Anyone still hyped for Shadow of the Colossus?

[Destructor]

but I loathe boss battles, and I forsaw a game of entirely boss battles...

Definitely boss battles and nothing but boss battles. But I remember games like Alien Soldier (Genesis - Treasure) that was the same way more or less - 90% boss fights. Heck - the best way to put SotC is all the best bosses from any shooter you've played over the years all thrown into one game.

I still would recommend the hell out of the game, and only wish that it had been released on something a little more powerful.

Yeah, the PS2 just wasn't the platform to put a game like this on. It just couldn't do what the developers wanted it to do. However, the programming routines they did use were amazing, as the graphical quality and details are second to none.

[TheMissingLink]

It will be forgotten.

 :lol:

No, no it won't.  It's the sheer definition of how cinematic, moving and unique gaming has become this console-generation.  I haven't played a game with nearly as much scope as this one manages to pull off.  It actually feels like you're traversing a real world...amazing.

The first time I saw a Colossus I was -blown away-. Second time, yep!. 3rd. Still good. 4th ok. 5th...hmm 6th..ho hum 7th. meh 8th etc.

I thought there was enough colossi variance to make nearly every battle unique.  There were a couple of "oh hey, this one again" colossi, but I can distinctly remember quite a few of the battles to this day...

[ATB]

It actually feels like you're traversing a real world...amazing.

Now that is actually a very good point.  You're absolutely right. It did a great job of making you believe you were but a small piece to a giant world and it should get kudos for that. Definitely.

But, btw, did I mention that one of my complaints was you spend more time looking for the Colossi than you do battling them?

[CeeKay]

OK, I see the red 'PS2 Greatest Hits' bar on the top of the box, yet it's still listed as $39.99 on both Gamestop and EBGames.  WTF?   Did they raise the price of the Greatest Hits?

[TheMissingLink]

Yeah, I've got an Xbox game that isn't backwards compatible that I picked up used that I want to trade for a used copy of SotC - but the website gives that price  I may swing by a b&m GStop and whine until I am able to trade for it

I liked looking for the colossi!  However...there was one...I think it was the 14th...wow, it took me forever to find that one.

[WinoMcCougarstein]

It will be forgotten.

 :lol:

No, no it won't.  It's the sheer definition of how cinematic, moving and unique gaming has become this console-generation.  I haven't played a game with nearly as much scope as this one manages to pull off.  It actually feels like you're traversing a real world...amazing.

Sure it will.  10 years from now very few people will fire it up and play it.  Like I said before, it isnt the pinnacle of console gaming.  It isnt a Mario or a  Zelda or a Final Fantasy.  The story, what little there is, is forgettable.  Sure you'll remember some of the colossi but hey, if you loved this game so much why did you trade it in anyway?

[TheMissingLink]

I always trade my games in!  You know that!

There is little story, I agree, but it's hardly forgettable.  It had one of the most badass endings I've played in a video game.

And the music only added to how epic the whole game felt.  

SotC...we will never forget.

[WinoMcCougarstein]

I always trade my games in!  You know that!

There is little story, I agree, but it's hardly forgettable.  It had one of the most badass endings I've played in a video game.

And the music only added to how epic the whole game felt.  

SotC...we will never forget.

You're right, I just enjoy seeing you get worked up

[ATB]

It had one of the most badass endings I've played in a video game

Whuh?!

[Dafones]

It had one of the most badass endings I've played in a video game

Whuh?!

I'd say it was a pretty cool ending too.

[ATB]

Perhaps it's because I'm not familiar with ico, but...

Spoiler for Hiden:

So the mage guy casts a spell that rocks the whole joint.  The protagonist is sucked into the goop and the bridge collapses.

After the credits demon baby (the protagonist in new form) makes an appearance and the girl takes him and the horse to the top of the temple to live happily ever after.

An oversimplification, but what's so cool?

[TheMissingLink]

How about the fact that...

Spoiler for Hiden:

You just didn't sit there, watching the ending...you actually controlled your character, essentially the super evil demon (or whatever...it's been awhile folks).  I was seriously fighting the void for about 5 minutes!  It was just super...artsy.  It was a fantastic ending.

It was a poignant and beautiful ending.

[ATB]

How about the fact that...

Spoiler for Hiden:

You just didn't sit there, watching the ending...you actually controlled your character, essentially the super evil demon (or whatever...it's been awhile folks).  I was seriously fighting the void for about 5 minutes!  It was just super...artsy.  It was a fantastic ending.

Spoiler for Hiden:

But there was absolutely nothign you could to change the fact that he got sucked in. i realized this and gave up after about a minute.  Different strokes.

[kathode]

If you weren't moved by the characters during the game, then you won't be moved by the ending.  Personally everything about that game was emotionally charged for me.  Fighting those creatures was almost a dilemma at first - for instance the guy who was just lounging around, hanging out enjoying the sun on top of that huge plateau.  Then all of the sudden I come along and start stabbing him in the head.  

