20 PS2 Games That Still Hold Up

Unlike most action-adventure games of its era, Shadow of the Colossus doesn't bother with bustling cities, time-consuming sidequests, and dialogue-heavy storylines. Instead, it delivers an emotional journey through atmosphere, silence, and smashing ginormous golems in the face.

At its core, the spiritual successor of Ico reinvigorated boss design by centring the entire experience on puzzles that are literally colossal. Each of the sixteen colossi is a towering, moving level that demands adaptability, timing, and precision to conquer. Climbing these giants as they thrash to shake you off creates a visceral sense of scale and tension from start to finish.

Though the titular beings are the biggest selling point, every aspect of Fumito Ueda’s masterwork should be praised. The desolate lands and crumbling ruins create a sense of melancholy that makes every encounter feel poetic and personal. The subtle yet powerful presentation challenges players to interpret the world and the protagonist’s actions, making the game resonate long after the credits roll.

Above all else, Shadow of the Colossus demonstrates how minimal mechanics and sparse storytelling can evoke profound meaning, challenging the very definition of what a video game can be.