A cult PlayStation 2 title recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary. Released in October 2005 on Sony’s second console, the work of Fumito Ueda and Team Ico quickly achieved legendary status amongst gamers and the specialist press alike. We are, of course, talking about Shadow of the Colossus, which was re-released in HD on PlayStation 3 in 2011, followed by a remake in 2018 on PlayStation 4.
Team Ico is undoubtedly one of the least prolific studios in the video game industry. Since its creation in 1997, it has produced only three original games. But each of them has made history. The studio is inseparable from its director and iconic creator: Fumito Ueda, often considered a creative genius. His works are always full of poetry, emotion, and innovation.
Ico, a debut title that caused a sensation
It all began in 2002 with Ico, the studio’s first game, released on PlayStation 2. The player takes on the role of Ico, a young boy fleeing a dark fate, accompanied by a young girl named Yorda, with whom he embarks on a truly epic journey, hand in hand.
The game skillfully blends adventure, puzzles, and combat. It stands out for its minimalist soundtrack, its understated and captivating art direction, and its innovative gameplay. More than twenty years later, it retains a timeless aura and has influenced many modern games.
Shadow of the Colossus, the work of confirmation
In 2005, the studio followed up with Shadow of the Colossus. Still on PS2, this title allowed itself the luxury of being contemplative, slow, almost empty, at a time when the industry was churning out blockbusters and constant stimulation. It went against the grain to offer us an unforgettable experience, carried by an artistic direction of rare beauty.
Technically, the game pushed the PS2 to its limits, often causing frame rate drops and minor bugs. But its raw, almost wild inventiveness outweighed the technical limitations.
You play as Wander, a young man willing to do anything to bring his beloved back to life. He must defeat 16 colossus, each nestled in solemn, desert landscapes. The storyline seems minimalist, but with the controller in your hands, the experience takes on a rare emotional and philosophical dimension.
The battles are epic, supported by masterful staging. The attachment to Agro, the hero’s horse, further strengthens the player’s emotional connection to the universe. And what can be said about the soundtrack by Kow Otani, which accompanies every moment with poignant accuracy?
The only criticism is its short lifespan, but this is quickly forgotten as the experience is so memorable.
A lasting influence on the entire industry
Shadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece that has been unanimously praised by critics and gamers alike. Its legacy is immense: many developers cite the game as a major source of inspiration, particularly in terms of the gigantic monsters that players must face.
Titles such as World of Warcraft, Elden Ring, Breath of the Wild, and Death Stranding indirectly pay homage to it in their mechanics or atmosphere, and sometimes even claim it as such.
The Last Guardian, the studio’s latest release
After a long absence, Team Ico returned in 2016 with The Last Guardian on PS4, following a tumultuous development process that began in 2007. Announced at E3 2009 and postponed several times, the game was finally released in December 2016.
It follows a nameless boy who befriends a 30-meter hybrid creature, Trico, part dog, part bird, part cat. Their cooperation is the key to solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles. The relationship between the two is deeply moving: every glance, every wound Trico suffers touches the player right in the heart.
Despite years of development, the game retains the essence of the studio: a poetic, slow-paced, minimalist, and incredibly touching adventure.
What’s next?
Today, Fumito Ueda is working on a new project known by the code name Project Robot. Very little information has been leaked, but knowing the creator’s pace, we will surely have to be patient.
One thing is certain: each new work from Team Ico is a rare, precious, and deeply memorable event.
