A rewarding experience.
Your first reaction to a game is usually the graphics and sound. Ico doesn't disappoint in either and offers a seclusive atmosphere with outstanding visual scale and mesmerizing heights. The architecture and level design care is some of the best i have seen in a game. The fantastic representation of the castle is apparent as you make your way through the game. Being able to see your overall goal and past accomplishments through the games wide open views is one of the many rewarding experiences the game has to offer.
The gameplay usually consists of puzzles and some simple yet at times intense combat. The puzzles in the game are indeed great but they offer more than just the satisfaction of solving them with a noticeable sense of getting closer to your goal and some of the most death defying jumps that may make your heart leap more than a few times.
The story is well done as are the characters. Simple yet effective approach works better than most would think. Your only companion Yorda is well represented as fragile and weak but not incompetent. As with most people i have always hated the dreaded "escort mission" but its truly the opposite with this game it definitely enhances the experience.
The way this game is meant to be enjoyed is a bit different from most so not everyone will enjoy it as much as i did. Even if your not sure if you want to pick this game up i think its more than worth it as i guaranteed to be a more memorable experience than say the next call of duty 5.
*needless note*
Though the game play is not even remotely related i suggest you also check out painkiller as the architecture/scale in that game is also fantastic.
Also i'm reviewing the PAL version of the game.