Title: Shadow of the Colossus
Description: Almost ICO II!
Description: Almost ICO II!
Comrade Natrak - May 7, 2004 04:41 AM (GMT)
Most will have heard the rumours of an Ico sequel named 'Nico' by now. They've been going around for a fair while. Even a few screens had surfaced from a trailer that had supposedly been shown.
In a news article by IGN they report that the Title Nico has been trademarked by Sony!
In a news article by IGN they report that the Title Nico has been trademarked by Sony!
| QUOTE |
| May 06, 2004 - Sony Computer Entertainment has filed for a trademarked on the word NICO, spelled using both Roman and Japanese characters. The trademark was filed on 2/23 and gives further proof to all the unofficial reports of a sequel to Ico being in development. The term Nico was first heard with regards to an ICO sequel as reports surfaced of a video presentation showing off the game. Since then, we've heard little bits and pieces on such a sequel, most recently a listing for such a game by Amazon.com's United Kingdom branch, but still no official confirmation from SCE. With E3 around the corner, we expect SCE to hold off for just a bit more before revealing all. |
Hopefully we do indeed wind up seeing an Ico sequel at E3.
Machiavelli - May 7, 2004 05:40 AM (GMT)
Sony could just be protecting their own interests. Really, I won't believe anything until we have firm proof - games being announced at a trade show isn't always firm proof.
I hope i'm wrong though.
I hope i'm wrong though.
DJ-Civic - May 7, 2004 02:35 PM (GMT)
I've heard the original is a good game but never played it. I can hire it at my local video shop, so is it worth it?
Comrade Natrak - May 7, 2004 02:43 PM (GMT)
Definately. The game is like nothing else you'll play, it's very atmospheric and has some tough puzzles. The game is short so it's a good game to rent.
/backslash - May 7, 2004 02:58 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Comrade Natrak @ May 7 2004, 10:43 PM) |
| Definately. The game is like nothing else you'll play, it's very atmospheric and has some tough puzzles. The game is short so it's a good game to rent. |
and if you spend more devotion to pausing & looking at the graphics and atmosphere like i do, you'll be playing it for a looooong time :D
that reminds me, i need to finish it. it's not that i'm doing a hard puzzle, it's just a puzzle that requires perfect timing whilst jumping from a spring device to scatter up the window that's 100m above your head
Gilder - May 8, 2004 02:41 AM (GMT)
That was the worst puzzle in the game, I felt /backslash. It felt so unnatural, and contrary to the rest of the game. Whats worse is that I've read that it wasn't in the NTSC release of the game, and was added to the PAL release.
/backslash - May 8, 2004 09:45 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Gilder @ May 8 2004, 10:41 AM) |
| That was the worst puzzle in the game, I felt /backslash. It felt so unnatural, and contrary to the rest of the game. Whats worse is that I've read that it wasn't in the NTSC release of the game, and was added to the PAL release. |
and the worsest thing i hate about puzzles like this is when your friend comes over - a friend who has never even played the game before, asks you what you're doing. after you tell him, he asks if he can have a go and you'd say
"yeah sure. but you won't be able to do it".
then 5 seconds after you say that, your friend completes the jump and says
friend: "well, that was pretty easy"
you: "that was not easy! it was BLOODY HARD! I've been trying for the last 72 hours!"
speaking of which, i should invite one of my friends over to beat it for me :P
i've even tried GameFAQs and it just says "hit the jump button at a certain time" wow.....very helpful! NOT!
NismoR34 - May 8, 2004 02:21 PM (GMT)
Ah Ico, it was an awesome game, and I really wish I had a copy of it. It was simply awesome. Damn Video Ezy for not having it...
Anyone know where I can get a copy? ;)
As for Nico, well if it's going to be as good, if not better then Ico, then it will be worth it, and I'll purchase it on the day of release. :)
Anyone know where I can get a copy? ;)
As for Nico, well if it's going to be as good, if not better then Ico, then it will be worth it, and I'll purchase it on the day of release. :)
Comrade Natrak - September 11, 2004 03:16 AM (GMT)
Finally! Information has been released on the game previously being referred to as Nico...
