It's the best adventure game since Ocarina of Time. And if you hated OoT, it's the best adventure game since Super Metroid. And if you hated Super Metroid, you have no soul.

Story is bare bones: you bring your belated love to a cursed island, where you've heard rumors that the cure to death resides. Dormant, a collective Godly being, tells you that the only way to bring your lost loved back to life is to destroy the 16 statues within the temple--and the only way to destroy them is to defeat the guardians that they represent. These guardians are gigantic colossi, towering up to 800ft in the air. How can a mere mortal equipped with a legendary sword and a mere bow and arrow set defeat these creatures when he's literally half the size of their pinky toe?

There's just something indescribable about ascending a 500ft creature as an average joe and learning how to defeat it that trancends your basic gaming experience. Even if you can't afford it, rent it to experience how unique this one is. It's one of the few games where you can look in the background and spot beautiful mountains miles away, and know that they're not in the background. They're a part of the game. Practically everything (about 98%) of what you see in the game can be ascended or descended into.

I should prolly just write a review instead of making a post, but you guys have got to try this. There's nothing else like it. It's times like these that it makes me both very happy and very sad that Team ICO doesn't make sequels. On one hand, I want more of this divine experience, but on the other hand, sequels would taint the experience and the beautifully crafted story. Dare I say it, this is the most talented small development team ever created.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

I'm waiting for a price drop myself. After the (wonderful) 5 1/2 adventure known as Ico, I've decided to wait this one out.

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By the time you finish reading this, three more strategy games will be released for PC.

[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

I ordered my copy from EBGames.com Wednesday night, so it should be arriving here Monday.

The total added up to $49.22, and thanks to the Gift Certificate, I don't have to pay crap for it.

But now I need to keep myself occupied with either Atelier Iris or Guilty Gear X2 until it arrives.

This is going to be a long weekend.
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Something witty.

Shadow of the Colossus SCEE February 2006 EU

T_T.


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Y.T.W.S.R. | I.W.W.H.T.Q. | "You've caused this collapse, between the heart and the synapse."

Worth the wait, Gobster.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

Snuck by me, did it? I thought it was out next month. I'll pick it up, I guess.
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"I was the Guy who Tested If the Pyros Were Hot..." - TwiceAsLong

[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

Europe gets screwed over again. I really want this game (now) as well.
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Reyn | Y.T.W.S.R. | FAQs: 43
The FAQer Profiles and History - http://homepages.tesco.net/vicky.reynolds1

Well isn't this a nice surprise. It was supposed to be here Monday, but it just arrived a few minutes ago.

I got a little bill inside but I don't need to pay for it since I used a Gift Certificate online, right? I really haven't used any Gift Certificates before so I'm not sure.
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Something witty.

That's probably just the receipt. Where'd you order from?

<THEORY AHEAD--possible spoilers?>

This game is great... I feel immensely sad before and after I kill the colossi, but never during the battle itself. I just feel like I'm doing something deeply wrong with each one I kill... I have a feeling that this ending is going to be incredibly sad. And no, I didn't spoil anything... There's barely any dialogue, but from what I'm feeling, I think killing them is doing something horribly wrong... I mean, it's like a genocide against the creatures, and they're doing nothing to deserve it. That can't be right, can it? It's things like this that make the game so unique... You get exactly what you take from the experience.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

fyi, this can be the official discussion thread. I'm on the 9th colossus at the moment. Keep spoilers to a minimum (theories are welcome, but tag them like I did), and if you need help, I'd be happy to talk you through it. After I beat it, I can make videos for whoever needs help if the words don't do the trick. I recommend REALLY trying to beat the colossi yourself before looking for help. I'm totally not one of those "NO STRATEGY GUIDE!" idiots, but this is one that I do think you should solve for yourself. That's a huge part of the fun.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

EBGames.com.

The package itself said P/P, so I'm assuming that means it's already paid for.
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Something witty.

Never ordered at EB before, but I'm sure you'll be fine.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

Well, my thoughts of the game so far are that the graphics are visually stunning, and the clash of colors are very well used, and the musical scores that I've heard so far are excellent.

Then comes my fight with the first Colossi. I couldn't get myself on his leg.
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Something witty.

I just got it. Haven't even taken off the plastic wrapper.

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#1 Peep

The score is like an exclamation point to the action. As the action gets frantic, the music kicks it up a notch. Really amazing.

I just went exploring and found an old fortress to the north (northeast-ish). GIGANTIC corridor within it... I'm willing to bet there's a colossus there later on. I found a huge cave to the far west, too, definitely worth a look if you're into exploring.

Don't forget to shoot the fruit from the trees and slice and eat the white lizard tails. They permanently boost your stats.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

You're right, Zoop. I'm going to go out, buy a PS2, memory cards, and the controllers, and order this game today! It's like oxygen... or water... or GameFAQs...
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See ya later.

Seriously? If so, great choice. I don't understand gamers without a PS2 nowadays with games like God of War, Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Guitar Hero, Ratchet & Clank, Sly Cooper, Katamari Damacy, Twisted Metal Black, and even offbeat games like Chulip ("The Kissing Game") that are coming out. I couldn't imagine this gen without it.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

No, I'm just kidding (hence professing my need for GameFAQs). I couldn't afford to buy all that stuff anyways, although you make SoC sound rather interesting.
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See ya later.

eh, too bad. The PS2 might find a price drop in the coming years, though. Prolly around the PS3's launch, and by then a lot of the newer games will be GH (not sure about Shadow, since I haven't seen sales numbers yet since it just came out).

