This is probably one of the most amazing games I've played, for a ps2 the scale and graphics are amazing. And the story line is superb, the reason why some people don't like this game is because its "not to date". Y a its from 2005 its 5 years old the graphics weren't that great. The boss fights are different from any other game I've played is a must have for adventure action fans. Also some people didn't give this a good score because their dumb and didn't bother to play the whole way though and stopped at the second colossi.… Expand

Desolate environments, difficult and rewarding boss fights mixed with a story that carries itself on emotion with very few words. This game remains the best game ever made, even though the new console generation is already halfway through its lifespan.

Utterly sublime. A truly grown up , haunting, epic gutt wrenchingly emotional experience. The lonely rides across the desolate landscape in search of the colossi only emphasises the impact and scale of the battles. The music is unbelievably powerful, possibly one of the greatest scores of all time. The game also defies the usual gratfiying 'victory celebration' following most boss fights in video games, opting instead to subtly build a sense of guilt and dread at what you are doing building ultimately to what is possibly the greatest ending in video game history. Those who have criticised the ending usually do becuase they do not understand or appreciate its subtle meaning (youneed to be familiar with Ico in order to) . This is an adult experience, there is no quick or cheap gratification here. Its is an artistically bold and utterly beautiful experience.… Expand

Everything that an epic adventure needs to be. Memorable enemies, a story that allows the player to use their imagination, tight controls, and one of the most impressive soundtracks of recent note. In short, it's classic.

16 great battles and the effort in finding them -- that is what this game is. It has beautiful music and a very zen vibe. A truly inspired game. However, the ending is more than a little annoying. I won't give it away, but there is really no foreshadowing of the ending and its kind of a long non-sequitor. That doesn't mean it is not a great game. It is. It is a great game with a questionable ending. I played it on a PS3 and it looked and sounded marvelous.… Expand

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the most artistic games of all time. People giving it a low score seem to miss the point of the game; it wasn't supposed to be an ARPG with tons of enemies to fight everywhere and some kind of leveling system. The game never even claimed to be that so I don't know why people are rating it as such. But it's quite ironic because for what the gameplay DOES do it is a very solid gameplay system. Climbing up on the giant enemies and finding their weak points works very well and it's a lot of fun. It is also a very unique concept; something we truly haven't seen before this. But again, even though this is a new concept and done very well, it's not what the game is about. The reason there are no enemies when traveling from colossus to colossus is the game is giving you time to think. It gives you time to question what Wander, the silent protagonist is doing, and whether or not he is justified. To be more specific, he is trying to resurrect his love, and is told by a mysterious, and possibly malevolent force that if he rids the land of 16 giant creatures, she will be brought back to life. The game wasn't about keeping us superficially entertained by providing creatures to kill on the way from point A to point B, it was about trying to get us to THINK. So few modern games do that so I don't see why people criticize this game. Do we really just want a bunch of tired old FPS rehash?… Expand

The must amazing thing in this game is the movment of horse as it sounds so real!! And also the amzing vew of giant colossus... Its great game.

Prepare to be stunned. This game is a must buy for anyone who has ever played a video game. Shadow of Colossus is a gaming masterpiece, artfully stitched together for an overall breathe taking experience. The vastness of the land and the fluidity of the camera play this game off just like a movie. Don't expect any filler or half-thought out side quests, because this game has none. The entire focus is on the main story-line. Minimalists be praised for this game is a life-changing experience.… Expand

I don't know exactly what it is about this game that is so riveting, it just is. This is definetly worth your time even if your an RPG or sports game fan.

I was very impressed by the original concept of the game, no little guppy bad guys, no leveling up, no weapons other than what you got, I was very scared about this one, but I am very happy with this game, it was still overhyped but the monumentous battles are uncomparable to any game I've ever played before, I went through my collection of xbox and ps2 and could not find a game with such presentation of battles and excellent music to go with it, but as cool as this is there are downfalls, the biggest being the camera, it is hard to control and frustrating to try to keep track of the giant and yourself when getting to close. The lack of story does not pull you in to the game, I mean here we are in a huge beautiful land to track across to slay the monster but why? for what? to bring someone back from the dead is a little overused I think, it is not stupid but a nick in the story to pull you in wouldn't hurt. Riding the horse altough very cool and very real the camera really screws the enjoyment of riding the horse up. Which is disappointing since a good riding of the horse has not been done since the simple horse riding of dare I say it Ocarina of time. Overall the game is great if you have the patience to deal with the camera, the weak story is ok only because the visuals and huge fights are spectacular.… Expand

If ICO is anything to go by then shadow of the Colossus being the prequal is a great addition to the story. i love the fact that you have a sword a horse and you, no more looking for that +24 night elf dragon salying sword hilt with the +56 earth armour crap, this is straight and simple game play and i love it. its a shame that this game will fall into the cult status and only played by those people who love games, all you NFS MGS FFXI JACK AND DAXTER people forget this and go and buy your next NFS game and for the rest of us savour these moments beause they are few and far between.… Expand

Have only played 5 hours, but there's nothing it can do later on to recieve anything less than a 10.

