Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Developers: Team Ico
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment
Ico: A Hauntingly Beautiful Masterpiece
Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, Ico is an action-adventure game developed by Team Ico and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game follows the story of a young boy named Ico who is born with horns and is thus considered an outcast by his village. He is taken to a massive castle by his people, where he is left to die. However, Ico manages to escape and meets a mysterious girl named Yorda. Together, they must find a way to escape the castle and the shadowy creatures that relentlessly pursue them.
Gameplay
Ico is a third-person action-adventure game in which the player controls Ico. The game’s world is presented in a minimalist style, with simple geometry and muted colors. Ico can explore the castle, solve puzzles, and fight off shadow creatures. He can also interact with Yorda, who speaks a different language than him. The player must use Ico’s abilities and Yorda’s guidance to progress through the game.
Story
Ico’s story is told through environmental storytelling and subtle character interactions. The game’s world is rich in detail, and the player can learn about Ico and Yorda’s past by exploring the castle and finding hidden items. The game’s story is both heartwarming and tragic, and it explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Characters
- Ico: A young boy who is born with horns and is thus considered an outcast by his village. He is a brave and resourceful boy who is determined to protect Yorda.
- Yorda: A mysterious girl who speaks a different language than Ico. She is kind and gentle, but she is also haunted by her past.
- The Shadow Creatures: Mysterious creatures that relentlessly pursue Ico and Yorda. They are said to be the embodiment of darkness and despair.
Development
Ico was developed by Team Ico, a small team of developers led by Fumito Ueda. The game was originally conceived as a horror game, but Ueda eventually decided to make it a more heartwarming and hopeful story. Ico was developed over a period of four years, and it was one of the first games to use motion capture technology.
Reception
Ico was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its beautiful visuals, innovative gameplay, and touching story. Ico was a commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide. The game has been included in several lists of the greatest video games of all time.
Legacy
Ico is considered to be one of the most influential video games of all time. The game’s unique art style, innovative gameplay, and touching story have inspired many other games. Ico has also been praised for its positive portrayal of female characters.
Conclusion
Ico is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that is sure to stay with you long after you finish playing it. The game’s stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and touching story make it a must-play for any fan of video games.
Additional Information
- Ico was directed by Fumito Ueda, who also directed the critically acclaimed games Shadow of the Colossus and The Last Guardian.
- The game’s music was composed by Michiru Oshima, who also composed the music for Shadow of the Colossus and The Last Guardian.
- Ico was originally released in Japan in 2001. The game was later released in North America and Europe in 2002.
- Ico was re-released in high definition for the PlayStation 3 in 2011.
- A spiritual successor to Ico, titled The Last Guardian, was released in 2016.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