| QUOTE (ps2.ign.com) |
| Wanda and Colossus Everything we know about the next game from team ICO. September 10, 2004 - Late last night, Sony Computer Entertainment unveiled to the world first details on the next game from the talented bunch that brought us Ico. Titled Wanda to Kyozou (Wanda and Colossus), the company initially revealed little about the title, promising more details to follow at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show. The Tokyo Game Show doesn't kick off until September 24, but SCE got around to spilling details on Wanda to Kyozou a bit earlier than that. At a press conference held today in Tokyo, the company unveiled the basics of the title, from its concept to more specific gameplay elements. On hand at the press conference were director, game designer and art director Fumito Ueda and producer Kenji Kaido, both of whom had the same roles on Ico. Wanda to Kyozou, which is indeed the game once referred to as NICO, centers on the basic idea of "fighting a giant enemy," as Kaido explains. This basic idea apparently came from Ueda around January of 2002. The story of Wanda to Kyozou centers on a young main character in an ancient land. The story begins with the young hero placing the lifeless body of a young girl who's lost her soul onto his horse. The trio continues to walk night upon night as so. Upon clearing a great wall, they comes to a giant bridge, and crossing the bridge, they come to a large shrine. Heading down a flight of stairs into the shrine, the main character sees before him a great field that seems to have no bounds. He places the girl's body on shrine's altar and hears, along side the surrounding thunder, a voice from above revealing the way to revive the girl. He learns that he must defeat the giants beasts who reside in the land. Once they've been defeated, the girl will awaken.  As with Ico, the world across which the hero will adventure is a lonely one. There is no one in the world but he and his horse. The two have one thing tying them together, though -- thoughts of the girl. The main character has a special place in his heart for the girl, although the relationship isn't clear from the start of the game. So what exactly are those giant creatures that the main character has to defeat? One can translate their Japanese name, "Kyozou" as "Colossus," which is the source for our hasty English translation of the game's Japanese title. The Colossus creatures are living creatures who were sealed away in the ancient land. They take many forms, examples being humanoid and bird. Their abilities change depending on form, with some creatures being smart and others being fast. Players will have to change their strategy in order to deal with the creature at hand. The Colossus creatures come to life once the player has touched them. By pushing the R1 button, the player can cling to the Colossus creature. The player must climb the creature in order to find a weak point and attack it using the attack button. On example, shown in a video demonstration of the game, has the main character facing off against a sword-bearing colossus. The creature thrusts its sword down into the ground, giving the main character a chance to climb up the sword, make his way to the creature's head and strike. This isn't as simple as it sounds, as once the character has latched onto the creature, the ride becomes a bit bumpy. Finding the weak spots on the giants and getting in to a position to attack them seems to be the focus of the Wanda and Colossus. Climbing up the sword seems to be one of the more simple examples. Figuring out how to climb up the creatures will involve some puzzle solving, as climbing the creatures is somewhat like working your way through a maze, with some areas allowing for progression and others blocking you off. On some creatures, attacking a certain area will change the layout of the maze, allowing players to progress to the creature's weak point. The choice of pairing the player with a horse for Wanda to Kyozou was an intentional one, according to Ueda. "The horse is like Ico's Yorda," comments Ueda, referring to the girl character who accompanies the main character on his adventures in Ico. "In addition to being the main character's companion, he has a supporting role in battle." Faster creatures will require that you chase them down and attack on horseback. As an further example of the horse's role, Ueda states that the horse is a wise creature and will help players by following paths and avoiding obstacles. "In this way," says Uedo, "it's a good, semi-automatic ride. Players can focus all their power on the battle." Plus, according to Uedo, the image of the main character on a horse is just more impressive than that of the main character by himself. Obviously, this game is, regardless of how far you stretch your imagination, not a sequel Ico. Kaido justified his team's decision to not make a sequel to the much loved game, stating "When we finished Ico (the Japanese version), we of course had to think about our next production. Normally, there would be talk of a sequel, but here, there was some opposition to that, along the lines of Ico being more than complete both in terms of gameplay and story, thus making production of a sequel very difficult, and also questions about whether users actually wanted a sequel. After much consideration, we decided to try a new game."  Ueda himself made some comments, offering "We spent a long time -- four years -- making Ico, and we think that it was a very quiet game where the main character experienced an adventure while communicating with a girl in a closed environment. This wasn't as a reaction or anything, but we wanted to make something a bit more flashy [with Wanda to Kyozou]." Uedo also explains that he wanted to try something that has an element of players putting themselves in the game. Production on Wanda to Kyozou began immediately after the Japanese version of Ico was released. Touching on the initial stage of development, Kaido explains, "As a first step in making a game, just as we did with Ico, we made a movie which captured what kind of game it would be, what kind of world and outlook on the world it would have." Apparently, this sort of practice is to give the game's development team an image of the game at hand as they work, but, explains Kaido, "Our goal was to make the movie with an extremely final form, and because the video is very complete, we were able to use it as a guide to our final target while making the game." Kaido goes on to explain that the pilot movie was made using the Ico game engine, running in real time on the PS2, allowing the team to get an idea of what they could do on the PS2. As development progressed, the visuals changed, but the core areas of "fighting a giant enemy" and "giant field" didn't change what so ever. Judging by the few images of Wanda to Kozou that have been revealed so far, it's clear that Uedo, Kaido and their team have gotten the giant enemy and giant field parts of the game down perfectly. Add to that the subtle visual presentation that reminds one of Ico, and you have a game that's making the whole IGN staff want to be at the Tokyo Game Show later this month to see more. Stay tuned to IGNPS2 on 9/24. |
This is some of the biggest news of the year in my books. Damn I'm excited for this.