This is truly what "next-gen" gaming should have been about. Instead of just making the same old games "prettier", this game creates something that cannot be explained - it simply MUST be experienced. It is without a doubt the greatest game I have ever played - this is the one by which all other games should be judged.

Anybody who is too immature, too ignorant or too closed minded to take time to appreciate real digital art will not get this game. If you find the journeys to reach the colussi boring then its only because you are a boring person. Scores out of 10 are thus meaningless depending on what sort of a person you are. My advice - if you want to experience a truely immersive world and fathom at the originality of this title then its a must buy.… Expand

I think this game is awesome n realy enjoyable...simplicity is the key...we dont need unimportant add-on...
true! this game not for everyone,well its their lost..not everyone can enjoy art..the camera and framerate is frustating,especialy in the middle of action..but graphic,sound,gameplay,realistic movement of heroes n agro is more than enough to cover the flaws

overall colossus is one true masterpiece...… Expand

A cinematic experience that that doesn't take the reigns away from you. You're not watching it, you're playing it. With some of the best control, graphics, and sound design on the PS2. The game opens with a cinematic of you trekking across different lands to find you're way to this hidden/forsaken land. You start from a central "hub", you've ridden in with what seems to be a comatose or dead girl, who you place on an altar, and are trying to bring back to life through the power of this magical land. A voice tells you that to bring her back to life, you must to defeat colossus beasts one by one. And that's it; off you go making your way across the land to the different boss fights. It's an incredibly simplified game, that somehow manages to pull you in. Once you've started taking down the colossi, you can't help but want to find the next one, and then the next. The boss fights themselves are a mixture of timing and twitch gameplay with a dose of puzzle solving, (you have to find a way to reach the weak points of each boss.) Once you've defeated a boss, you're transported back to the main hub/area, and are treated to a little cinematic/ talk from the omnipresent force. Then you're off again to a different area of the map, riding along huge expansive environments, which is a mix of desert, and plains, with some rocky areas, and some forest /marsh areas in there as well. you don't fight any enemies along the way either, it's just you and you're horse discovering new areas, and taking in the view as you ride along, using your sword as a homing device to find the next boss. Some areas have you dismount and do a bit of platforming before you find your way to the boss. And although this game isn't perfect, (a couple of the boss fights are repeats, just in different areas) and the game play can get a bit repetitive, it's as close to perfect as most games will get, which I think makes it very deserving of a 10. I personally think Nintendo can really learn a thing or two from a design standpoint from this game, when making their next Zelda. Nothing beats riding all the way out to a far off cliff side, and then panning the camera around to take in a view that's ACTUALLY breathtaking, or standing up on your horse mid-stride and using it as a boost to jump off onto a boss that's flying by you. Or firing off you're crossbow on horseback, as a snake boss comes racing up from the sand behind you. Truly epic gameplay.… Expand

Easily one of the best games I have ever played on any console (and I started with the Atari 2600...) You are NOT a fan of videogames if you don't play this art/game.

If you own a playstation 2 and you don't buy this game, you're a fool.

One of the best games i have ever played and we loole u must be really bad at this game, dont trust someone who cant spell third right. This game has to be experienced no one colossus is the same and everything is awesome graphics, fights, story (teardrop), and the environment. GREAT GAME.

i felt it my duty to add to the positive accounts of this game....i only got to play about 5 colossi, and i was so enamored i just had to get my hands on my own copy....it in the mail and on the way now.....truth be told....incredible...and the funny thing is.......all the intelligent reviews came from people who rated the game 8 and up....some people less than that are entitled to their opinions...but the complete morons who wrote the 0 1 2 3 4 reviews..........holy crap......your ignorance shows in your ridiculous misunderstandings of the game, the fact that you were to stupid to find the next colossi for battle, and in your awful use of the english language....now i know this review doesn't have perfect punctuation, and i'm sure someone will call attention to it...but that's out of choice....not because i don't know how to write correctly....so anyway........point is.....awesome game....totally worth the time and money...and anyone who doesn't think so........should probably go back to kindergarten and start over from scratch.....… Expand

This is a great game, no doubt about it. I'm not saying "Oh this is the best game ever there's nothing wrong with it its perfect", because there are some flaws. First of all, the controls are a bit unstable, especially on horseback. The camera also suffers, as it swings out constantly to a not so desirable spot. Along with that, the framerate and textures sometimes suffer, but not too much. The actual battles are the most epic I've ever done, forget what people are saying with the "you've killed one you've killed them all". Each one has its own strategy and environment to its or your advantage. If you are looking for a great game for PS2 that's gorgeous, has actual innovation (which is rare these days), and an amazing, if not subtle, story, pick up Shadow of the Colossus.… Expand

