View Full Version : IGN's Shadow of the Colossus Review
highwaypatrolman
10-17-2005, 11:07 PM
Check it out:
http://ps2.ign.com/articles/658/658991p1.html
soooooo excited!
Roufuss
10-17-2005, 11:09 PM
For those of not wanting to read anything about this game, IGN gave it a 9.7, which is really fucking high.
bil4ltool
10-17-2005, 11:09 PM
I too am excited but IGN is notorious for inflating scores on popular games.
highwaypatrolman
10-17-2005, 11:12 PM
I too am excited but IGN is notorious for inflating scores on popular games.
depends on the reviewer.
Starky27
10-17-2005, 11:25 PM
GameSpot gave it an 8.7. I'd link to it, but they post a pic of a new Colossus right in damn article...
Ecofreak
10-17-2005, 11:32 PM
After watching GS's and reading IGNs, I may plop down full price for admission.
Robobandit
10-17-2005, 11:34 PM
The average of 4 reviews is 9.3:
Gamespot: 8.7
1Up: 9.5
IGN: 9.7
GameTrailers: 9.3
Not bad :)
I too am excited but IGN is notorious for inflating scores on popular games.
QFT.
highwaypatrolman
10-17-2005, 11:37 PM
GameSpot gave it an 8.7. I'd link to it, but they post a pic of a new Colossus right in damn article...
i generally don't care for gamespot's reviews. i rarely see eye-to-eye with them, and i was a lil' miffed that the video review contained tons of information i would consider to be spoilers. guess its partly my fault for watching a video review for a game i'm super-excited about, but all the other reviews i've read were very careful about not spoiling anything. oh well. i'll know better next time.
neudog
10-17-2005, 11:39 PM
I've played the demo and think it is awesome. Granted the first boss is somewhat easy and traveling large distances to defeat "Colosseses" may get repetetive, but the graphics are superb, horse back riding is solid and the action from trying to climb the giants is intense. Hopefully this game will not flop along with its predecesor. If you liked Ico this is 10 times better with upgraded visuals and great camera control (even in the cinematics). Don't let this be the next Beyond Good & Evil.
alongx
10-17-2005, 11:39 PM
The demo was ridiculously choppy, it seemed ridiculously bad for a relatively empty game world. Hopefully it was tightened up for the final game, which I'll probably buy anyway when it drops to $20. Which probably won't take too long.
Dark Slayer120
10-18-2005, 12:38 AM
I am definitely getting this game some time this week. At $40 and the scores it is getting I just can't resist.
guardian_owl
10-18-2005, 03:27 AM
Seemed a little too gushy, I enjoyed Ico as must as the next person, but I can recognize many of it's flaws, like it's horribly simplistic and annoying combat system. So when the reviewer said something to the effect that the only other game which has come close to this is Ico, you know there is some bias in his review. Irregardless, I am intriuged, and will pick it up when it goes lower.
willardhaven
10-18-2005, 03:42 AM
They kind of forgot to take off points for the god awful controls.
asianxcore
10-18-2005, 03:47 AM
I watched a friend of mine play the demo OPM had in their magazine for this game. Looks like a lot of fun and I will probably pick up the game this week at it's $40 tag.
I can't wait :)
Broccoli Storm
10-18-2005, 03:48 AM
I usually say Gamespot is too harsh, but IGN has also had its history of being too leniant. From what I've seen/heard from other sources, it seems like this is another case of IGN inflation...probably will pick it up at the TRU sale, but, probably wouldn't pick it up for full price otherwise...
Score seems a bit to high. I like Gamespot's review, it's more down to earth. Anyway game looks really good but dosn't seem like the game for me. Might pick it up at the TRU sale as my free game but w/ Soul Caliber 3, RE4, and everthing else doubtfully. None the less looks like a great game and all the fans of ICO will prob love it.
shipwreck
10-18-2005, 05:41 PM
This will drop in price quickly after the holidays and that's when I'll give it a shot. I thought the demo felt extremely dated and controlled slugishly.
panasonic
10-18-2005, 07:53 PM
HELLZ YEAH this game is going to fuckin rule,and it scored so fucking high at ign. i am buying this week, for the first time in 1 year in full price for a game BWHAHAHAH not really i have a gamerush so i can get it at a fair price there
I just hope they dont mess this up like they did with ICO.
