"Shadow of the Colossus" was released in 2005 to astonishing success for a game with such an unusual premise. In simple terms, the game revolves around a young warrior named Wander, who at the game's outset travels by horse to a forbidden land in order to seek the resurrection of an unnamed woman. Upon entering the land, a disembodied voice informs Wander that in order to restore the woman to life, he must defeat 16 giant beasts that roam the surrounding landscape. As far as story goes, that's really all the player knows for most of the game. Little else is revealed until the game's conclusion; more on that later.
Since so little is explained at the beginning, the first challenge of the game is simply exploring the world of "Shadow." Many games live or die on the strength of their environments, and "Shadow" is no exception. Fortunately, the game's developers have gone to great lengths to create a vast, detailed land that astonishes at nearly every turn. Since each colossus is located a reasonable distance from your starting point, you'll have plenty of time to marvel at the grand landscape that has been laid before you. The terrain varies depending on location, ranging from dense forests to wide lakes to impenetrable deserts, but they all have one thing in common: size. These lands are simply huge, and it's unlikely that you'll discover everything they have to offer just by going from colossus to colossus. The distances that must be traveled to reach each beast are almost entirely uninterrupted, creating a feeling of complete loneliness that increases as you face ever greater challenges without so much as a word of human comfort. Likewise, these quiet periods allow for a deep introspection that is rare in the world of video games.
Of course, even the best environments would be meaningless if they didn't lead to something. The colossi that are your ultimate targets are as varied and beautiful as the lands, masterfully constructed and awe-inspiringly huge. The basic principle behind these battles is simple: one must climb upon the beast, find its weak points, and stab them with your sword. However, the colossi are so different that the player must devise a unique set of strategies and techniques to defeat each one. Some tower over you, some swim beneath you, and some soar far above your head. These challenges are often daunting, but rest assured, the solutions are there. Of course, these beasts don't appreciate your unsolicited attacks, and most will fight back when challenged. This issue is exacerbated by the game's controls, which are often clunky and unresponsive. Frequently, your character will ignore you entirely, falling from obvious ledges and missing clear movement directions. This is without doubt the game's greatest flaw; it is a source of great and frequent irritation, and it somewhat removes the player from the otherwise perfect immersion.
However, one cannot describe "Shadow of the Colossus" without mentioning its musical score, which is one of the best in the gaming world, even to the present. A combination of orchestral and vocal arrangements provide a quiet tension in the buildup to each battle, broken by a heightened intensity when you finally manage to climb upon the colossus. The music at the end of each battle is particularly strong; when combined with the artful colossus death scenes, it's hard to stay emotionally detached from the creatures you're forced to destroy. Indeed, one can't help but feel a terrible sense of regret with each passing victory, as you destroy these beautiful creatures that existed peacefully before your arrival. It's by far the most emotionally gripping part of the game, and it will certainly make you question the motives behind the violence. The final act of the game sheds some light on those motives, and it does a remarkable job of tying up the considerable loose ends that have lingered throughout the game. Truly, "Shadow" is surprisingly well-written for a game with so little writing. You will likely find yourself satisfied but conflicted at the game's conclusion; perhaps you know why you've been doing the things you've been doing, but you probably won't feel much better about it.
Ultimately, "Shadow of the Colossus" is one of the most unique and artful games to ever grace the PS2. Strong visual composition and a haunting musical score combine to form a truly unmatched storytelling experience, and the unique enemies consistently astonish throughout. Though the control scheme is flawed and the camera system can be infuriating, dedicated players will find this to be an immensely rewarding experience. Distractions aside, perseverance will be rewarded by an emotionally powerful journey that will grip your heart and linger in your mind long after you've felled the final colossus.
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