Shadow of the Colossus (PlayStation 2, 2005)

The coolest part of side scrollers and adventure games is the boss battles. Some bosses are huge monstrosities that require multiple weak points to be destroyed before the whole thing goes down. God of War had some amazing bosses and full of action. This game is ONLY about Boss Battles. 16 of them to be exact, and each of them quite different in strategy to kill. The idea is original and the execution quite satisfying. You are told to kill these 16 bosses to possibly save a girl. The girl is dead and waiting at the temple where you are explained your mission. The graphics in this game are soft and dreamlike. It does have progressive scan and widescreen support. Not the best graphics on a system, but beautiful artwork.

The bosses all have different weak points, and telling you how you can attack such huge (and I mean HUGE) bosses would be a spoiler. Oh, and you're equipped with bow & arrow (unlimited arrows, which is cool) and a sword. The horse just gets you from one colossus to another. The land is desertlike and very desolate, with varying bridges over chasms and unending drops. It's quite surreal and reminds me much of a Japanese anime story. You'll love this game.

This game will not disaapoint any gamer. This game has it all action, adventure, great graphics and a great sotry line. This game did not let me down in the least. It has long game play for sure and is not typical of any game I have seen. You go out to return your girlfriend to life by killing these giant Colossus monster 16 in all and every one you kill they get harder and take longer to kill. This game has some cool features as you climb these giant monsters you have a tiredness meter when this runs out you better watch out. The monsters in this try to shake you off and it is unbelievable. The story is good, the graphics are great, and the gameplay is great. This is no waste of money in my opinion. This I give a high replay value too.

I loved this game.

It is a most defenate BUY.

No loading screens and the game its self is amazeing. The graphics... everything.

You have to buy it to see what I mean.

I have to say that I didn't play games for a certain period and decided to pick this game up and play it. This game brought me back into gaming, it fulfilled something that was missing.

Shadow of Colossus is a beautiful game full of unimaginable characters(Colossus's) that you must battle in order to revive a loved one. It's not your ordinary action packed game, but a suttle journey into a land of magic. You are Wander who, accompanied by a horse, must travel across a vast land to conquer these Colossus's one by one. The battles are so intense, so challenging that each time you see a different colossus you say to yourself 'wow', it just keeps getting better and better. It's a game that really takes you out of reality and brings you in it's own world. I played this game without the lights to have the full effect. If you haven't played this game I ask you to just try it and you will not be disappointed.

I give this game a full 10/10 for it's imagination, challenge and of course entertainment.

I loved this game! The fact thats its not a "simple" game to where you can beat it easily is superb. The fact that it is a game that is nothing but a boss battle. You have 16 colossi that you have to destroy to save a girl. sounds boring huh, but TRUST me its not. The colossi are insanely tall and you have to find a way to the top to find a weak spot so that you can destroy it. If you fall off, you die.

The Graphics are beautiful. I could not believe that this was a PS2 game. I loved the graphics.

You have a horse, bow and arrow and a sword. Thats it. There are no random battles going from place to place to find the different colossi.

This game is a MUST have. You will be hooked once you try to locate the colossi and then once you locate it, you have to find a way up it and then find the weak spot. The weak spot also changes places in mid battle so you have to go all over the body trying not to lose your grip and start all the way back over. It doesnt sound so simple anymore does it? Its a great game and i truly think anyone should atleast give it a try. you will not be disappointed.
rating 5/5

This relative to the fan-favorite ICO stands strongly on its own.
The hero is challenged to defeat Colossi, giant magical constructs
that lurk in the countryside. Traveling horseback through a huge and
complicated landscape, you seek out and defeat these incredible beings. Each Colossi is a unique puzzle, and fascinating to solve.
Music good, graphics solid, story exceptional, characters awesome, enemies unbelieveable!
Loved it, still working on the new challenges in Timed Mode and Hard Mode.
Both these modes allow collection of more power-up items.

Shadow of the Colossus is an unusual game that many won't take kindly to. For one thing, you play as a boy with only a sword (which he can only swing once and stab with attack-wise)and bow as his choice of weaponry. Another is the fact that the only objective you have in the game is to slay 16 giant beasts known as colossi. There are no other enemies around (or people other than the girl you're fighting for). You're just on you're trusty steed traveling around this giant area in search of a colossus to vanquish (the sword is used to help show the way to the colossus by shining a light in the direction of the giant). There's not much plot to it or much action.