It's a vastly different type of game than anything I ever encountered before.  I don't know any other developer who would consider making a huge, beautiful landscape, and refusing to fill it with anything but vastly-spaced giant creatures.  It strikes me as a backwards idea, but it totally worked for me in every part.  

I guess it's the difference between enjoying a movie like this vs. some Hollywood blockbuster.  They can both work, but for totally different reasons.  (That is a fantastic film, btw).  I can certainly see that the pure gameplay elements had some negatives associated with them but overall it definitely falls into the category of games I would put forward if someone ever challenged me on the "games as art" question.

[TheMissingLink]

If you weren't moved by the characters during the game, then you won't be moved by the ending.  Personally everything about that game was emotionally charged for me.  Fighting those creatures was almost a dilemma at first - for instance the guy who was just lounging around, hanging out enjoying the sun on top of that huge plateau.  Then all of the sudden I come along and start stabbing him in the head.  

It's a vastly different type of game than anything I ever encountered before.  I don't know any other developer who would consider making a huge, beautiful landscape, and refusing to fill it with anything but vastly-spaced giant creatures.  It strikes me as a backwards idea, but it totally worked for me in every part.  

I guess it's the difference between enjoying a movie like this vs. some Hollywood blockbuster.  They can both work, but for totally different reasons.  (That is a fantastic film, btw).  I can certainly see that the pure gameplay elements had some negatives associated with them but overall it definitely falls into the category of games I would put forward if someone ever challenged me on the "games as art" question.

(Well said!)

[depward]

wtf that baby picture is nutty

[ATB]

wtf that baby picture is nutty

Yet amazingly appropriate. bravo!

[TheMissingLink]

I think it's quite...and the background reminds me of a certain colossus

[WinoMcCougarstein]

I think it's quite...and the background reminds me of a certain colossus

If we are thinking of the same one, that was the worst colossi fight IMO.

[ATB]

I think it's quite...and the background reminds me of a certain colossus

If we are thinking of the same one, that was the worst colossi fight IMO.

I'm blanking. Which one?

[TheMissingLink]

GEYSER!

[ATB]

GEYSER!

Spoiler for Hiden:

In the desert where you have to have the geysers knock the dude over?

If so, this perfectly ties into one of my problems with the game.  The puzzle element- determining how to best whip the colossi- is too simple.  I mentioned in my write up of it some time ago that the game should allow you to turn off the hints if you like...or give you a system for earning hints.  The geyser colossus was one of the easier ones to figure out---though not necessarily execute...

One of the brilliant ones is where you have to figure out that the guy needs to slam down on that concrete plate to shatter its armor.  That was amazing.

Others, I was just on the cusp of figuring out what to do and the voice tells me. Gah! Not enough  sense of discovery in the battles, imo

[Dafones]

Yeah, I will agree that I found the hints a little overkill on a few of the Colossi. That would be my biggest complaint.

[WinoMcCougarstein]

GEYSER!

Spoiler for Hiden:

In the desert where you have to have the geysers knock the dude over?

If so, this perfectly ties into one of my problems with the game.  The puzzle element- determining how to best whip the colossi- is too simple.  I mentioned in my write up of it some time ago that the game should allow you to turn off the hints if you like...or give you a system for earning hints.  The geyser colossus was one of the easier ones to figure out---though not necessarily execute...

One of the brilliant ones is where you have to figure out that the guy needs to slam down on that concrete plate to shatter its armor.  That was amazing.

Others, I was just on the cusp of figuring out what to do and the voice tells me. Gah! Not enough  sense of discovery in the battles, imo

Easy to figure out yes, though a combination of control issues, camera issues, and strange AI patterns made it a terrorist of a bitch to conquer.

[CeeKay]

So, I grabbed a used copy tonight and played for about 90 minutes.  Actually, I spent 60 of those minutes fighting the controls and the final 30 playing around with the first Colossi while still fighting the controls.  Definitely not my thing  -  I'm going to see if I can return it tomorrow at EB.

[EngineNo9]

So, I grabbed a used copy tonight and played for about 90 minutes.  Actually, I spent 60 of those minutes fighting the controls and the final 30 playing around with the first Colossi while still fighting the controls.  Definitely not my thing  -  I'm going to see if I can return it tomorrow at EB.

If it's used I'm pretty sure you have 7 days to return it for any reason whatsoever.  I guess this might not be one I pick up after I've caught up on my previous PS2 purchases. 

[Turtle]

I heard they were making a sequel for the PS3.  I'm anxious to see what kind of amazing colossi they'll make for that using next gen hardware.

But more importantly, I want to see the colossi take a more active role in dealing with you, things like reaching to knock you off, grabbing, etc...  Turn it into as much an action adventure/puzzle like Zelda.  The tilting controller can be used to great effect where players try to balance on the colossus by tilting the controller.

[TheMissingLink]

I heard they were making a sequel for the PS3.  I'm anxious to see what kind of amazing colossi they'll make for that using next gen hardware.

The moment this rumor becomes reality is the moment I purchase a PS3.

