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Shadow of the Colossus

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shadow of the Colossus
Item: Shadow of the Colossus
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Puzzle and Logic, Drama, Single Player

AvailableFeb 6, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperSCE Japan Studio

Overview

In a desolate land where beasts as big as mountains roam free, a lone hero and his horse must ride into the unknown on a quest for ancient power. Shadow of the Colossus, an undisputed PlayStation 2 masterpiece, is about to be reborn with the power of PlayStation 3.

Elsewhere

8.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Shadow of the Colossus for its emotional depth, mysterious and engaging narrative, and themes of love, sacrifice, and grief. Critics like Forbes appreciated the bittersweet narrative of a character trying to revive his beloved through slaying colossi, while GameCritics described the story as a masterpiece of focus and minimalism in design. The Digital Fix highlighted the minimalist and melancholic tone that unfolds as a young man named Wander embarks on a quest to resurrect a lost young woman. The story's ability to evoke empathy towards both the protagonist and the colossi, as mentioned by Impulsegamer, added a layer of complexity and emotional resonance to the overall experience. However, some critics found fault in the minimalistic storytelling approach of the game, noting a lack of in-depth narrative development and depth. Gaming Age mentioned the story's minimalistic nature and lack of direct storytelling, which may have left some players wanting more context or background information. Game Over Online also pointed out the lack of depth in the narrative, stating that it serves more as a driving force for gameplay rather than a fully fleshed-out story. While the intentional vagueness of the story, as praised by GameCrate, added to the beauty of the game for some, it may have left others craving a more detailed and fleshed-out narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Shadow of the Colossus. The emotional and ethereal journey through the forbidden land, as mentioned by God is a Geek, resonated with many reviewers, who appreciated the game's ability to deliver a unique and compelling narrative experience. The reflective and mysterious atmosphere, as highlighted by GamesRadar++, drew players in through solitude and massive boss battles, creating a captivating and immersive storytelling experience. Despite some criticisms regarding the minimalistic approach, the majority of critics found the story to be a standout feature of the game, with its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption resonating strongly with players and contributing to the overall emotional impact of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praised Shadow of the Colossus for its emotional depth, mysterious narrative, and themes of love and sacrifice, evoking empathy for its protagonist and colossi. While some found fault in the minimalistic storytelling, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers appreciating the unique and compelling narrative experience, reflective atmosphere, and immersive storytelling through solitude and massive boss battles.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Shadow of the Colossus for its unique and engaging mechanics. App Trigger highlighted the fluid new animations and immersive audio, while CGMagazine found the gameplay thrilling and compelling, with the variety of creatures providing endless fun. The emphasis on climbing and defeating the colossal creatures, each presenting unique traversal puzzles and challenges, was lauded by DarkStation and Gamer.nl. The puzzle-focused gameplay requiring discovery and strategy against the colossi was also commended by God is a Geek and RPG Site. The refined controls, improved aiming, weapon switch, climbing, and mounting mechanics noted by Digital Chumps and Game Over Online contributed to a smoother and more enjoyable experience. However, several critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Shadow of the Colossus. Attack of the Fanboy mentioned issues with controlling the horse and climbing the Colossi, highlighting a level of difficulty and wonkiness in the gameplay. Critical Hit noted that while boss encounters were puzzle-oriented, the control scheme still had elements of obscurity and issues with movement and scalability. GameCritics and Softpedia raised concerns about camera system issues, horseback riding controls, and occasional stun-locking, impacting the overall gameplay experience. The clunky movement and limited visibility due to the camera, as mentioned by Gameplanet, also detracted from the enjoyment for some critics. Overall, despite some criticisms regarding control issues and camera mechanics, the consensus among the majority of critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the gameplay of Shadow of the Colossus. The game's focus on epic boss battles, unique traversal puzzles, and engaging colossus encounters resonated well with reviewers, as highlighted by IGN Italia, Push Square, and We Got This Covered. The blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and creative strategies required to defeat each colossus provided a thought-provoking and immersive experience, as noted by EGM and PlaySense. The exhilaration of bringing down the colossal beasts, the challenging yet rewarding gameplay mechanics, and the overall sense of tension and struggle in taking down the colossi were aspects that received high praise from the critics, making Shadow of the Colossus a standout title in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics raved about Shadow of the Colossus gameplay, praising its unique mechanics and epic boss battles. Despite some control issues and camera system drawbacks, the majority found the game's focus on thrilling colossus encounters, engaging puzzles, and immersive experience to be overwhelmingly positive. The refined controls, variety of creatures, and strategic gameplay elements were highlighted as standout features, making Shadow of the Colossus a standout title in the gaming world.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of multiple critics on the Graphics and Visual Design of Shadow of the Colossus overwhelmingly praise the game for its stunning visuals and graphical improvements. App Trigger, Attack of the Fanboy, and CGMagazine all highlight the game's enhanced details, with highly detailed environments, foliage, and colossi. Additionally, critics like Critical Hit, Game Informer, and PlayStation Country commend the game for its visually stunning landscapes, incredible lighting effects, and meticulous attention to detail. The remake's high-resolution textures, improved lighting effects, and realistic fur on the colossi are also noted by critics such as DarkStation, Game Over Online, and Impulsegamer. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did point out minor flaws or areas for improvement in the game's visual design. Game Informer mentions that Wander's face looks bad in the remake, while RPG Site notes that some changes in lighting may detract from the original's thematic impact. These criticisms, however, are relatively minor compared to the overall praise for the game's visuals. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 are nothing short of a masterpiece. Critics like GameCritics, Metro GameCentral, and We Got This Covered describe the game as visually magnificent, with breathtaking natural beauty, majestic colossi, and impressive attention to detail. The majority of critics agree that the remake has successfully enhanced the original game's visuals, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience that pushes the hardware to its limits. The game's graphical overhaul, improved textures, and updated lighting effects have been widely praised, cementing Shadow of the Colossus as a standout title in terms of visual design on the PlayStation 4 platform.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Shadow of the Colossus' stunning graphics and visual design, praising its enhanced details, realistic environments, and breathtaking landscapes. While some minor flaws are noted, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics hailing the game as a visual masterpiece that pushes the hardware to its limits.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Shadow of the Colossus received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the immersive audio experience, with CGMagazine noting that the music carried emotional resonance to incredible heights, enhancing the thrill of the fights and adding gravity to the player's actions. Critical Hit highlighted the exceptional orchestral score that complemented battles and moments of travel extraordinarily, setting a benchmark for variety and theming that still holds up today. GameCrate and Gamer.nl both described the soundtrack as one of the best in gaming history, with GameCrate mentioning that it sounds better than ever in this iteration of the game. While the general sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Shadow of the Colossus was highly positive, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned by some critics. COGconnected pointed out sync issues in some cutscenes, although they still acknowledged the overall sound design as good. Gaming Age mentioned that there were no notable enhancements in audio for the remake, suggesting a missed opportunity to further elevate the audio experience for players. