The Bigger They Are…
Breathtaking in its scope and powerful in its execution, its little wonder that Shadow of the Colossus remained such an iconic piece of gaming, one that recently found itself getting a much deserved remaster. Now with a fresh coat of paint, players are free to once again enter the Forbidden Land and hunt down the magnificent beasts known as the Colossi. Needless to say, the emotional punches hit just as hard as they did back in 2005.
Every battle against a Colossi is dripping with tension, adrenaline as well as a growing sense of unease as the game’s dubious morality strangles the player’s psyche. Everyone has their favorites, but in our mind these three are the ones that solidify Shadow of the Colossus as one of the all time greats.
Fair warning, there are SPOILERS AHEAD!
#3: Gaius
Valus may be the poster boy, but the Third Colossus has slowly risen in popularity over the years, which isn’t surprising given how vicious the fight with him is. Stuck on a tiny arena, players have to run for their lives or risk being crushed under the slumbering knight’s massive sword. With precise timing, you can crack his armour before making a mad dash up his weapon and going right for his head. The David/Goliath aspect truly comes into its own here, with there being little chance of you forgetting the intensity of this fight even as you start your trek towards the next.
#2: Malus
As the sixteenth and final Colossi, Malus represents the ultimate challenge, one that happens to come equipped with some truly haunting background music as well as a giant projectiles. Essentially a living level, the climb up to its weak point is a long one, giving players time to reflect on their previous actions. Was it all worth it? Did the Colossi truly deserve death? These dark thoughts are bound to consume you…while you also try your hardest not to fall to your death.
#1: Avion
It can fly. You have to jump onto its wings and slay it while its flying. Nothing can top that. Granted, Phalanx would also offer a similar airborne challenge down the line, but there’s just no beating the initial rush that comes from when you leap onto Avion’s side and have to traverse its wingspan as it soars through the sky. The music is incredible, the pacing is on point, literally everything about this boss battle is perfect.
Be sure to check out our video below to see where Shadow of the Colossus landed in our picks for the Top 10 Video Games of the 6th Generation!Â
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