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** [[spoiler:On the flipside, both Wander and Dormin were also in danger at that time. Wander was being killed by Emon, and Dormin was at risk of losing Their human vessel, so maybe the DemonicPossession was a ''necessary'' stepping in to prevent Emon from ruining everything. In any case, They said They were "borrowing" Wander's body. They didn't say it was permanent, and who knows what might have happened next if Emon hadn't dropped the sword in the pool and had Dormin's spirit sucked in.]]\
to:
** [[spoiler:On the flipside, both Wander and Dormin were also in danger at that time. Wander was being killed by Emon, and Dormin was at risk of losing Their human vessel, so maybe the DemonicPossession was a ''necessary'' stepping in to prevent Emon from ruining everything. In any case, They said They were "borrowing" Wander's body. They didn't say it was permanent, and who knows what might have happened next if Emon hadn't dropped the sword in the pool and had Dormin's spirit sucked in.]]\]]
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** [[spoiler:On the flipside, both Wander and Dormin were also in danger at that time. Wander was being killed by Emon, and Dormin was at risk of losing Their human vessel, so maybe the DemonicPossession was a ''necessary'' stepping in to prevent Emon from ruining everything. In any case, They said They were "borrowing" Wander's body. They didn't say it was permanent, and who knows what might have happened next if Emon hadn't dropped the sword in the pool and had Dormin's spirit sucked in.]]
to:
** [[spoiler:On the flipside, both Wander and Dormin were also in danger at that time. Wander was being killed by Emon, and Dormin was at risk of losing Their human vessel, so maybe the DemonicPossession was a ''necessary'' stepping in to prevent Emon from ruining everything. In any case, They said They were "borrowing" Wander's body. They didn't say it was permanent, and who knows what might have happened next if Emon hadn't dropped the sword in the pool and had Dormin's spirit sucked in.]]]]\
* EvilMakesYouUgly: Wander's hair gradually grows blacker with each absorption of Dormin, while his skin grows deathly white.
* EvilMakesYouUgly: Wander's hair gradually grows blacker with each absorption of Dormin, while his skin grows deathly white.
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A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. On the one hand, the game is basically a puzzle game writ large. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too. It turns that instead of Jusrtin Marks, [[http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-live-action-film-moving-forward-with-chronicle-director/ The Director of ]] {{Chronicle}} will direct the movie instead.
to:
A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. On the one hand, the game is basically [[PuzzleBoss a puzzle game writ large.large]]. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too. It turns that instead of Jusrtin Marks, [[http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-live-action-film-moving-forward-with-chronicle-director/ The Director of ]] {{Chronicle}} will direct the movie instead.
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* AndThenJohnWasAZombie: The price for of [[spoiler:reassembling all sixteen of Dormin's 'parts'. Wander becomes a Colossus himself]], and is dispersed along with the other shadow beings.
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* BattleInTheRain: A thunderstorm rages during your final Colossus battle on the cape.
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* BullfightBoss: The 'tiny' Collosi, Quadratus and Celosia. Shattering their armor takes some figuring out.
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* EvilSorcerer: Malus, the [[FinalBoss final Colossus]].
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* OneHandedZweihander: Gaius wields a mean sword for a left arm, rending the earth like a knife through butter.
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* StationaryBoss: Malus, the Grand Gigas. Don't get cocky, though; just ''reaching'' this boss is a battle in itself.
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* UndergroundMonkey: A few Collosi share the same build, if not tactics. The penultimate boss, Argus, is similar to the first boss despite being hair-pullingly difficult this time around.
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* WarmupBoss: Valus the Minotaur (He's on the game cover).
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* TakenForGranite: The Collossi revert to a piles of dirt when slain. This, coupled with their 'grassy' hides, give a {{Golem}}-like quality.
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* TakenForGranite: The Collossi revert to a piles giant mounds of dirt when slain.once they're defeated. This, coupled with their 'grassy' hides, give a {{Golem}}-like quality.
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* TakenForGranite: The Collossi revert to a piles of dirt when slain. This, coupled with their 'grassy' hides, give a {{Golem}}-like quality.
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[[caption-width-right:348:[-...We're gonna need [[GonnaNeedMoreTrope a bigger sword]]-].]]
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* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: [[http://www.penny-arcade.com/2009/6/8/ This]] PennyArcade commentary describes most poetically the ''"emotional ravaging"'' that this game will put you through.
to:
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: [[http://www.penny-arcade.com/2009/6/8/ This]] PennyArcade commentary describes most poetically the ''"emotional ravaging"'' that this game will put you through. through.
* NiceJobBreakingItHero: [[spoiler: Depending on whether you interpret the consequences of Wander's actions as being intentional or not, they can be seen as this. Given that Dormin doesn't reveal that his spirit was trapped in the colossi until after you kill them all, it's probably a straight example.]]
* NiceJobBreakingItHero: [[spoiler: Depending on whether you interpret the consequences of Wander's actions as being intentional or not, they can be seen as this. Given that Dormin doesn't reveal that his spirit was trapped in the colossi until after you kill them all, it's probably a straight example.]]
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** Er.. you ''do'' die if you fall from too high up without grabbing any ledges, for example if you try reaching the second colossus faster by jumping straight from the bridge down to the beach. Try and hit the [[SoftWater water]] instead however, you'll live.
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* BossBattle: Well, yes.
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* BossBattle: Well, yes.Par for the course in a...
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* UpdatedRerelease: After seeing how the first two ''VideoGame/GodOfWar'' games were getting a hi-def upgrade for a [=PlayStation=] 3 re-release, Team ICO hinted that they'd like to do the same for both ''ICO'' and ''Colossus'', but may not because of the cost and effort involved. At least, that was initially: [=TGS10=] has now ''confirmed'' an {{ICO}} and ShadowOfTheColossus HD Compilation remake with 3D, upped frame-rate, and widescreen. [[http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707541/IcoShadow-of-the-Colossus-Collection-Trailer-Towers-Over-Expectations.html And The Fandom Rejoiced]]
to:
* UpdatedRerelease: After seeing how the first two ''VideoGame/GodOfWar'' games were getting a hi-def upgrade for a [=PlayStation=] 3 re-release, Team ICO hinted that they'd like to do the same for both ''ICO'' and ''Colossus'', but may not because of the cost and effort involved. At least, that was initially: [=TGS10=] has now had ''confirmed'' an {{ICO}} and ShadowOfTheColossus HD Compilation remake with 3D, upped frame-rate, and widescreen. [[http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707541/IcoShadow-of-the-Colossus-Collection-Trailer-Towers-Over-Expectations.html And The Fandom Rejoiced]]Rejoiced]] once it was finally released.
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** On the flipside, both Wander and Dormin were also in danger at that time. Wander was being killed by Emon, and Dormin was at risk of losing Their human vessel, so maybe the DemonicPossession was a ''necessary'' stepping in to prevent Emon from ruining everything. In any case, They said They were "borrowing" Wander's body. They didn't say it was permanent, and who knows what might have happened next if Emon hadn't dropped the sword in the pool and had Dormin's spirit sucked in.
to:
** On [[spoiler:On the flipside, both Wander and Dormin were also in danger at that time. Wander was being killed by Emon, and Dormin was at risk of losing Their human vessel, so maybe the DemonicPossession was a ''necessary'' stepping in to prevent Emon from ruining everything. In any case, They said They were "borrowing" Wander's body. They didn't say it was permanent, and who knows what might have happened next if Emon hadn't dropped the sword in the pool and had Dormin's spirit sucked in.]]
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* EvilIsNotAToy: The price Wander pays for going against Emon and Dormin's warnings is [[spoiler:DemonicPossession.]] Both Dormin and Emon warned that bad things would happen if he insisted on going through with the forbidden spell to revive Mono. That said, it might have been less EvilIsNotAToy and more The Forbidden Power Of Reviving A Dead Person By Killing Ancient Hallowed Creatures And Harnessing Their Spirits Is Not A Toy, especially when you remember that the mysterious entity helping you ends up possessing you as a side effect.
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* EvilIsNotAToy: The price Wander pays for going against Emon and Dormin's warnings is [[spoiler:DemonicPossession.]] Both Dormin and Emon warned that bad things would happen if he insisted on going through with the forbidden spell to revive Mono. That said, it might have been less EvilIsNotAToy and more The Forbidden Power Of Reviving A Dead Person By Killing Ancient Hallowed Creatures And Harnessing Their Spirits Is Not A Toy, especially when you remember that the mysterious entity helping you ends [[spoiler:ends up possessing you as a side effect.]]
