TITLE
The First Shadow Of The Colossus Fight Is A Masterpiece
AUTHOR
Nick Suttner
PUBLICATION
Kotaku
YEAR
2015
ARTICLE TYPE
Book Excerpt
FROM THE ARTICLE
The opening cinematic ends as the camera transitions into live gameplay, and I’m given control for the first time. Moving Wander around is a joy, both in execution and for the fact that there’s no particular rush or threat as I prepare myself for this world and its as-yet unseen battles. The shrine is empty, save for Mono lying still, and my horse Agro, quietly exploring nearby while I come to grips with the controls.Wander’s gait is more mature than Ico’s, the earned confidence of an adventurer rather than that of a resilient child. His jumps are fearless lunges forward that can cover a lot of ground. If his sword is unsheathed, he’ll run with it ninja-like, pointing it down and back along his side. And many of his basic movements are contextual—he’ll leap from a running horse, or simply dismount with a step down from a stilled one. Agro is a star in her own right—a living, breathing companion and partner in crime for Wander, not simply a vehicle for speed or safety. And when I’m not riding her, she’ll wander off on her own, or rein up dramatically alongside me without prompting, or stay close when staying close is called for. She’s unpredictable, as animals are, but a fierce friend and really my only one in this world.
GAMES MENTIONED
Shadow of the Colossus
EXCERPTED FROM
Boss Fight Books – Shadow of the Colossus