Is ICO a Prequel to Shadow of the Colossus?
In this article, we will be discussing the connection between Team Ico’s games ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. For fans of both games, a burning question has been hovering around: Is ICO a prequel to Shadow of the Colossus?
The Official Answer: Yes
In an interview with IGN, Fumito Ueda, the creator of both games, explicitly stated that Shadow of the Colossus is a prequel to ICO. This means that events in Shadow of the Colossus took place before the events of ICO. This confirmation has finally put to rest the speculations and debates among gamers.
Why Shadow of the Colossus Is a Prequel
While there is no explicit backstory provided in the game itself, elements like Dormin’s spirit and its connection to Wander can give us a glimpse into the past events leading to Shadow of the Colossus. Here is a brief summary:
- Dormin’s Spirit: Dormin’s spirit, which becomes Wander’s ally in the game, has been broken into 16 fragments, each connected to the colossi.
- The Past: When Dormin’s spirit is fragmented, his memories begin to fade away, effectively erasing his past from history.
- The Reunification of Dormin: The true intention behind Wander’s pilgrimage to the forbidden land, according to Dormin’s will, is to unite his fragments, effectively recreating his past and former self.
- Tying it Together: Linking the past to Shadow of the Colossus, it can be hypothesized that Dormin was a powerful entity before becoming split and scattered, much like Ico’s journey with a fragmented soul. This idea resonates with the essence of both games.
Unanswered Questions
However, many questions still remain unresolved. What is the relation between Ico’s spirit and Dormin’s fragmentations? What was their original connection before Dormin became scattered?
Other Interpretations and Theories
While Fumito Ueda’s confirmation can be taken as a canonical answer, fans have brought forward alternative interpretations and theories, such as:
Fan Theories: What Else Can Be Interpreted?
Some other aspects of both games hint at connections:
- Mono, the girl from Ico, may have something to do with Dormin, given the connection with Wander’s fate.
- Wander’s ultimate fate ties to Dormin’s and is symbolic, further echoing parallels with Ico.
These points have been widely interpreted, and opinions on them are still debated.
The Conclusion: A Common Story
Both ICO and Shadow of the Colossus share elements that blend to form a common storyline, despite not being sequential in the narrative. Though many questions still linger unanswered, the prequel announcement brings a deeper understanding and harmony to the overall storytelling experience. Fans can delve into the symbolism, hidden messages, and parallels discovered across both games.
Overall, ICO being a prequel to Shadow of the Colossus not only settles the debate but serves as a testament to Fumito Ueda’s visionary storytelling.