Ico

UPC: 711719711322

Platform: PlayStation 2

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc.

Developer: Team Ico

Category: Puzzle

Style(s): Adventure Puzzle

Synopsis: A young boy in a magical world has been born with a strange deformity: large horns that jut out of both sides of his head. The people of his village, fearful of retribution from above, feel they have no choice but to sacrifice this mutant child to appease their gods. To that end, they have taken this boy, named Ico, to a massive, supposedly deserted castle and left him in a giant urn. But when the urn breaks, spilling Ico into the bowels of the fortress, he will soon find his adventure is just beginning. Along the way he'll meet a mysterious princess who has been held captive in the castle for untold years. Although they cannot communicate through speech, they soon forge an unspoken bond, and it is clear that if either of them wants to make it out of the castle alive, their destinies must remain intertwined. Ico and the princess do not speak the same language, but this isn't to say they don't interact. Quite the contrary, as their relationship is a key element to the game. Ico's main goal is escape, but he cannot and will not leave the princess behind. Although she has limited power in terms of mobility, she has the ability to open certain doors blocked by massive idols. Ico has to do the majority of the grunt work, however, grabbing the princess' hand to pull her along to new locations. He can call her when she's far away, and help her up steep ledges and across long jumps that she could not normally make on her own. Don't assume that this journey will be a pleasant little jog through the castle, because plenty of obstacles stand in the way. The castle isn't a plain arrangement of straight hallways and open doors. Rather, players will have to use brainpower to solve the puzzling twists and turns that the fortress has to offer. They must run, jump, climb, swing, and explode objects and traps in their path, all the while finding an easier way to bring the princess through it all. And lest anyone believe that the castle is actually abandoned, the duo will be continually pursued by shadowy creatures intent on dragging the princess back to the prison. ~ Jon Thompson, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 36-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

Story outline, control explanations, and other minor details are all explained well enough. It also is in color, which is nice. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide

It's as though a painting has come to life. Stunning locales and unbelievable character animation are the high points. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide

Standing head and shoulders above anything in the genre, Ico can be best described as a modern fairy tale. A surreal world, innocent children, and an evil queen -- all the ingredients needed for an enthralling, awe-inspiring adventure. If one game could ever be considered a piece of art, then Ico is it. Rich, earthly tones permeate the environment. Light shines into the castle through cracks or breaches in the walls and roof. Torch fires crackle and engulf the surroundings in a hazy light. If Ico had to be described in one word, it would be "atmosphere." And yet, that is only part of the game's allure. Due in no small part to their interaction and mannerisms, the player forms an emotional attachment to the two main characters. Eventually, you want to succeed, not just to finish the game, but because you truly want to see these children escape a world which obviously cares very little for them. A simple tale it may be, but it's one which draws the player into the world in a way seldom seen in a videogame. Born with horns, our young hero is both reviled and feared by the superstitious villagers. Believed to be a bad omen, he will be sacrificed on his 12th birthday in order to appease the spirits and bring good fortune to the village. On the appointed day he is taken to an old, dilapidated castle where he will be entombed for eternity. Whether by fate or good fortune, he manages to escape his tiny, coffin-like cell. A haunting vision drives him to find a young girl by the name of Yorda, and together the duo set out to escape from the castle and the evil forces contained therein. A frail girl, Yorda is able to perform only the most basic athletic feats, such as climbing ladders or jumping small gaps. She does however, command a mysterious power, and can open spirit doors strewn throughout the castle. Ico on the other hand, can climb chains, activate levers and switches, and hang from ledges, in addition to a host of other abilities. Perhaps his most important function however, is to guard princess Yorda. Though he possesses a mere stick for most of the game, he protects Yorda as best he can from the spirits that continually chase the pair. Often attacking in groups, they'll attempt to knock Ico off balance and drag Yorda into a nearby portal. If this happens the game is over. The anxiety one feels when confronted by these beasts is mind-numbing. The knowledge that at any second Yorda could be lost forever burns deep inside of you, and as you flail at wave after wave of beasts, you truly want nothing more than to protect this seemingly helpless young girl. Though you control Ico directly, Yorda can be manipulated in a variety of ways. By pressing the R1 button when near her, Ico will grab her hand allowing her to follow closely behind him. Press it at a distance and he'll call out to her. Do so when separated by a small chasm or drop, and he'll encourage her to jump, and even catch her and pull her to safety when she falls just short -- as she tends to do. The puzzles are well thought out and feel as though they're a natural consequence of this crumbling bastille. The pacing of the title is relatively subdued; slow, methodic advances are punctuated by feverish battles with the various spirit forms. Though, after every encounter with these vile demons, you find yourself longing more and more for the calm and safety of the outside world. Fortunately, "save couches" are strewn throughout the castle and, while a little out of place, are a welcome sight indeed. The characters animate exceptionally well, and never cease to amaze. Watching Yorda struggle up a raised ledge as Ico offers her a helping hand is just beautiful. Interaction with the environment is minimal, but the use of color and lighting makes it feel almost like the third protagonist. Organic, "earthy" colors bring the world to life like never before. In fact, moving from inside the darkened castle to the outer areas will result in a light so bright that you actually have to squint your eyes at times. With a heavy emphasis on story, character development and drama, Ico manages to create a surreal, yet believable world and an engaging video game experience. An exceptional game and one that stays with you long after you've switched off the power button. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide

Perhaps a few hours shorter than most would like, it still manages to provide plenty of entertainment and is well worth the money. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide

Your footsteps echo throughout the giant chambers of the castle, while chains rattle as you scamper up them. The use of silence is just as effective, sometimes more so than the sound effects themselves. Others would do well to take a note out of Ico's design book. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide

At times the slow pacing can bore, but the desire to forge ahead and escape the castle will keep you playing for hours. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.