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The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

In This I Love

When I was employed by my local video game store many years ago, the PlayStation 2 was just about to launch. Like so many others, I was completely stoked for it. The only problem was trying to decide which game I was going to play first. Admittedly, the beginning of any console’s cycle is pretty rough, which is why most now wait until there are at least three or four must-have games before they make a system purchase. The PlayStation 2 launch felt much the same. There were a handful of titles that impressed people, but no one truly felt there were games they needed right away.

As time passed, there eventually came the release of Twisted Metal Black, Zone of the Enders, and several other noteworthy titles. But there was one title I remember always being available—ICO. Our store only had maybe three copies of the game, and, according to the owner, this was because “no one is interested in playing a game about some kid with a Viking hat.” In my youth and naivety, I felt inclined to agree. This all changed when I finally decided to try the title myself, and I can honestly say it’s this game that is largely responsible for the career I now I have in the video game industry.

The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection Screenshot

For many people, it’s Mario or Link who delivered that first gaming spark, but my own obsession for video games and their artistic and storytelling capabilities really took off with ICO. There is still something magical about this grand adventure of silence, and the love story rivals any other I have seen in gaming. I would very nearly proclaim that of the romances in video games, that the one between Ico and Yorda is, by far, the best-delivered and most emotionally touching.

ICO’s story is simple enough. A young man is made the sacrificial offering to a castle that is haunted by dark shadows. These shadows, players eventually find out, are trying to pull a beautiful young woman into the void of darkness. While it would be easy to give spoilers, this is truly a story that everyone should experience for themselves. After all, in an industry of roided-up action games, it’s surprising to see how fully simple and slow-paced storytelling can grab hold of your imagination and let you spend hours inside its world.

The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection Screenshot

I could rave about how amazing the story is in ICO for hours on end. Simply put, if you’ve played through this game, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you have not, then you are doing yourself a disservice for not partaking in something as exceptional as ICO.

However, there are a few things that must be pointed out, even if they are mostly inconsequential. The gameplay mechanics don’t necessarily age well. Yorda is still about as helpful as a tick at a blood bank, but this adds to the endearing sense of rescue. Having to be always watchful of a weaker character elevates you to the highest level of heroism, and ICO never feels like a mere escort quest.

The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection Screenshot

The other major issue is the platforming. It was finicky and problematic then, and it is finicky and problematic today.

However, these minor things should not stop you from picking this title up. Even with everything there is to love about ICO, the second half of the collection, Shadow of the Colossus is worth the purchase on its own. I have to admit that when first playing this title I did not feel the same connection that I did with ICO, but this all changed about midway through. If ICO is a love story between Ico and Yorda, then Shadow of the Colossus is also a love story, but one about friendship and the bonds we make as humans.

Shadow of the Colossus centers around a young man trying to return the soul of his fallen companion to her body. In order to have this wish granted, he must take on and defeat the 16 Colossi that roam the land. Through harrowing skill and cunning willpower, players must brave this magical landscape of grandiose size.

The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection Screenshot

Shadow of the Colossus also masters the art of visual storytelling through beautiful landscapes and striking animations. It takes the same pacing of ICO, but it manages to make it all its own. The peace Wander has with his horse, Argo, is menacingly eerie, yet contemplatively hypnotic. This game is epic in scope, and simply delivers on levels many games have continuously failed to even scratch the surface of.

With this collection, there is no reason potential new fans of these masterful games should miss out. For many years, finding copies of either game was practically a “Holy Grail” quest. Now, with both of them fully realized in HD, these exceptional titles are well worth a fresh visit. The frame rate of Shadow of the Colossus looks better and delivers a much crisper experience, while ICO is filled with vibrancy and color that pops out at the player when diving deeper into its world. The developers behind the conversion need to be commended, as you can tell the amount of work that went into accurately transferring these titles over to this generation.

The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection delivers on every aspect it promised. Both titles look and sound so much better than when originally released. They both maintain the magical allure they once had, and if I had but one game to recommend to new gamers, this would be it. Both titles bring back memories. They have shown me again why I chose a career in the gaming industry, and they will always hold a special place in my heart. Now, everyone has the chance to welcome them into theirs. Truthfully, there’s no reason not to.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.5 Graphics
The beauty of the original versions is incomparable, yet somehow they have improved. 4.2 Control
Simplistic and easy to latch onto. 5.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
A perfect example of how the music alone can move you emotionally. 4.0 Play Value
The story will capture your heart and beg you to replay it to relive the magnificent adventures. 4.5 Overall Rating – Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 – 1.9 = Avoid 2.5 – 2.9 = Average 3.5 – 3.9 = Good 4.5 – 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 – 2.4 = Poor 3.0 – 3.4 = Fair 4.0 – 4.4 = Great 5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

  • ICO and Shadow of the Colossus on Single Blu-Ray Disc.
  • Remastered for HD Resolution.
  • Full PlayStation Network Trophy Support.
  • Full 3D Compatible.
  • Expanded Features.

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