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* EvilIsNotAToy: The price Wander pays for going against Emon and Dormin's warnings is DemonicPossession. Both Dormin and Emon warned that bad things would happen if he insisted on going through with the forbidden spell to revive Mono. That said, it might have been less EvilIsNotAToy and more The Forbidden Power Of Reviving A Dead Person By Killing Ancient Hallowed Creatures And Harnessing Their Spirits Is Not A Toy, especially when you remember that the mysterious entity helping you ends up possessing you as a side effect.
to:
* EvilIsNotAToy: The price Wander pays for going against Emon and Dormin's warnings is DemonicPossession. [[spoiler:DemonicPossession.]] Both Dormin and Emon warned that bad things would happen if he insisted on going through with the forbidden spell to revive Mono. That said, it might have been less EvilIsNotAToy and more The Forbidden Power Of Reviving A Dead Person By Killing Ancient Hallowed Creatures And Harnessing Their Spirits Is Not A Toy, especially when you remember that the mysterious entity helping you ends up possessing you as a side effect.
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YMMV sinkhole
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A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck How bad]] [[ForegoneConclusion it will be]] [[YourMileageMayVary is up for debate.]] On the one hand, the game is basically a puzzle game writ large. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too. It turns that instead of Jusrtin Marks, [[http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-live-action-film-moving-forward-with-chronicle-director/ The Director of ]] {{Chronicle}} will direct the movie instead.
to:
A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck How bad]] [[ForegoneConclusion it will be]] [[YourMileageMayVary is up for debate.]] On the one hand, the game is basically a puzzle game writ large. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too. It turns that instead of Jusrtin Marks, [[http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-live-action-film-moving-forward-with-chronicle-director/ The Director of ]] {{Chronicle}} will direct the movie instead.
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* AnnoyingArrows: Although arrows are useful in attacking a weak point or getting their attention, the sword is the only thing that can kill the Colossi. Justified in that, well, they're ''really big'', they're partly [[MadeOfIron made of rock and stone]], and (according to [[UnreliableNarrator Dormin, at least]]), [[BecauseDestinySaidSo destiny says]] the CoolSword is the only thing that can hurt them. [[spoiler:Averted, however, once Wander's the one getting shot at. Even after transforming, he still drags his left leg.]]
to:
* AnnoyingArrows: Although arrows are useful in attacking a weak point or getting their attention, the sword is the only thing that can kill the Colossi. Justified in that, well, they're ''really big'', they're partly [[MadeOfIron made of rock and stone]], and (according to [[UnreliableNarrator Dormin, at least]]), [[BecauseDestinySaidSo [[BecauseDestinySaysSo destiny says]] the CoolSword is the only thing that can hurt them. [[spoiler:Averted, however, once Wander's the one getting shot at. Even after transforming, he still drags his left leg.]]
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* AnnoyingArrows: Although arrows are useful in attacking a weak point or getting their attention, the sword is the only thing that can kill the Colossi. Justified in that, well, they're ''really big''. [[spoiler:Averted, however, once Wander's the one getting shot at. Even after transforming, he still drags his left leg.]]
to:
* AnnoyingArrows: Although arrows are useful in attacking a weak point or getting their attention, the sword is the only thing that can kill the Colossi. Justified in that, well, they're ''really big''.big'', they're partly [[MadeOfIron made of rock and stone]], and (according to [[UnreliableNarrator Dormin, at least]]), [[BecauseDestinySaidSo destiny says]] the CoolSword is the only thing that can hurt them. [[spoiler:Averted, however, once Wander's the one getting shot at. Even after transforming, he still drags his left leg.]]
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Changed line(s) 24,25 (click to see context) from:
A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck How bad]] [[ForegoneConclusion it will be]] [[YourMileageMayVary is up for debate.]] On the one hand, the game is basically a puzzle game writ large. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too. It turns that instead of Jusrtin Marks, [[http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-live-action-film-moving-forward-with-chronicle-director/ The Driector of ]] {{Chronicle}} will direct the movie instead.
to:
A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck How bad]] [[ForegoneConclusion it will be]] [[YourMileageMayVary is up for debate.]] On the one hand, the game is basically a puzzle game writ large. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too. It turns that instead of Jusrtin Marks, [[http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-live-action-film-moving-forward-with-chronicle-director/ The Driector Director of ]] {{Chronicle}} will direct the movie instead.
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it is never specified if she\'s his lover. she could be his sister or friend or princess...
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A young man known as Wander enters a forbidden land, carrying with him the corpse of a girl, his former lover Mono. He travels to the Shrine of Worship in search of Dormin, a mysterious god-like being who is said to have the power to bring people back from the dead.
to:
A young man known as Wander enters a forbidden land, carrying with him the corpse of a girl, his former lover Mono. He travels to the Shrine of Worship in search of Dormin, a mysterious god-like being who is said to have the power to bring people back from the dead.
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Changed line(s) 24,25 (click to see context) from:
A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck How bad]] [[ForegoneConclusion it will be]] [[YourMileageMayVary is up for debate.]] On the one hand, the game is basically a puzzle game writ large. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too.
to:
A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck How bad]] [[ForegoneConclusion it will be]] [[YourMileageMayVary is up for debate.]] On the one hand, the game is basically a puzzle game writ large. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too. \n It turns that instead of Jusrtin Marks, [[http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-live-action-film-moving-forward-with-chronicle-director/ The Driector of ]] {{Chronicle}} will direct the movie instead.
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* UpdatedRerelease: After seeing how the first two ''GodOfWar'' games were getting a hi-def upgrade for a [=PlayStation=] 3 re-release, Team ICO hinted that they'd like to do the same for both ''ICO'' and ''Colossus'', but may not because of the cost and effort involved. At least, that was initially: [=TGS10=] has now ''confirmed'' an {{ICO}} and ShadowOfTheColossus HD Compilation remake with 3D, upped frame-rate, and widescreen. [[http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707541/IcoShadow-of-the-Colossus-Collection-Trailer-Towers-Over-Expectations.html And The Fandom Rejoiced]]
to:
* UpdatedRerelease: After seeing how the first two ''GodOfWar'' ''VideoGame/GodOfWar'' games were getting a hi-def upgrade for a [=PlayStation=] 3 re-release, Team ICO hinted that they'd like to do the same for both ''ICO'' and ''Colossus'', but may not because of the cost and effort involved. At least, that was initially: [=TGS10=] has now ''confirmed'' an {{ICO}} and ShadowOfTheColossus HD Compilation remake with 3D, upped frame-rate, and widescreen. [[http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707541/IcoShadow-of-the-Colossus-Collection-Trailer-Towers-Over-Expectations.html And The Fandom Rejoiced]]
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* Er.. you ''do'' die if you fall from too high up without grabbing any ledges, for example if you try reaching the second colossus faster by jumping straight from the bridge down to the beach. Try and hit the [[SoftWater water]] instead however, you'll live.
to:
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* Er.. you ''do'' die if you fall from too high up without grabbing any ledges, for example if you try reaching the second colossus faster by jumping straight from the bridge down to the beach. Try and hit the [[SoftWater water]] instead however, you'll live.
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* IronicEcho: That song that plays when a Colossus dies? [[spoiler:It plays when Wander is sucked into Emon's spell.]]
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A young man known as Wander enters a forbidden land, carrying with him the corpse of a girl, his former lover. He travels to the Shrine of Worship in search of Dormin, a mysterious god-like being who is said to have the power to bring people back from the dead.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that are to found throughout the forbidden land. Only when all sixteen of these giants have fallen will the girl, Mono, will be resurrected.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that are to found throughout the forbidden land. Only when all sixteen of these giants have fallen will the girl, Mono, will be resurrected.
to:
A young man known as Wander enters a forbidden land, carrying with him the corpse of a girl, his former lover.lover Mono. He travels to the Shrine of Worship in search of Dormin, a mysterious god-like being who is said to have the power to bring people back from the dead.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that are to found throughout the forbidden land.Only when When all sixteen of these giants have fallen will the girl, Mono, fallen, Mono will be resurrected.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that are to found throughout the forbidden land.
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Changed line(s) 7,12 (click to see context) from:
A young man known as Wander enters a forbidden land, carrying with him the corpse of a girl named Mono. He travels to the Shrine of Worship in search of Dormin, a mysterious god-like being who is said to have the power to bring people back from the dead.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that are somewhere in the forbidden land. When all sixteen of these giants have fallen, Mono will be resurrected.
Wander navigates the vast, empty land on his horse Agro. But before he can eliminate each Colossus, he must first locate them. All that aids him in accomplishing this task is his magic sword, which he can hold up to the light, resulting in a beam that points in the direction of the next battle. However, the light beam becomes increasingly less helpful as the game progresses, due to the fact that reaching the Colossi tends to involve taking long detours through shadowy mountain paths and dark valleys.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that are somewhere in the forbidden land. When all sixteen of these giants have fallen, Mono will be resurrected.