MGS4 + SOTC2 = justification

[ATB]

So, I grabbed a used copy tonight and played for about 90 minutes.  Actually, I spent 60 of those minutes fighting the controls and the final 30 playing around with the first Colossi while still fighting the controls.  Definitely not my thing  -  I'm going to see if I can return it tomorrow at EB.

Yep. It sucks.

[Knightshade Dragon]

So, I grabbed a used copy tonight and played for about 90 minutes.  Actually, I spent 60 of those minutes fighting the controls and the final 30 playing around with the first Colossi while still fighting the controls.  Definitely not my thing  -  I'm going to see if I can return it tomorrow at EB.

It is also my primary complaint. Once you get onto the collosi the camera is well behaved, but prior to that...*shakes head*

[The Grue]

So, I grabbed a used copy tonight and played for about 90 minutes.  Actually, I spent 60 of those minutes fighting the controls and the final 30 playing around with the first Colossi while still fighting the controls.  Definitely not my thing  -  I'm going to see if I can return it tomorrow at EB.

Yep. It sucks.

All I can say is that you are both wrong.   

[Gratch]

So, I grabbed a used copy tonight and played for about 90 minutes.  Actually, I spent 60 of those minutes fighting the controls and the final 30 playing around with the first Colossi while still fighting the controls.  Definitely not my thing  -  I'm going to see if I can return it tomorrow at EB.

This was my reaction too.  Fighting the camera & controls more than the Colossi does not make for a fun game.  I got up to the fourth one, then it simply became too frustrating.

[Calvin]

So, I grabbed a used copy tonight and played for about 90 minutes.  Actually, I spent 60 of those minutes fighting the controls and the final 30 playing around with the first Colossi while still fighting the controls.  Definitely not my thing  -  I'm going to see if I can return it tomorrow at EB.

This was my reaction too.  Fighting the camera & controls more than the Colossi does not make for a fun game.  I got up to the fourth one, then it simply became too frustrating.

+1. That is how I felt, except add on to that the fact that I was too inept to take down the first Colossus. Yeah, that was fun.

[semiconscious]

y'know, if anyone has any theories as to how someone with as mediocre gaming skills as myself ended up having a ball with this game, i'd be very interested - seriously...

[weleavefossils]

y'know, if anyone has any theories as to how someone with as mediocre gaming skills as myself ended up having a ball with this game, i'd be very interested - seriously...

I think honestly you get the hang of it after the first one.  Because then it's more of a puzzle then issues with the controls.

[TheMissingLink]

Amazing game.  A true masterpiece.  Loving the second go-around on hard!  Controls work great for me.

And if you think about it, if you're demanding a perfect camera in a game where you're fighting massive moving mountains; you're asking for something that can't really happen.  And what else do you want?  You can MOVE the camera, you can ZOOM in on the colossi (like a z-targeting system [and nobody complains about Zelda's camera]), and you can auto-center the camera.  What more do you want!?  Want it to move with your MIND!?  Get a Segway!

Gratch!  You were on the 4th one!?  Maaaan, the 5th one would have blown your mind

[TheMissingLink]

y'know, if anyone has any theories as to how someone with as mediocre gaming skills as myself ended up having a ball with this game, i'd be very interested - seriously...

Hey, ditto!  I heard about how each boss had a different puzzle, and that is definitely not my thing.  But taking down a colossi is exhilarating and the game is jaw-droppingly beautiful.  I think we just appreciate art, that's all

[Gratch]

Amazing game.  A true masterpiece.  Loving the second go-around on hard!  Controls work great for me.

And if you think about it, if you're demanding a perfect camera in a game where you're fighting massive moving mountains; you're asking for something that can't really happen.  And what else do you want?  You can MOVE the camera, you can ZOOM in on the colossi (like a z-targeting system [and nobody complains about Zelda's camera]), and you can auto-center the camera.  What more do you want!?  Want it to move with your MIND!?  Get a Segway!

Gratch!  You were on the 4th one!?  Maaaan, the 5th one would have blown your mind

Not asking for a perfect camera, as I know there's no such thing.  However, I felt like I was constantly fighting the camera in order to see what the hell I was doing.  I'm all for a good challenge or puzzle, but when the camera alone becomes the main source of frustration, it's time to find a different game.

FWIW, I completely appreciate what they were trying to do with the game, and I really wanted to like it.  Just didn't work for me.

[rrmorton]

I played the first level and had some trouble with the controls. It seemed pretty cool but it didn't grab me and it was a bit frustrating so I set it aside. I do plan to go back and give it another shot, maybe when the PS2 component cables that I ordered from Amazon get here next week.

However, ATB, you are a stone-cold gooseneck turkey for saying "It sucks." If it ain't your bag, that's cool, baby. But one look at the game, or the opening menu, or hell, the cover art and anyone can tell this game does not *suck*. That's just ridiculous horse puckey.

[ATB]

Most overrated game of 2006.  Period.

It's the same thing over and over. Minor variations in the colossi, but basically they're all the same.

You spend more time wandering than fighting.

No story to speak of.  I'm killing these things to raise this chick?  Is it his Sister? Mother? Twin? Does she owe him money? Blah blah.

Most overrated game of 2006. Period.