Currently playing…
Okami (PS2): One of the greatest games ever. Not much more to say about that. I’m playing through it for the second time, now.
Shadow of the Colossus (PS2): I’m trying to tackle this game in hard mode. It’s not really all that much harder but it’s breathing new life into this ridiculously beautiful game. I’ve actually gotten into some discussion about this game recently, in which someone says they feel too much empathy toward the first colossus in the game and decided not to kill it and stop playing the game entirely.
I think you’re way over thinking this. It’s not like the Colossi just walk back and forth until they die from being stabbed to death. Once they notice you and/or are provoked, they fight back (even the ones without weapons will generally try to stomp you or whatever). Basically, you are missing out on 16 of the most ridiculously intense battles ever.
The motivation? It’s that your girlfriend was sacrificed and you want her back. The only way to do that is to kill every last colossus out there. Does it seem ridiculous to go to such extremes to bring back your loved one? Obviously you’ve never lost a loved one then. It’s a pretty damn powerful emotion, you know. This game is about what one would do if given the chance to reverse a tragedy. Is it a tragedy in itself to kill all those colossi? Sure as hell, but this isn’t some kid’s story, you know. Don’t for a second think you’re anything but the villain in this game.
I think the point people are making is: this game is a work of art designed to make you feel empathy for the colossi. And it’s designed to make you feel regret for killing them. By not killing them, you’re missing out on the game’s intended expressiveness. It says something about the game’s design if you felt strong enough about the first colossi to not want to kill it; but the fact remains you are missing out on one of the most powerful gaming experiences out there. Is it so hard to just put yourself in Wander’s shoes for a few hours and kill some giants? You might not have any motivation for killing them, but he does. I mean, what’s your motivation for saving the princess in Mario? What’s your motivation for killing the covenant in Halo? What’s your motivation for slaying the God of War in God of War?!
Definitely one of the most moving gaming experiences out there.
