STACK #160 Feb 2018

GAMES

FEATURE

As mentioned, this is the third time the game has been released, and it’s safe to say this is the best looking version yet. The PS4 Pro makes use of 4K graphics and the development team’s complete texture rework to craft a truly gorgeous world – not to mention the addition of new ‘horsetail physics’ that really give Agro the swish he deserves. The team have even added an additional control scheme – as well as the original – to assist people who may be new to the game. You can also choose between 30fps and 60fps gameplay. Bluepoint Games aimed to take the original game and pretend that the team and the capabilities that exist now had existed back then, and build the game as they believed their predecessors would have done. It looks so good that people who played the PS2 original may not even recognise it. The stunning landscapes range from vast plateaus and rocky cliff faces, to underwater areas – each backed by an exquisite, fast- paced score that really kicks in when the local Colossus appears. What we got to see of the world during a short play-through (we took on Colossi 1,3, and 13) was remarkably well-realised; and it was the most focused we’d been playing a game in recent memory. The idea of having to hold a button to stay attached during a climb adds an extra level of unprecedented concentration – prepare to finish your session a tad closer to your television than you were when you started. The collision detection and physics engine used are also worth mentioning.

Bluepoint Games is an independent video game development studio located in Austin, remastered and remade ports of popular games. Their first game was a shooter called Blast Factor that released in 2006 as one of only two titles downloadable on the PlayStation 3 when it launched. They then re-released God of War and God of War 2 as part of the God of War Collection , as well as PS3 ports of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus . They were also responsible for the release of Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection . Texas, that is best- known for creating

[The grip] adds an extra level of skill - and focus - to a game that would otherwise feel relatively easy

Wander really does flop around like a ragdoll when the Colossi are particularly unhappy and wish to shake you off, and he’s definitely going to inadvertently hit an arm or tentacle on the way down. It seems we’re unable to move past remasters and remakes even in a new year, but for timeless classics like Shadow of the Colossus that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Fasten your seatbelts wanderers – you’re in for a beautiful ride.

• Shadow of the Colossus is out Feb 6

A ‘giantology’ marketing campaign coincided with the launch of the original game, that included a website featuring the discoveries of giants in various locations around the world.

SotC exists in the same universe as Ico and The Last Guardian .

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