One of the best games the ps2 has to offer; The storyline is satisfying as well as the beautiful graphics (oh the graphics...), Agro the horse is THE number one sidekick in video gaming history, and all the 16 colossus battles are epic!!! The ONLY flaw with this game in which it got a 9 instead of a perfect score is because it's too short (4-5 hours). Over all it's HIGHLY recommendable, especially for those who like or love epic adventures for young adults such as okami and final fantasy 8.… Expand

One of the best games ever (in my opinion). as of may 2009 i am still playing this aswell as my ps3 colection. graphics are in the space of past gen and next gen. all in all a imaginative, original and utterly incomparable game.

this isn't a game! its ART! aaah you'll never understand unless you try it out. the game play isn't so challenging but the game feels totally different than any other game ... than ANYTHING actually. the music! the feel .. its just something else. something far different than the games you used to play.

A perfect combination of simplicity, art, and game design. Players who see it through maybe scratching their head and wondering what it all means but once you figure it out, the impression is ever lasting.

Simply amazing, truly captures the emotion and feel of a desolate world. It's easy to call it a "Hardcore Legend of Zelda."

Shadow of the Colossus Every 'Art game' made from now on will have been inspired by this true masterpiece.

Simply a fantastic game. If you have a PS2, you have no excuse to not have, in the very least, play this game. Surprisingly intricate narrative coupled with epic battles and one of the saddest endings I've ever seen in a game. It's not perfect however. Controls can be a bit unresponsive during battles (especially during heavy lag sequences) and the camera can be difficult to maneuver. Aggro can be frustrating while searching for colossi. Otherwise, thoroughly enjoyable game, would play again.… Expand

Shadow of the Colossus is a game; not only beautiful, engaging, and emotional, but legendary. It goes down in history with games such as Mario and Legend of Zelda. This adventure game may not have small enemies to kill, but it has 30 story tall beasts to slay. The graphics are amazing for a PS2 game, the gameplay controls are smooth, and the music and sounds are phenomenal. If you have a PS2, and this is not in your collection, get it. Now.… Expand

the feeling that this game gives you while you are playing it is just beautifull one of the greatest games of all time simply art of the modern era, a must have for the people who wants new concepts in gaming.

This game is absolutely beautiful. No other game has quite done what SOTC has, with its inelligent sense of puzzle solving and original art style. The gameplay is definitely satisfying with each success of defeating each colossus. On top of that, the game has become a master of telling a heartfelt and exciting story with minimal dialog. There are however a few minor problems. For instance, it can be quite irritating to mount your horse in a hurry, causing your character to jump around violently around your horse. Also, each battle is a puzzle with very vague instruction on how to accomplish it. These defects, however, are dwarfed by the overwhelming positive attributes found throughout the rest of the game. In all, this game is a colossal work of art within itself.… Expand

Probably the most important game to spearhead the "games as art" argument (as absurd as even considering the inverse is), and for good reason: It's beautiful, fun, profound, and deeply awe-inspiring. Picking this game up for 20 bucks when I was 17 and exploring the quiet forests canyons deserts and plains with Wander and Agro was one of the most substantial highlights I've had in my life as a gamer.… Expand

Ok, there are a lot of people who are really upset with this game and there are a lot of people who really, really enjoyed it. For those of you who are thinking of whether or not you are going to buy it, I'm going to try and sum up some of the major aspects that make this game great, but also where this game falls short. First of all the good: 1.) When this game came out in 2005, the graphics were top of the line. When it comes to the huge open environment with no loading times running from place to place, this game was simply amazing for 2005. No one can argue against this. 2.) The game is simple. You've got your sword, and a bow. No clamoring through item screens, no messy menu systems, just a quick button to switch between them. Some people may not like this, but we'll get to that. 3.) The boss fights are superb. Shadow of the Colossus is basically like 16 Zelda-esque boss fights all concentrated into one game. They get more and more creative as you move through the game, and are never disappointing. You can really get the chills when a 100 meter tall giant is swinging a club at you the size of the empire state building. ...Now, for the bad... 1.) The camera and horse riding is a little messy. Sometimes the horse wont quite do what you want. Say you order him to slow down because you coming up to the grand canyon. He might just keep running like he doesn't have a care in the world. Don't worry, he will stop. I have never fallen off a cliff on a horse. Also, the targeting system used when fighting the colossi can be a little awkward. if you want to look at the colossus with the targeting system, the camera zooms up real close on our hero, right on his hip, and looks at the monster's mid section. if your running away from the colossus, this means that you can't quite see where you are running to. This VERY rarely matters, because you usually have a lot of space to use, but it can be annoying. Also, when you aren't targeting the camera can be a little annoying swaying around looking at what you might not want to look at. Don't let minor control issues ruin the game for you. When you target the colossi it actually looks pretty cinematic. Also, when you run it looks like your legs are made out of Stretch Armstrong's. Should you be mad about it? No, probably not. 2.) It's a simple game. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. It's really about personal preference. Storyline? Basically, there isn't one. Tons of weapons and character customization? You get two weapons. But hey, that's part of what makes this game so great. It lets your imagination run the story. You don't really know what happened to the pretty girl, or why you have a bad ass sword, or why killing a bunch of giants will bring her back, or why they all seem to be filled with pressurized black ink. This game is very enigmatic that way. If you don't like that type of thing, and are looking for a story, try playing final fantasy or metal gear or something. Otherwise, I give this game a 9/10. Its a great game. It's not perfect, but that's what the 10/10 space is for. If you are in the mood for some visually pleasing, brain busting boss fights, buy this game. If not, don't buy this game.
-ILL… Expand

