Review By:  Christopher Coey
Developer:	Sony
Publisher:	Sony
# of Players:	1
Genre:	Adventure
ESRB:	Everyone
Date Posted:	10-17-01

As the game progresses, Yorda (who is a brilliantly sculpted character) is at first scared, and confused about what is going on around her. On her own, she is quite helpless, and it is up to Ico to guide, and often pull her, through doors and around obstacles. Soon, however, she begins to trust Ico, and rely on his brawn to save her from the shadows. Interestingly enough, although Ico's speech is subtitled (the language he actually speaks is made up), Yorda's speech (who speaks a separate, also invented, language) is subtitled in indecipherable symbols. Thus, not only does Ico not understand what she is saying, neither does the player. Remarkably, however, her actions and vivid character animations allow both the player and Ico to interpret her thoughts and meaning. One of the most poignant moments of the game (and to talk about 'poignant moments' in a game is a marvel in itself) is the first time Ico manages to coax Yorda into trusting him enough to jump across a gap, and into his waiting arms. And this small, seemingly unimportant development, is later paralleled in an incredible story moment when the situation is reversed [that is all I will say for fear or ruining the moment for anyone.] Eventually, Yorda leans at what times she should follow Ico, or wait safely for him to return from danger; and even how to climb obstacles on her own.

The only time this game lets up graphically, is the odd time when a character suffers from disappearing polygons, if they happen to be bending or turning while close to a wall or object. And, the 'mist' turns into a 'thick fog' at places; mostly however, only in the massive outdoor levels. But these small flaws are by far made up by with scenes such as the bridge that crosses in front of a massive waterfall, complete with shimmering rainbow and mist. Incredible.

As for the gameplay, it is very innovative, if not only for the degree of interaction the characters have with the environment. If it looks like you might be able to scale a wall or cross a parapet, you more than likely can. A rope that seems to be small detail work far above one level, becomes the very tool used to solve a puzzle an hour or two later when you find yourself far above that very same level. The puzzles themselves range from overly simple, to complex tasks that require fifteen or twenty minutes of various actions and jumps in order to overcome. And often, the simplest of puzzles become the most challenging by way of their own simplicity. Overall, however, there are no OVERLY difficult puzzles given that the game itself is strictly linear. There is only ever one puzzle to solve at a time. There are no items to store or carry save from the immediate item or weapon that you happen to be carrying. There is no need to worry about dropping the wrong item in the wrong place, either you can continue with the item you have, or one you need will be provided, or respawn, once you leave the room. Players may find this type of gameplay uninspiring, or less than challenging. But the game IS a linear, puzzle solving game. And, as far as that goes, it is unbeatable. The degree of difficulty is very well balanced so as not to alienate any players. And the level and depth of the characters, environments, and storyline are unmatched. This game is an amazing thing.

HIGHS:

• Immersive gameplay
• The environment is a work of art
• Interesting, challenging puzzles
• Gripping story

LOWS:

• Somewhat short gameplay
• Very linear

An instant classic. This game is one of the best games ever, not just one of the best of the genre. It's one of those games that people will talk about years from now. One of the games that people compare, and hold up, other games to. So why then, you might ask, did it not receive a score of 10? There are a couple shortcomings of the game that detracted from the score, but certainly not the gameplay. Firstly, it's a little on the short side. Second, it's basically a fully linear story. That second point would usual pull a game's overall score into the gutter. With Ico, however, as long as the player can accept that there are no real choices to be made in the direction of the story, it's still a challenge getting from point A to point B. And in-between points A and B is a gripping, intriguing story and the most beautiful environments you've ever seen.

Overall Score: 9.7

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