Shadow of the Colossus: Retrospective (PS2)

[nagual1992]

Personally, I felt they left the story so vague to help immersion. As you said in the begging, while it could be his sister you thought it might be a lover. To you, this woman he's fighting for is his lover, not his sister. The story becomes more personal in a way... Just my two cents.

[matheus12346]

here is the thing shadow of the colossus is shadow of the colossus I wanna hear you compose a music like that on the game i wanna see ou draw the game on the ps2 that was just unbelivable

[Hunkisthecoolest]

I watched this for less than a minute and wanted to play shadow again

[togo8186]

I was actually very impressed with the language that they made up for the game. Have you ever tried to make up a fake language? It's harder than it may sound. And this game is very convincing when it does it.

[sirnippip]

what's the song that starts at 3:44?

[AkewsticRockR]

@sirnippip Dunno. THey're all from the SOTC soundtrack

[NappyAfro]

I just watched your Soul Reaver retrospective, and then this one. Nice work. Two of my favorite games (series, in the case of LoK) .... ever.

[NappyAfro]

@NappyAfro Or well, I guess the sequel isn't out yet, ha ha. I was looking at an old release date.

[fman40000]

So few people ever even mention shadow of the colossus nowadays, its nice to see somebody recognize it as the masterpice it truly is. The people I know who've even played it all seem to hate for one reason or another yet never give a solid reason as to why they despise it so much. Thank you for providing an intelligent oppinion of shadow of the colossus.

[3227Francis]

uno de los mejores juegos, shadow of the colossus para siempre!!!!!

[aldfkjldasfkj]

now do ICO

[AkewsticRockR]

@aldfkjldasfkj Not likely, with this video having fewer than 10,000 views in over a year

[aldfkjldasfkj]

@AkewsticRockR dang

[SpiritofWander1]

A motherfucker band of rock without copyrights have the name of Shadow of the Colossus

[JayAvenue1901]

good retrospective! But I have to say with my own experience playing SOTC that it is much more deep and emotional then any other game I've have played. When playing as the character(I don't if he has a name or not?) I felt as though I was killing these creatures/colossus for my own personal gain, while they were just simply... animals in their habitat.

[SeventhHanyou]

Good review, but I disagree on one major point: as expected, the graphics. A good style never ages--objective gamers can still marvel at the 8-bit beauty of the original "phantasy star." So I question why "today's standards" are important at all; if it was good upon release, it remains good. Also, I liked the fact that the dialog wasn't in English--it helped the immersion.

Unfortunately, I couldn't finish the game myself. But I hope to in the future, perhaps when I am a better gamer.

[Xtheemowolf]

8:28 GRAB THAT LIZARD! He gives a stamina boost

[ThePersonWithThePlan]

You... have just received another subscription! im getting this tomorrow!

[STOMPCLAW]

who has the time to make boring shit like this?

great game. boring high school essay

[AkewsticRockR]

@STOMPCLAW

Yeah, if you're looking for angry nerd styled comedy review entertainment, I'd suggest watching the angry nerd or one of his ten thousand rip-offs.

It's called a "retrospective" for a reason, not "OMG! Shadow of the Colossus RULZ!" and it was done in a serious tone to reflect the serious tone of the game.

I'm sorry that your ADD-addled brain was not entertained but 95% of my viewers felt otherwise.

[STOMPCLAW]

cool story bro

[AkewsticRockR]

cool comment, tro

[Vilemk0]

That "Cool story" quote is so overused, everyone and their mother says it.

[silenceofthehills]

Well, at least we got the new game coming out. Basically what it would look like if were.

[yojimboflamel]

Your retrospectives are great man 5*****

[shavooo]

your retrospective video rocks! :D nuff said

[FreakinSweet87]

I remember when we first played the demo for this game.

[XxToKyOmEwxX]

I disagreed with the graphics part. The random pop-in did make me laugh too, but these graphics are amazing, especially for the ps2. I would be in awe of them after comparing it to..I don't know, the usual games on the console. It almost had the quality of a Final Fantasy X cutscene only it was beautiful like that the entire way through.

This game deserves a lot more recognition than it gets; it's an original game among all these crappy money-snatchers that come out every few months.

[Ahhh26]

This was a really awesome review dude, I can't believe I missed it when you first posted. I checked in on your account to see the last thing you posted, and it happened to be this! After watching this, I already ordered the game. Nicely done, you consider becoming a professional reviewer, seriously.

[AkewsticRockR]

As passionate as I've been about video games in the past, I just don't find much appeal in the modern market.

I think I'd go insane if I got a job as a game review writer seeing as how everything seems to be the same nowadays.

