Shadow of the Colossus Review

Shadow of the Colossus, originally a PlayStation 2 classic by Team ICO, received a magnificent, ground-up remake by Bluepoint Games and Japan Studio for the PlayStation 4 (PS4) in 2018. More than just a remaster, this version meticulously rebuilt the entire game, breathing new life into its melancholic world and epic battles while faithfully preserving the original’s unique vision. This Shadow of the Colossus PS4 review delves into its stunning enhancements and why it remains a powerful and unforgettable gaming masterpiece.

Gameplay: The Hunt, The Climb, The Fall

The core gameplay of Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 remains singular and captivating. Players assume the role of Wander, a young man who travels to a forbidden land to defeat sixteen colossal beings, the Colossi, in a desperate bid to revive a lost maiden. There are no smaller enemies, no towns, just you, your trusty horse Agro, and these magnificent, living puzzles.

Each encounter is a multi-stage boss battle that feels like an epic event. First, you must find the Colossus, often requiring clever exploration and navigation of the vast, desolate landscape. Once located, the real challenge begins: deciphering its weaknesses, exploiting its movements, and then embarking on a thrilling climbing mechanic, scaling its immense body to strike its vital points. The sense of scale is awe-inspiring, and the feeling of vulnerability against these ancient giants is palpable. The PS4 remake offers a dramatically improved framerate (a consistent 30 FPS in cinematic mode with 4K resolution or a silky-smooth 60 FPS in performance mode on PS4 Pro/PS5), making combat and movement feel significantly more responsive and fluid. While some of the original’s quirky controls remain (faithfully), the overall experience is polished to a brilliant sheen.

• Unique gameplay focused solely on 16 epic boss battles
• Masterful blend of puzzle-solving and climbing action
• Stunning sense of scale against towering Colossi
• Vastly improved performance (up to 60 FPS) on PS4
• Emotional journey with themes of sacrifice and consequence

Story and Setting: A Poignant, Isolated Journey

The narrative is minimalistic yet profoundly impactful. Wander brings the lifeless body of Mono to a forbidden shrine, making a pact with a mysterious entity, Dormin, to revive her by slaying the Colossi. As each Colossus falls, Wander pays a visible price, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of his actions and their ultimate consequences.

The Forbidden Land is a character in itself: a sprawling, hauntingly beautiful, and sparsely populated world that evokes a powerful sense of loneliness and discovery. Its ancient ruins and diverse biomes are rendered with breathtaking detail, amplifying the game’s atmospheric qualities.

Graphics and Sound: Visual Perfection and Iconic Melody

Visually, Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 is a triumph. Bluepoint Games meticulously rebuilt every asset from the ground up, resulting in graphics that stand among the best on the PS4. The environmental detail, character models, lighting, and particle effects are gorgeous, transforming the already impressive original into a true visual masterpiece. The improved draw distances and vibrant HDR support enhance the sense of scale and beauty.

The sound design is exceptional. Kow Otani’s iconic soundtrack is breathtaking, perfectly swelling with orchestral power during battles and receding to melancholic quietude during exploration, amplifying the game’s atmospheric and emotional narrative. The roars of the Colossi and the subtle environmental sounds are all meticulously recreated.

Legacy: A Timeless Classic Reborn

Shadow of the Colossus remains an influential title in gaming history, celebrated for its artistic vision and unique boss-centric design. The PS4 remake is the definitive way to experience this classic, making it accessible and stunning for a new generation while honoring the original’s integrity. It’s a testament to the power of a faithful, high-quality remake.

Is Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. For fans of action-adventure games, artful design, or anyone looking for a unique and deeply emotional narrative, Shadow of the Colossus PS4 is a must-play. Its timeless gameplay, breathtaking graphics, and unforgettable atmosphere offer an incredibly immersive and rewarding experience. It’s a true gaming masterpiece and a shining example of a classic PS4 game that will resonate long after you’ve defeated the last giant.