ICO

Venture back to a simpler time, about 500 years ago, when witches and demons were perceived as very real. A remote village seems to be cursed by an unknown...
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PS2

Game Overview

Venture back to a simpler time, about 500 years ago, when witches and demons were perceived as very real. A remote village seems to be cursed by an unknown force, because in every generation there is a boy born who sprouts a set of panic-inducing horns, and is given the name ICO. Thought to be the spawn of evil, the child is ritually locked in a castle and left to die. You play the role of Ico, and if you're going to live, you must escape from the castle. As you wander through the enormous structure, you discover a young girl who doesn't speak your language. Taking her under your wing, it's up to you to lead her to safety through all kinds of obstacles and enemies. Armed with a relatively ineffective stick as a weapon, you must battle the wicked creatures that lie in waiting throughout the dark and dank castle. You'll also be faced with many puzzles and platforming challenges, but you must keep your female companion safe at all times.

The Bottom Line

In Sony Computer Entertainment's exclusive adventure ICO, a young boy with horns is born in every generation to be traditionally sacrificed in order to cleanse the local community of evil spirits. This generation's boy (and title character), however, tries to change his fate completely by fleeing from his would-be executioners and joining up with a captured princess to escape a gigantic castle. During his quest for survival ICO will have to make his way through vast environments overrun by challenging puzzles (including brainteasers and mazes) as he battles against an army of evil apparitions while leading his princess through the secluded fortress.

Game Screenshots

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Expert Reviews

85/100

score

The game is undoubtedly driven by its smartly crafted aesthetic mood, though its production never compromises the gameplay it provides.

85/100

score

An "art-house" game in a world of Hollywood-esqe world of action flicks. You get the distinct feeling this game was meant to be savored, not devoured; contemplated, not just consumed.

94/100

score

The feeling of simply being in the world that Ico creates is one of the most fascinating things I've ever seen in a videogame...The only unfortunate thing about Ico is that it's over just a bit quickly.

Game Specs

Blue Bottom Disk
Yes

Controllers
Analog Control, Digital Control, Vibration Function

Memory
360 kb

Modes
Story

ESRB Game Ratings

This game is Rated: Teen
Content is most suitable for children ages 13 and up. This game may contain violence, gambling, suggestive themes, crude humor, or some strong language.

Content Descriptors:

Violence