bit-tech Shopping: Sony Ico (PS2)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Weeks

Strengths: + visually different from other games

Weaknesses: - not a lot of action

Summary: I would say Ico is a lot like Prince of Persia: Sands of Time so if you liked that game, you'll also enjoy Ico. Ico is in every sense of the word an adventure game. The game does a wonderful job of creating a fantastic atmosphere and setting. There is some occassional action but most of the gameplay is trying to solve puzzles, unlocking doors, and getting over obstacles.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Weeks

Strengths: Brilliant atmosphere and puzzles

Weaknesses: Combat is fairly weak and annoying

Summary: Ico is considered a masterpiece by many of it?s fans. It?s not hard to see why either, the atmosphere the game creates is simply brilliant. As young Ico, you team up with princess Yorda to escape a castle. The design of the game puts you two in a partnership role where you help each other overcome the layout of the castle to escape. Ico is very young, athletic and fairly strong for someone his age but he needs Yorda to unlock the gates that block your path. Yorda isn?t nearly as agile or strong as Ico so you will have to find a way to clear a path for her and protect her whenever she in danger. Generally speaking, I hate puzzles in games but Ico is an exception to the rule and I have to recommend to stay away from FAQS and strategy guides unless your completely stumped. It?s just a much better experience to overcome any obstacle on your own. Ico?s combat is really the only weak link it has. It seems like it was put in so you would have something to do other than solving puzzles, I personally would have been happy with just puzzle solving though.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Years

Strengths: Atmospheric. Well-designed adventure game.

Weaknesses: Annoying camera. Short. Not much replayability.

Summary: Lots of positive things have been said about Ico. And there's lots to like. Innovative game play, wonderful environments, and a great sense of storytelling permeate every moment.If you like exploration, adventure games, or puzzling out what to do next given an environment, this game is for you. Much thought was put into the design of the game and the architecture of the enviroments. There is literally nothing else like it out there.The game keeps you on your toes. Unlike other adventure games, you not only have to work on the puzzles, but you have to protect your companion. This leads to interesting puzzles, since you often have to approach problems from more than one angle.If there's a downside, it's the camera. Ico was a relatively early game for the PS2, but that doesn't excuse the nauseating camera. It goes where it wants to, when it wants to. You have the ability to look around when you want, but it is dizzying and doesn't work well. Often, you can't even look right in front of your character. It really detracts from the experience.But, the game is so good, you overlook that fault, and any other minor quibbles. Sure, there's some trial and error gameplay. Sure, it's not perfect. But it's really, really good.Give the game a shot, and get past the first annoyance of not being able to save until passing that first challenge. Read the instructions, or you'll be totally lost. Once you make it past that first save, the game will absorb you and regular save points will make your experience rich and wonderful.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Years

Strengths: Smart Puzzles, Amazing Environments, Decent Story, Visually Stunning, Good Character Models

Weaknesses: Short, No Replay Value, Button-masher

Summary: Ico is one of the most underrated game of the current-gen games; yet, it is one of the best action-adventure games available for the PS2. The environments in Ico are simply outstanding. The game is set in an huge castle, and the scenery is breathtaking. Most of Ico's gameplay is solving the plenty (and very beautifully designed) environmental puzzles. The level of difficulty steadily increases throughout the game, but most the combat is button-mashing. The story is very simple, enough to make you want to play more and more. The character designs and outstanding, and the sounds in the game are also well above-average. Although this game flew under the radar, this game is a must buy for any action-adventure fan. Ico gets 8.5/10.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Just Simply one of the best game ever for the Playstation 2 system! Best Adventure game ever! And story you'll just fall in love with.

Weaknesses: None!

Summary: ICO, was a hidden gem when release back when Playstation 2 was launch! being over shadow be AAA titled from Sony. Over time this game has become a cult classic! consider till this day as 1 of the top ten PS2 games. Pros: Graphic is just stunning (everything just flows together, and the whole entire world is crafted beautifully) Music soundtrack is another plus & fits the game very well. Control is super tight and responsive, Story is simply but unique in it's own way! Gameply is fun and addicting! There isn't a game out that even comes close to this game. side not: I still play this game til this day! I finding myself just exploring the wonderful art in this game. Overall: 5 OUTTA 5 STARS (A MUST HAVE FOR ALL PS2 OWNER!)