At the same time though, these 16 colossus fights will probably be some of the best boss fights you've played in your current gaming life. Each colossus is pretty much a huge puzzle that you must solve to get on in order to bring down (which you do by stabbing the vital points of the creature). There are many cases where you have to make use of your environment, other times you just have to grab on to the right starting point of the beast. Some of these battles will take a good eye and common knowledge of physics to solve. None of these, however, involve mindless killing as so many games have these days (which would also put off many due to them being so used to that). Once you're on the massive giant you must hang on for you life as the beast tries its best to shake you off. When you are by a vital point (indicated by a glowing symbol) you must stab it in order to do massive damage to the colossus (blood will naturally gush out). This is pretty much the only serious violence shown in the game.

In the visuals department, many would agree that the game looks impressive (especially the giant colossi which no doubt reach the limits of the PS2). The 3D models move very well and the environments are simply breathtaking at times. That's not to say the graphics are flawless though. Upon closer (and sometimes not so close) inspection you can find many less than stellar looking things. This game is by no means ugly; It arguably has some of the best graphics for the PS2. It's just that some parts look a bit rushed.

As for the music, one word can wholly describe it: epic. Though not chock full of background music (in fact, 99% of the music only plays during a battle against a colossus. most of the time there's just a realistic silence as you wander around the place) each piece is masterfully orchestrated. It really brings out the mood of events in the game.

All in all, Shadow of the Colossus is a very unique game that is so unusual that many won't touch it with a 10ft. pole. But if you have patience and get to appreciate the different atmosphere and strategic boss fights of the game you will probably find it a video game experience like no other.

After it all, once you've beat it, you feel like you've wached a GREAT movie. From starting at the beginning, to reaching the end, you'll feel like you're bonded with the main character and the world he's in. This is true to such a point that I ACTUALLY CRIED AT THE END along with my mom, who was waching through the whole thing, and a two friends!

Through the game, you might feel like it's going by too quickly. BUT!!!, once you see the start menu again(after you've beat it)you'll notice that there's HARD MODE!

Cheats are unlockable too through time trial.(which is aslo unlockable)

The unlockables are near infinite to say the least, I have 80+ HOURS in it SO FAR!

P.S. After you beat the game, what is that spot on the map that is still clouded over? It's killing me not to know! If you know, email me at succa345 @ yahoo dot com, Thanks!

Take everything you know about videogame and scrap it. Mr Fumito Ueda went in a total different approach when designing Shadow Of The Colossus, and from the first minutes of gameplay you know you are in for some treat. There is no excesive HUD. No great, epic story introduction. No conventional health systems. No item collecting. Not a single enemy to kill in between stages. Just you, your horse, your sword and your bow.

But then you face the first colossus. And you know it is the best boss battle ever created. That until you find the second one, the third one, fourth, and so on.

Of course, there are a few graphical hitches, pop ups, bland textures and an eventual slowdown. But when playing it they all become minor issues, blended in the suberb music and sound design, the gorgeous art and, of course, the unique and amazing experience that is fighting the colossi.

Even if it doesn't look like your kind of game, give this one a try and you'll definitely be rewarded with one of the best gaming experiences ever done, period.

Great Game, incredible grafics, MY GOD the lay of the land. Add this game to your collection. Each level is a puzzle that gets your heart pounding. Best played with surround sound.

Saying this game is a work of art is an understatement! This is a completely different game than anything out there, and it does not fail to satisfy! It isn't very long, about 8-10 hours. But every moment is breathtaking and fulfilling. You have 16 giant boss battles to track down, figure out, and fight.
Go buy it!

graphics are awsome. game play is awsome. the only thing that sucks is the story line. it really doesnt have one, but you do get to fight 16 colossus and trust me it makes up for it. the story line is pretty much not told so it gives you hints at what it might me, so you can kind of make it up as you go along.

