Shadow of the Colossus Review

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Rating: Teen (T)

About the Game

Shadow of the Colossus is a unique, single-player adventure game where you seek to destroy 16 gigantic colossi in order to bring back the life and soul of your dead female friend.

Upon first loading the game, you are engulfed in the beauty of this beautiful, legendary world. A hawk flies over the land filled with trees, mountains and flatlands. Mystic music plays in the background. You see a lone warrior on a horse traveling along a winding path. All appears serene; there is no other sign of life. The warrior reaches a mysterious looking tower and enters it. Inside the tower, a voice speaks to you and tells you that only those who have the power to control beings created by light can bring back the dead. He says he will only help you once the colossi are destroyed. In addition, you find out that the sword you carry is ancient and has the power to guide you to find the colossi and exploit their weaknesses. Your quest begins.

Difficulty Level/Modes of Play

There is only one level of difficulty in the Shadow of the Colossus when you first play the game. A hard level mode opens up only after you complete it. You are armed with a sword, a bow and arrow, and nothing more.

Each Colossus presents a different challenge. You must find a way to exploit their weaknesses and attempt to destroy them in anyway you can. Climbing up these monstrous beasts is a challenge in itself. They will attempt to throw you off, stomp on you etc.

Fun Factor

Playing Shadow of the Colossus is a unique experience. You must travel through numerous, unoccupied lands to find the gigantic colossi. You spend a lot of time doing this. Have patience. Fortunately, your trusty horse Argo takes you wherever you want to go and you don’t have to walk everywhere on foot.

Once you encounter the colossus, it is a memorable experience. You are a tiny speck, like a mouse to an elephant. Fighting and defeating them is the best part of the game. You probably haven’t seen anything like it in the history of video gaming. It’s like having a continuous “boss level”, there are no minor obstacles to defeat, just the toughest, challenging ones.

Replayability

Once completed, there is no bonus or new levels. Play hard mode for a bigger challenge after you finish it the first time. Shadow of the Colossus is a unique gaming experience nonetheless.

Graphics

The graphics in Shadow of the Colossus are amazing. It is great just to look at the precise, crisp detail of the vast lands and intimidating appearances of the colossi. Character movement is smooth; the horse you ride seems very realistic. Many gamers refer to Shadow of the Colossus as "playable art". They're right to do so.

Audio

There is mystical and dramatic music playing while traveling and encountering the huge beasts. Dialog is limited to only the mysterious voice that promises to help you raise the dead. The language they speak is foreign to me, but it is translated (thankfully) in text dialog.

Summary

Shadow of the Colossus is a unique, single-player game where you seek to destroy 16 gigantic colossi in order to bring a female friend back from the dead. Engulf yourself in this mystical, legendary land. Travel great distances on your trusty horse to find and destroy the Colossi using only an ancient sword and bow and arrow. Climb these monstrous beasts and exploit their weaknesses. Enjoy this unusual game where your opponents are towering over you like a mouse to an elephant. Find the secret that the Colossi hold that will give you the power to bring back the dead.