Cerebral - September 11, 2004 05:49 AM (GMT)
Read about it earlier. :) It does look very nice, but not having played the original I don't know what to expect.
[DZ] - September 11, 2004 05:56 AM (GMT)
Thats nice. I wish I played the original game. :( My quest to find a (cheap) copy continues.
DJ-Civic - September 11, 2004 01:49 PM (GMT)
I actually played Ico a ffew months back now, and wow, what a game. More of an experience really.
And although this isn't a true sequel to Ico, it still seems to be closely tied to it. Lets hope it's as good or better than Ico. :)
And although this isn't a true sequel to Ico, it still seems to be closely tied to it. Lets hope it's as good or better than Ico. :)
NismoR34 - September 11, 2004 03:18 PM (GMT)
Nismo wants and he wants NOW!
Comrade Natrak - September 26, 2004 06:14 AM (GMT)
Whoo! The official Japanese site has gone up, complete with screenies. It also has a trailer. On top of this IGN have a couple of trailers that are presently being shown at TGS available to download.
Now for screenies! =D
Now for screenies! =D
DJ-Civic - September 26, 2004 01:51 PM (GMT)
Can't believe that's running on PS2. :nooo:
You can see it's using the ICO engine too.
You can see it's using the ICO engine too.
NismoR34 - September 26, 2004 02:03 PM (GMT)
Words cannot describe how happy and excited I am with the way this game is heading so I'll use emoticons instead.
:mariodance1: :mariodance2: :luigidance1: :luigidance2:
:biggrin:
:mariodance1: :mariodance2: :luigidance1: :luigidance2:
:biggrin:
NismoR34 - October 18, 2005 04:39 PM (GMT)
1. Major thread bumpage but meh, you will get over it. :P
2. Heh, it felt weird reading such old posts again.
3. It has been over a year since this thread was started, holy crap.
Okay, now that these little things are out of the way, let's move on. I am bumping this thread because it is almost time for the game. Okay so we probably won't get the game until next year sometime (if at all) but still, the game is about to hit America so I thought it was time to begin the discussions again.
IGN have posted their review of Shadow of Colossus and have given it a score of 9.7.
Yes IGN isn't exactly the best place for reviews but this score certainly suggests that the game is definitely going to be something special. I will even go on a limb right now and say even moreso than the ever brilliant ICO. I personally gave ICO a perfect score so I really cannot wait to experience Shadow in all its glory. Now if only our release could come sooner rather than later. To finish, apparently this game gets bigger and bigger the more times you play through it too. Rocking.
2. Heh, it felt weird reading such old posts again.
3. It has been over a year since this thread was started, holy crap.
Okay, now that these little things are out of the way, let's move on. I am bumping this thread because it is almost time for the game. Okay so we probably won't get the game until next year sometime (if at all) but still, the game is about to hit America so I thought it was time to begin the discussions again.
IGN have posted their review of Shadow of Colossus and have given it a score of 9.7.
Yes IGN isn't exactly the best place for reviews but this score certainly suggests that the game is definitely going to be something special. I will even go on a limb right now and say even moreso than the ever brilliant ICO. I personally gave ICO a perfect score so I really cannot wait to experience Shadow in all its glory. Now if only our release could come sooner rather than later. To finish, apparently this game gets bigger and bigger the more times you play through it too. Rocking.
Manny M - October 19, 2005 12:34 AM (GMT)
I gave the review a read, and GOD DAMN THE FACT THAT I DON'T HAVE A PS2.
This game looks phenomenal. I love games where you can just sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Where playing the game really gives you a feeling of being part of the game.
I vaguely considered buying a PS2 for this, but I came to my senses.
This game looks phenomenal. I love games where you can just sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Where playing the game really gives you a feeling of being part of the game.
I vaguely considered buying a PS2 for this, but I came to my senses.
