It Isn't The Graphics That Makes Shadow of the Colossus PS4 Great

At first glance it's hard to ignore, Shadow of the Colossus is a remarkable remake of the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game. The visuals are breathtaking, the organic hair on each colossi sways and waves with each movement as the protagonist struggles to maintain his grip. It's a beautiful game but it's not the graphics that makes Shadow of the Colossus great, it's everything the original game accomplished.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the graphical update of Shadow of the Colossus. As someone who played the original PS2 and HD remake for the PS3 I was floored at how Bluepoint Games brought this classic to the modern era. However, like the original when I finished it wasn't the graphics that kept me playing but the story and gameplay.

From the start, you're given a clear goal; kill 16 colossi throughout the land and Dormin will resurrect Mono. By the end of the journey Shadow of the Colossus not only provides a solid conclusion to the adventure but enough small details to keep the player guessing. This curiously promotes the investigation of many of the details present in the game to gain a full understanding of why things transpired. The same curiosity that grew from players after finishing the game back on the PlayStation 2.

The story still entices feelings of resolve, conflict, and sadness. This is heavily amplified thanks to the robust soundtrack that captures the mood for not only the story but the battles as well. 

The gameplay hasn't changed as well. Much of the source code remains the same according to Forbes Mitch Wallace. Yet, according to critics and gamers, this isn't a problem. The idea of finding the weakness for each colossus and stabbing it still holds just as strong today as it did in 2005.

Let's look at another modern-retro release, Yokoo-Laylee. A spiritual successor to Banjo Kazooie it encompasses many elements from classic platforms of that generation. Unfortunately, it also shows what mechanics haven't aged well such as collecting random items and dull platforming challenges. Shadow of the Colossus, despite being the same game, still hold strong even when faced with modern games.

Shadow of the Colossus' PlayStation 4 remake is a beautiful game but it also shows how well the gameplay, music, and story has aged. The entire experience, at its core, showcase that while graphics can be modernized for the existing generation of gamers it won't matter if the gameplay doesn't stand up anymore. If the gameplay mechanics and overall experience are strong enough any game can survive the test of time. Shadow of the Colossus remains a true classic that modern and classic gamers can enjoy, it just needed a new coat of paint.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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