ICO

"Profound and transient, or simply pretty and hollow?"

Introduction

There is much to say about ICO, and there are two sides to this story indeed. ICO has its devout fans who believe the style and presentation of the visuals are not only refreshing, but instill a subtle grace to every aspect of the world that ICO inhabits, from the quiet stone walls and empty, torch-lit hallways of the castle, to the spacious and seemingly untouched lands outside. There are also those who feel the gameplay is a bit too shallow and the visuals to be overrated at best. It is difficult for this reviewer to place ICO in either court. While the adventure is fleeting, there is more to ICO if one cares to look and if one wants there to be.

Visuals

The art and style of ICO's graphics are a major part of its charm. There is nothing particularly fantastic about the visuals, rather it is the unique style that catches the eye. Seemingly cell shaded in part with soft textures and undeniably beautiful lighting, the graphics convey a tranquil, yet somewhat solemn world. One almost feels as if the castle and world of ICO is momentarily locked in a moment, waiting for sign to continue aging in solitude.The models for ICO and Yorda are both striking in their own ways. Both characters move with curiously realistic animations, which in turn adds much to the realism of their desperate escape. Yorda, in particular, appears almost angelic against the dark and empty ruins of the castle. Her slender and fragile form feels as fleeting as the time spent with her as you drag her from place to place. The main enemy lurks in the very shadows of the stone walls that surround you. The mostly formless and ethereal shadow fiends that plague you at times appear properly menacing as the black vapor that defines them swirls and crawls at the edges. The lighting is one aspect of ICO that stands out. There will be many times that a blinding assault of sunlight will catch you off guard, or perhaps a few soft rays sliding through a boarded window will make you stop. The visuals tell half the story and create a time and place that will be remembered by those who can appreciate the care taken to build it.

Score: 9/10

Sound

The sound and music of ICO compliment the visuals in many ways. There is no background music present, only the soft sounds of the wind outside and the sharp raps of footsteps on stone or grass. The sound effects are simple, fitting well with the feeling of loneliness and emptiness that one gets when playing ICO. As a result, ICO's calls for Yorda ring clear in the empty hallways and carry well in the open air. For a strange reason, I very much enjoyed the small tune that would play when saving the game. It conveyed a breezy and relaxing sense of security, as if ICO and the princess were whisked away to another place and time where all was well forever when they both sat down on the couch. There exist some music tracks in ICO as well. The closing track did not strike me in any particular way, but felt as if it belonged in any case. The sound and music are sparse, yet fit with what the rest of the game conveyed.

Score: 8/10

Gameplay

ICO is a short game, taking less than 10 hours even if one takes their time. The actual mechanics consist of little more than simple puzzles broken by simpler battles with the shadow creatures. The puzzles are ultimately simple, but can stump you occasionally for a few moments before you remember some vital function (like using Yorda for help). The puzzles will require all of what can be done with the controls and with the resources available to you, however there really are none that require more than a few moments thought. The battles are mostly quick, but can be tense at times as you struggle to protect Yorda. Later, you can find the battles to go a bit quicker if you use Yorda as bait. Yorda herself comprises much of the gameplay. She is almost entirely helpless, and other than being able to climb a ladder, make a jump to your outstretched hand, or follow if called, she will need your help to move from room to room. You are unable to leave her in another room for long without the shadow creatures capturing her and carting her off to some dark oblivion. Many of the puzzles revolve around getting her from point to point. She is not always able to follow directions well and in some cases, I found myself having to try multiple times to coax her into climbing a ladder after me. Thankfully, this does not happen often enough to be a bother. Though a main criticism here is the simplistic nature of what is required and the short length, I believe ICO gameplay is focused and well implemented. Perhaps it is not everything some claim it to be (if such claims are made), but it is enjoyable while it lasts.

Score: 7/10

Story

ICO's story is minimal at best, which is why I believe any interpretation can be made. The plot is kept sparse, with only a handful of scenes breaking the action and no conclusive information given on any of the characters. One can see almost any opposing struggle in ICO. Yorda seems to represent purity, renewal, and light, ICO, innocence and bravery, while the queen and her minions represent the dark, hate, and the poison that may be consuming the decaying castle which they haunt. It is the queen's goal to steal that purity from Yorda to save herself. ICO's innocence and subsequent naivety give him the bravery that takes him through the trials he and Yorda face. At the most basic, this is a struggle of light and dark and the sacrifices made in the moments between. Perhaps I see too much or something that is simply not there (as the game's critics would attest), however as I said, there is more to ICO if one cares to look or if one wants there to be.

Score: 8/10

Conclusion

I played Shadow of Colossus before ICO, and while I prefer Shadow, I cannot argue with any who prefer ICO. While I cannot agree that the game is all that some believe it to be, I do see a work of art, a work of subtle care. I can appreciate what ICO pulls off despite its brevity. As with Shadow, I like to compare this game with The Legend of Zelda, not because they are particularly alike in style or gameplay, but simply because both attempt to capture what makes video games fun and what makes fantasy beautiful, the sense of adventure and the alluring nature of another time and place where anything is possible.

Final Score: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/05/05