Comrade Natrak - October 19, 2005 01:40 AM (GMT)
I'd love to see it out in Australia by the year's end, but that'd mean a rushed PAL conversion, and I don't want that. Here's hoping we get some fancy collector's edition (none of that tin box stuff though, that's beginning to get done to death), like what we got for ICO.
[DZ] - October 19, 2005 02:03 AM (GMT)
GameSpy gave it 
which is impressive. :o
I am BUYING this game!! Manny is so missing out.
which is impressive. :oI am BUYING this game!! Manny is so missing out.
ultracrazy1 - October 19, 2005 10:15 AM (GMT)
Don't forget ign gave jade empire a 9.9, and I'm not willing to spend money on any game worse than jade empire ;)
Manny M - October 19, 2005 10:19 AM (GMT)
Good point UC, but this really does look special.
I've got an idea. My mate at work has a PS2 and never uses it. PErhaps i'll convince him to buy it, then scab it off him when he gets sick of it (guaranteed to take 2 days max)
I've got an idea. My mate at work has a PS2 and never uses it. PErhaps i'll convince him to buy it, then scab it off him when he gets sick of it (guaranteed to take 2 days max)
ultracrazy1 - October 19, 2005 10:48 AM (GMT)
I read ign's review and saw their video review and they were so eager to not spoil anything they just focused on how great the presentation is, and that its constantly challenging what you expect it to be.
Also it seems to be one of those games that some people will absolutely love, and may not be able to explain what it is about it that makes it so great. I'm often quite cynical of that sort of game because I look to other mediums for great art, music and stories.
I'll have to read some more reviews, and possibly even the start of a guide just so I have an idea of what it really is... I know I might spoil a bit of it for myself but ultimately if the game is that great it'll be worth it.
Also it seems to be one of those games that some people will absolutely love, and may not be able to explain what it is about it that makes it so great. I'm often quite cynical of that sort of game because I look to other mediums for great art, music and stories.
I'll have to read some more reviews, and possibly even the start of a guide just so I have an idea of what it really is... I know I might spoil a bit of it for myself but ultimately if the game is that great it'll be worth it.
DJ-Civic - October 19, 2005 01:44 PM (GMT)
If you've played Ico before, you know what SoC will almost be like. I think anyone with a PS2 needs to get this as it'll be so unique, and I know the game will be rare a la Ico down the road....
NismoR34 - October 19, 2005 05:35 PM (GMT)
At least here in Australia anyway. As for IGN's Jade Empire score, no relevance. Two different parts of the main site with two different reviewers. :P
Seriously though, yes IGN isn't exactly the best source for opinions or information, but really, everything I have seen so far in regards to the game has been positive. Comparing a game to ICO is no mean feat in itself and yet the comparions seem to be valid with this game because it does truly look (and now seems to be) special. Granted, they are the same developers but I still think the point stands. Regardless of what you morons think (:P) I still want this game badly. Infact I think it is my most anticipated title ever, moreso than Zelda, moreso than PGR 3, moreso than Gran Turismo 4... We all know how much I wanted that before it released so really, I think that says it all.
Seriously though, yes IGN isn't exactly the best source for opinions or information, but really, everything I have seen so far in regards to the game has been positive. Comparing a game to ICO is no mean feat in itself and yet the comparions seem to be valid with this game because it does truly look (and now seems to be) special. Granted, they are the same developers but I still think the point stands. Regardless of what you morons think (:P) I still want this game badly. Infact I think it is my most anticipated title ever, moreso than Zelda, moreso than PGR 3, moreso than Gran Turismo 4... We all know how much I wanted that before it released so really, I think that says it all.
[DZ] - October 19, 2005 08:55 PM (GMT)
The thing about IGN is that they're just hypers. You make an average game, your name's Peter Molyneux, your publisher throws expensive gifts reviewers and you insist your game is the second coming, your bound to get >9 from IGN!
Manny M - October 20, 2005 12:12 AM (GMT)
Black and White 2 actually got 8.8
I really don't see why everyone is SO against IGN. Is it commonplace for people to hate a company after their annual income reaches x amount of dollars?
I really don't see why everyone is SO against IGN. Is it commonplace for people to hate a company after their annual income reaches x amount of dollars?
StueyRowls - October 20, 2005 03:03 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Manny M @ Oct 20 2005, 10:12 AM) |
| I really don't see why everyone is SO against IGN. Is it commonplace for people to hate a company after their annual income reaches x amount of dollars? |
I'm with you Manny, I have no real problem with IGN. You just have to understand that the review is ONE persons view of the game. Obviously the Xbox editor really loved Jade Empire, but that view may not be shared by everyone.