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment towards the audio elements of the game remained overwhelmingly positive. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Shadow of the Colossus are exceptional and play a significant role in enhancing the overall gaming experience. Critics like Easy Allies, Forbes, and Impulsegamer praised the stunning original score, the sweeping orchestral music, and the emotional depth brought by the soundtrack. The majority of reviewers appreciated the attention to detail in the sound design, with DarkStation noting the methodical score during exploration and the rousing music during Colossus battles. Overall, the positive reception towards the Sound Design and Music of Shadow of the Colossus solidifies its reputation as a standout aspect of the game that greatly contributes to its immersive and captivating atmosphere.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics lauded the Sound Design and Music of Shadow of the Colossus for its immersive audio experience, emotional resonance, and exceptional orchestral score. While some minor criticisms were mentioned, overall sentiment remains highly positive, with reviewers praising the soundtrack as one of the best in gaming history. The consensus is that the audio elements significantly enhance the overall gaming experience, contributing to the game's immersive and captivating atmosphere.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the positives for the Technical Performance of Shadow of the Colossus on the PS4, multiple critics praised the improved framerate and stability of the game. Critics like DarkStation and Forbes highlighted the enhanced visual effects and consistent framerate in the PS4 remake compared to the original version. Additionally, reviewers such as M3 and Push Square commended the options available on the PS4 Pro, with the game running smoothly at both 30 frames per second in 4K resolution and 60 frames per second at 1080p, catering to different player preferences. On the flip side, some critics pointed out the negatives regarding the Technical Performance of Shadow of the Colossus on the PS4. Issues such as camera problems, control wonkiness, and occasional glitches were mentioned by GameCritics and Softpedia, impacting the overall technical performance and stability of the game. IGN Italia highlighted fluctuating frame rates and drops in fluidity, especially on the PS4 version, which could make certain challenges difficult to complete. Furthermore, Shacknews and PlayStation Country noted dated controls and clumsy experiences at times due to the controls and camera angles. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Technical Performance of Shadow of the Colossus on various gaming platforms leans towards a positive reception with some minor drawbacks. While the game received praise for its improved framerate, stable performance, and visual enhancements on the PS4, issues like camera problems, control issues, and occasional glitches were noted by several reviewers. Despite these technical hiccups, the majority of critics acknowledged the efforts made to modernize the game without compromising its original vision, as seen in Destructoid's opinion. The remake on the PS4 generally offers a smoother and more visually appealing experience compared to the original version, as highlighted by RPG Site and We Got This Covered, making it a recommended choice for fans of the classic title.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 for improved framerate, stability, and enhanced visuals, with options for different player preferences. Some noted camera issues, control problems, and glitches impacting technical performance. Despite minor drawbacks, critics generally laud the modernization efforts while staying true to the original vision, making it a recommended choice for fans.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of multiple critics regarding the replay value of Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 are varied but generally positive. Critics like Critical Hit, DarkStation, and EGM highlight the game's positive aspects for replayability, such as New Game+ modes, Time Attack challenges, collectibles, and concept art. These elements provide incentives for players to revisit the game and explore different aspects of the world and gameplay mechanics. IGN also praises the optional Time Attack modes that offer rewards like stronger weapons and different colored horses, enhancing the replay value for completionists. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the limited replay value of Shadow of the Colossus. Gameplanet and GamesBeat mention the lack of reasons to replay the game, with Gameplanet suggesting that the game ends quickly without much motivation for multiple playthroughs. Additionally, PlayStation Country and Press Start Australia note the game's short length and lack of new content or side quests, which may disappoint players looking for fresh experiences in subsequent playthroughs. Overall, while there are differing opinions on the replay value of Shadow of the Colossus, the general consensus leans towards the positive side. Critics like DarkStation, Digital Chumps, and God is a Geek appreciate the additional features like time trials, photo mode, and collectibles that add depth to the gameplay experience and encourage replayability. The mix of solitude, boss battles, and mysterious atmosphere mentioned by GamesRadar++ creates a captivating and thought-provoking experience that can entice both returning players and newcomers. Despite some criticisms about the lack of new content or surprises, the overall sentiment suggests that Shadow of the Colossus offers enough engaging elements to warrant multiple playthroughs for those who appreciate its unique gameplay and atmosphere.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Shadow of the Colossus on PS4. Positive reviews mention New Game+ modes, Time Attack challenges, and collectibles that enhance replayability. However, some critics point out the lack of motivation for multiple playthroughs due to the game's short length and absence of new content. Overall, while there are differing views, the general consensus leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating the additional features that add depth to the gameplay experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on the overall verdict of Shadow of the Colossus, it is evident that the majority of critics found the game to be highly impressive and deserving of praise. Critics such as Gaming Age, GameCritics, and Game Informer lauded the remake for its captivating gameplay, engaging narrative, and stunning visuals. The game was commended for its ability to evoke strong emotional responses from players, with Gameplanet mentioning its status as a definitive version of the classic. The improved graphics and technical enhancements were highlighted by M3 and COGconnected as significant positives that added to the overall experience of the game. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of Shadow of the Colossus despite its overall positive reception. App Trigger and Press Start Australia mentioned minor issues with the remake, such as frustrating platforming sections and lack of new challenges, which could potentially impact the enjoyment for some players. Softpedia and Impulsegamer highlighted flaws in gameplay mechanics and controls that detracted from the otherwise enjoyable experience. Additionally, some reviewers, like Gameplanet and Forbes, expressed concerns about the game's short length and the absence of significant new content for returning players, which may affect the replay value for some. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority considering Shadow of the Colossus to be a remarkable and timeless masterpiece. The game was praised for its artful expression, emotionally compelling gameplay, and faithful remake that stayed true to the original while enhancing various aspects for a new generation of players. Critics such as Easy Allies and PlayStation Country awarded the game with perfect scores, emphasizing its ability to rekindle the magic of exploring the Forbidden Lands and its status as one of the best adventure games. Despite some minor flaws mentioned by a few reviewers, the general sentiment is that Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 is a must-play for both fans of the original and newcomers, solidifying its place as a classic in the gaming industry.

