Why is Shadow of Colossus held in such high regard?

[Monshroud]

Good Day all, this is my first topic post. I did a search and didn't see anything like this, so I hope I am not repeating what has already been said.

I wanted to ask the folks of The Escapist why is Shadow of Colossus held in such high regard? I played it about two or so years ago (I am really behind on my gaming) and I didn't see what all the praise was about. Last night I had a conversation with some friends about it and they thought I was nuts for thinking the game was just somewhat average. They seem to think the game is this epic adventure and I am an idiot for not seeing it.

Now I will be the first to say the boss fights are creative and challenging puzzle solving adventures. To me, that's all the game has going for it.

The scenery is nice, but is mostly devoid of life. There are few and far-between creatures, no NPC's, and there is no sort of interaction between your character and anyone else until the ending. You just spend 5 - 30 minutes trying to figure out how to get to a Colossus. Kill the Colossus, watch a quick cutscene, repeat 15 more times.

The controls are ok, but they could have been more responsive. There were times where I felt that the game was a second off. Granted that could have been due to lag in the game. There were a few times where the game slowed down a bit. This is understandable though given the scope of what is being presented.

You don't have any reason to give a crap about the characters. It's pretty obvious that your character (who is nameless) loves the dead or comatose Mono (or Momo?), but is this a true love thing, is it one sided, are you just a creepy stalker trying to bring Mono back to life for selfish purposes, is she the key to peace? The game never says. Now it can be fun to leave certain things open to interpretation, but why couldn't the developer give us some idea of why the heck we care about saving this woman? I mean we are going through a lot of trouble here for her, why are we doing this again?

The ending left me wondering WTF just happened... I felt let down, it was very bittersweet. Not saying I need happy endings, but when I finished it I didn't really feel any sense of accomplishment. It was just like ". . . Yeah, that was interesting...." Here I went through all this trouble to bring this woman back to life and this is how I get rewarded? (Leaving those story elements out for the people who may not know the end-story)

Did I miss something while playing the game? Am I the only one who thought the game was just... ok? What was it about this game that you really enjoyed?

 

[ioxles]

Different people have different tastes. To me the game was like a breath of fresh air in what was becoming a mire of mediocrity, it was different, really different and really enjoyable.

The game attempted to create an epic tale devoid of spoon-fed storytelling. To me it begun as a simple quest, kill the monsters/save the girl, but it developed into something much more.

What at first seemed a forgone conclusion; that the giants/monsters/gods were evil, became a grey area; they weren't really doing anything, just being colossus' until I started to attack them.... they kept dying for my sake.

I'm getting a bit carried away here, but what I'm trying to say is that, for me, it wasn't just a simple game. I still feel sorry for killing the colossus though./

 

[scnj]

The landscape being devoid of life was done on purpose. The desolation adds to the atmosphere. That would be ruined if there had been smaller enemies along the way.

 

[TheSentinel]

It's mostly the feeling of destroying these giant, harmless, majestic creatures by your own hands, simply for existing.

It's a very different experience from most games.

 

[zirnitra]

Shadow of Colossus isen't a game like oblivion or cod4 are. Shadow of Colossus and all studio Ico games are more works of art they are games. they use the medium of video games to express emotions, such as the complete feelings of isolation and tranquillity throughout. comparing it to most video games is like comparing Ingmar Bergman films to Rush Hour 2.

 

[Evilbunny]

The scenery is nice, but is mostly devoid of life. There are few and far-between creatures, no NPC's, and there is no sort of interaction between your character and anyone else until the ending.

Well, that's the point. You are supposed to feel like you are a tresspasser in a forbidden land. Completely alone with only your bow, your sword, your steed, and your wits to find and take down these massive enemies. What this game does very well, and that most games seem to ignore, is making you feel how the character is feeling. Wanderer feels like he is all alone in this strange world, killing innocent creatures for something he doesn't even know he will get in the end. I'm not sure about you, but the feeling of dread that I was dealing with something evil and that I didn't fully understand gripped me the whole game, and only got worse and time went on. with the deteriorating appearance of wanderer and the

Spoiler

"Death" of your horse

You don't have any reason to give a crap about the characters. It's pretty obvious that your character (who is nameless) loves the dead or comatose Mono (or Momo?), but is this a true love thing, is it one sided, are you just a creepy stalker trying to bring Mono back to life for selfish purposes, is she the key to peace? The game never says. Now it can be fun to leave certain things open to interpretation, but why couldn't the developer give us some idea of why the heck we care about saving this woman? I mean we are going through a lot of trouble here for her, why are we doing this again?

You're supposed to fill in those blanks for yourself, but really it is unimportant to the game's overall message. The game is about learning to let go. All throughout the game, you are trained to find something on the colossus, and hold on to that R1 button for dear life, to not let go, no matter what happened. Wanderer can't let go you see, that's why he's there. He cannot move on from this girl's death, whoever she is. The end is supposed to be the resolution to that. You are desperately trying to reach mono, even with the winds pulling you back. You see some stairs there, and you do what the game has trained you to do since your adventure began, to find something to hold on to, and not let go. You hang on for a while, but then you realize something. There is no point. You can't hold on forever, and even if you could you can't advance from that point. You're just stopping yourself from moving on. So, in a moment of clarity, you, and wanderer too, learn to do something neither of you could do until that point. You let go. You let yourself fall, and are hence reborn as a new person.