I find the best thing to do is just read a couple of reviews from different sources as they usually point out a few different positives and negatives.
Back on topic, I'm cannot wait for this game. The art direction looks absalutely amazing, and the gameplay looks like it may match the style.
Is there any word on a PAL release date?
[DZ] - October 20, 2005 03:18 AM (GMT)
Metacritic's average for the game is 91. Link
It should get recognised after ICO. And should get a mainstream PAL release. Check 1Up.
It should get recognised after ICO. And should get a mainstream PAL release. Check 1Up.
/backslash - October 20, 2005 12:19 PM (GMT)
I heard that there's some framerate issues when things get busy. Is this true? I'm pretty sure I read it on an NTSC version, so if that's anything to go by it could be bad news for PAL gamers too unless they fix it
DJ-Civic - October 20, 2005 01:27 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (StueyRowls @ Oct 20 2005, 03:03 AM) |
| Is there any word on a PAL release date? |
Good question there Stuey. Anyone know?
tinklez - October 20, 2005 04:20 PM (GMT)
Feb/Q1 2006 last I've heard.
My copy got shipped from the US a couple of days ago and I should have early next week! :D
My copy got shipped from the US a couple of days ago and I should have early next week! :D
NismoR34 - October 20, 2005 05:03 PM (GMT)
Even I am tempted to import it actually, but I will resist temptation and wait. The enjoyment will be even better then, hopefully.
As for IGN, well I don't hate them (otherwise I wouldn't visit the site) but because a lot of the time I disagree with them I don't hold them in as high regard as I do other sources. They are pretty damn good for posting the latest news though.
As for IGN, well I don't hate them (otherwise I wouldn't visit the site) but because a lot of the time I disagree with them I don't hold them in as high regard as I do other sources. They are pretty damn good for posting the latest news though.
[DZ] - October 20, 2005 09:05 PM (GMT)
Yes IGN are really good on breaking news since they're the leading gaming website.
On the Oz release for Shadow of the Colussus, its currently N/A at DVD Crave.
On the Oz release for Shadow of the Colussus, its currently N/A at DVD Crave.
/backslash - November 5, 2005 11:56 AM (GMT)
Not sure if anyone read about this, but possibly some good news for those still struggling to find a local copy of Ico
| QUOTE |
| February 2006 will see the long-awaited re-release of one of the most unique and beautiful PS2 games ever; the seminal classic ICO. To tie-in with the release of Shadow of the Colossus, SCEE is re-releasing creator Fumito Ueda's previous classic, ICO. Despite being released to huge critical acclaim back in spring 2002, ICO's haunting story of an unwanted boy and a ghostly girl joining forces to find freedom and happiness failed to set the buying public on fire, and once the first run disappeared from our shelves, that was that. But like a cult film, word of ICO's sheer brilliance spread throughout the gaming community and it quite rightly became the most sought after deleted game for PlayStation 2, with second-hand copies exchanging hands for much more than the original shop price. Now with the imminent release of Ueda-san's new opus Shadow of the Colossus, ICO will be hitting the shops alongside its younger sibling this coming February. Like other classic, cult games such as Katamari Damacy, Amplitude and Rez, it's difficult to put ICO's wondrous experience into words and do it justice. What we will say, is ICO is one of a kind when it comes to its thoughtful and engaging action adventure gameplay and should certainly be on everyone's shopping list next year. Check out the ICO website PlayStation.com produced for the game way back in 2002 - long before Flash websites made searching for information that much more "in your face" - and sit back in the knowledge you've now got not one, but two classics coming your way early next year. |
markymark - November 5, 2005 01:54 PM (GMT)
That's good news. Ico was deleted way before I ever got my PS2 and I always wanted to play it.
DJ-Civic - November 5, 2005 02:50 PM (GMT)
That's great news about Ico being re-released! :D Stuff paying up to $100 for a used copy of it on eBay.
NismoR34 - November 5, 2005 03:58 PM (GMT)
It is excellent news for any of you bums who don't own it, but it doesn't concern me. Shadow's release certainly does though. A friend is importing the game as we speak. Words cannot describe how much I want to murder him. :D
/backslash - November 6, 2005 06:19 AM (GMT)
I paid $55 for my PAL copy of Ico, brand new, shrinkwrapped and with the LE cards. Course, it had to get imported from the UK..
ElPresidente - November 6, 2005 11:33 AM (GMT)
I've had this for a few days now. A worthy successor to ICO. Some of the collossii battles are breath-taking. This is a very very special game.