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

I'm imagine Shadow would have sold bucket loads. The only other PS2 games I'm looking forward to are FFXII and KHII, and Katamari Del (which still hasn't been released here yet).
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Reyn | Y.T.W.S.R. | FAQs: 43
The FAQer Profiles and History - http://homepages.tesco.net/vicky.reynolds1

I'm now on the 5th colossus. I'm actually surprised, because I find the strategy to get on them to be very unique and challenging. I ended up fighting the 3rd one for an hour just trying a way to take out his weak points. It's the most incredible game I've played in a long time, but I really hope it doesn't end too soon.

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#1 Peep

I killed #12 yesterday... Truly awesome boss fight. You'll use the environments a lot in the latter bosses... #5 is still my favorite. =)

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

God I suck at this game. I can bring down the first Colossi to its knees, but I can't seem to climb up fast enough to get on one of the little ledges on its back.
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Something witty.

Who the hell are you and when did you sneak into my head and take my exact thoughts? After playing enough I say without a doubt, that Shadow of Colossus is the best game of the year... or maybe ever. I don't know, I've never been so impressed by a game in my entire life.

I just killed #13. #5 was my favourite until #13. #13 is exactly like #5 except much longer, and instead of just jumping onto its wing, you have to ride the horse at top speed and leap from the horse onto the wing. Holy ****ing ****.

Ha, I just lept off of my horse and grabbed onto a hawk. It proceeded to fly around a bit with me holding onto its talons and then it just dove down and drove me into the ground. Pure hilarity.

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#1 Peep

We need to chat on AIM sometime Alex.

I'm stuck on 15... Gotta work, though.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

Too... many... games...

Fine, I'll buy this and add it to the heap of other games I have yet to play or beat. Ya sons of...

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Bada bing, it's ya freakin' birtday.
::Elite Rogue:: {//=|RDoN|=\\}

Beat it! Good ending.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

*Fighting #16 right now*

I beat the 6th colossus, but as the death scene started, the game froze. I'm kinda mad and I don't want to do it over again now.

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#1 Peep

Well, Zoop, it must be pretty short if you beat it in two days...
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See ya later.

4 days actually. 17 hours and 35 minutes.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

Playing through the Save File Plus mode to get all of the easter eggs and unlock the tons of unlockables in the game. God, this is brilliant. So much replay value. If it had nothing afterwards, I'd still play it again, but this is an added incentive to complete it 100%. Wow.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

It's funny how the game can easily be beaten in ten hours, but I feel as if I got more out of it than some RPGS I've played for over 100 hours.

Anyway now that I've beaten it I can safely say, there were no other games this year that were that damn good.

Not only that, with work I REALLY don't have time for 100 hour games anymore, so I feel I've gotten a 100 hour experience in 16 hours. So I saved 83 and a half hours of my worktime. ;)

Are you doing the time attack, Alex? You unlock goodies for every 2 you kill. I've done 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 (three minutes!! I rock!), 11, and 14. Tried doing 6, but he shakes you so damn much!

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

I can't find the damn save point, either. Man I suck at this game.

What do they look like, Zoop?
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Something witty.

They're moderate-sized structures that sort of look like small temples (not the temple in the game, temples in general). Pray in front of them to save.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

I did the first five in time attack, with 4 & 5 taking more than one try, but I haven't gone further than that. I know I'm going to start having difficulty with them soon.

And that save point thing? News to me. I didn't know about the R1 + tringle + square jumping stab thing either which supposedly exists. I should probably compile a list of all these extra goodies and append it on the end of my guide.

I was *so* going to FAQ this, but I'm swamped with work... Gotta have like 8 guides done in two months. Holiday season is horrible on entertainment journalism. Glad to see you're covering it, Alex. I'd be willing to swap tips if you're interested. You can kill #8 swiftly by shooting him from a window and going to an open region on second floor to take his legs out. Jump onto him with sword equipped and do full stabs (not halfway ones) until the hole dries up. Rush to the next and do full stabs on the second hole from here. You can kill him in just one attack, really. Pretty cool.

-Zoop
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"Wesker wears sunglasses. In a dark mansion." - Gobicamel on why Albert Wesker is cool. \m/

Just picked this game up today and really enjoy it so far. The controls are a little wonky but I'm sure with time I'll get more used to them. Really beautiful game though.
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The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit. -Morihei Ueshiba

Europe gets screwed over again. I really want this game (now) as well.

so damned right :(

If I had played it, there would have been a top ten of unique games(game experiences) and I guess this one would be in the first 3.
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I don't care who your dad is! While I'm fishing here nobody walks over the water!
->bohrt gleich fünfhundertachtundsechzigtausendelf

It sounds like it'd be something I would enjoy. However, bringing down my credit card debt is just a *little* bit more important currently. :/

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Devin Morgan | CRP #3579
NES Completion Project: http://web.njit.edu/~dbm7/

What Devin said.
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If your boss gets you down, stare at him through the prongs of a fork and imagine him in jail.
o.O Push button to turn on. Play with button to drive wild.