"If you wonder if games can be consider art then play this collection and you'll have your answer"
Developer: Team Ico
Publisher: Sony
Platform: PS3
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: September 27, 2011
The developers at Team Ico have been notorious for developing games that incite rare feelings as you tackle seemingly impossible odds. With the release of The Ico & Shadow of Colossus collection players will be able to revisit or for the first time explore the forbidden land and the Queen's castle in HD quality. Both titles were originally released on the Playstation 2, Ico was released in 2001 and Shadow of the Colossus in 2005 and now both games have been given an HD visuals, trophies, and on one Blu-ray disc. In both Shadow of the Colossus and Ico highlighted strong companionships, a vivid soundtrack, and intense battles to show how we can feel and connect more as we play. If you wonder if games can be consider art then play this collection and you'll have your answer.
Both titles place you in a third person perspective with a limited amount of tools and abilities. In Ico players take control of a young boy named Ico who has been sentenced to be imprisoned by religious figures into a seemingly baron castle because of his cursed horns. After escaping his cell, due to an unexpected earthquake, Ico attempts to escape but comes across a girl in a cage named Yorda. This young and delicate girl is hunted by shadowy figures and lacks any way to defend herself. Ico's acrobatics and combat ability combined with Yorda's talent of unlocking special doors the two struggle to escape the castle walls and the evil that hunts them.
Shadow of the Colossus is a prequel to Ico and showcases how Ico's cruel fate came to fruition. In Shadow of the Colossus you take control of another boy named Wander who travels to a forbidden land with nothing but a sword, bow, and his trustworthy steed in order to reverse a ritual that cost the death of his beloved, Mono. Mono was predicted of being part of a cruel destiny and thereby sacrificed. Unwilling to accept this Wander steals an ancient sword and speaks a dark deity capable of resurrecting her and agrees to do it if Wander eliminates 16 Colossi that inhabits the forbidden land.
Both titles play very different from one another. In Ico you'll traverse the castle to solve puzzles and protect Yorda from being captured. You'll use an array of basic platforming skills and melee combat to solve environmental puzzles and escorting Yorda while ensuring her safety. The gameplay of Ico isn't anything impressive since the puzzles are simple and the combat revolves around tapping the attack button for every fight except the final boss. The setting is what makes Ico an incredible game, traveling throughout the castle with Yorda in hand attempting to conquer impossible odds is truly a moving tale.
Unfortunately not everything in Ico has improve such as the AI for Yorda. You will still have her repeating the same frustrating movements such as running around ladders. It is understandable that her movement is limited but certain advancements would have been welcomed additions. However since this is based on a latter release of the game players can unlock a two-player mode and have access to special translations for Yorda.
While Ico is good Shadow of the Colossus is incredible. Exploring the forbidden lands of Shadow of Colossus showcases a interesting yet lonely freedom. As you shine your sword into the sun to locate the next Colossi It is clear that this land was once inhabit but now simply crumbles under Mother Nature's wraith. Each Colossus is a living puzzle that requires you to use the environment, Agro, and certain weaknesses in order to locate highlighted portions of the creature and plunge your sword into it. These are some of the most intense and memorable boss fights you'll experience, whether it is a big or small Colossi.
It is strange that a quick travel system wasn't implemented though. I understand traveling throughout the forbidden land is a significant element in Shadow of the Colossus but the ability to warp back to the temple of origin would have been a wise choice. A lot of vexation will come from controlling Wander as he is prone to falling down, but after a few hours you will be able to understand how to control the clumsy warrior.
Both titles benefit from the HD visuals, especially Shadow of the Colossus. Every Colossus you encounter and new area you explore has been refined and polished to new standards. In Ico the setting shows a similar glow but small factors such as Ico's white stick-like pants and Yorda's usually bright skin definitely showcase the age of the game. Team Ico should be commended for ensuring that his remake wasn't simply a rehashed versions but diligently refined the graphics for improved frame-rate.
The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus collection showcase how games can be more then forms of entertainment, they can be art forms. Why these classics are dated and don't incite the same feelings when I first played them they nevertheless were captivating adventures. The improved visuals, frame-rate, and trophies make it appealing who those seeking to revisit these ventures. And those seeking to complete all the trophies in the game will require multiple playthroughs in each title. It's not the gameplay that made these games great but atmospheric setting, moving soundtrack, and intense story that makes these titles incredible additions to any library.