This is the closest gaming has ever come to art EVER! It truly is a beautiful game. If you only like shooting people in the face, this game is not for you, go ahead...give this game a zero. As for everyone else, This game is breath of fresh air, which you will not want to stop breathing. Get the ICO & SoTC combo on the Ps3. Gaming history is not without this game.

This game is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Between the majestic scenery and the practically limitless free expanse, there is an almost ethereal presence to its art. It's pure magic.

I was absaloutely shocked when i first played this game. the graphics were years ahead of the competition. The first colossus is a real shock to the system and they keep getting better. The minimalist style gives the game a stunning atmosphere, quickly attaching you to your only companion Argo. The immense landscape and ruins leave the gamer to envision what could have happened to turn the land into this blasted dustbowl scattered with the ruins of a long dead civilisation. The slaying of each colossi is an epic battle, ones which you will remember. I do not wish to spoil anything so I shall go into no detail on what happens. But i will say this: It is one of the greatest end sequences I have ever seen in book, film or game. Shadow of the Colossus is not a game. Its a journey. It takes you from the euphoria of victory, to thoughtful melancholy and even to the brink of tears. It is the most beautiful game I have ever played. It stands justified as a work of art. It is without a doubt one of the greatest games ever made.… Expand

An experience with real heart and soul! I think this and Ico are the 2 best games I've ever had the pleasure of playing, the graphics take your breath away and the Fights with the Colossi are truly Jaw dropping! A unique treat!

Alongside its predecessor ICO, one of the most original and beautiful games ever created on any platform. Very rarely do you get to experience games which draw you into the action so completely. Production design, character animation, music/fx, and gameplay all top drawer. Only flaws are the camera which can be a bit skittish and the story which errs on the vague and empty. Definitely up there with RE4 for game of the year - beats HL2 in immersive gameplay experience hands down.… Expand

Times online shame on you! Shadow is the best gaming experience I ever had. At the ending scene of the game I´ve found myself crying in front of the tv. This game goes beyond every concept. Just unforgettable.

One of the best ps2 game ever.

Shadwo of teh Colossus is on of the best games I ever played! The graphics are asome and the colossi are so well put in with the stroy! No game can ever compete with this!

A artistic masterpiece in its own right. The graphics are georgous, with the "world" being one massive level with no loading screens. The fights with the magnificantly detailed colossus are tense and breath taking and there's always the wonder of what you're facing next. As for the controls, everyone seems to forget that you're controlling a horse, not some automatic car, ride a horse in real life and find out how easy it is to control!. The horse moves its head and body just like a real equine, I galloped around it circles for a while, amazed at the way it moved. Possibly the strongest element of the game is the score. The music is exhilerating and heartbreakingly beautiful throughout the game, right up until the emotion filled ending. It's a must buy for anyone who can appreciate games that aren't all about guns and gore. After you've immersed yourself in Shadow of the colossus, you'll wonder why there aren't more games out there like this. A drop of pure light amongst the raging violence of the videogaming world.… Expand

This is what dreams are made of. No game compares to how spectaculor this is and the power, plus emotion behind this game really is amazing.

This game is simply a pure masterpeice. The battles, the monsters, the story and the music trult give it the feel and an epic adventure. Though the true beauty lies in the feeling of icolation one feels when playing the game. I mean, everything is quite unless you are fighing. All that can really be heard are the galloping feet of the horse and the call of the hawks in the sky. Truly a game like this becomes more than a game when one can truly feel the loniness and the emotion that the character may be feeling.… Expand

Full of artistic feature and the graphic was superb and magnificent. Never wonder a simple game like this could bring a deep impression into the hearts of the players. A truly masterpiece.