I bought this game because it had so many great recommendations. Everyone said I would love it. Okay, so...the idea is original and interesting. The vast landscapes, the enormously gargantuate monsters, the figure it out yourself/lack of directions, the relief and inner bliss of destroying each monster...those are the good qualities. The vastness of the land and detail is really incredible. No one can feasibly deny that. However, I own horses and let me tell you...that horse is retarded. That is not how horses move! Not to mention, the main character's (only character) feet don't even come close to the stirrups! I think that is a little bit ridiculous. The collosi are not the only monsters in the game. That horse is monstrous. Anyway, I guess no one really cares how accurate the graphics relating to the horse are. Oh well. That's not my only dislike of the game anyway. Honestly, it is incredibly frustrating. I galloped Ago (or whatever the horse's name is) for about ten minutes in one direction, hoping you know, I'd come across something really cool. Didn't happen. It just sucked because I had to turn around and gallop for another ten minutes back to my starting point. By the time I got to the next collosi, I had a huge headache and turned off my PS2.

Oh...and one more thing. Ha. The monsters gave me small anxiety attacks because I have a fear of dying in video games for the first time. I didn't die once throughout the entire game. If you have a problem with anxiety and you get a little "too" into video games, this game is not for you...unless you want to have a stroke.

Anyway, I'm selling my Shadow of the Collosus, so if you want to buy it, check it out. It's still worth at least $40.00, but I'm selling it for $20.00. The disc isn't scratched a bit, and nothing is missing.

Hope the review was helpful! Well actually...I don't really care either way.

-Jane

this is definitely one of the best games i've played in a long time. the graphics are incredible, even though its a ps2 game. the environments are beautifully designed and the colossi are... well, colossal. the only thing i didnt like about this game was that it's painfully short. it left me begging for more. the designers tried to put some platforming action in it, but that's pretty mediocre. when you slay your first colossus, you'll be hooked. 5/5

all i can say is if you have a large TV and a decent sound system, buy this. My whole family was screaming in excitement when the 1st colossus appeared. doesnt have 30 weapons, no level ups, only a few buttons to push, but once youre in it, you are basically playing an epic film... better than a film. i am very impressed.

It is hard not to like Shadow of the Colossus. The art design, massive landscapes, wide country and beautiful music all combine for a stellar experience.

The game is primarily focused on a character who has lost his love to death and he seeks a way to revive/restore her. Consequently, a divine being of sorts sends the character on a journey to slay enormous creatures. In a unique twist there are actually no consistent, regular adversaries other than the enormous creatures you must defeat. Most of the game is filled with exploring the beautiful landscapes and challenging the colossi.

Despite the new advances in graphics, imagery and presentation with each new generation of consoles (currently Playstation 3, XBOX 360) and PC architecture, Shadow of the Colossus on the Playstation 2 is a masterfully designed game and will hold a solid grip on peoples' "best of lists" for years to come. I highly recommend the game and think that despite certain gamers' leanings toward genres, this is a standalone experience that all should enjoy.

Minute for minute Shadow Of Colossus evokes more emotion out of a player than any other game out there! There are no weapon upgrades, no experience points, no skeletons, rats or other video games cliches in this game. There is only you and 16 giants who roam the beautiful landscape. As you scale the bodies of these giants in search of their weak points you feel as puny as a flea. The game conveys the sheer size of your adversaries, and the apparent futility of the battle better than any other title. The graphics in Shadow of Colossus push the limits of the PS2's hardware, and bring the surreal world of the giants to life. Shadow's excellent music and ambient sounds leave the player in a state of complete immersion. Shadow's gameplay is original, however players who like 'hack and slash' style of games should know that Shadow is in an entirely different game category. Shadow is one of my most favorite games for the PS2, but I admit that it may not be for everyone. Still, I believe that Shadow is a unique PS2/PS3 exclusive that should not be missed.

Hints/Controls: In Shadow of Colossus the TRINGLE button is both a jump button and mount horse button. However, when you press the TRINGLE and hold down R1 in the air you can mount the horse in mid-jump. Crouching after taking damage will cause your health to regenerate. Also, eating fruit and silver tailed lizards will make your max health and grip strength increase.

Trivia: Shadow of Colossus is actually an unofficial prequel to ICO, the events that take place in ICO occur hundreds of years after the Shadow's ending.