 

[happysock]

I never finished the game but I loved it, I played it round a mates and I thought it was amazing at the time, If I played it now I'd probably think diferent but meh.
I think it was because it was the only game like that at the time of release which is why it was so popular.

 

[delet]

The reason the story of Shadow of the Colossus is so amazing is in the fact that it has literally just above no story. It allows you to fill in most of the blanks with your own from the clues presented. The puzzles are great and gave this game some terrific replayability (and I HATE replaying games, re watching movies, and re reading books.)

Really, though, the only thing I have to say is one sentence.

This game nearly made me cry for a horse.

'Nuff said.

Edit*

You're supposed to fill in those blanks for yourself, but really it is unimportant to the game's overall message. The game is about learning to let go. All throughout the game, you are trained to find something on the colossus, and hold on to that R1 button for dear life, to not let go, no matter what happened. Wanderer can't let go you see, that's why he's there. He cannot move on from this girl's death, whoever she is. The end is supposed to be the resolution to that. You are desperately trying to reach mono, even with the winds pulling you back. You see some stairs there, and you do what the game has trained you to do since your adventure began, to find something to hold on to, and not let go. You hang on for a while, but then you realize something. There is no point. You can't hold on forever, and even if you could you can't advance from that point. You're just stopping yourself from moving on. So, in a moment of clarity, you, and wanderer too, learn to do something neither of you could do until that point. You let go. You let yourself fall, and are hence reborn as a new person.

I don't think I ever got that. I'm amazed... Thank you for you insight. That gives so much more meaning to the game all over again for me...

 

[Cpt.Tazer]

its held in high regard because of the different gameplay, it was completely origional when it came out (as far as i know) and people gave it good reviews because you actually had to think to take down a collosus instead of the mindless shooting that is in most games. its also got a quite good story to it, instead of just save the girl by killing things.

also the colossuses are made to be human, and it makes you feel more emotional towards them (in some peoples point of view) and this helps the game to be more realistic, and you can get into it more easily

 

[Dantes Alaska]

my thoughts on this have already been stated in this game, so im just gonna say that he does have a name its wander

 

[Citrus]

It's very unique in an industry where almost nothing is unique.

 

[RootbeerJello]

The morally gray areas. Sure, you can't decide not to kill the Colossi, but that's part of what makes you feel guilty. Most of the Colossi make no attempt to hurt you before you do anything to them, and some don't even really actively attack you. I also feel like there's an almost claustrophobic largeness to the landscape, if that makes any sense. Plus the massive scope of the Colossi is amazing. It's odd to see an enemy this large that isn't either man-made or demonic, although the Colossi are a little bit of each. Also the Colossi are fighting with fear, not hate, and it's very disturbing to see a walking building so afraid of you.

 

[Breaker deGodot]

Good Day all, this is my first topic post. I did a search and didn't see anything like this, so I hope I am not repeating what has already been said.

I wanted to ask the folks of The Escapist why is Shadow of Colossus held in such high regard? I played it about two or so years ago (I am really behind on my gaming) and I didn't see what all the praise was about. Last night I had a conversation with some friends about it and they thought I was nuts for thinking the game was just somewhat average. They seem to think the game is this epic adventure and I am an idiot for not seeing it.

Now I will be the first to say the boss fights are creative and challenging puzzle solving adventures. To me, that's all the game has going for it.

The scenery is nice, but is mostly devoid of life. There are few and far-between creatures, no NPC's, and there is no sort of interaction between your character and anyone else until the ending. You just spend 5 - 30 minutes trying to figure out how to get to a Colossus. Kill the Colossus, watch a quick cutscene, repeat 15 more times.

The controls are ok, but they could have been more responsive. There were times where I felt that the game was a second off. Granted that could have been due to lag in the game. There were a few times where the game slowed down a bit. This is understandable though given the scope of what is being presented.

You don't have any reason to give a crap about the characters. It's pretty obvious that your character (who is nameless) loves the dead or comatose Mono (or Momo?), but is this a true love thing, is it one sided, are you just a creepy stalker trying to bring Mono back to life for selfish purposes, is she the key to peace? The game never says. Now it can be fun to leave certain things open to interpretation, but why couldn't the developer give us some idea of why the heck we care about saving this woman? I mean we are going through a lot of trouble here for her, why are we doing this again?

The ending left me wondering WTF just happened... I felt let down, it was very bittersweet. Not saying I need happy endings, but when I finished it I didn't really feel any sense of accomplishment. It was just like ". . . Yeah, that was interesting...." Here I went through all this trouble to bring this woman back to life and this is how I get rewarded? (Leaving those story elements out for the people who may not know the end-story)

Did I miss something while playing the game? Am I the only one who thought the game was just... ok? What was it about this game that you really enjoyed?

