They may have been released in 2001 and 2005 on PS2 but they're two of the best games I've ever played on PS3, or any console. They are absolutely brilliant in almost every way, there's barely anything I'd change about them. I downloaded them from the PSN store for free and it was completely worth it, as I expected.
The graphics have been tidied up and are brilliant in both. There is so much atmosphere and emotion created by the minimalist storylines, gameplay, graphics and sound and both games, although linear in a way, allow you a surprising level of freedom.
Ico's setting is amazing, the shadowy enemies are scary and you really feel protective of Yorda when they appear. The combat is great, the puzzles are challenging. The castle setting is beautiful and makes great use of the space provided, you can probably walk anywhere in the castle any time (other than the final stages of the game).
There's nothing like Shadow of the Colossus. Gigantic, deadly, sometimes agressive puzzles that you have to solve and kill to save a cursed girl, yet you feel guilty when the light in their eyes goes out and they scream as they fall. A stunning open world that you are free to explore while you go about your only objective, to hunt the colossi, populated by nothing but you and your horse, lizards, birds and tortoise/turtle/armadillo looking things (that I've found, anyway) that is somehow never boring to explore. There are additional things you can do which I only learned by looking at the trophies available, and one great moment I discovered by chance. The horse animations and physics easily rival those of Read Dead Redemption. The Time Attack mode adds further value.
I think I could genuinely fill the whole 5000 characters talking about these games, but it's better for you to play them yourselves. Try to avoid spoilers! I think I'll spare any plot details or specific moments for the comments. But if you have played them then what did you like, what stood out for you?
Here's to The Last Guardian on PS4
Ico/Shadow of the Colossus
posted on 6/7/13
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posted on 6/7/13
No
posted on 6/7/13
I will not allow freedom fighters on this thread
posted on 6/7/13
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posted on 8/7/13
Have to agree TC. I missed them first time round, but bought the HD collection on day one and never turned back.
I could also fill 5000 characters about them, but it's late, so i shall not. They employ excellently unconventional story-telling devices.
They aren't for the short attention-span, which clearly half of the thread consists of.
posted on 8/7/13
KentSpur should listen up, wiser words were never spoken.
posted on 8/7/13
I platinum'd ICO; it was great fun.
Not sure I'd do the same with SoTC, it's great...but 'dem collectibles. Both great titles though.
If you are interested Atsuto, there is a novelisation of ICO called Castle in the Mist.
posted on 8/7/13
posted on 9/7/13
I reckon I can probably platinum it (would be the first game I have ever platinumed!), the only one that might cause me trouble is completing without seeing the game over screen. Also think I'll have to go and buy the disc now that my month's PS+ is coming to an end, but I'll do it without hesitation.
SHINING LIZARDS
Also didn't realise you could *SPOILER* jump and hang onto birds until before the last colossus
I've heard of the novel but I'm not sure I'd want to read it. The game is THE experience. Could be worth a look though
posted on 9/7/13
Yeah, it's nice having the disc as you get some nice extras with it, a couple of dynamic themes and stuff.
It's not too expensive from what I remember anyway, or you could just get it off of PSN if it's cheaper.