Sony Computer Entertainment. (2005). Shadow of the Colossus [Video game]. PlayStation 2.

"Shadow of the Colossus" is a 2005 action-adventure game developed by Sony Computer Entertainment's Japan Studio, led by director Fumito Ueda. The game follows Wander, a young man who ventures into a forbidden land to resurrect a girl named Mono. To achieve this, Wander must defeat sixteen colossal beings known as colossi, each residing in different parts of the expansive landscape.

The gameplay is distinctive, focusing solely on these sixteen boss battles without intermediary enemies or dungeons. Players navigate the open world on Wander's horse, Agro, using a magical sword that reflects beams of light to guide them toward each colossus. Each encounter presents a unique puzzle, requiring players to identify and exploit the colossus's specific weaknesses. This often involves climbing the creatures, which are massive in scale, and targeting glowing sigils to inflict damage.

The game's minimalist design extends to its narrative and environment. There are no towns or other characters to interact with, emphasizing a sense of isolation and mystery. The vast, open landscapes are devoid of life, save for the colossi and occasional wildlife, enhancing the game's atmospheric and contemplative tone.

Upon its release, "Shadow of the Colossus" received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, art direction, and emotional depth. It has been cited as a pivotal example of video games as an art form, influencing numerous titles in the industry. The game's success led to a remastered version for the PlayStation 3 in 2011 and a full remake for the PlayStation 4 in 2018, both developed by Bluepoint Games. These re-releases introduced the game to new audiences and solidified its status as a classic in the action-adventure genre.