TL;DR

Shadow of the Colossus PS4 remake wows critics with captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and emotional depth. While some mention minor drawbacks like frustrating platforming and short length, overall consensus hails it as a timeless masterpiece that faithfully honors the original classic. A must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

MONSTER

Reviews

170 reviews found

100

We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Colossus ranks among the reviewer's favorite games of all time, a masterpiece in game design that has stood the test of time.

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100

Destructoid

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Colossus is described as a timeless masterpiece that hasn't aged a day in the 12 years since its original release. The review praises its design, narrative, and unique colossus encounters.

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100

Easy Allies

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives the game a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars and praises it as a class act that rekindles the raw emotion of exploring the Forbidden Lands.

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100

Telegraph

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Colossus is considered one of the greatest games ever made, demonstrating superior design and execution.

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100

Push Square

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

One of the greatest games ever made resurrected in one of the greatest remakes of all time. Shadow of the Colossus remains faithful to the original but presents itself on par with the best on the PS4. A masterpiece.

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100

DarkStation

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A stunning tribute to one of the best video game experiences on the PlayStation, with quality remake visuals matching the grandeur and scope of the game, highly recommended for both new and returning players.

100

IBTimes UK

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A masterpiece that remains a singular and breathtaking experience, with Bluepoint Games' remastering making it feel like the definitive version.

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100

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the remake as a phenomenal and glorious update of the original game.

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100

Slant Magazine

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Colossus is an artistic achievement and one of the most visually magnificent titles of the current generation. It is a unique and engrossing game that speaks volumes through its environment and player actions.

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100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Feb 6, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Colossus is praised as a work of extraordinary beauty and quiet profundity, standing out even after 13 years as a game with impactful themes and a sense of scale.

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