Now, i'm basing this purely on the demo that I've played...but if the real game is anything like this, then it is going to be amazing. It's totally original and radically different from anything I've ever played before. Which is a breath of fresh air in a world filled to the brim with sequals, prequals and remakes. Also, the graphics are clearly pushing the PS2 to its limits. And that's without even touching on its awesome gameplay. The physics of the characters movements is great. Its like the Gran Turismo of action games. But mainly, I must say that the tone, the mood it sets is exactly what I think most gamers are looking for. Its completely opposite of our world. Think "Legend", kind of mixed with Legend of Zelda. That's really the only way to put it. And the list of great things just goes on. All in all, from what I've seen here, this looks to be a very solid title that I think no one should miss.… Expand

Great ****ing game!! Most original game i've played!!

Beautiful.

Awesome game! The visual slendor, the sheer emocional existence, the powerful storyline and great artistic value make this game a tremendous experience. Each colossi is a creature unto itself. Each living and breathing in their own way with their own quirks and ways to take them down. The only real problem was the camera, not enoguh to take away from the game, but a problem none the less, Don't let this discourage you thoguh. The game is defnintely one of those defining games that don't belong to an exact genre.… Expand

I had the pleasure to play the demo of this unbelievable game. I did love ICO and I would recommend this game to anyone. I'll go further and say that this game alone justify the purchase of the PS2. Unfortunately I cant find (so far) a game that justify the purchase of xbox 360.

This game totally the best game in 2005. I think everyone should play it. this game is very unique.

Innovative masterful work of art! Even with a few minor camera issues, I cannot give this game anything but the best - 10/10 all the way!!

This game is an inovative masterpiece. I never played ICO but even if you haven't you can enjoy this game. Controls are take some getting used to, but once you do, its awesome.

A brilliantly designed game. The ONLY flaw that I have with it is that the camera isn't as good as it could be especially on the last collosus. Overal a very very good game and a definite must-buy.

I decided to wait until I had played through Shadow of the Colossus twice to determine how I truly felt about it. I'll say this for the game... I had MORE fun beating the Colossi the second time around than I did the first time, which is an extremely rare thing in the world of videogames. Sure, it has some minor flaws, but none of these detract from the game's unbelievably immersive gameplay. SotC is easily one of the top five PlayStation 2 games ever made. Off I go to play through it yet again... and I bet I'll have even more fun the third time through!… Expand

I'm giving this a 10 partly because it is one of my favourite games ever, and partly because I'm getting really annoyed at people who give games that are clearly good in some way 0's. This game clearly doesn't deserve a 0 in any way, and i cant believe people hand out zeroes just out of spite for the ten's give it a rank that's appropriate for gods sake. But anyway, this game is one of my favourites of all time. The simplicity and emotiveness previously seen only in Ico, let's be honest, is really developed here. Once i had completed the game once and had a great experience, i tried again, but i really explored the landscape, finding whole plains and areas that you don't even need to go near, but are just so breathtakingly real its satisfying to just ride through them and look at them. The formula is so simple, and yet never gets boring; search for colossus; kill colossus; reappear at temple. Repeat. It takes quite a bit of problem solving to work out where the colossi are, and how to take them down, but i never once got bored or annoyed at it, i just used my head. I did use a guide once or twice, for the bits that really fry your brain, but the irritation immediately subsides when you realise just how clever the solution was. Every single colossi is cooler than the last, and just get better and better. I'm on my 6th or 7th play through the game, and i still havent managed to scale the temple wall to get to the secret garden and the bridge, get every peice of fruit, every lizard or kill all the colossi on hard time attack! You dont even have to do this stuff for replayability, just the nostalgia and joy of roaming the world is incredible. All in all, a masterpeice of a game.… Expand

Epic game. Excellent action and extremely immersive. Thoughtful ending, and sweet hidden items and modes (hard mode, time attack, all the items garnered therein).

Thats why I bought my PS2. It has the most amazing and creative games ever.This game is a really unforgetable experience. The ending is emotional and the overal atmospere is incredible. Graphics are good but they could have been better. Shadow of the colossus is a true work.

hi pupil im play the game but i dont knowwhere i can find the monsters can anyone say where i can find them plz but the game has nice grafict but yea there is no story thats bad but i love the game but i cant find the monsters thats sucks plz can anyone help me send a e-mail to kevindekrom@hotmail.com

if there were any higher score than ten this game would get it. the most beautiful game EVER. and i thought iCO was great too. seems repetitive but each colossus IS different. and the visuals - spectacular. more art than arcade - but thats the beauty, appeal, and splendour - and experience like no other is the best way to put it. simply wonderful. GET THIS GAME. the PS2 is on its last breath and this game is the finest way to let it rest. i repeat GET THIS GAME!!!… Collapse

Possibly the best game on PS2 - with strong competition from the previous 'ICO'. Some of the puzzles are a bit infuriating, but overall the impact of the game is brilliant - especially the innovative combat with each different beastie.