It would be nice to make some supplementary income doing reviews on here, though.

[Ahhh26]

Yeah I definitely agree, games now really do have no originality (of course with a few scattered about)

How about more old school gem reviews like this one? I know you have the Soul Reaver retrospective coming along too. Bah!, whatever you put out, I'll be watching anyways.

[SeventhHanyou]

@AkewsticRockR concerning the modern market, I agree, and I blame (mostly) the western influence on the console market. It's all about joyless, grey-and-brown shooters. This sort of stuff used to be restricted to the PC, but now consoles have too few JRPGs, Platformers, and Zelda-like adventure games.

Nintendo's E3 press conference this year was something of an oasis in the desert, though. With classics coming back in focus, perhaps we are entering another "golden age."

[jdnation]

Not a bad video. But I would disagree with many of the negative opinions about the story and un-clarity. The mystery behind much of it is what makes it more intriguing. Also in no way did those scenes after each kill feel repetitive in any negative way. Sometimes at key moments there are subtle differences and every time they make you eager to see what changes would occur next and when. I supose the music could use more variety, but that's really a nitpick. Its an amazing game despite tech probs

[uadfa]

Agreed

[AkewsticRockR]

I think some viewers tend to focus on negatives more than positives when something they really like is up for review.

I prefer to showcase negatives along with positives rather than be written off as a "fanboy" who only talks about why a game is good.

At the end of the day though, what was shared was my opinion, and none of it is intended to be taken as fact.

Appreciate your feedback, though. So thank you.

[Neukku]

i'm actyally one of those few ppl who didn't like the game... Idea is great and all that stuff is good too, But i think i would have needed more content and why did you have to kill the Colossi in specific order?

[XxToKyOmEwxX]

Few people?

This game doesn't have many fans or the real recognition it's worthy of.

There are a lot of people who dislike it (Mostly people who can't stand without killing something every 2 seconds and who get bored easily)

[Icolossu]

@Neukku

I think the lack of content was part of the demographical appeal and I'm particularly fond of it. If you desire a game with bosses akin to the magnitude of Shadow of the Colossus with additional content such as minor enemies then I'd strongly recommend God of War III.

[boywithcar]

Loved this game. Allow me some constructive criticism of this video?

You focused intensely on the negative, but many positives go unmentioned. The relationship between the player and Agro is completely missing, and I'd argue that this relationship is central to the SotC experience.

The slow pace of the game is too slow in relation to what exactly? What you see as boredom I see as intrigue. The game is a mystery begging to be slowly solved...

Otherwise I'm subscribed! :-p

[shadowolf432]

yes you can get new items, but u have to beat time attacks

[Tramain1987]

Nice vid, mite just get this game.

[shadowolf432]

you really should

[solaris786]

awsome!

[AnticDispossession]

This game is in my top 25. It's a truly unique concept, and they nailed the atmosphere for the story they were trying to tell. Part of what makes it so great is what made Ico so great for me, it's an incredibly simple game. The character has maybe 6 actions total, and like you said there are really only 2 parts to the gameplay. IMO, Ico was a homage to the original Prince of Persia. I didn't make all the Zelda connections to this game you did, but I can see what you mean. Nice review. ;D

[Darkstar263]

I love Shadow of the Colossus. Yet another of my favourite games.

I feel Honoured to have the chance to play such a masterpiece. These days, I rarely get to play games which keep me hooked all the way through.

Usually these days, there's always a certain element to a game which puts me off playing for a while. (Repetition etc) The only decent game I played this year so far was Resistance Retribution on PSP. Bloody amazing, yet I haven't even beat it yet. Near the end now.

[Tigervampuk]

This is one of those games, alongside God of War, which I have wanted to play since they were released but have yet to do so.

I recently picked up some PS2 titles for an absolute bargain and it's my first real venture into what the PS2 has to offer. I hope I can find this and a few other "must-have" titles for a good price in the near future.

[Carlitonsp1]

The only game I've seen that told a story with No words was Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and that only made it more confusing.

[MICROmor]

since the colossi are the parts of de dead god, they were imprissioned in statues or temples and slowly took over them and formed a body with that materials.

[AkewsticRockR]

I think you're taking a bit of creative liberty there, dude.

I don't remember any of that being explained in the game.

[MICROmor]

just take a closer look and you will se that every one is a piece of Dormin, the wings, the tail, the horns, there is even a lower jaw. You can come back once they are defeated and the only thing left is stone and dirt, the essence is absorbed into Wander. therefore, the dirt and rocks formed a vessel for the essence, a process that could have taken thousands of years. In the game they don't explain anything (at all) but you just need some observation.

