NFG Summary:‘ICO’ is an enchanting and emotionally resonant experience that captivates players from start to finish. With its stunning visuals, immersive puzzles, and a heartfelt narrative, this game seamlessly combines exploration and puzzle-solving to create a truly unforgettable adventure.

Categories: Linear, Action, Adventure
Meta Score: 90
User Score: 87.0
Platform: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3
Publisher Names: SCEA
Support Language: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish – Spain
Publish Date: 2001-09-24
Required Age: 18

PC Requirements:

Minimum:

  • OS: Windows XP/Vista/7
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0 Ghz / AMD Athlon 64 X2 @ 2.0 Ghz
  • Memory: 1 Gb
  • Hard Disk Space: 10 Gb free
  • Video Memory: 256 MB
  • Video Card: nVidia GeForce 7600 / ATI Radeon HD 2600
  • Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
  • OTHER REQUIREMENTS & SUPPORTS: Initial installations required (included with the game) are Microsoft DirectX, Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (ATL), Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable, and AMD Dual Core Optimizer. (AMD optimizer required only for specific AMD processors to run the game correctly, but installs for all of them.)
  • OTHER REQUIREMENTS & SUPPORTS: Does not support Windows XP 64

Description

Assume the role of Ico, a courageous young boy born with horns who has been delivered to a mysterious castle to be sacrificed so that, according to legend, the community will be saved. Attempt to escape the grounds and save a princess through a variety of mazes, brainteasers, and other puzzles.

Positive Comment(s)

Simple yet genius. Ugly yet marvelous. Meaningless yet deep. Boring yet exciting. Outdated yet up-to-date. Goofy yet perfect. Forgotten yet legendary.80MadIsAdopted
Easily the most addictive game I have played this year on either console or computer and would be a welcome addition to any adventure gamer’s collection.100Just Adventure
Short but sweet. ICO continues so much story just by its sheer environment.90HuevoAlce
It’s hard to express how stunning this game looks and sounds. [Nov 2001, p.158]100Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
The most haunting game I ever play, a piece of art, doesn’t like other popcorn culture games nowadays.100Aircus
In an industry justly accused of leaning towards style over content, ICO is a beacon of light and a bastion of superb game design.100Eurogamer
Still holds up in 2021 I recommend this game to anyone. Would love it to get the same treatment collous recently got.100Markfrancis
The graphics are quite incredible and makes great use of lighting, using bright, white-washed colors outdoors and dark, dingy ones inside.100Gaming Age
A beautiful game, though a bit too empty to score higher than an eight. It’s a beautiful story though.80Ydun79
One of the biggest things ICO has going for it is the incredible environmental graphics. The power of the Playstation 2 creates a world that you can almost feel and smell. [Grade = A+]100Cinescape

Negative Comment(s)

A cool story, but would imagine it doesn’t hold up well today. I’d play a remake/sequel though.70B00tador
I’m still giving it a 7 because the game has beautiful graphics, good gameplay and a rousing soundtrack other than that it’s 90% walking and solving puzzles70The_D4RknesS

By amaris stark

Amaris Stark, a writing virtuoso, creates stories that bewitch her audience. With an impressive eye for detail, she engulfs readers in intricate worlds and develops characters with depth. Furthermore, her multi-faceted understanding of gaming industries injects her narratives with a potency and dynamism that can only be found between the pages of her stories. Valued as a chief asset of any game page editor, her creative energy and passionate writing style will make readers swoon in delight over their beloved characters and places.