Shadow Of The Colossus' story is told in such a minimalist manner that you might have been left bewildered by the whole thing. Wander's quest to defeat the sixteen Colossi and restore the life of a girl named Mono has quickly become one of gaming's most acclaimed experiences. So why on earth would we ever want Wander to fail? Downing a Colossus in the game is a momentous task; they're hulking, giant beasts which require a mix of platforming and reflexes to traverse and attack. It's the story of David and Goliath played out sixteen times. Interestingly though, you may notice something is off when you down a Colossus. For starters, they only ever attack in retaliation; there's never a Colossus who attacks Wander first. As you progress further and further, Wander starts to deteriorate; his skin grows paler, his hair grows darker and black streaks cross his face. Clearly, Wander's quest is having an adverse effect on him. It's these unsettling changes which make Shadow Of The Colossus such a unique experience. Eventually, beating a Colossus doesn't even feel like a victory; that's a real achievement and it shows just how well designed the game is. The dramatic consequences of Wander's quest may not be fully realised until the end scenes but there's a distinct feeling of foreboding throughout which leaves us wondering if saving the damsel in distress is actually a good idea.
I have an addiction to achievements, a craving for new bands and a dream to become Captain America. I once finished second in a Mario Kart 7 tournament so I'm kind of a big deal.