[MICROmor]

also, think about this, if your were to stop a bad ass god of life and death for damaging your country, will you split him in 16 parts and create agigantic MoFo bear of destrucion of one of them? they probably were sealed in statues similar to the ones in the hall of the central temple.

[vulpix]

Interesting. I've never played this game. I learned something today.

In an English class I took in college once, many students used the phrase "seems to" gratuitously, and it was pointed out by the professor each time. You've done the same in this video a few times. For instance, "many of us seem to lack the willpower" can be changed to "many of us lack the willpower."

In any case, I'm glad to see you're moving forward. Keep 'em coming!

[AkewsticRockR]

One of my other "filler" phrases is

"that kind of a thing".

I don't use it in scripted reviews, but I've noticed it more recently in regular conversation with others and in my unscripted videos.

"Seems to" in this case however isn't gratuitous to me because I'm not in a position to say whether or not they actually DO lack the willpower. Willpower is a hard thing to judge in another person. Usually it's a choice not to do it, but for some it's not. Not my call

So yeah,,,that kind of thing.

[Tigervampuk]

Just because something "seems to be" it does not automatically follow that it "is".

I wish I was blessed with a level of certainty your past Professor "seems to" have. Life would be much easier.

My experience with academics is that most are content to be on the outside looking in. Most, though not all, have an inability to produce the type of content they like to talk about. This leaves them quite bitter and they take this out on students by pretending there's a "proper" way to communicate.

[AkewsticRockR]

You really like to use "quotations"

:-p

But thanks for "defending" me.

[Tigervampuk]

Hahaha. No worries man. I only overuse quotations when I am having a go at someone! =oD

[AkewsticRockR]

No need. I didn't take offense to the guy's comment.

I don't mind being pushed to write or communicate in a better or less redundant fashion. In deed, sometimes a lot of phrasings and series of adjectives I use can be a bit "duh" inducing.

For instance: vast and spanning. They pretty much mean the same thing.

[Tigervampuk]

I suppose it's just an issue I have.

One Tutor at University marked me down when I used the term "modern day" in one essay. He put a line through that and wrote beside it "contemporary". It wasn't an English essay. He just wanted to be difficult.

Anyway, for what it's worth, I think you have a natural style. You speak in the same way I write. I just wish I had a capture card so I could start making some proper reviews and plan what I'm going to say.

[balamb25]

-continued-

The girl begins to look more alive while every time the boy begins to look worse (pale, dark, dead). You just *know* that something is going horribly wrong every time a colossus is killed. It's very powerful.

unfortunately, you can't tell this very well due to the graphics until towards the end. (like you, i believe it should be revisited in a new system)

all I can say is that i cannot wait for The Last Guardian.

[AkewsticRockR]

I never noticed the girl looking more alive with each Colossus slain. In fact, I never noticed any visible change in her position other than perhaps her head or hair moving slightly, but I took that to be the wind.

I don't know if its there or not, but certainly never noticed anything. are you sure it's not just your own eagerness projected onto the game itself?

[balamb25]

excellent review.

my only comment is about your complaint about the part when Wander wakes. Yeah, it does get a little repetitive, but i think when you look at it as a whole scene (from the colossus falling to him waking up) there's a grim sadness to it. First of all, like you said, it makes you feel awful for killing the beast, but then, as he wakes up, you begin to subtly see changes.

aand, I need two comments for this XD Continued in the next one.

[ranchdressing]

Okay, this was a very good retrospective, professional review on a game that imo is overlooked, but when are you going to retrospect on Soul Reaver more? When's part 2? I know this game must be very awesome, but I'd really like to see the end of your Soul Reaver retrospective, too! :(

[AkewsticRockR]

Having done a back-to-back-to-back playthough of soul reaver 1 and 2 and Legacy of Kain: Defiance, I ended up ultimately disappointed with the franchise and it has in some ways tainted my perspective of it overall.

That said, the next video game related thing I put out will be part two of the retrospective, and you and everyone else have my sincerest apologies for allowing it to take so long.

[victormgs777]

the same developers are making The Last Guardian for ps3 check out my channel

[schokooink2]

have you ever played the, in my opinion, prologe of Shadow of the Colossus?

its called ICO if you want to take a look

btw great vid for a great game

[Hunkisthecoolest]

prahaps the mask that tell you to kill the colossus was once a colossus

[JohnnyJ617]

Great video for a truly once and a life time gaming experience. I think what truly makes this game great is that the story isn't just thrown in your face and it is more left to the player to interput it yourself. I can't say that the tech of ps2 really hurt is that bad tho i would love to see a current gen version, that said i was stilled awed every time id see a new colossus to conquer. Simply put this game is amazing and it is something everyone gamer should experience. Great video overall

[spunkeez]

Shadow of the Colossus to this day is still a notable favorite in my collection. Not even in our current generation, do we have a presentation so unique. Still though, when it comes to adventure games, my favorite will always be Beyond Good and Evil - but this title comes very close.