Please buy this game. A masterpiece. Completely original. Artisitically perfect. Emotional. Even without the incredibly satisfying, creative, and enjoyable battles, the experience of just running around the atmospheric world on the horse is heart-swelling. I wish I could go there. The only fault is sometimes clumsy and frustrating horse controls, but even then it's for the sake of realistic feel. Playing this beautiful game has enriched my life. I wish I could personally thank the developers.… Expand

This game freakin' rocks!!! the words I'm using dosen't even describle HALF of how great this game really is! Play it if you hate fanasy, play it if you love it! Just play it!!

It stands as the most beautiful game I've ever played, and also one of the most creative when it comes to storytelling. Utterly captivating and moving. Definitely woth playing, even if it isn't the longest game in the world.

Shadow of the Colossus is a unique and remarkable game. Some gamers will have the decency to come online and say how bad it is (with no mini-guys, no weapon upgrades, etc) But thats the whole point, which the "gamers" have yet to figure out. It is a beautiful and original game all on its own, one of the most legendary to come in a very long while. SotC is worthwhile, don't listen to all that other bull! Even after finishing it, you will still feel the need to explore more in depth. And yes, there is very much an incredible story.… Expand

Phenomenal.

A 10, even coming from someone who didn't like ICO. This game evokes feelings that other games could only dream of. A must buy for any gamer who can appreciate good art, and doen't have to be shooting aliens, zombies, or hookers to stay entertained.

The colossi are stupendous and ingenious. But the environment is their equal: beautiful, grand, detailed and awe-inspiring. I've conquered the first colossus in the demo so I've spent my first two hours with the game just exploring. Whether a beach, forest or desert, all areas are well realized and worth the effort of finding them. That said, more interactivity, or gameplay opportunities, would be appreciated. For instance, a facade built into a mountain featured two holes leading to an enormous cavern. I should have been able to enter but couldn't and actually got stuck in one hole swimming like a fish out of water. Maybe later there's a colossi to kill inside and I'll be able to enter but right now it just seems glitchy and an arbitrary limit to exploration. BUT, a minor point that only slightly detracts from the score. This is a rewarding experience, a wondrous game that deserves at least a look.… Expand

I count myself as a hardcore gamer who is always looking for the next great game. I have played all of the suppossed great games of all times, but beleive me...nothing tops this, nothing.

Tudo ok.

Definitely up there for game of the year. I absolutely LOVE this game and is my fave PS2 along with, of course, ICO. Ueda and company know how to get things done and I'm eagerly awaiting their next profect. A perfect concept and gorgeous game with only minor technical flaws. DO NOT miss it!

Everything's been said already. This is a really great game. Great concept, great story, great music, great graphics and so on... The only thing that I think could have made the game better would be to have made the Colossi more aggressive. I wanted the first flying colossus to come snatch me out of the water when I was swimming around... still, they were pretty difficult, and it was very enjoyable.… Expand

Wait a second, Omar. Isn't flawless and perfect the same thing? So how can it not have flaws but not be perfect? Doesn't make sense. Oh, and there are TONS of things to do in the game (and it took me a while to figure them out). There are awesome tricks you can do with Agro, as well as kill the little lizards. There are fruits in the trees. Both heighten your life bar and the amount of time you can hold on to things.

But I agree, on first glance, there really isn't much to do. But boy, is there much to see. I read a review somewhere that said it was like taking a vacation, and really, that's what it felt like for me. In between taking down the massive colossi, I spent time just looking at what a world it really is. I don't need little side quests or whatnot, and the game still takes 15 hours to beat for most players. So $20 bucks isn't bad for that. I've played it 4 times through (and that's just on normal difficulty). It's not that it's different; it's art. It's not meant to be bombastic or over-the-top (although it seems unlike that due to the gargantuan nature of the colossi). It's meant to be enjoyed by not only its gameplay but also its beautiful landscape. I love tons of action in my games as much as the next guy. I have my Resident Evil 4, GTAs, Hitman 2, Burnout 3, Max Payne 2...but there's nothing quite like the ethereal beauty of Shadow of the Colossus. Absolutely jaw-dropping. And if you can find the hint guide (or just look this up online), and you can find a TON of extras on the game (white arrows, white Agro, some Ico tie-ins). Just extra stuff that makes it just a little more exciting. There are some definitely unnecessarily difficult boss battles (like the one in the water...with the teeth-looking crown you have to crawl up...whatever. too much to explain. if you played the game, you know which annoying piece-of-stone-lard that dude is).

