Looming majestically over the wind-swept plains, the Colossus lowers its ponderous head to peer at the tiny, curious creature scuttling before it. Of course, that tiny creature is you. And before long, you’ll be dangling from the great brute, magic sword clutched tightly in one small hand, as you prepare to bring the Goliath to its knees with a series of pinprick stabs. Once the battle is over and you’ve slain the giant, you may be left to grapple with a haunting question: “Why?”
This is Shadow of the Colossus, one of the most highly regarded games ever released and a beacon to many game developers for its epic grandness, its subtle artistry, and its messy emotional context. Along with Ico, Shadow of the Colossus is returning this spring in dazzling HD with robust (though optional) stereoscopic 3D support. I donned a pair of active-shutter 3D glasses to get a fresh look at Fumito Ueda’s masterpiece running on the PS3.
Playing Shadow of the Colossus in 3D, I was immediately struck by the agoraphobic vastness of the landscape. The stark beauty of the world is far clearer thanks to new high-resolution environment textures looted from the hard drives at developer Team Ico. And in case you were wondering, Bluepoint Games is handling the conversion duties for the Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection — if you played the God of War Collection, then you’re familiar with their handiwork.
And then there are the colossi. I defeated the first two (there are 16 in all), and scrambling across their shaggy backs in stereoscopic 3D added immensely to the drama. But it it also aided the gameplay: Seen in 3D, the platforms and protrusions that jut from their immense bodies seem to occupy the foreground, making it easier to judge distances and find a safe place to rest when your grip is weakening. And dangling hundreds of feet in the air now gives you a striking sense of vertigo — the ground seems to sprawl endlessly around you, threatening to swallow you up.
Of course, you don’t need a 3D TV to enjoy the other benefits of the Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection. In addition to the new high-res environment textures, the crisp HD resolution brings out cinematic details I missed on the PS2 version, such as tiny birds flying around the head of the first colossus. The framerate now sits at a fluid, solid 30 frames per second, eliminating one of the few complaints of the original game. When I spun the camera angle around, I also noted smooth, natural-looking motion blur. And Trophy support is most definitely in.
Other than the massive graphical overhaul and stereoscopic 3D support, this is the same Shadow of the Colossus that you know and love. The minimalist story, gameplay, unique controls, and user interface are identical. You know what they say: Don’t mess with a good thing.
The Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection is scheduled to arrive on the PS3 in spring of 2011. Are you interested in trying the game in stereoscopic 3D? Let us know in the comments.
OMG AWESOME. Seriously, SotC in 3D??? GEEKGASM
I can’t wait for this. I loved Ico and have yet to play Shadow of Colossus. This is going to be epic on my big screen!
Super excited! I’ve got a new 55″ Sony 3D TV just waiting for this (and Killzone 3!).
Man i’m spending all my money on ps2 remakes than actual this gen games…
Mmmmmm yes 3D.
It would be so sweet if they included a Last Guardian demo in similar fashion to what they did with the God Of War Collection and the GOW3 E3 demo… I know it’s a stretch, and I would be easily satisfied with a 2011 release confirmation for The Last Guardian once the Team ICO collection releases. Maybe a trailer included in the blu-ray will confirmed the release date!!! One can hope! And I’d be really, really sad if Last Guardian misses 2011.
this game is a must have..
Ohhh man I CANNOT WAIT for this. I adore ICO and SotC sooooo much. Fumito Ueda’s name belongs up there with best of em!! He’s awesome!
There’s really no new content in this release?
I mean, I still have ICO and Shadow of the Colossus, but outside of HD (on a PS2 tech game) what is there to make me want to skewer lizard tails and fruit with arrows again?
Thanks for making me have to buy a 3DTV, by making this and Uncharted 3 in 3D :(
Speaking of re-mastered collections: Kingdom Hearts collection PLZ?-that is all…for now…>:D
Ive played games since the NES days. This was the first game that made me sit back and think that video games could become something more then just a distraction for a few hours.
Absolute must buy and I agree with some of the others in that this might be the thing that makes me purchase a 3d television.
This is really awesome! I’m unwilling to go back and play stuff on PS2 but that looks legitimately HD and I’ve heard great things about both games.
Also 2011 looks seriously ballin’: LBP2, Killzone 3, Uncharted 3, Deus Ex: HR dept, Journey, Resistance 3, Last Guardian and even this collection I’m gonna have to get that second and third job already.
How do I get Bluepoint Games to do the PS2 SOCOM’s, Jak II and Jak 3 in HD for PS3 D=
Never played either of these, but have heard enough where I might pick this up for the heck of it.
By the way: America wants an HD Ape Escape Collection!
I’m playing sly collection and it’s awesome! It just gives me more anticipation for this collection!
God Of War Collection was in stereo :|
seeing as how the same guys are converting this game, will it also only be in stereo? :/
Prince of persia HD is in full 7.1 and is a blast to play through.
SoTc in hi-res 3D,full 7.1 sound=WIN
stereo isnt a deal breaker,but still…much better if there’s atleast 5.1 sound.plus it’s a Sony exclusive.it SHOULD have 7.1
Was not aware of that but that’s interesting and I’ll try to find out more.