RelentlessRolento
10-19-2005, 12:03 AM
... :lol: no matter how bad a game plays or is technicly, it can still be an amazing experience. I think alot of gamers seem to forget this and like to pick at the problems of a game rather than a games positiv aspects. Killer 7 is a good testiment of this as well as this game. I already have this paid for in full, so I'll be picking it up tommorow. Nothing short of impressively amazing and creative.
highwaypatrolman
10-19-2005, 04:39 AM
... :lol: no matter how bad a game plays or is technicly, it can still be an amazing experience. I think alot of gamers seem to forget this and like to pick at the problems of a game rather than a games positiv aspects. Killer 7 is a good testiment of this as well as this game. I already have this paid for in full, so I'll be picking it up tommorow. Nothing short of impressively amazing and creative.
i second that emotion.
RAMSTORIA
10-19-2005, 04:40 AM
not suprised by the score at all having played ICO, this is a must buy next week at TRU
Blind the Thief
10-19-2005, 02:34 PM
... :lol: no matter how bad a game plays or is technicly, it can still be an amazing experience. I think alot of gamers seem to forget this and like to pick at the problems of a game rather than a games positiv aspects. Killer 7 is a good testiment of this as well as this game. I already have this paid for in full, so I'll be picking it up tommorow. Nothing short of impressively amazing and creative.
Agreed.
People seem to forget, Ico would have been perfectly fine WITHOUT any combat...they threw it in there to provide a sense of urgency / make sure you keep an eye on Yorda, and it worked well.
I'm guessing people who complain about how "empty" the world is in Shadow are missing a similar point.
bluesyncopate
10-19-2005, 03:46 PM
This game won't be for everyone. Even if it's sort of like hating an art film because there aren't enough explosions. Some people don't like "art films", and that's their right. Some of my favorite games I wouldn't necessarily play more than once. It's the overall experience of a game that's important for me, not "how much it gave me to do" or "how many hours it took me to get to 101%". Gamers' priorities have shifted (can't say I blame them) because they want the most gameplay/replay for their dollar: games are expensive. If art design and overall game experience is not enough to warrant a $40 purchase, then definitely don't buy it.
I think IGN's score is probably a little inflated. I don't always agree with Gamestop's reasoning (in fact, sometimes I downright hate the "beat it like a man" machismo of some of their reviewers), but their scores are a little more balanced, even if it seems they try too hard to temper their enthusiasm with a "scientific system". If anything, when I see a high-nines score from IGN, I take into account the passionate enthusiasm the reviewer must've had for the game.
ArthurDigbySellers
10-19-2005, 05:23 PM
EGM scored it 9.0, 8.5, 9.0 and mentioned all of its flaws (frame-rate, controls, pop-in, slowdown, etc.). Their point was that the whole was greater than the sum of it's parts - pretty much like Ico.
Blind the Thief
10-19-2005, 10:27 PM
I think IGN's score is probably a little inflated. I don't always agree with Gamestop's reasoning (in fact, sometimes I downright hate the "beat it like a man" machismo of some of their reviewers), but their scores are a little more balanced, even if it seems they try too hard to temper their enthusiasm with a "scientific system". If anything, when I see a high-nines score from IGN, I take into account the passionate enthusiasm the reviewer must've had for the game.
The correct way to find a game's proper score is to average Gamespot's review and IGN's review. :)
Strider Turbulence
10-20-2005, 03:29 AM
I just hope they dont mess this up like they did with ICO.
Just out of curiosity, do you mean mess up the game or the US translation?
I played the demo, excellent atmosphere but everything else wasn't too hot. It really seems like the type of game I'd enjoy just as much when watching someone else play it.
RelentlessRolento
10-20-2005, 05:54 PM
just started playing it last night... wow.
this is the closest thing the PS2 will probably have to zelda, but it feels so different and unique... man, it's crazy how good this game looks (the demo dosn't do justice). I didn't realize the PS2 could even pull this kind of graphical power around.
Mr Durand Pierre
10-20-2005, 06:41 PM
just started playing it last night... wow.
this is the closest thing the PS2 will probably have to zelda, but it feels so different and unique... man, it's crazy how good this game looks (the demo dosn't do justice). I didn't realize the PS2 could even pull this kind of graphical power around.