Wander navigates the vast, empty land on his horse Agro. But before he can eliminate each Colossus, he must first locate them. All that aids him in accomplishing this task is his magic sword, which he can hold up to the light, resulting in a beam that points in the direction of the next battle. However, the light beam becomes increasingly less helpful as the game progresses, due to the fact that reaching the Colossi tends to involve taking long detours through shadowy mountain paths and dark valleys.
to:
A young man known as Wander enters a forbidden land, carrying with him the corpse of a girl named Mono.girl, his former lover. He travels to the Shrine of Worship in search of Dormin, a mysterious god-like being who is said to have the power to bring people back from the dead.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that aresomewhere in to found throughout the forbidden land. When Only when all sixteen of these giants have fallen, Mono fallen will the girl, Mono, will be resurrected.
Wander navigates the vast, empty land on his horseAgro.[[LoyalAnimalCompanion Agro]]. But before he can eliminate each Colossus, he must first locate them. All that aids him in accomplishing this task is his magic sword, which he can hold up to the light, resulting in a beam that points in the direction of the next battle. However, the light beam becomes increasingly less helpful as the game progresses, due to the fact that reaching the Colossi tends to involve taking long detours through shadowy mountain paths and dark valleys.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that are
Wander navigates the vast, empty land on his horse
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->''"Some mountains are scaled. [[ColossusClimb Others are slain]]."''
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''Shadow of the Colossus'', the [[SpiritualSuccessor prequel]] to ''{{ICO}}'', is an action adventure game about hunting monsters which does away with conventional video game formulas to create an aesthetically breathtaking experience. It features a deliberately simplistic (and largely unexplained) story, where the intention is to have the player form their own story based on their own experiences. Because of this, ''Shadow of the Colossus'' is an interesting combination of minimalist storytelling and lush graphics, making the game a celebrated example of DoingItForTheArt.
to:
''Shadow of the Colossus'', the [[SpiritualSuccessor prequel]] to ''{{ICO}}'', is an action adventure game about hunting monsters which does away with conventional video game formulas to create an aesthetically breathtaking experience. It features a deliberately simplistic (and largely unexplained) story, where the intention is to have the player form their own story based on their own experiences. Because of this, ''Shadow of the Colossus'' game is an interesting combination of minimalist storytelling and lush graphics, making the game it a celebrated example of DoingItForTheArt.
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Changed line(s) 5,8 (click to see context) from:
''Shadow of the Colossus'', the [[SpiritualSuccessor prequel]] to ''{{ICO}}'', is an action adventure game about hunting monsters. It does away with conventional video game formulas to create an aesthetically breathtaking experience.
The game features a deliberately simplistic (and largely unexplained) story, where the intention is to have the player form their own story based on their own experiences. Because of this, ''Shadow of the Colossus'' is an interesting combination of minimalist storytelling and lush graphics, making the game a celebrated example of DoingItForTheArt.
The game features a deliberately simplistic (and largely unexplained) story, where the intention is to have the player form their own story based on their own experiences. Because of this, ''Shadow of the Colossus'' is an interesting combination of minimalist storytelling and lush graphics, making the game a celebrated example of DoingItForTheArt.
to:
''Shadow of the Colossus'', the [[SpiritualSuccessor prequel]] to ''{{ICO}}'', is an action adventure game about hunting monsters. It monsters which does away with conventional video game formulas to create an aesthetically breathtaking experience.
The gameexperience. It features a deliberately simplistic (and largely unexplained) story, where the intention is to have the player form their own story based on their own experiences. Because of this, ''Shadow of the Colossus'' is an interesting combination of minimalist storytelling and lush graphics, making the game a celebrated example of DoingItForTheArt.
The game
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** The player also retains control of Wander in the brief moment between slaying a colossus and being impaled by the evil black tentacles that emerge from its corpse. Needless to say, it's not possible to outrun them.
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[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/shadow_colossus.jpg]]
->''"Some mountains are scaled. [[ColossusClimb Others are slain]]."''
-->-- '''Promotional {{Tagline}}'''
''Shadow of the Colossus'', the [[SpiritualSuccessor prequel]] to ''{{ICO}}'', is an action adventure game about hunting monsters. It does away with conventional video game formulas to create an aesthetically breathtaking experience.
The game features a deliberately simplistic (and largely unexplained) story, where the intention is to have the player form their own story based on their own experiences. Because of this, ''Shadow of the Colossus'' is an interesting combination of minimalist storytelling and lush graphics, making the game a celebrated example of DoingItForTheArt.
A young man known as Wander enters a forbidden land, carrying with him the corpse of a girl named Mono. He travels to the Shrine of Worship in search of Dormin, a mysterious god-like being who is said to have the power to bring people back from the dead.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that are somewhere in the forbidden land. When all sixteen of these giants have fallen, Mono will be resurrected.
Wander navigates the vast, empty land on his horse Agro. But before he can eliminate each Colossus, he must first locate them. All that aids him in accomplishing this task is his magic sword, which he can hold up to the light, resulting in a beam that points in the direction of the next battle. However, the light beam becomes increasingly less helpful as the game progresses, due to the fact that reaching the Colossi tends to involve taking long detours through shadowy mountain paths and dark valleys.
When the player engages in battle with a Colossus, he must defeat them by literally climbing up their fur and stone-covered bodies and finding their weak points. Reaching the weak points can be difficult, as the Colossi usually do everything in their power to shake the player off. Once a Colossus is defeated, the player is automatically transported back to the Shrine of Worship, and the process repeats itself -- each time with some [[BodyHorror very, very subtle changes in Wander's looks]].
Or, [[SidetrackedByTheGoldSaucer you can just spend the first ten+ hours exploring]] ''[[WideOpenSandbox everything]]''.
The game is unique in several ways:
* The only enemies in the game are the Colossi. You can kill the local wildlife for a small permanent stamina bonus.
* There are no towns or dungeons to explore, or other characters to interact with. [[AllThereInTheManual It's explained]] that the land is cursed, and is implied to have had a previous civilization, what with all of the BenevolentArchitecture.
* All the player has with him are his bow and arrows and the magic sword. No other items exist in an initial playthrough, and he cannot upgrade his current ones (except for replay value in a NewGamePlus). The player finishes the game in essentially the same state as when he started it.
The game is the second in the ''TeamIcoSeries'', a set of thematically-connected games developed by Team Ico. In addition it was paired with ''{{ICO}}'' for an UpdatedRerelease in October 2011. Another game in the series has been announced, ''VideoGame/TheLastGuardian'', which is about a [[ABoyAndHisX little boy and his adventures with his pet griffin Colossus.]]
A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck How bad]] [[ForegoneConclusion it will be]] [[YourMileageMayVary is up for debate.]] On the one hand, the game is basically a puzzle game writ large. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too.
Although unnamed in the actual game, sites claiming that WordOfGod has released a name list for the individual Colossi have been circulating said list. Please see [[Characters/ShadowOfTheColossus the characters page]] for more details.
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!!This game provides examples of:
* AfterBossRecovery: After defeating each colossus, Wander is returned to the Shrine of Worship with his health meter fully restored. It also increases with each colossus defeated.
* AllThereInTheScript: His name is Wander and her name is Mono, we only know this because of the credits. He does say her name [[spoiler:after his vision of Mono's awakening]] though, albeit very quietly.
* AmbiguouslyEvil: Everyone. (Well, except for the horse and the girl. And if you get into the WildMassGuessing about ''{{ICO}}'', possibly the girl, too.)
* AmbiguousSituation: As with AlternativeCharacterInterpretation, there is just so much left out of the plot that it's anybody's guess what is really going on. Hence the YMMV page.
* AnnoyingArrows: Although arrows are useful in attacking a weak point or getting their attention, the sword is the only thing that can kill the Colossi. Justified in that, well, they're ''really big''. [[spoiler:Averted, however, once Wander's the one getting shot at. Even after transforming, he still drags his left leg.]]
* ArmorIsUseless: Most definitely averted. Wander can't penetrate any part of a colossus that is covered in stone armor or thick hide. Instead, he has to find ways to get to their vital weak spots, which are invariably on the fur-covered parts of the colossus's body. In fact, a couple of them are ''completely covered'' in armor, and the only way to beat them is to knock it off somehow.
* ArtMajorPhysics: The concept of the colossi themselves requires a WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief, though since the world has fantastic and mystic elements in it, there is always the possibility that it is supported by supernatural means. See, for instance, SandIsWater, SoftWater, and SquareCubeLaw.
** Considering that they literally collapse into dust and dirt when you kill them, it's pretty much confirmed supernatural.
