What Happens at the End of Shadow of the Colossus?
Shadow of the Colossus, a critically acclaimed game developed by Team Ico, has left players wondering about the ending of the game for years. The game’s storyline is intentionally ambiguous, leaving many questions unanswered. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the ending and explore what happens at the conclusion of the game.
Wander’s Downfall
The game’s protagonist, Wander, has spent his entire journey battling 16 colossal creatures to bring his beloved Mono back to life. However, as Wander defeats the final colossus, Dormin, the mysterious entity controlling the colossi, appears before him. Dormin reveals that Wander’s actions have brought about his own downfall, and that he will never be able to revive Mono.
The Curse of the Colossi
Wander, filled with regret and sorrow, falls to his knees, and Dormin seals his fate. The colossi, once dormant, begin to stir, and Wander’s life force is consumed by them. As his life fades away, Wander’s body begins to wither away, and his face contorts in anguish.
Mono’s Awakening
Meanwhile, Mono, the love interest of Wander, awakens from her slumber, only to find Wander’s lifeless body. She is filled with grief and despair, and the camera pans out to show her standing alone, surrounded by the eerie silence of the Forbidden Lands.
The Horned Baby
As the credits roll, a horned baby is seen, signifying Wander’s rebirth. This can be seen as a symbol of redemption, as Wander’s soul is given a second chance. This plot twist raises many questions about the future of Wander and Mono’s relationship, leaving players wondering what lies ahead for the couple.
The Sealing of Dormin
Dormin, the main antagonist of the game, is sealed away by the ancient civilization that created the colossi. This seals his power, preventing him from causing further harm. The sealing of Dormin also implies that the world is now at peace, as the colossi, once threats to humanity, are no longer a menace.
The Legacy of Shadow of the Colossus
The ending of Shadow of the Colossus has been the subject of much speculation and debate among fans. The game’s intentionally vague storytelling has left many questions unanswered, leaving players to draw their own conclusions. Despite this, the game’s emotional impact and beautiful storytelling have cemented its place as a classic in the gaming world.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens to Wander at the end of the game?: Wander’s life force is consumed by the colossi, and he falls to his knees, surrounded by his defeated enemies.
- What happens to Mono?: Mono awakens to find Wander’s lifeless body, and is filled with grief and despair.
- What is the significance of the horned baby?: The horned baby represents Wander’s rebirth, symbolizing redemption and a second chance for his soul.
- What is the fate of Dormin?: Dormin is sealed away by the ancient civilization, preventing him from causing further harm.
Conclusion
The ending of Shadow of the Colossus is a poignant and emotional conclusion to the game’s narrative. While the game’s ambiguity has left many questions unanswered, the emotional impact of the story and its themes of love, loss, and redemption have cemented its place as a classic in the gaming world.