[PS2] ICO appreciation thread 2.0

After managing to grab a pirated copy off a friend a couple of days ago, I've only completed ICO today! Took me about 7 hours, mostly spent fiddling with the camera to enjoy the gorgeous scenery. The puzzles were clever, and quite easy at the same time, as the game was mostly linear and usually points to where you need to go next. Though, it took me a bit to realize that you can pick up stuff. =)

Loved everything about it. The visual/aural experience and solemn ambience is all very akin to Myst games. The only bad thing about it that it turned out to be the US version. =(

I could definitely see myself replaying this some time in the future, to relive the atmosphere and maybe try to figure out/imagine what Yorda's trying to say. (Also to find that mace that I've missed.)

Well, I had to download the European version a while ago, and play through it, twice, to get all the extras. And there were a few notable differences from the US's; more aggressive shadowmen (they also have new moves, like shrinking and hiding down in the floor), different save couch placements, a couple of annoying timed jumping puzzles (that weren't included in the US version), a "talking" Yorda in the game as opposed to staying silent throughout, and other bits of odds and ends.

Still, I think the US version was more polished, as I've encountered a few bugs/oddities in the PAL. Like one time when I made it to the windmill, Yorda's dress was stretched all over the place. And the way she gets confused when you try to climb a ladder she's already on. Or how ICO was more incessant when calling her. But it was totally worth it for the extras.