* BeautifulVoid: The minimalist design of the game combined with its emphasis on exploring creates a world that is not only large but almost completely void of life.
* BenevolentArchitecture: Sometimes the geometrical arrangement of the geography seems a little too convenient for reaching certain colossi. A JustifiedTrope, however, since the location is one big ruin, so these structures had a purpose once. What exactly that purpose was, however, is another matter.
** Actually, the colossi themselves have a BenevolentArchitecture: the stone parts are usually designed way too conveniently to be natural (especially blatant during the first, fourth and final colossi)
* BigBadassBirdOfPrey: One that seems to follow you at random times during your adventure. If you time it right, you can even catch a ride with it. There is also Avion, a Colossus designed like a large bird.
* BittersweetEnding: One interpretation of the ending: [[spoiler: Mono is revived, so Wander succeeded in his quest. Agro, who was last seen falling into a ravine having saved Wander's life, is alive and reasonably well, and Wander himself is given a second chance at life. Lord Emon has destroyed/resealed Dormin and shattered the bridge to the Forbidden Lands, so no one can tresspass upon it, which presumably satisfies him, and Wander is indeed allowed a chance for atonement, as he privately wished. On the other hand, Wander had to go through severe traumatic experience, could have (possibly did) die during his possession by Dormin, and the three of them - Agro, Mono and Wander - are now stuck in the Forbidden Lands with no feasible means of escape and not very much in the way of food and water. And, of course, every last one of the colossi has been destroyed and left to decay.]] For an alternative interpretation, see DownerEnding below.
* BlackMagic
* BookEnds: The first cinematic opens with dark skies and clouds, as an eagle flies into the shot over the mountains. After the credits, the eagle flies over the mountains, out of shot, and the last cinematic ends with clouds and dark skies.
* BossBattle: Well, yes.
* BossGame: There are no wild monsters to get in the way or slow you down. Just you, sixteen Colossi scattered across miles and miles of SceneryPorn, and a sword which points in their general direction.
* BossRoom: A few Colossi can't be escaped from once they're engaged.
* BossRush: Well... yeah. That's what the game ''is.'' However, there is a Time Attack Mode which tasks you with killing each colossus as fast as possible. Do well, and you unlock ''lots'' of goodies. See TimeLimitBoss.
* BraggingRightsReward: Beat the game once or twice and collect enough silver lizard tails to improve your grip, and you can climb to a secret garden on top of Dormin's tower [[spoiler:as seen in the ending.]] Eating the fruit on the trees there will eventually [[SelfImposedChallenge reduce your health and stamina to less than the player initially starts with]], though..
** There's also the Sword of the Sun, which produces a beam even when in a dark area. Sounds useful, but it can only be unlocked on hard mode, which can only be unlocked by beating the whole game on normal mode first. So you can only obtain this sword that helps you find the colossi once you've already been to them all and know where they are.
* CallReceivalArea: The Forbidden Lands. Wander was forbidden to go there by Emon, and [[ForbiddenFruit when he does go there]], Dormin gives him the quest that makes up the entire game.
* CameraLockOn
* CameraScrew: Happens whenever a solid object, like the wall or a Colossus' thrashing limb, is behind Wander and won't let you see what's going on.
* ColossusClimb: The TropeNamer. Part of the challenge involves getting a colossus or yourself into position so that this can be started, and then locating its weak point while climbing it. Funnily enough, not every Colossus is a tower sized being. The smaller, tank-sized ones move ridiculously fast and are (relatively) aggressive on sight.
* ConcealmentEqualsCover: Against any Colossi that can use projectiles, cover of any sort is acceptable. Since the setting is mostly stone, it's reasonable.
** Except against the twelfth colossus, where you can hide a foot underwater to avoid… [[ArtisticLicensePhysics lightning balls]].
* ContinuityNod: A few listed below.
** At the end of the game, [[spoiler:a child is born with two horns]].
** If you ride along the south-western coast, you can end up on [[spoiler: the beach from ''ICO'''s ending sequence]].
** One of the bonus weapons from the time attacks [[spoiler: is the sword from ICO's finale]].
** Some of the ruins resemble those found around the Castle In The Mist.
** Shadowy human-shaped creatures, like those fought in ''ICO'', can be seen at several points in the game.
** WordOfGod also confirms the fictional language spoken is the same one from ''ICO'', and that [[spoiler:Wander is the progenitor of the line of horned boys]].
* ControllableHelplessness: Twice during the ending sequence.The second one theoretically could be escaped from, but there are invisible walls at the edge and no apparent outside.
* CrueltyIsTheOnlyOption: You have to murder each Colossus to proceed, [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone and then cry out in pain]].
* CutsceneDrop: After striking the final blow into a colossus, a cutscene begins which shows their demise. Usually, this isn't too far away from where the actual blow was dealt and you won't notice it, but it becomes obvious against certain foes like Avion and Celosia. Even more so, when you return to find the body later, don't expect it to be in the same place where you saw it fall, or even in the same position.
* DamageDiscrimination: Arrow shots that were [[DamageSpongeBoss eating away at the Colossus' health bar]] will suddenly cease being effective, requiring you to go in there with your sword and finish the job.
* DeconstructionGame: This game's main focus is {{Boss Battle}}s, presented in a way that will make you feel not triumphant, but [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone upset]], about your "victory" over these giants. For example, remember all those video games that play victorious music as you happily defeat a boss? Compare that to [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4rKOFU8-RY the music that plays when you defeat a colossus.]]
* DevelopmentHell: The film has been announced for some time now but doesn't seem to be coming out anytime soon. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck Nobody complains.]]
* DownerEnding: Another possible interpretation of the ending: [[spoiler:Not only are you a baby, but you've trapped your love in the valley (presumably) forever. And it's also implied that the valley is uninhabitable. The colossi and Dormin are dead, you've doomed yourself, your loved one and your beloved horse to imprisonment in the wastelands, and, if you believe Emon is the villain, then the main villain effectively got away after nearly killing you.]] Keep in mind, though, this game takes minimalist storytelling to its logical extreme, so pretty much nothing has been or can be confirmed about the ending, except some WordOfGod that [[spoiler:the horned boys from Ico are descended from Wander]].
* DummiedOut: The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvpcwR7Omdg "dam"]]. No one knows why it's there or what it would have been for. In its present form it doesn't even have collision data (meaning you can't stand on it), and it's only accessible through hacking and a lot of patience.
** And for that matter, the entire east section of the map, that will remain covered by clouds. There is a bridge over the 12th colossus area that could have been an access to it, but there is no way to get up there.
** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6JMCBiUDHo&feature=related This video]] shows that at one time, the area above the secret garden was intended to be accessible.
* EmptyRoomPsych: Pretty much completely averted, since none of the bonus items or powerups are found by wandering around (rather by beating specific challenges) or other plot related NPC's or items anywhere in the game. Essentially, the whole game is a love letter to SceneryPorn. There is the secret garden, which is very hard to reach and at first glance appears to contain nothing but poisonous fruit. If you search long and hard, though, you discover that [[spoiler:it really does contain nothing else]].
** Some players, desperate to find ''something'' new, will invoke this trope on themselves simply by getting hyped up over finding a particularly interesting rock formation or an out-of-the-way cliff ledge. Needless to say, there's never anything there.
* EverythingFades: Averted with the Colossi. Once you've killed them, their bodies will turn to stone and lie exactly where they fell for the rest of the game. If you're curious, or have a lot of time on your hands, you can go back to their arenas and take a look at the remains. Played straight with the arrows - fire above a certain quantity of arrows and the remaining ones disappear.
* EvilIsNotAToy: The price Wander pays for going against Emon and Dormin's warnings is DemonicPossession. Both Dormin and Emon warned that bad things would happen if he insisted on going through with the forbidden spell to revive Mono. That said, it might have been less EvilIsNotAToy and more The Forbidden Power Of Reviving A Dead Person By Killing Ancient Hallowed Creatures And Harnessing Their Spirits Is Not A Toy, especially when you remember that the mysterious entity helping you ends up possessing you as a side effect.
** On the flipside, both Wander and Dormin were also in danger at that time. Wander was being killed by Emon, and Dormin was at risk of losing Their human vessel, so maybe the DemonicPossession was a ''necessary'' stepping in to prevent Emon from ruining everything. In any case, They said They were "borrowing" Wander's body. They didn't say it was permanent, and who knows what might have happened next if Emon hadn't dropped the sword in the pool and had Dormin's spirit sucked in.
* {{Fictionary}}: The language spoken in the game is said to be composed by some amalgam of Backwards Japanese, English and Latin.
* GoneHorriblyRight: Wander wants to harness Dormin's ability to resurrect the dead by killing each and every colossus. He gets a lot more than he had bargained for.
