There has been some buzz going around about the legitimacy of video games as art. Well, after playing “Shadow of the Colossus” demo, I think the debate is moot. It’s like stepping into a fable illuminated with impressionistic vistas.

I was a huge fan of ICO when it came out in 2001, and I anxiously awaited
more from this creative team. Then they announced a project entitled “Nico” in 2002. It seemed like an eternity, and that it was never going to happen. Then in 2004 “Wanda and the Colossus” was announced, and the screenshots were beautiful. Finally, the name was changed to “Shadow of…” and the previews were looking sweet.

I received my demo disc five days ago, and have played it every evening
since. That brief demo has pulled me in. From the opening music, a score that is as impressive as any by Howard Shore, to the beautiful environments it has enveloped a thoroughly engaging adventure within a piece of art. The demo doesn’t give you much for story, but apparently you are a young warrior who is trying to save his young lady, and I guess that entails killing these huge beasts (Colossus). Did I mention they are huge? As well the levels (or what can be surmised from the demo) are huge. The areas are so beautiful you can just enjoy riding your stallion (which you do) around. (Oh, I must mention the great sound design.) There doesn’t seem to be any type of collecting going on, but there is a fair amount of hanging, climbing, and jumping. And, in order to defeat a Colossus, you must jump, climb, and hang on the Colossus while not being shaken off and then hacking it to death. The game controls are simple enough, but a bit rough at times. Still, this does not detract from what is a beautiful and thoroughly engaging and entertaining title.

That said, I’m going to play it again. Can’t wait until I get the full version. This is a title to be noticed and be inspired by. This is an example of art in the medium of a video game.