensitivity required in order to truly appreciate the power and haunting beauty of this game. I almost do not even want to call it a game. It’s beyond that when something is able to make you feel so deeply. I cried in the end…most of these people will never be able to possess the ability to feel what the character in this game is feeling. The desire, the determination that no matter what the cost….he’d do anything necessary to bring the love of his life back from the dead.

    I will say this…the critics here are the correct ones. And thank the heavens for that. If I listened to all the idiots here I’d miss out on the greatest cinematic masterpiece I have ever experienced. And I’ve platinumed this game. I’ve spent 120 hours on it according to my ps5. It’s my most beloved and cherished video game of all time. I bought two physical special editions of the game. One for myself and my brother. This is how much this video game means to me.

    The critics didn’t review this game for the average moron that’s out there. Of course they knew most people wouldn’t understand this masterpiece. This game is made for people such as myself who admire the finer things life has to offer. Someone that smells the roses while going for walks. Admires beautiful sunsets. Listens to the birds as they fly over cascading waterfalls…..the critics reviewed this game based on what Fumito Ueda envisioned this game to be. The loneliness, the despair, the way the horse handles….every little damn detail in this game is exactly how it was intended to be. It’s not supposed to be easy to climb those colossal beasts…it’s supposed to be an agonizing task in which when you succeed you feel as if you have conquered the world.

    I’m glad the critics see this game for what it truly is. Shame on all those bad reviews but I’ve always knew this to be true. Most people on this planet are not exactly spiritual and introspective people.
    It’d be like trying to show someone with a bery corrupt mentality and view of nature why the waterfall is so beautiful and they’ll just say…but it’s just a waterfall. You either see it or you don’t. You either believe it or you don’t. I for one, am happy to say that I see what the critics see. People are going to talk to me about awful controls? Seriously? The horse controls as if I’m actually riding an actual horse. It feels like he is a separate entity to the main character and feels like it has a mind of its own. You really have to command him to stop. The horse honestly controls itself and moves freely through the corridors without much need for player control. People are just clueless or upset that this game was praised so much and rightfully so. I had no problems navigating through the game but then again this game is my cup of tea…I hate shooters and nonsensical stupid games. I like contemplative experiences like this where you just navigate through the environment without anyone holding your hand.

    This is perhaps the most misunderstood product of all time. People are just not used to this kind of game and are gonna bash something they don’t like because it’s not their conventional Zelda like game.

    This game is REAL. The creator wanted you to feel every breath of wind and every blade of grass. He wanted you to be in the footsteps of wander and boy, the final 10 minutes are some of the most emotional moments I have ever witness in a gamer.    … Expand
  25. techtronics
    Feb 7, 2018
    10
    Shadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece. Completely original. Artisitically perfect. Emotional. Even without the incredibly satisfying, creative, and enjoyable battles, the experience of just running around the atmospheric world on the horse is heart-swelling. I wish I could go there. The only fault is sometimes clumsy and frustrating horse controls, but even then it's for the sake ofShadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece. Completely original. Artisitically perfect. Emotional. Even without the incredibly satisfying, creative, and enjoyable battles, the experience of just running around the atmospheric world on the horse is heart-swelling. I wish I could go there. The only fault is sometimes clumsy and frustrating horse controls, but even then it's for the sake of realistic feel. Playing this beautiful game has enriched my life. I wish I could personally thank the developers.… Expand
  26. Wander22
    Feb 17, 2019
    10
    Gameplay/Mechanics: 10
    Sound/Music: 10
    Graphics/Art: 10
    Story/Atmosphere: 10
    OVERALL: 10/10 Shadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece. One of the greats.
  27. JKekaNVKZ
    Feb 7, 2018
    10
    It’s amazing, I played this game a first time in my life... How I can miss this game early??! Great atmosphere, great feelings of giant colosses, music, light.. Great remaster! Thank You Sony, Thank You Blue Point!!!
  28. saga77
    Apr 2, 2019
    10
    You know metacritic, with this random REVIEWBOMBING, the Userscores become meaningless!!Do you care??
  29. MasterRiley
    Feb 28, 2018
    10
    Shadow of the Colossus is phenomenal; the graphics and environments are stunning, the music is beautiful, and the colossi/boss fights are massive in scale and epic. It is a simplistic open world game, with little to no dialogue and very basic core mechanics. But it is an intriguing world and atmosphere that separates this game from the rest.
  30. EzeH
    Feb 8, 2018
    10
    Yes; the game is short and can and will be passed by a veteran in less than 6 hours.
    Yes; it does have a lot more style than substance when compared to most any game nowadays.
    Yes; the controls suck pretty bad. But when you get past the first colossus or two and you get into the rhythm of things Shadow of the Colossus is one of the most memorable games to come out in the last 20    Yes; the game is short and can and will be passed by a veteran in less than 6 hours.
    Yes; it does have a lot more style than substance when compared to most any game nowadays.
    Yes; the controls suck pretty bad.

    But when you get past the first colossus or two and you get into the rhythm of things Shadow of the Colossus is one of the most memorable games to come out in the last 20 years; every person who has played the game will have their favorite colossus and will carry their memories for years to come. And after two prior attempts at making this playable on previous systems (and almost succeeding on the ps3), this has got to be the definite version as it removes minor inconveniences that would annoy most any player, and adds extra tidbits for anybody wanting to spend more time with it.
    And most importantly... It actually runs at a stable framerate for once (not necessarily 1080p 60fps but it is very playable at 30 fps as it used to run at 18 fps on its original release in 2005)    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS4 Game of 2018
8
#8 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018
16
#16 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 100
  3. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Apr 24, 2018
    80
    Perfectly polished and improved cult game – even with better controls! Killing giant monsters has never been so much (melancholic) fun. [Issue#283]
  2. Games.cz
    Apr 24, 2018
    90
    A tribute to the Fumito Ueda will delight the veterans of the original game same as introduce this classic to the newcomers, who are not tuned on a nostalgic note. An ideal opportunity to improve your video game education and a wonderful experience in the same time. Some clumsy controls and occasionally stubborn camera can’t ruin the great experience.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Apr 3, 2018
    70
    It’s a good remaster, but frankly I find it unnecessary. Those who have already played the game on PS2 or PS3 will find nothing new here, and those who didn’t have the chance to get acquainted with it probably will not understand what we saw in Shadow of the Colossus 12 years ago, when gaming reality was completely different. [03/2018, p.66]
See all critic reviews »