* GottaKillEmAll
* GreyAndGreyMorality: No one's morality can really be defined as good or evil in this game.
* HeartContainer: The fruit and white lizard tails which you can gather/hunt for, which increase your life and your stamina, respectively. Finding them ''without'' [[GuideDangIt a guide]], though, is an exercise in frustration unless you unlock certain items in [[TimedMission time attack]]... and even with knowing their general area thanks to said item, it can be frustrating to actually ''find'' them.
* HopelessBossFight: [[spoiler: ''You're'' the final boss, and invincible for all intents. But you can't win.]]
* InsurmountableWaistHighFence: There are occasionally ledges which, by rights, Wander should physically be able to jump onto or climb, but for some reason he can't do so.
* InvisibleWall: Even if it is a bit more subtle than an outright wall. If you manage to climb the shrine, you can actually walk the bridge that links it to the mainland. When you get at the other side you find an open exit, try to proceed… and are pushed back by a strong wind coming from outside. This may be [[JustifiedTrope justified]] if this is Dormin's doing (if They don't want Wander to go before having slayed all the colossi) but it's really just a way to say "sorry but the map stops here, what did you expect?"
* LeadTheTarget: A useful tactic when fighting the Colossi is to aim your arrows slightly ahead of where the target is going to be.
* LightEmUp: Aside from literally leading Wander to the colossi and their weak spots, the sword seems to actually kick up dust/burn whenever there's an object where the light happens to gather. Since there's no discernible sun in the sky, this may be (at least partially) Dormin's ability/presence.
* LuckBasedMission: The Time Attack as a whole can fall into this. While fighting each Colossus the second time is not too difficult (give or take your own personal GoddamnedBoss), doing it against a timer may force you to abandon an otherwise workable, if time-consuming, strategy in favour of a quicker one, hence a lot of trial and error and hoping that the Colossus will get into the right position quickly. Unfortunately, the Colossus AIs won't always do what you want them to do, leading to a lot of time lost and [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard much frustration]].
* MeaningfulName: Every character. Dormin's is described below and is also close to dormir, the French/Spanish/Portuguese word for being asleep. Wander's name is obvious. Mono comes from the prefix meaning "single" or "alone", [[spoiler:meaningful when you consider the ending.]] Agro's name doesn't seem to come from anything meaningful, although it does mean [[ScrappyMechanic fuss or bother]] in the Ido language. The AllThereInTheManual[=/=]WordOfGod names from the Colossi are usually rooted in some sort of mythology.
** [[spoiler: Dormin is also Nimrod backwards. Nimrod killed a bull and wore its horns on his head in order to strike fear into his enemies, and he was also murdered and cut into several pieces. Both of which tie into the story of Dormin.]]
* MenuTimeLockout: After beating Time Attack Mode, you get goodies which an be accessed in the pause menu. At any point during the game, you can switch between them instantly.
* {{Minimalism}}: Both in storytelling and game design.
* MoeAnthropomorphism: [[http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/colossalgirls1.jpg Colossal]] [[http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/colossalgirls2.jpg Girls]]
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: [[http://www.penny-arcade.com/2009/6/8/ This]] PennyArcade commentary describes most poetically the ''"emotional ravaging"'' that this game will put you through.
* NoArcInArchery: Wander's arrows do fly in an arch, but only if they're rapidly fired without properly tensing the bow. Holding down the aim button will straighten the trajectory so that the arrow aims for the crosshairs the player can see onscreen.
* NotTheFallThatKillsYou: Doesn't matter what height Wander falls from, if he can grab a ledge or a vine on the way down, he'll be perfectly fine. In fact, even if he doesn't grab something, he'll still take less damage than a [[OneHitKill real fall would've done]]. This reaches its peak [[spoiler: during the last colossus, where a fall from a colossus like a skyscraper is eased if you only grab one of the lower ledges at the last second]]. There are certain situations where this is averted, mainly outside of the Colossus battles.
* OffscreenTeleportation: Defeat a Colossus and [[AcceptableBreaksFromReality you won't have to worry about walking all the way back to the Shrine of Worship]] - Wander will be knocked unconscious by dark threads and will wake up back at the shrine.
* OneHitKill: Some Colossus attacks become this in Hard Mode.
* OneHundredPercentCompletion: The UpdatedRerelease ''{{Ico}} and Shadow of the Colossus Collection'' for the PS3 has trophies that requires you to do ''[[BrickJoke absolutely everything]]'' you can think of. This includes, but not limited to, climbing to the top of the tower, obtaining every item, and maxing out the health and grip bars.
* OxygenMeter: Your stamina meter doubles as an oxygen meter. If it ran out, you would simply let go of whatever you were holding and return to the surface
* PlatformBattle: Many {{Colossus Climb}}s cannot be initiated without taking advantage of the scenery in some way. Considering how huge the colossi are, this often involves getting dangerously high, and falling will likely injure Wander ([[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard not to mention frustrate a few players]]).
* RealIsBrown: Quite possibly the TropeCodifier; although the brown and gray were fully aesthetic choices, rather than an attempt at being more "realistic".
* RuinsForRuinsSake: It's never made clear what purpose exactly the ruins serve, or how they were built. All part of the "storytelling" in the game where they have left it [[WildMassGuessing almost all up to the player]].
* SaveGameLimits: On his quest, Wander can only save his progress by two methods. There are temples scattered across the land where he can pray - these are save points for the player. Reload the game after saving and Wander will be found sleeping at the foot of the temple. The other method is to kill a Colossus and wait for the screen to go dark before being prompted.
* SaveThePrincess: Massively deconstructed. [[spoiler: The entire tragedy of the game stems from the futility of saving Mono, and the ignoble sacrifices your character makes in order to succeed. It seems those responsible for Mono's fate want her to stay dead, going all the way to the Forbidden Land in droves to stop whatever Wander might pull off.]]
* SceneryPorn: The lush detail added to every canyon, every field, every forest and lake, can only be explained by DoingItForTheArt. It has been described on this wiki as 'a love letter to SceneryPorn'. The remastered, high definition release is even ''more glorious''
* SoftWater: Those of us enjoying the stunningly realistic animations of Wander might wince [[YouFailPhysicsForever whenever he falls from several stories into a pool of water and doesn't lose any life from it]]. While he does survive falls from several stories anyway, due to being either BadassAbnormal or otherwise MadeOfIron, at least he can lose health if he does fall onto a hard surface. [[AcceptableBreaksFromReality Thankfully]], it does make fighting the third, fifth, seventh and twelfth colossi a little easier should you find yourself falling off things a lot. And, well, if you love the DoingItForTheArt style, the colossi are more than ample distractions.
* SoundCodedForYourConvenience: A Colossus generally has two types of music play during its boss fight - the initial theme, which is what you start hearing, and the 'victory is at hand' music, which usually plays once you've done something crucial and victory is at hand.
* SpikesOfVillainy: On the back when Dormin manifests, though they also look kind of like tendrils.
* SpiritualSuccessor: To ''{{ICO}}''.
* SwordSparks: They fly off when Wander uses his sword to strike a hard surface, such as a rock. [[FlatWhat Or the side of his horse]].
* TakeItToTheBridge: A ''two kilometers long'' bridge (at a guess). Without Agro, it takes a good ten minutes to cross it.
* TakeYourTime: Ignore the fact that a KnightTemplar is on his way to purge your demons or that you have to kill all the Colossi to revive Mono. You're not required to do these things right away. In fact, even if you tried, it would take [[MarathonBoss ages just to do one battle.]]
* TheBladeAlwaysLandsPointyEndIn: And embeds itself into a floor made of stone.
* TrickArrow: If you play Time Attack Mode, you can get upgrades for your bow, [[spoiler: including whistling arrows and explosive arrows]].
* UpdatedRerelease: After seeing how the first two ''GodOfWar'' games were getting a hi-def upgrade for a [=PlayStation=] 3 re-release, Team ICO hinted that they'd like to do the same for both ''ICO'' and ''Colossus'', but may not because of the cost and effort involved. At least, that was initially: [=TGS10=] has now ''confirmed'' an {{ICO}} and ShadowOfTheColossus HD Compilation remake with 3D, upped frame-rate, and widescreen. [[http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707541/IcoShadow-of-the-Colossus-Collection-Trailer-Towers-Over-Expectations.html And The Fandom Rejoiced]]
* UrbanLegendOfZelda: The fabled "17th Colossus," which some people are still trying to find. Same for the upper levels of the temple, above the secret garden. However, hacking the game can lead to some [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvpcwR7Omdg very interesting finds.]]
* VideoGameCrueltyPotential: Those white doves that appear around Mono, probably symbolizing her innocence and purity? You've shot those suckers dead haven't you? Just admit it.