It does look good. But I have been a little dissapointed by the framerate. I expected that sort of thing in the heat of battle, but even normal horseriding can be kinda choppy. I hear it's better than the E3 build, but it's certainly no 30 frame per second.
Other than that, I've been enjoying it immensly so far. The colossi are all well crated and unique. The game does seem pretty short though. I played it for a little over 5 hours and I'm in the process of fighting the 10th colossi. I hear the game includes a hard mode and some other goodies when you beat it (hopefully that'll include being able to go back and take down your favorite colossi again), so the length shouldn't be a major issue, and they are getting much harder as the game progresses.
I'll post more thoughts after I beat it.
Apossum
10-20-2005, 07:19 PM
I just picked it up, but won't get a chance to play till tonight....I loved the demo, even with it's weird glitches. As long as they fixed the warping glitches that happened when you jumped on to the colossus, this game should be amazing.
praystation
10-20-2005, 07:50 PM
God Like
Roufuss
10-21-2005, 11:42 PM
Just got this for $21.99 at Best Buy through a combination of reward zone certs, coupons, and best buy bucks :rofl:
I realized for that price, I'd be crazy not to try this game out.
Apossum
10-22-2005, 12:08 AM
the game is awesome and I love it so far but it seems like the PS2 just can't handle it (or it was rushed like crazy)
Roufuss
10-22-2005, 12:15 AM
t (or it was rushed like crazy)
Not sure about that... wasn't it in development for a long time?
I think at least two years...
gaelan
10-22-2005, 01:00 AM
the game is awesome and I love it so far but it seems like the PS2 just can't handle it (or it was rushed like crazy)
my ps2 just burst into flames trying to play this game.:hot:
Trakan
10-23-2005, 03:17 AM
The camera can be shoddy at times, and the horse controls are garbage, but other than that, the demo is amazing.
Just out of curiosity, do you mean mess up the game or the US translation?
I played the demo, excellent atmosphere but everything else wasn't too hot. It really seems like the type of game I'd enjoy just as much when watching someone else play it.
the US version of ICO was rushed out first, so it doesnt have the extra stuff in the Japanese, Chinese, or PAL version of ICO.
The VGM
10-23-2005, 03:27 AM
I hope this isn't like ICO, cause that was boring and stupid as fuck.
whoknows
10-23-2005, 03:54 AM
I just beat it today. Awesome simply awesome. The ending was so masterfully done too. Well worth my money.
Robobandit
10-23-2005, 04:29 AM
This game is fantastic, just beat it tonight.
RelentlessRolento
10-23-2005, 07:00 PM
Wow... beat it a few days ago... jeeze this is good.
It's quite refreshing how every battle feels so epic. Plus the item unlockables are pretty cool. I am working on hard mode now... I really want the ICO sword badly, but I need to beat hard mode first before getting it.
The explosive arrows are crazy... it's like having a super powered bazooka of some sort.
Roufuss
10-23-2005, 07:07 PM
The camera can be shoddy at times, and the horse controls are garbage, but other than that, the demo is amazing.
The horse is just really sensitive, I have learned. All it takes is a light tap on the reins to change direction.
Trakan
10-23-2005, 09:07 PM
The horse is just really sensitive, I have learned. All it takes is a light tap on the reins to change direction.
I'm not sure if you've played the actual game yet, but I just started it today, and the horse controls are better. Either that or I just got used to them, but I think they're better. The camera seems better as well.
Roufuss
10-23-2005, 09:18 PM
I'm not sure if you've played the actual game yet, but I just started it today, and the horse controls are better. Either that or I just got used to them, but I think they're better. The camera seems better as well.
I am about halfway through the actual game, and I never played the demo. The horse controlled like shit for me at first, until I realized I don't need to jam on the stick to get him to turn like a racecar :rofl:
RelentlessRolento
10-23-2005, 11:55 PM
The Agro AI is actually quite impressive, even if it's frustrating at times...
I still want to grab onto a hawk and ride it... I heard some crazy flying goes on if you do this.
This is definitly holding me over till Soul Calibur III comes out... though I will still keep comming back to this :)
I've never played Ico. Maybe I'll pick it up sometime. I'm sure I'll get around to buy this when it is cheap too...
whoknows
10-24-2005, 12:10 AM
The Agro AI is actually quite impressive, even if it's frustrating at times...