[AkewsticRockR]

Good choice, and another game I've been considering as a perspective retrospective.

Yes, I said it that way on purpose.

[spunkeez]

BGE is a game that I think is allot better then Zelda - It was just so much more polished, deep and moving. It had incredible story and production values that I doubt Zelda could match - as well as unique, polished gameplay to match.

[AkewsticRockR]

I dunno. I thought there was a bit too much focus on the stealth sequences that were way too easy once you figured out how to blow up the dudes..

Don't get me wrong. Great storyline, voice acting, and originality but I felt like there wasn't enough "Zelda-like" exploration and battle gameplay and it got a bit too bogged down in the overly simple racing and stealth sequences.

[AkewsticRockR]

However, BGE does have the advantage of a really cool and original character style, very colorful and exciting palette, tight controls, and it's a fresh and new IP, alot of which make up for its shortcomings.

Honestly, I think Zelda's been done to death, and whiel for a long time it was my most treasured series, they're really starting to run out of ideas. Every game seems to boil down to the same thing.

Bringing trains into it?, now C'mon Nintendo...

[SongsofLoveandHate]

This game was so good. Probably my favorite PS2 game.

[DamuEmran]

I love this game a lot. One of my favorite games of all time. I have to agree with the story parts. I still think the graphics for this game is still good for a ps2 game. SToC is a must buy for the ps2.

[Bertelhauch]

I should play that game. And good vid :D

[juggleboy360]

SotC was one of my favorite ps2 titles.

Also, your retrospectives are some of my favorite things to watch on youtube. Thanks much for making and posting.

[AkewsticRockR]

Appreciative people like you are part of why I enjoy sharing this stuff so much.

[Squeakybird]

Oh SotC...you really took me somewhere far away...

[ScrewAttackEurope]

I'm surprised you never mentioned anything about the relationship between Wanda and his horse, Arro. Also the fluid interaction between the two.

Also levelling up is debatable, if you eat hidden apples, kill lizards or defeat a colossus, your grip meter and sword attack becomes stronger. So i would consider that levelling up.

[reversemaster]

played it loved it 10 out of 10

[WigglesThePirate]

I love this game SO much!

[carfo]

GT already does a segment called Retrospective =\

Good vid though. I never played this game but I really should.

[VictorTyler]

great review, man. I can't help but be one of those complainers about your graphics gripe, though.

[Exarian]

I loved how the character (actually named wander) had subtle animations that shows how unsure of himself he is. He stumbles when running, he staggers back in fear at times, he climbs in an amateur, jerky fashion. The game makes a point of letting you know he's knew at fighting... and probably has some self esteem issues as well. Of course, when you drive a beautiful species of creature to extinction for no other reason than to resurrect someone important to you, you start to wonder who's evil.

[AkewsticRockR]

That's actually a really astute observation, and I've got to give you kudos. I never noticed it directly, but now that I'm thinking about it, you're exactly right.

[Exarian]

Nice to see ya doing videos again, lol. Maybe you could try to take the edge on the indie gaming scene in youtube while you're at it. It'd be easy to stay on top of the hottest free-ware titles, and it seems to be your kind of thing. Indie games and cult classic games are very similar at times. And you DO focus a lot on the cult classic games.

[AkewsticRockR]

Yeah, I like to give games exposure that I think didn't get what they truly deserved, or were simply unique and set apart from the pack Some others I've considered (or am considering): -OKami -Beyond Good and Evil -Xenogears -Katamari Damacy -Ultimate Spider-Man -The Suffering -Parappa the Rapper -Primal -Tomb Raider Legend -Super Mario Sunshine -Ape Escape -Castlevania: SOTN

[Exarian]

that's a good lineup, really. Although is you really wanna get something underrated, look up "Eversion" in fact. you should try a blind letsplay of it... It's only about an hour long or so, but it is very... intresting...

[neverchris]

I agree, that is a good lineup.

[Darkstar263]

Beyond Good and Evil, Parappa the Rapper and Ape Escape are 3 of my favourite games. I love unique games.

And I've started playing through Primal atm, which is really good from what I've played so far. I started it months ago. But decided to start from scratch as I lost track where I was.

Might I suggest Psychonauts? Which I felt was a really amazing game (Another of my favourites) yet didn't get the attention it deserved.

[cguevara12]

Wow the game looks really different... I want to get my hands on that game, it looks awesome enough to try it.