* WalkItOff: Other than the save shrines, there's no real way to heal other than to wait as your lifebar slowly grows back. Standing still or crouching helps it speed up, but in battle this also leaves you in danger if you hang about too long in the open.
* WastedSong: In general, there are a lot of very nice songs on the soundtrack that are very short and only play about once in the entire game. Certain parts of certain songs are never heard in-game, and others like "Marshlands", "Roar of the Earth" (which is the subtitle of the Soundtrack), and "Sky Burial" aren't even featured in the game at all.
* WhatCouldHaveBeen: Originally the game would have been more of a sequel to {{ICO}} titled "NICO". The game was very similar to the final product except there were more people on horseback, and the people on horseback were young men with horns (more children like Ico perhaps). [[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6360712207208207445 Check it out.]]
* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotSymbolic: White doves and black shadow-like figures are shown to gather around Mono and Wander respectively, one of each for every Colossus killed.
* WhatTheHellPlayer: You're free to slash or shoot Agro. The poor horse will spook and run away from you, and is very likely to react like this for a long time afterwards whenever you draw your sword.
* WideOpenSandbox: There's miles of beautiful territory and scenery, but there are only a few things to do:
** Find the colossi; much like the fights, getting to the encounter is almost like a stretched out platforming puzzle.
** Eat fruit to extend your life bar.
** Kill white-tailed geckos and eat their tails for more stamina.
** Try to ride a bird by jumping off Agro and grabbing it.
** Find a deep lake and ride a fish by the tail.
** Tour the map and rid yourself of those obstructive clouds on the map.
** Slay colossi and advance the story.
** Get creative with your eight-fingered to-do list.
* YouBastard: Many players [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone feel sorry for the Colossi]], some to the point of not wanting to finish the game.
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->''"Some mountains are scaled. [[ColossusClimb Others are slain]]."''
-->-- '''Promotional {{Tagline}}'''
''Shadow of the Colossus'', the [[SpiritualSuccessor prequel]] to ''{{ICO}}'', is an action adventure game about hunting monsters. It does away with conventional video game formulas to create an aesthetically breathtaking experience.
The game features a deliberately simplistic (and largely unexplained) story, where the intention is to have the player form their own story based on their own experiences. Because of this, ''Shadow of the Colossus'' is an interesting combination of minimalist storytelling and lush graphics, making the game a celebrated example of DoingItForTheArt.
A young man known as Wander enters a forbidden land, carrying with him the corpse of a girl named Mono. He travels to the Shrine of Worship in search of Dormin, a mysterious god-like being who is said to have the power to bring people back from the dead.
Wander is greeted by the disembodied voice of Dormin, who confirms that his wish ''can'' be granted, but also warns that Wander would pay a terrible price in return. With that, Dormin tasks him with seeking out and slaying the sixteen Colossi that are somewhere in the forbidden land. When all sixteen of these giants have fallen, Mono will be resurrected.
Wander navigates the vast, empty land on his horse Agro. But before he can eliminate each Colossus, he must first locate them. All that aids him in accomplishing this task is his magic sword, which he can hold up to the light, resulting in a beam that points in the direction of the next battle. However, the light beam becomes increasingly less helpful as the game progresses, due to the fact that reaching the Colossi tends to involve taking long detours through shadowy mountain paths and dark valleys.
When the player engages in battle with a Colossus, he must defeat them by literally climbing up their fur and stone-covered bodies and finding their weak points. Reaching the weak points can be difficult, as the Colossi usually do everything in their power to shake the player off. Once a Colossus is defeated, the player is automatically transported back to the Shrine of Worship, and the process repeats itself -- each time with some [[BodyHorror very, very subtle changes in Wander's looks]].
Or, [[SidetrackedByTheGoldSaucer you can just spend the first ten+ hours exploring]] ''[[WideOpenSandbox everything]]''.
The game is unique in several ways:
* The only enemies in the game are the Colossi. You can kill the local wildlife for a small permanent stamina bonus.
* There are no towns or dungeons to explore, or other characters to interact with. [[AllThereInTheManual It's explained]] that the land is cursed, and is implied to have had a previous civilization, what with all of the BenevolentArchitecture.
* All the player has with him are his bow and arrows and the magic sword. No other items exist in an initial playthrough, and he cannot upgrade his current ones (except for replay value in a NewGamePlus). The player finishes the game in essentially the same state as when he started it.
The game is the second in the ''TeamIcoSeries'', a set of thematically-connected games developed by Team Ico. In addition it was paired with ''{{ICO}}'' for an UpdatedRerelease in October 2011. Another game in the series has been announced, ''VideoGame/TheLastGuardian'', which is about a [[ABoyAndHisX little boy and his adventures with his pet griffin Colossus.]]
A movie was announced and the script is being written by [[Film/StreetFighterTheLegendOfChunLi Justin Marks]]. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck How bad]] [[ForegoneConclusion it will be]] [[YourMileageMayVary is up for debate.]] On the one hand, the game is basically a puzzle game writ large. On the other hand, it has plenty of potential for SceneryPorn (which, as the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' films proved, can take you somewhere) and a compelling plot too.
Although unnamed in the actual game, sites claiming that WordOfGod has released a name list for the individual Colossi have been circulating said list. Please see [[Characters/ShadowOfTheColossus the characters page]] for more details.
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!!This game provides examples of:
* AfterBossRecovery: After defeating each colossus, Wander is returned to the Shrine of Worship with his health meter fully restored. It also increases with each colossus defeated.
* AllThereInTheScript: His name is Wander and her name is Mono, we only know this because of the credits. He does say her name [[spoiler:after his vision of Mono's awakening]] though, albeit very quietly.
* AmbiguouslyEvil: Everyone. (Well, except for the horse and the girl. And if you get into the WildMassGuessing about ''{{ICO}}'', possibly the girl, too.)
* AmbiguousSituation: As with AlternativeCharacterInterpretation, there is just so much left out of the plot that it's anybody's guess what is really going on. Hence the YMMV page.
* AnnoyingArrows: Although arrows are useful in attacking a weak point or getting their attention, the sword is the only thing that can kill the Colossi. Justified in that, well, they're ''really big''. [[spoiler:Averted, however, once Wander's the one getting shot at. Even after transforming, he still drags his left leg.]]
* ArmorIsUseless: Most definitely averted. Wander can't penetrate any part of a colossus that is covered in stone armor or thick hide. Instead, he has to find ways to get to their vital weak spots, which are invariably on the fur-covered parts of the colossus's body. In fact, a couple of them are ''completely covered'' in armor, and the only way to beat them is to knock it off somehow.
* ArtMajorPhysics: The concept of the colossi themselves requires a WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief, though since the world has fantastic and mystic elements in it, there is always the possibility that it is supported by supernatural means. See, for instance, SandIsWater, SoftWater, and SquareCubeLaw.
** Considering that they literally collapse into dust and dirt when you kill them, it's pretty much confirmed supernatural.
* BeautifulVoid: The minimalist design of the game combined with its emphasis on exploring creates a world that is not only large but almost completely void of life.
* BenevolentArchitecture: Sometimes the geometrical arrangement of the geography seems a little too convenient for reaching certain colossi. A JustifiedTrope, however, since the location is one big ruin, so these structures had a purpose once. What exactly that purpose was, however, is another matter.
** Actually, the colossi themselves have a BenevolentArchitecture: the stone parts are usually designed way too conveniently to be natural (especially blatant during the first, fourth and final colossi)
* BigBadassBirdOfPrey: One that seems to follow you at random times during your adventure. If you time it right, you can even catch a ride with it. There is also Avion, a Colossus designed like a large bird.
* BittersweetEnding: One interpretation of the ending: [[spoiler: Mono is revived, so Wander succeeded in his quest. Agro, who was last seen falling into a ravine having saved Wander's life, is alive and reasonably well, and Wander himself is given a second chance at life. Lord Emon has destroyed/resealed Dormin and shattered the bridge to the Forbidden Lands, so no one can tresspass upon it, which presumably satisfies him, and Wander is indeed allowed a chance for atonement, as he privately wished. On the other hand, Wander had to go through severe traumatic experience, could have (possibly did) die during his possession by Dormin, and the three of them - Agro, Mono and Wander - are now stuck in the Forbidden Lands with no feasible means of escape and not very much in the way of food and water. And, of course, every last one of the colossi has been destroyed and left to decay.]] For an alternative interpretation, see DownerEnding below.
* BlackMagic
* BookEnds: The first cinematic opens with dark skies and clouds, as an eagle flies into the shot over the mountains. After the credits, the eagle flies over the mountains, out of shot, and the last cinematic ends with clouds and dark skies.
* BossBattle: Well, yes.