So buy it. Enjoy it. Wait a few weeks. Start the process over again. You won't regret it, unless you don't like progressive art.… Expand

The outstanding way that a simple game about destroying 16 monsters was transformed into and epic adventure of a young boy willing to do the impossible to be once again with a girl, even to travel unexplored and vast lands to challenge enormous creatures tall as skyscrappers, makes me think once again about what are the risks I could take if something happen to my girl. Besides the amount of drama and the love, the vastness of the map, the graphics and the greatness of the bosses. There are details that makes this title can't reach the perfection: 1) There are no small creature to slain while reaching the colossus 2) No risk between the battles other than dying of starvation trying to find the colossus. I think Agro must not be so smart so I can fall of the cliffs when I get distracted. 3) The forbbiden land it too forbbiden, this way you'll never find anyone living. It could be cool if the game makers gives you intermediate task like helping a man to reach the entrance of the forbbiden land. 4) There is no day cycle, i think the gameplay could be beautiful in moonlight, I am amazed only by thinking of riding Agro (the horse) over the dunes at moonlight... This title is one of these you could play when you become older and nostalgic, just when you had forgotted the dificult time you had passed finding the bosses. Otherwise its flawless, but not perfect.… Expand

This game, as was Ico, awesome. A genuinly inspired, involving adventure that had more the feel of a well directed film than a game. I can only hope that there is more releases to come.

the Times Online reviewer has totally missed the mark with this game - The whole point of this game is to be an experience, your supposed to experience the world, and with a "zelda type" world you wouldnt soak in the beautful landscape through boring monotanous battles, there is a reason zelda is so good - shadow is style and substance, it can be short if u just want to do the battles, or it can last a life time if you understand what the game is supposed to be about. This is more a work of art than a game, its outrageously beautiful and a breath of fresh air from the uninspired games that get churned out over and over - any reviewer that gives this game below 90 is...just...wrong.… Expand

It's and awesome game, with its amazing graphics and game play. The only bad thing is that you have to go all over the world map, which can be extremely difficult.

simply beautiful! stunning visuals and graphics FX, fluid animation, dreamlike fascinating environments, solid gameplay, mechanics and nicely detailed. incredible "WOW" factor. a unique, unforgettable gaming experience.

it is awesome and the ending is confusing but very stunning in a suttle way. The last battle is intense and superb. The way the colossus fights are so intense and puzzling as it is so difficult. The time attack is clever as well. Unfortunatly, i didn't enjoy much because i completed it in 6 days so im trying hard mode.

One of the most moving experiences out there. Unconventional though their games may be, these developers are fast becoming a group whose products should never be missed. Enjoy.

SOTC has some good and some good and some wierd graphics. The gameplay is great but the the game itself is doing the same thing over and over again with practacally no storyline. But this game is one of the greatest ever because finding the colossi and trying to defeat it is a great experience. Also the game only has bosses which is beautiful and most games should be like tthat because battling the same little monsters over and over again sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!! this game is great but should have things like god of war… Expand

One of my favorite gameplay experiences in quite a while. Games like this (and Katamari) give me restored faith in the industry. Not only innovative, but well executed.

This is a beutifal master piece. Anyone witch gives it below an eight doesn't know a master piece right when it hits you in your face. This game is a peice of art and (to me) is more artistic than the Monalisa its self. This game can not be missed its beauty in shape of a video game (sniff).

This game is simply incredible, no other game manages to instill such a feeling of an epic quest as this one. Also, other people are saying the story is weak because not all of the story is revealed, but it was actually meant to be that way. It was meant to promote using your imagination, and piece together the different plot cues yourself. Also, despite being rather short, there is some replay value as the hard mode actually features more vitals than normal, and the challenge is greater overall. Also, with so many geckos and fruit trees to find, there are things to do other than kill the colossi. The graphics are incredible, and are only hindered by the aging technology that the ps2 is, and the fact that there is such a huge land with absolutly no loading times (cept when you first enter the land) is also an amazing accomplishment.… Expand

Shadow of the Colossus is one of the most epic games ever made. This game has a light story, but it all makes sense at the end where the heart breaking cutscene plays. This game is also dark, you'll find no happiness or funny stuff here, but it fits the overall mood. Did I mention it was epic?

The best gaming experience I have ever had. It has made me look at the potential of video games not just as entertainment, but as an art piece. Nearly perfect in every way - just needed to be longer.

Shadow of the Colossus is my ALL TIME FAVORITE single player game. The game is gorgeous all the way through. The battles with the colossi progress in difficulty so well that each one makes you think that the next can't be any harder (or cooler) - but it will be. While the camera can be finicky at times (my only complaint with the gameplay), after the first few colossi you'll get the hang of it and it won't be a problem at all. My ADD brother says that the game looks boring because you don't get any new items, and there's seemingly nothing to collect - but for me that is what makes the game so cool and almost realistic. Unless you need non-stop action all the time, or have to satisfy your urge for collection Banjo-Kazooie style in every game, then you will probably love Shadow of the Colossus.… Expand

Absolutely adored this game. It was just so beautiful. Riding on a horse in such a huge environment, fighting enormous colossi, risking everything to saved the one you love. Everything about this game is epic and it is the most unique gaming experience I have ever had. The only thing that will make it better is it being remade for the PS3. BUY IT!

