An Argument for Video Games as Art
A Quick Introduction
In this post I will basically give an in-depth review of the game: Shadow of the Colossus. This game was first released in October of 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and was later released in an HD remake bundle with Ico (Which Shadow is a prequel to) in September 2011 for the PlayStation 3.
I didn't discover the game until the HD remake had already been released. I still had a PlayStation 2 so I picked up that version and played it through and beat it. Now I have the PlayStation 3 version and am about ready to finish normal mode. I had the ending spoiled for me before I played it, (don't worry, I will not give details about the ending here for those of you who might want to play it.) but I still loved the game enough to make it one of my all-time favorites. It is the only non-Nintendo-system game that I gush over like this.
So what's the story?
Upon starting the game, you see a young man on horseback working his way through a canyon. He appears to have something on his lap as he rides through a forest and by a lake. Eventually he comes to a what looks like a gate. He enters and crosses a bridge that leads to a shrine. The door opens for him and shuts behind him. He descends a spiral ramp and enters a room with 16 giant statues lining the hallway. At the end of the hall lies an altar. He approaches it and lays what he's carrying on top of it. Pulling away the sheet on top, he reveals it to be the body of a young woman who is unconscious.
Shortly after he puts the female down, some shadowy figures appear. The young man, (whose name is known as Wander, though it is never specifically mentioned in the game) turns and pulls a sword from its sheath and the shadowy figures dissipate. A mysterious voice addresses Wander, recognizing the sword it inquires about Wanders presence in the temple. Wander talks back to the voice, stating that he heard that in this realm it is possible to reunite a spirit with a body. The young girl he brought with him (whose name is Mono) was sacrificed because she had a "cursed fate". Now Wanders and Monos relation is never clarified so it's completely up to matter of opinion on if she was his lover, sister or someone completely different. I have also read theories that Wander was involved in her sacrifice and is doing this out of guilt and trying to pay restitution.
The voice (who is referred to as Dormin) tells Wander that based on its understanding, it is the rule of mortals that once the spirit leaves the body, it is done. Dormin does, however, tell Wander that with the sword he is carrying it might not be impossible. Dormin brings Wanders attention to the 16 statues lining the hall. It tells Wander that in this land, (known as the "Forbidden Land") there are living images of these statues roaming around. If Wander is able to travel around, find these creatures and slay them with the sword he owns, then it is possible that Monos life might be restored. Dormin lays out a warning that the price to pay might be heavy for what he is about to do, but Wander says it does not matter. Dormin tells Wander that if he raises his sword to the light, the light will be reflected in the direction Wander is to go to find his goal. With this information, Wander is on his way. His only companion he has on this journey is his loyal horse, Agro
How does the game play?
This game is unique in the fact that it is essentially just 16 boss fights. There are no enemies in your path as you make your way towards each Colossus. To make up for that, though, these are very creative and often very tough battles. Each Colossus has at least 1 sigil (weak point) that Wander must find and attack. Just like finding your way, you can use your sword to shine light on the location of the sigil. The next item of business in the battle is accessing the sigil. Only the first Colossus is easy enough to just go jump on. (That's just the first step to that battle though!) The remaining 15 make you find ways to get onto the Colossus before you can try to attack the sigil. It will test your ability to assess the shape and fight pattern of the Colossus, as well as look at your environment. Each Colossus has its own personality too. Some are pretty docile, they seem more content to ignore you until they're being hurt. Others are aggressive and will attack you on sight. As you can see from the picture above, you are almost like an insect to a majority of them so you'll have to learn how to manage your grip (you have a limited stamina bar while you hang on and climb a Colossus) as it twist and turns, trying to dislodge you from their body.
After defeating a Colossus, it will collapse and black tendrils shoot out from its body and find their way into Wander. He will collapse, you'll see a bright light and he will be transported back to the Shrine of Worship where you'll see the statue of the Colossus you just defeated crumble. Dormin will then give you a hint about the next Colossus and send you on your way. This continues up until the final Colossus.
The Sights
This game is absolutely beautiful. The Forbidden Land is almost like a paradise in some areas, lush and green and flowing with water. Other parts are desert but the scenery there is also still very pretty. I sometimes take a timeout from travelling to a Colossus just to move the camera around and take in the scenery
I even think the Colossi were crafted beautifully. The way they look, the way they managed to get their movements to match their size, I'm simply in awe of it all.
This is one of the reasons I really started believing that video games are a form of art. To craft something like this takes real talent and it is expressed very excellently. Now add the next part to finish the argument.
The Sounds
I cannot say enough how much I am in love with the soundtrack to this game. Here's another interesting aspect of this game. The music only applies to a battle with a Colossus. While you're riding/running around the Forbidden Land it is devoid of sound besides the whistling of the wind or the rumbling of a waterfall.
That's not all. When you first encounter a Colossus, a slower, more subdued tune will often play as you make your attempt to scale the Colossus. Then, as soon as you have succeeded in climbing onto the Colossus, the music will change. Usually this means it will speed up and increase in not only volume but intensity. Kow Otani did an astounding job making a soundtrack to a video game that sounds like it could be placed into a movie! I linked to a little taste below!
The AWESOME Music that plays during the battle with Avion. (The Colossus featured in the image.)I couldn't decide whether to use that music file or the one from the final battle with Malus. Ultimately I decided if anyone is reading this that hasn't played the game yet, I won't spoil it as it is very fitting for the mood of the epic climax to this game!
In Conclusion
Simply put, Shadow of the Colossus is one of the most amazing games I've ever played. After completing the game the first time it unlocks hard mode and time trials so it has high replay value. For people who know me, I've been fairly loyal to Nintendo my whole life, so if I'm fawning over a game by a competitor you know it really had an impact on me.
I hope if this reaches anybody, that if they're a gamer they highly consider giving this game a try if they haven't yet. I have delved deep into the games lore because it has intrigued me so much. If you're a fan of the game or if you start liking it, I highly suggest checking out Nomads blog. He spent a lot of time picking the game apart and finding out its secrets. I usually watch his YouTube Channel to see what he's done.
That is all for this post! I hope you've enjoyed my review!
