Great story, great characters, great game.
You play the role of Ico, a young boy born with a pair of horns. Ico is to be sacrificed and so sent to a mysterious castle. locked away in a stone like tomb he manages to escape and upon doing so finds a cage with a girl locked inside, the girl is named yorda and together they must escape.
The game in total is rather short but every minute seems enjoyable, the cut scenes are short and few but again are enjoyable and well timed. the game allows you to make your own mind up on alot of issues which fits this game well, i think the lack of scenes and dialogue are the reason for this.
the battle system isnt big or complex, there are about 4-5 types of shadow like creatures who try to capture yorda, carry her away and take her down a portal. your goal is simply to stop them. using either a plank of wood, a sword or a mace. its not very complex and seems to have been put in there as a break from the puzzles, i think it works really well.
the puzzles can be quite confusing, the basic idea is to get ico and yorda through the castle but yorda is not as strong or flexible as ico, this meaning you have to find other ways to support her. Catching her when jumping over gaps, making a platform for her to walk across or simply holding her hand are all used techniques.
Music in the game doesnt really exist, some short bursts come into play during the scenes or fights but its normally background noises like birds or the wind, this is another feature i think fits the game well.
Replay value is maybe a little lagging but the great story and enjoyable gameplay will keep you coming back for more. This game really is a different kind of gaming experience and should be played by more gamers. If you have a ps2 then pick up ICO, you wont regret it.