Ico

Our analysis

A near-perfect realization of a single artistic vision, achieving a great deal through deliberate minimalism and "design by subtraction." Its strengths are the wordless bond between Ico and Yorda, the immersive lack of a HUD, restrained sound design, and naturally guided level design within one cohesive crumbling castle. The repetitive, simplistic combat is a common and not unfounded complaint, and the scripted camera occasionally misfires before critical jumps.