Shadow Theory

I recently started playing through Ico and Shadow of the Colossus by Team Ico, again. They were great games for the PS2, though for some reason I hadn't finished Ico before. Shadow of the Colossus is probably one of my favorite games of all time, however, and I still enjoy playing through it. I've also started reading some analyses of both games. I'm impressed at the depth and thought that went into those games. I would, however, like to add one thought that I have on the games. We;re going into this with the idea that you know these games, so if you don't go play them. NOW!

I believe that Shadow of the Colossus is the prequel to Ico.

There is really no support for this. As far as I know, the developers claimed that they were independent games. The in-game stories are not connected it seems, no self-referencing material or real mention of the other. There is an unlockable that puts the Ico symbol on your horse if have an Ico saved file, but that might just be a fun extra. In theory, these two games are not related.

I, however, think that there is a connection between the two. This comes in a few points. The first being the art style. This is definitely brought on by the system limitations, but there is more to it than that. The main temple, as well as the castle in Ico has a similar style to it, with intricate carvings and statues, all built from a sandstone like material. Each is also connected by a ridiculous bridge, thought that might be for atmosphere. There is also a similar style in the dark magic. Most of it in Shadow of the Colossus is black and teal, much like it was in Ico. In the little elements, we see similarities.

A second part comes in the language. Shadow of the Colossus translates what each character says into English (in the few lines actually spoken). Ico never did these, offering only Ico's words, while Yorda's were a jumble of hieroglyphs. To the ear, however, the cryptic language of both the Demon and Yorda sound very similar. In some way, there might be a connection in how language was passed down.

A third instance is in the Shadows. Ico's main bad guys were these shadowy creatures with various deforms that would try and steal Yorda away. In Shadow of the Colossus, the shadow creatures are still present, though in a much reduced degree. After the Wanderer defeats a colossus, he returns to the temple, unconscious, and another shadow form gathers around him. In theory, these are the souls of the various colossi, who might have been human at some point. The ending of Ico also has Ico facing down various shadow demons, which appear to be the horned people that came before him. I believe that the magic that created these shadow creatures in Colossus is carried over into Ico.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the ending of Shadow of the Colossus shows a baby with two points on the side of its head. I took these has horns that would start to grow in. This could mean that the Wanderer is the first instance of the horned children, the fore runner to Ico. Mono, the girl he wanted to rescue, could very well have made it back to the village and raised the child. Maybe the spirit of the wanderer was reborn in the next generation, maybe it became some kind of family curse. Who knows.

This is all speculation. Team Ico has their own thought process behind the games. I respect them immensely for their work, and still enjoy the games regardless. For me, however, the thought that these two are connected creates a richer experience for me. I find a different way to connect with the work and it shapes my experience with it.

Now if they could only finish the Last Guardian, then we'll see.