INCREDIBLE idea for a game. Loads of fun. Pushes the PS2's graphics to the limit. 10/10 for quality! You will love this game!

There ar no enemies in this game, you just have bosses to fight. No special abilities or anyting. I hate this and regret to buy this game!!

Review c/o http://gnadegames.blogspot.com - visit us to see videos and screens of the games we review.

Released in October of 2005, Shadow of the Colossus was a sequel of sorts to the cult classic, and PS2 launch title, Ico. I never played Ico, but Shadow completely stands on its own and is absolutely enchanting. Here I am 2 years later, and I am yearning to play the title all over again (the only question is where is it). Describing what makes Shadow so good is difficult because the game is more a piece of artwork and an experience than a game. It's truly breathtaking, both graphically, in scale, enjoyment etc. One of the true gems of the Playstation 2 and a title that probably sold a third as many copies as the disappointing and rather abysmal Devil May Cry 2. I do not want to ruin any of the majesty and wonder of the title, but the basic premise is that to save your love, you have to defeat these colossal beasts of the land. Shadow is really just a series of Epic Boss battles and mythical land traversing and exploring. There's no real point in breaking down what makes Shadow work and what doesn't work. The only complaint I had (still have) is that the adventure is over too quickly. A true gaming masterpiece that would make even the harshest anti-game senator admit that videogames can be works of art. A must play for any Playstation 2 (or 3) owner.

Verdict: 99%

game is one big boss fight... and thats what i like. the horse is a little dumb and weird to move around. but you need him to help with some of the fights.

Wow. Wowwowow. This is by far one of the best games I have ever played. There's nothing like having to climb onto a mountain and trying to kill it with a tuning fork, and you do it over a dozen times in this game. The world you travel through is extensive, with more detail then one could think was possible on a PS2 game. The graphics use the hardware very well, though at times it can be a little sluggish. Overall, a visually stunning game, especially when it's time to go against the colossai. Each one is a new character with it's own impact, from utterly terrifying to stunning and awesome.

My only complaint would be about the camera controls; when a colossai is trying to shake you off, the camera can have trouble keeping up, and makes moving around difficult. Thankfully this tends to be a minor annoyance and not a crippling gameplay problem.

The music and sound effects leave a lasting impression, ranging from slow and sorrowful to fast-paced and high-strung. It changes with the different challenges, reminding you that each collosai is different. It's not a terribly long game, most people could finish it in 5 to 10 hours. Thankfully, it does unlock a hard mode after the first time you beat it, and in both modes you can attain hidden items to help fight the collosai. Reguardless of this, I think most people would revisit the game just to experince it all over again. This is one game that shouldn't be passed up, whether you like RPG's, FPS, or even side-scrollers.

Video games have always been art to me. The amount of time and care that goes into making a memorable experience in a game, is no less amazing than that which goes into making a great cd or movie. But games have always been seen as second fiddle to music and movies, and other forms of accepted art. That's because Shadow of the Colossus didn't exist.

This game is not perfect. It stutters at times, and has some frame rate issues, but those completely fall to the side of the overall experience. Imagine what it would feel like to ride your steed into battle against a monster the size of a skyscraper. You shoot arrows until you wound it and climb up its body until thrusting your sword into its skull to fell the giant beast.

There's a lot of games that try to recreate this type of thing, but thats all they do is recreate it. When you play this game, you feel it. You are the hero and you are risking everything to kill these creatures. As engrossing as a well written book, the encounters here are truly memorable.

The atmosphere and music attribute greatly to the artistic feel as well. The world springs to live in great detail as you explore a vast wilderness populated by lizards and fruit trees. The music is beautiful and haunting and does a phenominal job of building tension and fear as you battle each of the temples guardians.

One downfall is the games length. For an experienced gamer, it can b beaten in under 10 hours, but luckily there are many extra modes to make playing again wirthwhile. New Weapons to acquire, and even alternate looks for your horse, it really is a game that will last as long as you want it to.

Overall it's an incredible, moving experience, that doesn't get ruined by the few mechanical flaws brought about by the aging PS2 platform. Buy this game, and treasure it.