[wearevenom71]

Great video i agree with neverchris, when i first finished the game i figured it out right away that had something to do with the game ICO.

[neverchris]

Great video! I think this game is amazing too. Have you played ICO? Shadow is loosely considered to be its prequel and there are a few very interesting write ups that have been done that go into the various storyline connections.

[AkewsticRockR]

I have not played Ico yet. I'd really like to, but I gotta find a cheap copy.

I've been following all your videos lately, even though I haven't been commenting.

Is Wolverine really short or did you only show the best parts? Cause it seems like every review I watch of it shows the same clips.

You did a great job on it though.

[neverchris]

Thanks! I haven't really watched any other reviews of Wolverine so I guess I can't say for certain but a lot of the game looks exactly the same. And I can imagine some of the early game cinematics showing up often since I did kind of go for some of the best. Editing the video I felt the game looked a lot more exciting in the short clips than from how I actually enjoyed it. It is pretty short though.

[freaknr1]

I finally got a copy of this game after looking for it for several months. After I finished ICO (another amazing game that plays with your emotions) I knew I had to play it and so far it hasn't disapointed. I've only taken down the first 3 collosi, but each one of them left me speechless. The only complaint I have is that the game is a little too foggy sometimes (but this is more due to system limitations) and that it's a little hard to control the horse.

[AkewsticRockR]

I tried to keep from spoiling too much by showing too much of the colossi or how to solve the puzzle of figuring out how to scale them.

I agree about the horse. The good thing is, when running on narrow, high-up ledges, he knows not to jump off and can navigate himself as long as he doesn't need to make any 90 degree or greater turns.

[Timewarp1]

I heard paper at the end XD.

Good job

[smackdownaddict]

I am such a bad gamer. I still haven't played this game. Damn me!!

[SirDawkinsthemad]

*spoiler*

I think that the stone masks are there to contain the spirit of Dormin. At least that was the impression I got from it.

*End Spoilers*

Still though that was a good review of that game. But I'm also a bit curious, what did you think of Okami?

[AkewsticRockR]

Great art. atmosphere, and music but rather monotonous gameplay that rips off Ocarina of time infinitely more than SotC.

I really don't like using the brush on the PS2. I'll bet it's significantly cooler on the Wii.

I've been considering it for the next retrospective, actually.

[Vallinen92]

YES! Another Retrospective! :D

[Zen444]

Thanks for talking about a bad game, Akewstic.

[AkewsticRockR]

You know you're not gonna get away with saying something like that without defending your stance.

Let's hear it.

[smackdownaddict]

It's not a "bad" game. Shadow of the Colossus is UNDERRATED

[Zen444]

Shadow of the Colossus IS a bad game. Now GodHand is UNDERRATED.

[smackdownaddict]

Then do you mind telling us WHY it's a bad game?

[AlphaLuna]

Some people , specially those under the age of 14 asking for the next god of war or the next gears will pass this game. That's why is "so boring" for them. Because the average hardcore gamer will not be able to sit in a lonelyness journey of exploration and marvel which is this game about. It lacks of storytelling and a slah and hack gameplay to satisfy the average gamer out there, that's why this game is so underrated, because it's so unique and special with you and the colossus, no more.

[joshguy64]

Nice to see you back in the retrospective reviews again.

[AlphaLuna]

My favorite videogame in the ps2 ctalogue! Good memories! ^_^

You said much of what makes this game so special.

Great video!

[AkewsticRockR]

Did I miss anything that you would have said were you in my shoes?

[AlphaLuna]

Since you ask. You probably forgot to mention the connection between this game and its predecessor , the game ICO (which acts as a prequel, even it was made before), which is clear by the ending of SotC and made by the same director which is now working to deliver the third in the saga: Last Guardian. These 3 games share much of the same design and settings that made them so special, you should definitevly take a look to all of them :)

[AlphaLuna]

I meant SotC acts as a prequel to ICO , not the other way around XD, sorry.

[AkewsticRockR]

I gotcha.

Actually, there was no mention of Ico because I've still never played the game and didn't want to "bluff" the content using wikipedia or something like that.

It would have been dishonest on my part to try to say anything about Ico.

I need to find a cheap copy so I can experience it for myself.

[fman40000]

Well you could have mentioned it's predecessor Ico in the review but other than that not really.( note I mean you could have just brought it up once like Spiritual successor to the cult classic ICO or something. PS what do you think of that game?

[snakeeyes5150]

Nice to see you back. Great retrospetive, more people should pick this game up.

[juggleboy360]

What he said.

[sikokiller12]

it reminds me of the legend of Zelda lol