This game should be cited as a historical landmark in video game history...Pong was the first mass produced video game, a historical landmark by default... This should be number two by way of breaking the barrier to truly next gen game developing... By the way it has more immersion and emotion in a five minute in-game sequence of just traversing the gorgeous baron landscape than all of God of War will ever have in its entirety.... Most of the gaming industry doesn't have the balls to publish more games like these so we should all be so lucky to experience this and cherish it.… Expand

Words cannot describe how amazing this game is. From the mind blowing graphics to the amazing sound. Shadow of the Colossus should be bought by all Playstation 2 owners.

Beautiful, amazing, masterpiece just some of the words that describe this game. a work of art absolutely no game like it.

This is one of the greatest games I have ever played. Its so simple yet so gripping, so minimal yet so complex. Its a game that much be played to be understood

This has got to be one of the best games I have ever played. The silence, the isolation, and the lack of objectives may not be everybody's cup of tea but for me its what made this game so brilliant. Everything about it is just so unique. A true masterpiece.

One of the best games I have played . Graphics were excellent. Background music is just amazing and caught hold of my mind. And, to me, the best thing about this game was its simplicity in playing and yet not so easy availability of the weak points of the monsters. Not much of getting stuck for a huge amount of time. One more thing that was good was the hero of the game being more of an adult and not the HERO that we usually expect heroes to be. In simple words no trash pure good quality gaming.… Expand

A lot of the criticism for this game seems ill warranted. Some say the graphics are bad, but why are you comparing a PS2 game to current gen releases? You say the game is boring and repetitive in nature. What do you do in FPSes besides shoot people? You say there's nothing to do besides kill Colossi. What's wrong with a game containing only the best part of action/adventure games (boss fights)? I don't understand how people can say the game is boring in nature since, "All you do is find weak spots and kill them." because any game can be boiled down to such simple principles when you think of it like that. Each boss fight is an interactive experience. If you honestly feel like taking down the first colossi (which was a simple "climb up top and kill him" task) was the same as the 8th (where you used diversionary tactics to defeat him) or the 9th (where you used geysers and the landscape to ascend), then you are a misguided fool. Each experience is so inherently different from each other. To say they're the same simply because you utilize the same toolset (sword/arrow/horse) is as ridiculous as it is ignorant. I can, however, understand the criticism about such a sparse landscape with little to do. However, that's the game's intention. To make you feel empty and alone and place greater emphasis on navigating your way to the boss and defeating him rather than to distract you with other things. If that's not your cup of tea, so be it, but accept that it's not and don't criticize the game because of it. That's like playing a racing game and saying it sucks because you find racing to be boring. Well, maybe you shouldn't be playing a racing game then. That doesn't mean it's a poor racing game. It means you don't enjoy racing games. Shadow of the Colossus is far from a poor production. If you didn't enjoy it, it's because it's not something you'd enjoy. Not because it's a bad game. Learn to accept that and don't criticize it for nonexistent faults.… Expand

Cameron M. is a moron. this game is a masterpiece. its gorgeous and tons of fun. pick it up if you know whats good for you. definitely one of the best games of the year.

A very good game, and a lot of fun. I don't know about best of 2005, I'd give that honor to Resident Evil 4, but, this game is totally unique and fun. While the textures up close don't look too hot due to the PS2's lame limitations (is only Sony didn't make it, it could've been an xbox title), it does look amazing from afar due to the beautiful landscapes, art direction and shear size of everything. Really breathtaking landscapes and the battles with the colossi are a lot of fun. I love the "wtf?" factor when you fight one of these guys. I just wish there was more to finding them and a harder battle once you do find them. You shine your sword, follow the path on a poorly controlled horse, and then fight it. Repeat 16 times. I think the battles would've been more meaningful and the journey to find them more interesting if there were some sort of puzzle, button to hit or something else to it. I do love the fact that its just you, your horse, your sword and bow though. No +3 augment silver sword of divine justice + might boosting and regeneration junk to clog up your inventory that can somehow hold enough equipment to arm a small nation. With that aside, it is still an addictive and beautiful experience and well worth your time (maybe 8 hours?). And the music is incredible as well. The Zelda creators REALLY need to play this game. Imagine this game as a zelda title where you get this type of vast and incredibly detailed environment instead of Waterworld Pt. 2.… Expand

An excellent game with a few minor quirks. I found that it wasn't until I played it on hard mode that I got the experience the game originally promised. I found this game pretty superior to God of War, but perhaps a close contender for game of the year with RE4. Hopefully it runs like a charm when I get a PS3.