I still want to grab onto a hawk and ride it... I heard some crazy flying goes on if you do this.
This is definitly holding me over till Soul Calibur III comes out... though I will still keep comming back to this :)
You can really grab the hawk?
guardian_owl
10-24-2005, 02:08 AM
Well just played the demo, was disappointed with the controls and that issue alone should have knocked at least .5 points off the final score. So as I suspected in my earlier post, this score is quite inflated, guess I'll pick it up when it hits sub $15.
asianxcore
10-25-2005, 02:33 PM
I've beaten about 4 Colossi so far, and I will say this game is simply fantastic. The world you are in looks great, and at times I just find myself just riding around finding new places to explore. Also I love the "living puzzle" element that the Colossi bring. I like having to run around and watch paterns, trying to figure out how I am going to take this thing down, or even how to get on the thing. I also like how about 3 Colossi in, you have to use your environment as part of the battle.
Great, great game, I'm hoping it continues to get better. :)
burningelf
10-25-2005, 02:39 PM
I played the demo and really liked the way that way the horse riding worked. I felt like I was really riding a horse! The horse didn't stop on a dime(which horses don't) and took turns gracefully. The problem with the demo is that I couldn't find a Colossus to fight so I got sorta bored after a while. The graphics are amazing but I hear that it is a pretty short game is that true?
highwaypatrolman
10-25-2005, 02:45 PM
beat it once and now i'm jumping right back into it. definitely my favorite game of this year (with resident evil 4 in a close 2nd), and one of my new all-time favs. highly, highly recomended.
Blind the Thief
10-25-2005, 04:41 PM
You can really grab the hawk?
I've heard this too, but haven't been able to pull it off yet.
I've 10 Colossi in, and I think I'm almost ready to say I'm liking this better than Ico...and those are bold words coming from me.
RAMSTORIA
10-25-2005, 04:50 PM
i am 12 colossi in, and this is the best game of the year... especially on the ps2, go buy it, full price, its well worth, especially if you liked ICO. one of the most unique games i have ever played. my biggest compaint is mounting the horse... that can be a pain, and frustrating, especially if youre running from bosses that swim in the sand
Backlash
10-25-2005, 04:53 PM
I played the demo for the first time last night. Fighting the colossus was really cool, but god I HATE the controls and the camera. I also had some framerate problems, though the game looks beautiful. Dunno if I'll ever pick this up though; the demo might be enough. The bad controls just outweigh the nice graphics and cool colossus experience. I can't imagine trying to fire arrows from horseback. Ugh.
FriskyTanuki
10-25-2005, 07:44 PM
I played the demo and really liked the way that way the horse riding worked. I felt like I was really riding a horse! The horse didn't stop on a dime(which horses don't) and took turns gracefully. The problem with the demo is that I couldn't find a Colossus to fight so I got sorta bored after a while. The graphics are amazing but I hear that it is a pretty short game is that true?
Did you use your sword to see where the lights pointed to? That's how you find them.
Trakan
10-25-2005, 09:36 PM
i am 12 colossi in, and this is the best game of the year... especially on the ps2, go buy it, full price, its well worth, especially if you liked ICO. one of the most unique games i have ever played. my biggest compaint is mounting the horse... that can be a pain, and frustrating, especially if youre running from bosses that swim in the sand
I know what you're talking about with the horse, and I believe you can jump and then hold R1 to climb onto Agro.
CaoPi
10-25-2005, 10:17 PM
why did they name the first game ICO what does it stand for?
zewone
10-25-2005, 11:01 PM
why did they name the first game ICO what does it stand for?
That's the main characters name.
pimpinc333
10-25-2005, 11:05 PM
Ok I'm gonna start playing this game tonight or tomorrow morning. I played the Demo and was clueless on how to beat the Colossus. If anyone who played the game has any tips on how to play this game without getting frustrated and hating the game please post any info you got. Thanks.
RAMSTORIA
10-25-2005, 11:06 PM
I know what you're talking about with the horse, and I believe you can jump and then hold R1 to climb onto Agro.
yeah you can, which i learned far too late in the game :) actually when i figured it out i started practicing running, calling for my horse, and then jumping on him on the move, which looks neat and is fun
taiidanx
10-26-2005, 12:00 AM
Could someone explain the "control" issues people seem to be complaining a lot about? I played through and thought they were fine.
zewone
10-26-2005, 12:34 AM
Could someone explain the "control" issues people seem to be complaining a lot about? I played through and thought they were fine.
