RECOMMEND - Shadow of the Colossus - David and Goliaths

Name: Shadow of the Colossus
Developer: Team Ico, SIE Japan Studio, Bluepoint Games (Remake)
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Release: 17/02/06 (Original), 07/02/18 (Remake)

I'm a sucker for a remake, remaster, rerelease and most other things that start with "re". (Except rent, not a fan) When I heard Shadow of the Colossus was getting a remake I knew straight away I would be buying it Day One. It had been a few years since I last played it on the HD Remaster for the PS3. (Yes, I've now bought this game three separate times, it's my money) Anyway, let's get on to why this game should be in your life, shall we?

First off, let's assume you've never played this before. If so, I'm jealous. As great an experience playing through Shadow of the Colossus again is, getting to play it for the first time is so much better. Meeting every one of the colossi for the first time will, or at least should, make you do that "mouth kind of ajar as you stare at something pretty amazing" thing. With the improved graphics of the remake, this effect is only amplified. The stunning scenery as you travel around the map, the grand and foreboding arenas where you face the titular colossi and the actual colossi themselves are absolutely amazing. My mouth still does the "thing", to be honest. (Followed by a massive smile/frown depending on how I remember the fight going the last time I faced them)

The game looks, from pictures and various videos, like your standard Zelda-esque romp through the wilderness, exploring caves and temples. That's kind of half right. You play as Wander, a young man on a quest to revive his lady love, Mono. Yes, you can do some exploring. There are a few items that can be collected to boost health and stamina. These are useful but not necessary for completing the game. I've actually taken the time to do a proper tour of the map with this playthrough, and I'm being completely blown away by what I missed/didn't properly appreciate the first time around. You start the game with the equipment you'll need for finishing it. Namely, your sword, your bow and your horse, Agro. This may sound a little limiting but fear not. There are items you can unlock that essentially act as powered up versions. They can be unlocked by fighting the bosses again in a "Time Attack" mode after you've completed the game. (Which is something you'll be wanting to do anyway, as some of these fights are serious fun)

Speaking of fighting, the main attraction of the game is the colossi, unsurprisingly. There isn't one that isn't initially terrifying as it either lumbers about, minding its own business or sits waiting, watching for you to make the first move. Each encounter presents a new challenge, like a big puzzle you need to climb all over and hope you don't die while doing so. Where are the weak points? How do you get to them? How does it attack and can you take advantage of it? There are multiple ways to take down most of them, or at least to get aboard them. Once you're on, then there's the struggle of staying on. This is where the stamina comes into play. While climbing (or holding on for dear life) your stamina bar depletes, once it runs out you fall to the ground. (Where you generally become vulnerable to becoming a stain on the sole of a giant foot) Even if you find yourself on a relatively flat surface on top of the colossus, it's not going to want you up there. Some will try to shake you off, others will attempt to grab you. (Imagine a guy, about an inch to two inches high, climbing all over you, trying to stab you. Not great) I've talked before about "edge of your seat" fights. Shadow of the Colossus was and continues to be the champion of tense combat, where one mistake can result can send you falling/flying/dying through the air. I Love It. Also, unlike a boss or monster from a regular game, winning a fight in this game doesn't fill you with the same sense of joy you would expect. (Seriously, play this game)

While this is a remake of a 12-year old game and a lot has been improved, there are a few aspects that fall a little short. Riding Agro at times can cause a bit of agro for the player. Sometimes the smallest rock in his way will make him stop dead or turn wildly. Getting the momentum back up for his gallop can then be a process that gets tiring to repeat over and over again over a short space of time. He can be fine in big open spaces, but try and ride through some woods or a tight ravine and it can seriously become a battle of attrition. Aside from that minor gripe (and I say "minor" as according to my stats, I did most of my travelling on foot), everything else seems the same or better.

This game is an absolute belter that is very much worth your time and money (About £25 if you shop smart) if you feel like travelling around a beautiful landscape and fighting massive, intimidating and tremendously haunting creatures.

God, this game.

Top 5.

There, I said it. Kisses. ;)