Need proof that video games are an art form?

[Square Ninja]

I have recently acquired the best proof that video games are an art form, Shadow of the Colossus. The only way can describe it right now is with just a few words: "Holy shit!" and "I need a towel". Seriously, it's that awesome.

First of all, the graphics are to die for. For those of you little kiddies that think the most advanced graphical tricks, such as normal mapping, are the only way to make a game look great, this game proves you all wrong. It doesn't have that high of a poly-count, nor does it use advanced vertex shading, but it has artistic style. In fact, it radiates style. The size, scale, and depth of the world gives it a better feeling of "reality" than most games do. Prince of Persia: SoT and God of War are the only recent games to compare in this respect. My words can't express what this game looks like in motion. You just have to see this game in motion.

The sound adds a lot to game. There are no full orchestrated soundtrack nor guitars wailing to drive the action. It's mostly just ambient sound. However, the music that is there fits perfectly. It not only sounds good, it's powerful. I particularly like the music that plays when a colossus falls. If that moment doesn't move you at least the slightest bit, then you have no soul.

All of this presentation is nice, but it wouldn't amount to anything without good gameplay to back it up. Rest assured, this game has it. While the control scheme takes a little adjustment to get used to, it works very well for this kind of gameplay. There truly has been no game like this ever before. It is composed entirely of the most awe-inspiring bosses I have ever seen. If you thought Metal Gear Rex was something, just wait until you play this. I applaud the guys behind the colossus designs; they are the most unique battles I've seen in a long time. I could describe the battles, but that would spoil it for you. Part of what makes them so great is figuring how to defeat them.

My only complaints with Shadow of the Colossus so far are that steed is quite stubborn and the camera occasionally has a problem finding the best view of the action. The camera just tries so hard to find the most cinematic angle that occasionally it blocks out some of what you need to see. They're only minor quibbles and don't detract from the game much at all.

I highly recommend Shadow of the Colossus to everyone, both the hardcore and mainstream audiences. You should not miss out on this game. If ever you find yourself arguing that video games are a ligitimate art form, this the game you should use as proof.

[LordMune]

One word;
Word.

Shadow of the Colossus may not be the best game in the world; perhaps not even the second best. Third place, though, had better watch its back.

[Square Ninja]

If it weren't for that damned horse, I would consider this Game of the Year...even against God of War and Resident Evil 4.

[LordMune]

What's wrong with Agro? :(
He's the best horse since Epona of Ocarina of Time.

[Square Ninja]

What's wrong with Agro? :(
He's the best horse since Epona of Ocarina of Time.

He keeps wanting to slow down everytime I cease kicking him for a second, and he's a little awkward to control.

[Raz]

I played a demo of it at Gamestop, the graphics are stunning.

[LordMune]

He keeps wanting to slow down everytime I cease kicking him for a second, and he's a little awkward to control.

Meh, just press and hold X... And the controls are the best and most realistic horseback-riding controlling mechanism I can imagine post-Colossus.

Many seem to be bothered by the fact that you must stand still (and correctly positioned) to mount, but fail to realize you can actually grab hold of the saddle in mid-air by pressing R1...

[Square Ninja]

Many seem to be bothered by the fact that you must stand still (and correctly positioned) to mount, but fail to realize you can actually grab hold of the saddle in mid-air by pressing R1...

I do that all the time. It's quicker than stopping to mount.

[.:EngetsuDrake:.]

It loks good...
But I have never played it tho...

[Square Ninja]

You really should play it. It's something else.

Anyway, I'm right at the end of the game. I'm having a bit of trouble taking down the final Colossus. Let's just say it's nothing like the colossi before it.

[Lord Skeldraia]

i have recently finished this game and i have to say, i am in awe. i knew what to expect since i played and loved the game ICO, but i still got goosebumps playing this game. i dont know what else to say except play this game and be amazed

[Square Ninja]

You know, this game is pretty powerful. I came awfully close to shedding a tear because of *spoilers* Agro's death. I actually became attached to that walking bottle of glue. *end spoilers*

[Zearth]

Im on the 9th Colossus. I cant get it to go under the geyser long enough for me to shoot its heels with arrows.

[LordMune]

I just beat the game.

Game of the year, period. The ending was teh awesomest. Indeed, everyting from Agro's death prior to the 16th Colossus to the "END" screen was awesome.

Actually, strike that. The whole game is so damn near perfect that the distance between "perfect" to "SotC" is so small it's pointless to measure.

[Puddle Jumper]

You've got to be freakin kidding me ...

Art:

A black dot smack dab in the middle of a blanc painting.

Art:

A painting made by a turtle that just walked over a cloth with paint all over its feet...

ART: An ugly as*ed fat guy singing a opera written by a deaf, dead and rich SOB .....

So why on earth did anyone ever think that VG were not a form of art ...

LMFAO! sorry .. never played that game but the title just snapped something in my mind ..