* BossGame: There are no wild monsters to get in the way or slow you down. Just you, sixteen Colossi scattered across miles and miles of SceneryPorn, and a sword which points in their general direction.
* BossRoom: A few Colossi can't be escaped from once they're engaged.
* BossRush: Well... yeah. That's what the game ''is.'' However, there is a Time Attack Mode which tasks you with killing each colossus as fast as possible. Do well, and you unlock ''lots'' of goodies. See TimeLimitBoss.
* BraggingRightsReward: Beat the game once or twice and collect enough silver lizard tails to improve your grip, and you can climb to a secret garden on top of Dormin's tower [[spoiler:as seen in the ending.]] Eating the fruit on the trees there will eventually [[SelfImposedChallenge reduce your health and stamina to less than the player initially starts with]], though..
** There's also the Sword of the Sun, which produces a beam even when in a dark area. Sounds useful, but it can only be unlocked on hard mode, which can only be unlocked by beating the whole game on normal mode first. So you can only obtain this sword that helps you find the colossi once you've already been to them all and know where they are.
* CallReceivalArea: The Forbidden Lands. Wander was forbidden to go there by Emon, and [[ForbiddenFruit when he does go there]], Dormin gives him the quest that makes up the entire game.
* CameraLockOn
* CameraScrew: Happens whenever a solid object, like the wall or a Colossus' thrashing limb, is behind Wander and won't let you see what's going on.
* ColossusClimb: The TropeNamer. Part of the challenge involves getting a colossus or yourself into position so that this can be started, and then locating its weak point while climbing it. Funnily enough, not every Colossus is a tower sized being. The smaller, tank-sized ones move ridiculously fast and are (relatively) aggressive on sight.
* ConcealmentEqualsCover: Against any Colossi that can use projectiles, cover of any sort is acceptable. Since the setting is mostly stone, it's reasonable.
** Except against the twelfth colossus, where you can hide a foot underwater to avoid… [[ArtisticLicensePhysics lightning balls]].
* ContinuityNod: A few listed below.
** At the end of the game, [[spoiler:a child is born with two horns]].
** If you ride along the south-western coast, you can end up on [[spoiler: the beach from ''ICO'''s ending sequence]].
** One of the bonus weapons from the time attacks [[spoiler: is the sword from ICO's finale]].
** Some of the ruins resemble those found around the Castle In The Mist.
** Shadowy human-shaped creatures, like those fought in ''ICO'', can be seen at several points in the game.
** WordOfGod also confirms the fictional language spoken is the same one from ''ICO'', and that [[spoiler:Wander is the progenitor of the line of horned boys]].
* ControllableHelplessness: Twice during the ending sequence.The second one theoretically could be escaped from, but there are invisible walls at the edge and no apparent outside.
* CrueltyIsTheOnlyOption: You have to murder each Colossus to proceed, [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone and then cry out in pain]].
* CutsceneDrop: After striking the final blow into a colossus, a cutscene begins which shows their demise. Usually, this isn't too far away from where the actual blow was dealt and you won't notice it, but it becomes obvious against certain foes like Avion and Celosia. Even more so, when you return to find the body later, don't expect it to be in the same place where you saw it fall, or even in the same position.
* DamageDiscrimination: Arrow shots that were [[DamageSpongeBoss eating away at the Colossus' health bar]] will suddenly cease being effective, requiring you to go in there with your sword and finish the job.
* DeconstructionGame: This game's main focus is {{Boss Battle}}s, presented in a way that will make you feel not triumphant, but [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone upset]], about your "victory" over these giants. For example, remember all those video games that play victorious music as you happily defeat a boss? Compare that to [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4rKOFU8-RY the music that plays when you defeat a colossus.]]
* DevelopmentHell: The film has been announced for some time now but doesn't seem to be coming out anytime soon. [[VideoGameMoviesSuck Nobody complains.]]
* DownerEnding: Another possible interpretation of the ending: [[spoiler:Not only are you a baby, but you've trapped your love in the valley (presumably) forever. And it's also implied that the valley is uninhabitable. The colossi and Dormin are dead, you've doomed yourself, your loved one and your beloved horse to imprisonment in the wastelands, and, if you believe Emon is the villain, then the main villain effectively got away after nearly killing you.]] Keep in mind, though, this game takes minimalist storytelling to its logical extreme, so pretty much nothing has been or can be confirmed about the ending, except some WordOfGod that [[spoiler:the horned boys from Ico are descended from Wander]].
* DummiedOut: The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvpcwR7Omdg "dam"]]. No one knows why it's there or what it would have been for. In its present form it doesn't even have collision data (meaning you can't stand on it), and it's only accessible through hacking and a lot of patience.
** And for that matter, the entire east section of the map, that will remain covered by clouds. There is a bridge over the 12th colossus area that could have been an access to it, but there is no way to get up there.
** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6JMCBiUDHo&feature=related This video]] shows that at one time, the area above the secret garden was intended to be accessible.
* EmptyRoomPsych: Pretty much completely averted, since none of the bonus items or powerups are found by wandering around (rather by beating specific challenges) or other plot related NPC's or items anywhere in the game. Essentially, the whole game is a love letter to SceneryPorn. There is the secret garden, which is very hard to reach and at first glance appears to contain nothing but poisonous fruit. If you search long and hard, though, you discover that [[spoiler:it really does contain nothing else]].
** Some players, desperate to find ''something'' new, will invoke this trope on themselves simply by getting hyped up over finding a particularly interesting rock formation or an out-of-the-way cliff ledge. Needless to say, there's never anything there.
* EverythingFades: Averted with the Colossi. Once you've killed them, their bodies will turn to stone and lie exactly where they fell for the rest of the game. If you're curious, or have a lot of time on your hands, you can go back to their arenas and take a look at the remains. Played straight with the arrows - fire above a certain quantity of arrows and the remaining ones disappear.
* EvilIsNotAToy: The price Wander pays for going against Emon and Dormin's warnings is DemonicPossession. Both Dormin and Emon warned that bad things would happen if he insisted on going through with the forbidden spell to revive Mono. That said, it might have been less EvilIsNotAToy and more The Forbidden Power Of Reviving A Dead Person By Killing Ancient Hallowed Creatures And Harnessing Their Spirits Is Not A Toy, especially when you remember that the mysterious entity helping you ends up possessing you as a side effect.
** On the flipside, both Wander and Dormin were also in danger at that time. Wander was being killed by Emon, and Dormin was at risk of losing Their human vessel, so maybe the DemonicPossession was a ''necessary'' stepping in to prevent Emon from ruining everything. In any case, They said They were "borrowing" Wander's body. They didn't say it was permanent, and who knows what might have happened next if Emon hadn't dropped the sword in the pool and had Dormin's spirit sucked in.
* {{Fictionary}}: The language spoken in the game is said to be composed by some amalgam of Backwards Japanese, English and Latin.
* GoneHorriblyRight: Wander wants to harness Dormin's ability to resurrect the dead by killing each and every colossus. He gets a lot more than he had bargained for.
* GottaKillEmAll
* GreyAndGreyMorality: No one's morality can really be defined as good or evil in this game.
* HeartContainer: The fruit and white lizard tails which you can gather/hunt for, which increase your life and your stamina, respectively. Finding them ''without'' [[GuideDangIt a guide]], though, is an exercise in frustration unless you unlock certain items in [[TimedMission time attack]]... and even with knowing their general area thanks to said item, it can be frustrating to actually ''find'' them.
* HopelessBossFight: [[spoiler: ''You're'' the final boss, and invincible for all intents. But you can't win.]]
* InsurmountableWaistHighFence: There are occasionally ledges which, by rights, Wander should physically be able to jump onto or climb, but for some reason he can't do so.
* InvisibleWall: Even if it is a bit more subtle than an outright wall. If you manage to climb the shrine, you can actually walk the bridge that links it to the mainland. When you get at the other side you find an open exit, try to proceed… and are pushed back by a strong wind coming from outside. This may be [[JustifiedTrope justified]] if this is Dormin's doing (if They don't want Wander to go before having slayed all the colossi) but it's really just a way to say "sorry but the map stops here, what did you expect?"
* LeadTheTarget: A useful tactic when fighting the Colossi is to aim your arrows slightly ahead of where the target is going to be.
* LightEmUp: Aside from literally leading Wander to the colossi and their weak spots, the sword seems to actually kick up dust/burn whenever there's an object where the light happens to gather. Since there's no discernible sun in the sky, this may be (at least partially) Dormin's ability/presence.
* LuckBasedMission: The Time Attack as a whole can fall into this. While fighting each Colossus the second time is not too difficult (give or take your own personal GoddamnedBoss), doing it against a timer may force you to abandon an otherwise workable, if time-consuming, strategy in favour of a quicker one, hence a lot of trial and error and hoping that the Colossus will get into the right position quickly. Unfortunately, the Colossus AIs won't always do what you want them to do, leading to a lot of time lost and [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard much frustration]].
