It's surprising to me that all these years after playing this game revisiting it in just this video had me feeling all the raw emotions it brings forth. This game is awesome as an experience. Few games or movies have hit me in the feels so hard. It's one of those things I wish everybody could experience. Not enough people know what a great accomplishment and work of art is available in a 20 year old PS2 game.
Bocks They both did. Wander and Mono, Ico and Yorda, The Boy and The Beast. There are always the same two people fighting the leftover powers of Dormin. Reincarnation.
I believe so too. Yet, it’s also thematically fitting even if Yorda didn’t survive. Because if the Queen was telling the truth that Yorda couldn’t survive outside, then it means Yorda sacrificed herself fully knowing this. And that’s so beautiful to me.
I don't want to be pessimistic, but i read a theory (That made sense) about that Ico leaving in the boat is actually a metaphore to Acheron River (The river that deads have to cross to get to the other life) and Charon, meaning that he is actually dead. Also in the Greek mythology you can only cross if you were able to pay Charon, if not, you has to wander the shores for one hundred years, until Charon allow you to cross the river. So in fact, Ico and Yorda are dead and weren't able to pay the fee to cross the other world (It may not necessarily be referring to money, it could be that both of them were "sinners". Ico descending from Dormin's blood and Yorda from the Queen, but given their last actions, Ico trying to save Yorda and viceversa. That they were able to "clean" the sins from their ancestors, but at the same time that isn't enough to lead them to heaven). That's why they wake up in a shore (In some way this could be interpreted as Limbo, a "middle point between heaven and hell") but that doesn't mean a bad end, it just means they have a long way to spend together in a "peaceful land".
Another interesting aspect of the combat is that the easiest way to lure enemies towards you to attack the more difficult ones that keep backing off or flying, is to turn your back to them. As soon as you do, they will take the opportunity to rush you and incapacitate you. Obviously it seems like a good strategy to fool them, but do to the more "weighty" controls and how this strategy is usually employed against the faster enemies, it can easily backfire and have you smacked to the ground while one makes off with Yorda. Seems like another cool mechanic that kind of got overshadowed by the desire for a little too much simplicity. Another really interesting and well thought out video! I found the comparisons to the paintings particularly awesome, since looking at them really does invoke the same feeling the game itself did for me. While I overall agree that the game at times feels too simplistic, the simplicity itself isn't inherently bad at all. Like the examples you pointed out, games (or many types of stories) can often achieve a lot more by having a lot less. If the game was convoluted with a bunch of mechanics and plot points, none of those examples would have much effect since they'd get diluted into the mix and much more easily overlooked. It may go against a lot of gaming rules and even storytelling rules, but for this particular type of game, it really works in my opinion.
6 років тому+3
Dude, honestly, I have to congratulate you. You've made a great analysis. Simple on the words, but very deep in the emotion and the feelings. I remember the first time when I've played Ico... I was 12, maybe 13 and the game with all its elements were fixed in my mind. Now when we look back and see Ico we can understand the great milestone created by Fumito Ueda. Once again, congratulations!
Really nice video. I was feeling a little nostalgic and was looking for a deep dive look at this game (and yeah I already saw the matthewmatosis one). Maybe it's been a while since I've watched other breakdowns, but I felt you brought up some points that I didn't necessarily think of during my various playthroughs over the years.
Hey there, hope you enjoyed the video! Did you know I’m making a game? You can check it out and add to your wishlist here: store.steampowered.com/app/2535370/Tyrants_Twilight/
Fantastic job. I can tell you've done your research as I know you've used point from Mark Brown and Extra Credits among others. At this rate I'd say you're slowly on your way to becoming the Aleczandxr of video games.
Thanks! Mark Brown’s video is one I forgot to put on the description, so thanks for reminding me! In regards to Extra Credits, I dont recall them ever tackling Ico, but their video on mechanics as metaphors is one that absolutely inspired me to create this channel. Great stuff!
I don't believe ICO was supposed to be unconscious. I believe he was dead & Yorda ( also dead but in spirit form ) simply sent him away in the boat as a way of showing respect for his dead body. Otherwise his body would have been crushed by the crumbling castle. As for the after-credit sequence, my interpretation is that both are dead & the beach represents Heaven.
It's pretty open to interpretation. I think Ueda did say that Ico dies at the end, but he also states this is his point of view and he didn't want to make other interpretations invalid. I like the idea that he is unconsious a little better because it fits really well with the idea of reciprocity in the central relationship, but this is just personal opinion, of course.