After reading your post I can safely say that you missed the point of the game somewhat. First what I agree with.

Yes the controls are a bit sluggish, particularly on the horse. But considering that this is an absolutely huge world to explore, yes, it is understandable.

That's about it, though. Shadow of the Colossus is the kind of game that tells a story with very few words. When you say that you didn't give a crap about the characters because they had no development, then you're missing the point. The reason the main character (who incidentally, is named Wander) is because you're meant to imagine yourself as the main character. It's essentially a gimmick to get you immersed.

About the world being devoid of life... Yeah, I think you've gotten enough people telling you by now that that was the entire point. The developers did it for 2 reasons:
1. Extra enemies would have ruined the pace of the game, and it would have REALLY slowed down the experience.
2. You're meant to feel completely isolated, other than your horse.

And finally, the ending. Yeah, there's not much to say other than I wholeheartedly about the ending. I loved it because it was the exact opposite of ever other possibility I had thought of. I had expected either A: a happy ending, or B: A bullshit cliffhanger. I got neither, and ended up with a rather poignant story to boot. I love this game. In fact, it's probably my favorite PS2 game of all time.

 

[HT_Black]

Kinda funny that you feel like that, because I thoughtthe game was at best average and at worst a piece of pure s**t...then I got to the fifth Colossus, and that was over with.
Some parts of it are just really, really sweet, I guess.

 

[Ursus Astrorum]

I was going to post a thorough philosophical analysis, but it seems that a certain villainous rabbit beat me to it. Bloody ninja.

But yes, SotC is good in the same way Braid and Okami are good: They all master atmosphere and symbolism in a way that makes you truly respect the game as art, even if the gameplay itself is deceptively simple.

And yes, like art some folks just won't get it. It's open to interpretation from all, so those who value one thing over another may not see it in the same light as the rest of the folks at the display. It doesn't make you any dumber for not liking it like others do, it just means one has different tastes. For example, I still maintain that the better part of modern abstract art is mindless dribble created by hacks that want to seem deep. There are a couple pieces here and there with actual meaning, and though some of the artists I label as hacks may actually be trying to imitate the masters in a sincere way, I still don't like their work. Simple as that.

 

[MagnetoHydroDynamics]

Because it's different in an awesome way.

 

[luckyleo]

The graphics, the atmosphere (especially the loneliness of the character, it was only Wander and his horse). The bittersweetness as you destroyed the Colossi because for the most part they were just minding there own business. And the tragic ending, though a bit marred at the end due to...

Not to give out any spoilers, but if you weren't moved by a certain sacrifice near the end, you have no soul.

In my opinion, it was not just a video game, but a somber work of art; the Colossi themselves were amazing!

However, in all fairness, to compare "Shadow of the Colossus" to two other (just from their aesthetic value alone) "work of art" video games: God of War I and II... Well, "Shadow of the Colossus" is can be seen as a bit bland, but only in that comparsion. Again, in my opinion, one is comparing apples and oranges here -- at least as far as mood and gameplay are concerned.

Shadow of Colossus is a lonely, somber journey to satisfy the hero's burning remorseful need to rescue the light of his life from the cold embrace of death -- to which she has already succumbed. Wander is a dark somber man who feels some deep regret about her death and is willing to do what it takes to reverse it. And you feel his regret, it is palpable and it is meant to be. It is really not important to know much of the back history of the Wander here; you just need to feel his desperation.

Now, the God of War games are adrenaline-fueled, ultra-violent, rage-churning revenge fantasies. Kratos is one pissed off mo-fo, whose anger and need for vengence makes him do some very cruel, very incredible things. For him, it is all about getting even. His anger is more than palpable, you start to share it. It is very cathartic; and also, meant to be that way. You kind to have to know Kratos' back history own to justify his pure meaness and insanity. He is not a nice guy; he is a dick. But without knowing his backstory, you wouldn't feel the slightest bit sympathetic to him -- in the sense of feeling his anger, not feeling sorry for him.

I know that you were not comparing the two, but my point is that the mood and gameplay of Shadow of Colossus is perfect for its story. Just as the the God of War games mood and gameplay is perfect for its story. They are both masterpieces.

 

[midpipps]

I think everyone else pretty much nailed it. It is how they tell the story without forcing the story down your throat you are supposed to connect with the characters and the colossi with very little back story or plot setup I still love playing this game it still is emotional even after 4 times through it. Kind of like ICO it just has this way of making me connect with the characters and really care what happens to them and what they are feeling.

On that note though I can definitely see how some people would not see anything special or maybe even hate this game which is the beauty of games what some people adore others will hate and the only opinion that matters is your own.

 

[Space Spoons]

I can't speak for others, but for me, what did it was the sense of awe. Up until SotC, I had never played a game that had conveyed such a genuine sense of scale. Riding across the field to that first Colossus, you don't really know what to expect... Then, you see it. That huge thing, the gargantuan monster that you're supposed to kill, lumbers into view. I remember my exact thoughts.

"They might as well be telling me to kill a mountain."
That's the kind of response I look for in my games.

 

[Satin6T]

BECAUSE IT'S FUCKING AWESOME!