* MeaningfulName: Every character. Dormin's is described below and is also close to dormir, the French/Spanish/Portuguese word for being asleep. Wander's name is obvious. Mono comes from the prefix meaning "single" or "alone", [[spoiler:meaningful when you consider the ending.]] Agro's name doesn't seem to come from anything meaningful, although it does mean [[ScrappyMechanic fuss or bother]] in the Ido language. The AllThereInTheManual[=/=]WordOfGod names from the Colossi are usually rooted in some sort of mythology.
** [[spoiler: Dormin is also Nimrod backwards. Nimrod killed a bull and wore its horns on his head in order to strike fear into his enemies, and he was also murdered and cut into several pieces. Both of which tie into the story of Dormin.]]
* MenuTimeLockout: After beating Time Attack Mode, you get goodies which an be accessed in the pause menu. At any point during the game, you can switch between them instantly.
* {{Minimalism}}: Both in storytelling and game design.
* MoeAnthropomorphism: [[http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/colossalgirls1.jpg Colossal]] [[http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/colossalgirls2.jpg Girls]]
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: [[http://www.penny-arcade.com/2009/6/8/ This]] PennyArcade commentary describes most poetically the ''"emotional ravaging"'' that this game will put you through.
* NoArcInArchery: Wander's arrows do fly in an arch, but only if they're rapidly fired without properly tensing the bow. Holding down the aim button will straighten the trajectory so that the arrow aims for the crosshairs the player can see onscreen.
* NotTheFallThatKillsYou: Doesn't matter what height Wander falls from, if he can grab a ledge or a vine on the way down, he'll be perfectly fine. In fact, even if he doesn't grab something, he'll still take less damage than a [[OneHitKill real fall would've done]]. This reaches its peak [[spoiler: during the last colossus, where a fall from a colossus like a skyscraper is eased if you only grab one of the lower ledges at the last second]]. There are certain situations where this is averted, mainly outside of the Colossus battles.
* OffscreenTeleportation: Defeat a Colossus and [[AcceptableBreaksFromReality you won't have to worry about walking all the way back to the Shrine of Worship]] - Wander will be knocked unconscious by dark threads and will wake up back at the shrine.
* OneHitKill: Some Colossus attacks become this in Hard Mode.
* OneHundredPercentCompletion: The UpdatedRerelease ''{{Ico}} and Shadow of the Colossus Collection'' for the PS3 has trophies that requires you to do ''[[BrickJoke absolutely everything]]'' you can think of. This includes, but not limited to, climbing to the top of the tower, obtaining every item, and maxing out the health and grip bars.
* OxygenMeter: Your stamina meter doubles as an oxygen meter. If it ran out, you would simply let go of whatever you were holding and return to the surface
* PlatformBattle: Many {{Colossus Climb}}s cannot be initiated without taking advantage of the scenery in some way. Considering how huge the colossi are, this often involves getting dangerously high, and falling will likely injure Wander ([[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard not to mention frustrate a few players]]).
* RealIsBrown: Quite possibly the TropeCodifier; although the brown and gray were fully aesthetic choices, rather than an attempt at being more "realistic".
* RuinsForRuinsSake: It's never made clear what purpose exactly the ruins serve, or how they were built. All part of the "storytelling" in the game where they have left it [[WildMassGuessing almost all up to the player]].
* SaveGameLimits: On his quest, Wander can only save his progress by two methods. There are temples scattered across the land where he can pray - these are save points for the player. Reload the game after saving and Wander will be found sleeping at the foot of the temple. The other method is to kill a Colossus and wait for the screen to go dark before being prompted.
* SaveThePrincess: Massively deconstructed. [[spoiler: The entire tragedy of the game stems from the futility of saving Mono, and the ignoble sacrifices your character makes in order to succeed. It seems those responsible for Mono's fate want her to stay dead, going all the way to the Forbidden Land in droves to stop whatever Wander might pull off.]]
* SceneryPorn: The lush detail added to every canyon, every field, every forest and lake, can only be explained by DoingItForTheArt. It has been described on this wiki as 'a love letter to SceneryPorn'. The remastered, high definition release is even ''more glorious''
* SoftWater: Those of us enjoying the stunningly realistic animations of Wander might wince [[YouFailPhysicsForever whenever he falls from several stories into a pool of water and doesn't lose any life from it]]. While he does survive falls from several stories anyway, due to being either BadassAbnormal or otherwise MadeOfIron, at least he can lose health if he does fall onto a hard surface. [[AcceptableBreaksFromReality Thankfully]], it does make fighting the third, fifth, seventh and twelfth colossi a little easier should you find yourself falling off things a lot. And, well, if you love the DoingItForTheArt style, the colossi are more than ample distractions.
* SoundCodedForYourConvenience: A Colossus generally has two types of music play during its boss fight - the initial theme, which is what you start hearing, and the 'victory is at hand' music, which usually plays once you've done something crucial and victory is at hand.
* SpikesOfVillainy: On the back when Dormin manifests, though they also look kind of like tendrils.
* SpiritualSuccessor: To ''{{ICO}}''.
* SwordSparks: They fly off when Wander uses his sword to strike a hard surface, such as a rock. [[FlatWhat Or the side of his horse]].
* TakeItToTheBridge: A ''two kilometers long'' bridge (at a guess). Without Agro, it takes a good ten minutes to cross it.
* TakeYourTime: Ignore the fact that a KnightTemplar is on his way to purge your demons or that you have to kill all the Colossi to revive Mono. You're not required to do these things right away. In fact, even if you tried, it would take [[MarathonBoss ages just to do one battle.]]
* TheBladeAlwaysLandsPointyEndIn: And embeds itself into a floor made of stone.
* TrickArrow: If you play Time Attack Mode, you can get upgrades for your bow, [[spoiler: including whistling arrows and explosive arrows]].
* UpdatedRerelease: After seeing how the first two ''GodOfWar'' games were getting a hi-def upgrade for a [=PlayStation=] 3 re-release, Team ICO hinted that they'd like to do the same for both ''ICO'' and ''Colossus'', but may not because of the cost and effort involved. At least, that was initially: [=TGS10=] has now ''confirmed'' an {{ICO}} and ShadowOfTheColossus HD Compilation remake with 3D, upped frame-rate, and widescreen. [[http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707541/IcoShadow-of-the-Colossus-Collection-Trailer-Towers-Over-Expectations.html And The Fandom Rejoiced]]
* UrbanLegendOfZelda: The fabled "17th Colossus," which some people are still trying to find. Same for the upper levels of the temple, above the secret garden. However, hacking the game can lead to some [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvpcwR7Omdg very interesting finds.]]
* VideoGameCrueltyPotential: Those white doves that appear around Mono, probably symbolizing her innocence and purity? You've shot those suckers dead haven't you? Just admit it.
* WalkItOff: Other than the save shrines, there's no real way to heal other than to wait as your lifebar slowly grows back. Standing still or crouching helps it speed up, but in battle this also leaves you in danger if you hang about too long in the open.
* WastedSong: In general, there are a lot of very nice songs on the soundtrack that are very short and only play about once in the entire game. Certain parts of certain songs are never heard in-game, and others like "Marshlands", "Roar of the Earth" (which is the subtitle of the Soundtrack), and "Sky Burial" aren't even featured in the game at all.
* WhatCouldHaveBeen: Originally the game would have been more of a sequel to {{ICO}} titled "NICO". The game was very similar to the final product except there were more people on horseback, and the people on horseback were young men with horns (more children like Ico perhaps). [[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6360712207208207445 Check it out.]]
* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotSymbolic: White doves and black shadow-like figures are shown to gather around Mono and Wander respectively, one of each for every Colossus killed.
* WhatTheHellPlayer: You're free to slash or shoot Agro. The poor horse will spook and run away from you, and is very likely to react like this for a long time afterwards whenever you draw your sword.
* WideOpenSandbox: There's miles of beautiful territory and scenery, but there are only a few things to do:
** Find the colossi; much like the fights, getting to the encounter is almost like a stretched out platforming puzzle.
** Eat fruit to extend your life bar.
** Kill white-tailed geckos and eat their tails for more stamina.
** Try to ride a bird by jumping off Agro and grabbing it.
** Find a deep lake and ride a fish by the tail.
** Tour the map and rid yourself of those obstructive clouds on the map.
** Slay colossi and advance the story.
** Get creative with your eight-fingered to-do list.
* YouBastard: Many players [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone feel sorry for the Colossi]], some to the point of not wanting to finish the game.
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