@@gameoverture It also depends on whether or not the person playing the game stuck it out past the end credits. Let's face it, most people that watch movies or play games, don't watch the credits. So if you were one of those people, you would probably have more reason to assume ICO died. By the way, have you read the entirety of "The Last Guardian: An Extraordinary Story" ?
hello, game overture.I'm doing chinese subtitle of this video and i really need your help since my poor english.....i dont know what you were saying in about 15:55......auto subtitle says "Lynx"(
@@gameoverture never mind,google just didnt get it right.....and about the sentence at 15:55 "having established how the gameplay is always focused on the player's relationship with Yorda through the avatar of ICO and the length the game goes to to ensure we fully place ourselves in character's shoes" i am not sure if i got it right.i thought the gameplay of ICO focused on two thing: 1."player's relationship with Yorda",and to accomplish that,player control ICO himself 2.“ensure players can fully place themselves in ICO's shoes”this is accomplished through the length of the game. is that right?Sorry for my poor english understanding
I think I fixed the subtitle issue, you should be able to submit yours now! As for the sentence in 15:55, I dont mean to say the length/duration of the game. I meant the game puts a lot of effort into building your relationship with Yorda and placing you in Ico's shoes. Saying "... and the lengths the game goes to to ensure..." is like saying "... and how much effort the game puts into ensuring...". Hope that helps!
Who's playing the game in this footage? Do they not realize that you don't have to yank Yorda's arm out of it's socket every time you start to move? Jeez, just watching this makes my elbow hurt Take off with the joystick in walk mode, and once she knows which direction you want to go, then you can accelerate.
Just played the game for the first time, now I can finally watch this video.
It's surprising to me that all these years after playing this game revisiting it in just this video had me feeling all the raw emotions it brings forth. This game is awesome as an experience. Few games or movies have hit me in the feels so hard. It's one of those things I wish everybody could experience. Not enough people know what a great accomplishment and work of art is available in a 20 year old PS2 game.
No matter what, I think that Ico and Yorda both survived! It would break my heart otherwise
Bocks They both did. Wander and Mono, Ico and Yorda, The Boy and The Beast. There are always the same two people fighting the leftover powers of Dormin. Reincarnation.
I believe so too. Yet, it’s also thematically fitting even if Yorda didn’t survive. Because if the Queen was telling the truth that Yorda couldn’t survive outside, then it means Yorda sacrificed herself fully knowing this. And that’s so beautiful to me.
I don't want to be pessimistic, but i read a theory (That made sense) about that Ico leaving in the boat is actually a metaphore to Acheron River (The river that deads have to cross to get to the other life) and Charon, meaning that he is actually dead.
Also in the Greek mythology you can only cross if you were able to pay Charon, if not, you has to wander the shores for one hundred years, until Charon allow you to cross the river.
So in fact, Ico and Yorda are dead and weren't able to pay the fee to cross the other world (It may not necessarily be referring to money, it could be that both of them were "sinners". Ico descending from Dormin's blood and Yorda from the Queen, but given their last actions, Ico trying to save Yorda and viceversa. That they were able to "clean" the sins from their ancestors, but at the same time that isn't enough to lead them to heaven).
That's why they wake up in a shore (In some way this could be interpreted as Limbo, a "middle point between heaven and hell") but that doesn't mean a bad end, it just means they have a long way to spend together in a "peaceful land".
Ico is still the best video game that I have ever played. Thank you, this is very well done.
feaster3737 it’s a beautiful game for sure! Glad you enjoyed the video
Probably the best analysis I've seen of this fantastic game
Another interesting aspect of the combat is that the easiest way to lure enemies towards you to attack the more difficult ones that keep backing off or flying, is to turn your back to them. As soon as you do, they will take the opportunity to rush you and incapacitate you. Obviously it seems like a good strategy to fool them, but do to the more "weighty" controls and how this strategy is usually employed against the faster enemies, it can easily backfire and have you smacked to the ground while one makes off with Yorda. Seems like another cool mechanic that kind of got overshadowed by the desire for a little too much simplicity.
Another really interesting and well thought out video! I found the comparisons to the paintings particularly awesome, since looking at them really does invoke the same feeling the game itself did for me. While I overall agree that the game at times feels too simplistic, the simplicity itself isn't inherently bad at all. Like the examples you pointed out, games (or many types of stories) can often achieve a lot more by having a lot less. If the game was convoluted with a bunch of mechanics and plot points, none of those examples would have much effect since they'd get diluted into the mix and much more easily overlooked. It may go against a lot of gaming rules and even storytelling rules, but for this particular type of game, it really works in my opinion.
