This one snuck up on gamers this year. But it seems many have not yet missed it.
Graphics: 9.0
The graphics itself are quite stunning fulfiling the vast feeling of this land you're in. It's easy to become distracted while mounted on one of the colossi as you're trying to stab it! There is some slowdown but clever placing of special effects that the PS2 has to offer makes up for this. This is about what you'd expect from a PS2 game. But it still is gorgeous.
Sound: 10
This is where the game shines in my honest opinion. The music fits every battle you engage in and the setting for when you happen upon the Colossi lairs is pretty catchy. Sadly there's little of it but it is still wonderful alongside every sword clang against colossi stone skin to the gallop and neighing Agro. This was where I was most impressed.
Control: 8.5
I know there isn't a category for this but I've heard many complaints about the controls not being responsive. I took a while to mess with them and find what was wrong. It's not that they're not responsive it's just that it takes time to learn them and in the heat of battle it's very easy to forget that you need to "power" your jumps before releasing the button. The horse takes time to learn also but if you play with the horse in the beginning you'll learn that it has very strong AI when you're not controlling where it goes. It'll follow cliff paths usually at top speed with accurate turning. It's a blast.
Gameplay: 9.0
Another area where the game shines. There are NO minor battles with lesser foes. Just the colossi and it develops a sense of urgency to destroy all of them. But there is no rush the story will still unfold no matter how long you take to travel between each colossi. Using your sword you can find each colossi using it like a compass. The light even burns the ground when it's totally focused. The battles themselves are very exciting, finding out how to abuse each weakness on these beasts can be mind boggling unless you cheat and read an FAQ which totally ruins the experience. Other than that, the game shines with good in this area.
Replay Value: 9.0
It's not astoundingly high but the need for classic adventure burns really bad. And to cool it you'll want to play this gem again and again. The modes available after beating the game open up a new level of enjoyment. Even if you know how to bring down the colossi you'll just want to keep coming back.
Overall: 9.1
Great game not to be missed. But if you feel wary of it, as always rent your games first. It'll save yourself a bit of cash. Otherwise. This one is in the bag.