Exactly. There is no control issues. Anything people might have a problem with (like the horse controls) were put there for a reason.
DT778
10-26-2005, 12:42 AM
I just slayed the first collossi. Dude, this game is the shits!
Apossum
10-26-2005, 12:58 AM
anyone find the secret boss? he's big, red, tough to climb cause he's made out of glass...
DT778
10-26-2005, 01:00 AM
:applause: great sig.
zewone
10-26-2005, 01:01 AM
anyone find the secret boss? he's big, red, tough to climb cause he's made out of glass...
Thats sick! :D
Apossum
10-26-2005, 01:29 AM
OTM is the man, but i think everyone already knows this :-)
Blind the Thief
10-26-2005, 01:15 PM
anyone find the secret boss? he's big, red, tough to climb cause he's made out of glass...
OH YEAH!
asianxcore
10-28-2005, 01:05 AM
just beat Colossus #11, and this game continues to wow and amaze me. I like how it takes advantage of how I've been beating the other colossi, and totally takes me by surprise for each new one. :) loving this game.
defiance_17
10-28-2005, 01:38 AM
I picked it up today at TRU, and after the third colossi, I have to admit that it was money well spent. I'm very, very impressed so far. It's also nice to hear so many people are picking this up--it could result in some incredible titles in the future.
clockworkvictim
10-29-2005, 12:41 PM
I just beat this game... Clocked in at 10 hours flat (mainly due to one of the battles taking frggin 2 hours because I couldnt figure out how to beat the damn thing.) Anyway, its defintly one of my favorite games, if not my favorite, for all of the systems. Great, minimal story, amazing graphics, incredible concept, and really fun gameplay.
Having gone through the whole thing, I do think that there are control issues. I understand some of it is meant to be that way, but often times I had to redo things just because the controls didnt work. I found holding on/jumping while holding one were very inconsistant, as well as the camera, mainly during the last battle.
I still would give it a 9.5, and every PS2 owner should get this game... Hell , everyone should.
asianxcore
10-30-2005, 05:57 PM
just beat the game as well. wow, Colossus #16 was insane haha. definitely took me by surprise. clocked in about 9 1/2 hours in the game. I think it took me a little over an hour to beat the final colossus haha :)
I do have to agree with Clockworkvictim though. I love this game, and it will definitely be showing up on my favorites of 2005 list. Though the controls never bothered me for the first 15 colossi, they did during the final one. I can't even count how many times I fell off of him and had to climb all the way back up to where I needed to be. It did feel somewhat inconsitant, but just for that particular battle.
great ending, liked it a whole lot, but I don't understand it 100%. I've never played Ico, would that help me understand the ending a little more?
zewone
10-30-2005, 06:14 PM
great ending, liked it a whole lot, but I don't understand it 100%. I've never played Ico, would that help me understand the ending a little more?
About 100% more. Plus, Ico kicks ass.
RelentlessRolento
10-30-2005, 07:24 PM
during hurricane wilma, and before my power went out, I was able to beat hard mode. I've also unlocked all but about 3 items in hard mode. The thunder harpoons just look badass while riding Agro and their fun to toss into the colossi (since they stick out so much). I want to get the ICO sword, but damn... the time attack for hard mode is a pain in the ass!
oddly enough I made the Wanderer in Soul Calibur III... it looks like him, but not too much.
RelentlessRolento
10-30-2005, 07:30 PM
during hurricane wilma, and before my power went out, I was able to beat hard mode. I've also unlocked all but about 3 items in hard mode. The thunder harpoons just look badass while riding Agro and their fun to toss into the colossi (since they stick out so much). I want to get the ICO sword, but damn... the time attack for hard mode is a pain in the ass!
oddly enough I made the Wanderer in Soul Calibur III... it looks like him, but not too much.
clariste
11-08-2005, 10:51 AM
So I made it to the garden thing on the castle....the one up the path outside the original locked door. So is there nothing to do there? I screwed around for about a half hour and found nothing to do besides eat the fruit that decreases your health and stamina. Then I ran all the way across the bridge, which took a long time, and found the opening the doesn't let you through because of the wind. So is there anything extra in these areas, I'm really curious. I've already beaten the story twice and I'm lookin for extras. Thanks.
onetrackmind
11-08-2005, 09:12 PM
I just started SOTC tonight and the controls were really akward at first but after a couple tries i took down the first collosi and all i can say is its been a long time since i felt that sense of accomplishment from a game. The game is incredible.
