How Many Colossi Were Supposed to Be in Shadow of the Colossus?
Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game developed by Team Ico and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game’s protagonist, Wander, must fight against 16 enormous creatures, known as the Colossi, to save the life of his loved one. The question on every player’s mind is, "How many Colossi were supposed to be in Shadow of the Colossus?"
Answer: Initially, the game’s creator, Fumito Ueda, planned to have 48 Colossi in the game. However, the final count was reduced to 32. Later, only 16 Colossi were included in the game.
Original Concept:
According to Ueda, the concept of the game started with a vision of Wander’s journey, where he fights against many Colossi to save his loved one. The game was originally supposed to have a large, sprawling world, where players would encounter a diverse array of Colossi, each with unique abilities and behaviors.
Scale Down:
During development, the team encountered some challenges, including the need for a more streamlined narrative and a focus on exploration and combat. To address these issues, the game’s scope was reduced, resulting in a more concentrated, linear experience.
The Final 16 Colossi:
In the final version of the game, players are left to fight against 16 massive Colossi, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. While some may consider this a compromise from the original vision, the resulting game is widely praised for its engaging storyline, stunning visuals, and emotionally charged combat.
Other Colossi and Rumors:
Fans and critics have speculated about other Colossi that might have been cut from the game. Some believe that Ueda had intended for more Colossi to be included, possibly based on ancient myths and legends. While there is no concrete evidence to support this, the game’s artwork and concept art have provided clues about the world’s mythology and the origins of the Colossi.
ICO Connection:
Wander’s connection to the game ICO (released in 2001) is a topic of great interest among fans. In an interview, Ueda hinted at a deeper connection between the two games. According to Ueda, the horns on Wander’s reincarnated form may hold a key to the story, potentially linking ICO to Shadow of the Colossus.
Additional Fun Facts:
• Phalanx is the longest Colossus: Phalanx, the 13th Colossus, is the longest of the group, stretching over 656.16 feet in length.
• The smallest Colossi are Lion-like: The 11th and 14th Colossi are the smallest, with sizes similar to that of an adult African elephant.
• More than 10% of players did not beat the final Colossus: A significant number of players were unable to defeat the 16th Colossus, indicating a level of difficulty that tests even the most skilled gamers.
• Shadow of the Colossus received universal acclaim: The game holds an average critic score of 91% on Metacritic, indicating near-universal praise for its originality, atmosphere, and engaging gameplay.
Conclusion:
Shadow of the Colossus was an ambitious project that, although scaled down, delivered an unforgettable gaming experience. From the initial concept to the final product, the game has become a timeless classic, cherished by fans of the gaming community. As players continue to uncover hidden secrets and connections within the game, the enigma of the Colossi will remain a testament to the game’s lasting appeal.
References:
• Fumito Ueda’s interviews
• Shadow of the Colossus Wikipedia article
• ICORoots.com: a comprehensive resource for Shadow of the Colossus fans, providing insights into the game’s lore and history