Dude, honestly, I have to congratulate you. You've made a great analysis. Simple on the words, but very deep in the emotion and the feelings. I remember the first time when I've played Ico... I was 12, maybe 13 and the game with all its elements were fixed in my mind. Now when we look back and see Ico we can understand the great milestone created by Fumito Ueda. Once again, congratulations!
Really nice video. I was feeling a little nostalgic and was looking for a deep dive look at this game (and yeah I already saw the matthewmatosis one). Maybe it's been a while since I've watched other breakdowns, but I felt you brought up some points that I didn't necessarily think of during my various playthroughs over the years.
Never seen this game through this perspective! Nice
Hey there, hope you enjoyed the video!
Did you know I’m making a game? You can check it out and add to your wishlist here: store.steampowered.com/app/2535370/Tyrants_Twilight/
Ico is pretty much one long escort quest, something a lot of gamers really dislike.
I am impressed with your work! Looking forward to the last guardian one! ; )
Thanks! I'll try to get the next video out as soon as possible!
Fantastic job. I can tell you've done your research as I know you've used point from Mark Brown and Extra Credits among others. At this rate I'd say you're slowly on your way to becoming the Aleczandxr of video games.
Thanks! Mark Brown’s video is one I forgot to put on the description, so thanks for reminding me!
In regards to Extra Credits, I dont recall them ever tackling Ico, but their video on mechanics as metaphors is one that absolutely inspired me to create this channel. Great stuff!
Game Overture I was thinking of their "differences in kind" episode. I don't believe that was a common phrase before they coined it.
Oh you're right! I forgot that's where I got the term from.
Great video dang
great analysis, ico is one of my favourite games right next to gohtic 1 and dark souls 1.
I don't believe ICO was supposed to be unconscious. I believe he was dead & Yorda ( also dead but in spirit form ) simply sent him away in the boat as a way of showing respect for his dead body. Otherwise his body would have been crushed by the crumbling castle. As for the after-credit sequence, my interpretation is that both are dead & the beach represents Heaven.
It's pretty open to interpretation. I think Ueda did say that Ico dies at the end, but he also states this is his point of view and he didn't want to make other interpretations invalid. I like the idea that he is unconsious a little better because it fits really well with the idea of reciprocity in the central relationship, but this is just personal opinion, of course.
@@gameoverture It also depends on whether or not the person playing the game stuck it out past the end credits. Let's face it, most people that watch movies or play games, don't watch the credits. So if you were one of those people, you would probably have more reason to assume ICO died. By the way, have you read the entirety of "The Last Guardian: An Extraordinary Story" ?
Yeesh... You may be right but I'm not inviting you to any parties 😜
hello, game overture.I'm doing chinese subtitle of this video and i really need your help since my poor english.....i dont know what you were saying in about 15:55......auto subtitle says "Lynx"(
okay i have completed the translation
Hey @@liplepeoberty5815! This is awesome, I really appreciate it!
That was supposed to be "lengths" at 15:55, sorry about the weird pronounciation.
@@gameoverture WOW,very appreciated!BTW i cant upload my subtitle on your video,because you didnt allow to.......can you fix it?
@@gameoverture never mind,google just didnt get it right.....and about the sentence at 15:55
"having established how the gameplay is always focused on the player's relationship with Yorda through the avatar of ICO and the length the game goes to to ensure we fully place ourselves in character's shoes"
i am not sure if i got it right.i thought the gameplay of ICO focused on two thing:
1."player's relationship with Yorda",and to accomplish that,player control ICO himself
2.“ensure players can fully place themselves in ICO's shoes”this is accomplished through the length of the game.
is that right?Sorry for my poor english understanding
I think I fixed the subtitle issue, you should be able to submit yours now!
As for the sentence in 15:55, I dont mean to say the length/duration of the game. I meant the game puts a lot of effort into building your relationship with Yorda and placing you in Ico's shoes. Saying "... and the lengths the game goes to to ensure..." is like saying "... and how much effort the game puts into ensuring...". Hope that helps!
Who's playing the game in this footage? Do they not realize that you don't have to yank Yorda's arm out of it's socket every time you start to move? Jeez, just watching this makes my elbow hurt Take off with the joystick in walk mode, and once she knows which direction you want to go, then you can accelerate.