Anyways on to colossi #2...
Trakan
11-08-2005, 09:15 PM
So I made it to the garden thing on the castle....the one up the path outside the original locked door. So is there nothing to do there? I screwed around for about a half hour and found nothing to do besides eat the fruit that decreases your health and stamina. Then I ran all the way across the bridge, which took a long time, and found the opening the doesn't let you through because of the wind. So is there anything extra in these areas, I'm really curious. I've already beaten the story twice and I'm lookin for extras. Thanks.
Nothing else you can do up there, that's about it. The only other extras you can get are items for beating Time Attack/Hard/Hard Time Attack mode.
zewone
11-08-2005, 09:18 PM
Did you guys know that Trakan cried at the end of SotC? It's that good.
clariste
11-09-2005, 11:25 AM
Nothing else you can do up there, that's about it. The only other extras you can get are items for beating Time Attack/Hard/Hard Time Attack mode.
Sux. I don't feel like doing the time attack or hard modes, since I played through a second time on regular in about 5 hours. Guess I'll leave it on the shelf for a while until I feel the need for more takedowns. It was fun while it lasted, now it's gotten boring.
Vegan
11-10-2005, 05:57 PM
How do you stand on Agro's back? I always just end up jumping off him.
DT778
11-10-2005, 06:02 PM
I'm wondering that too vegan. I've done it a couple of times but unintentionally.
edit: from gamefaqs "Horse Surfing (hold R1 and press Up on the left analog stick while riding Aggro)"
I've beat 11 already. I plan to beat at least 2 tonight and finish the game this weekend.
Vegan
11-10-2005, 06:21 PM
The framerates are pretty abyssmal when something big happens, like when you get stomped I swear it goes down to 5 fps. I wonder if it's put into a PS3, it would run faster. Or do you think it's just coded in and that's that? Not quite sure how that would work.
flybrione
11-18-2005, 12:04 PM
I just finished this game last night and let me tell you what a journey. I really enjoyed the game and the battles are just epic. This is definetly up there with God of War as the best PS2 game of 2005.
Colossus number 15 was just incredible. I also really enjoyed fighting number 12 and 13 as well. I was kind of dissappointed in the last battle but It still was a great fight and ending.
If you have not played this and you own a PS2 pick it up and give it a try.
You at least have to give the demo a shot, after that you'll need more!
pinkkirby
11-27-2005, 08:32 PM
Great game overall, a must play piece - but IMO more like a game for rental.
Got it last night, today I am on the last Colossi - only a few colossus took me a hour to beat (including the time to get to them, path finding) Most of them got owned in half a hour or under.
Few complains:
1. Camera angle at few area are absolutly horrible. It makes you want to say WTF out loud because you can see pretty much nothing. Usually when you are near a wall, the whole TV screen would show a giant piece of polygon. And it's auto rotation is a little too sensitive, turn left and right like crazy. Everyone else beside me wanted to puke after watching me played for a while.
At the last colossi, instead of zooming in at some spots, it actually shown far as heck. While when you are at his palm, it would certainly be helpful to ZOOM OUT a little bit. but NO, it's as bad as it gets. And you can't see jack shiet.
2. Am I mistaken or there just isn't a way to GET up faster after being knocked down? the main character is about the biggest pussy of all time. Tripin' here and there, constantly out of balance like he is on crack, and takes him 3-4 sec to get up after knocked down. (Not to mention another sec for head shaking animation which leads to additional blow by those fast moving colossus)
Good game, deserves good review but IGN overated IMHO.
Vegan
11-28-2005, 01:29 AM
2. Am I mistaken or there just isn't a way to GET up faster after being knocked down? the main character is about the biggest pussy of all time. Tripin' here and there, constantly out of balance like he is on crack, and takes him 3-4 sec to get up after knocked down. (Not to mention another sec for head shaking animation which leads to additional blow by those fast moving colossus)
It's a game, challenges are built in to, well, make it challenging.