Unveiling the Giants: How Many Colossus Are There in Shadow of the Colossus?
The answer is straightforward: there are 16 Colossus in the original Shadow of the Colossus game. These magnificent creatures form the core of the game’s narrative and gameplay, each presenting a unique challenge and contributing to the unfolding story of Wander’s desperate quest.
A Journey Through a Forbidden Land
Shadow of the Colossus, a masterpiece of the PlayStation 2 era and subsequently remastered for later consoles, is renowned for its minimalist storytelling and innovative gameplay. The game centers around Wander, a young man who ventures into a forbidden land to resurrect a maiden named Mono. His only guide is Dormin, an enigmatic entity who promises to revive Mono if Wander can defeat the sixteen Colossus scattered throughout the land.
Each Colossus is a monumental being, ranging from towering humanoids to massive beasts. Defeating them requires careful observation, strategic planning, and skillful execution. Players must identify the Colossus’s weak points, navigate its defenses, and exploit its vulnerabilities. The sense of accomplishment after felling one of these behemoths is unparalleled, making Shadow of the Colossus a truly unforgettable experience.
Exploring the Variety of the Colossus
The 16 Colossus are far from being mere reskins of the same enemy. They each possess unique designs, behaviors, and environments, demanding different approaches to defeat. Let’s briefly touch upon the diversity they offer:
- Valus (The Minotaur): The first Colossus, a large, slow-moving humanoid.
- Quadratus (The Mammoth): A quadruped with weak points on its underside and back.
- Gaius (The Knight): Another humanoid, wielding a massive club.
- Phaedra (The Horse): A horse-like Colossus found within a canyon.
- Avion (The Gryphon): A flying Colossus that soars through the skies.
- Barba (The Bearded Giant): A towering humanoid trapped within ruins.
- Hydrus (The Electric Eel): A serpentine Colossus that lurks in a lake.
- Kuromori (The Lizard): A nimble Colossus that crawls on the walls of an arena.
- Basaran (The Tortoise): A Colossus that clings to a waterfall.
- Dirge (The Sand Snake): A serpentine Colossus that burrows beneath the sands.
- Celosia (The Flame Guardian): A small but aggressive Colossus that wields a flaming torch.
- Pelagia (The Sea Monster): A Colossus that resides in a lake and uses electric attacks.
- Phalanx (The Flying Worm): A massive, serpentine Colossus that flies through the air.
- Cenobia (The Cerberus): A small and agile quadruped Colossus in ruins.
- Argus (The Sentinel): A humanoid Colossus wielding a flaming sword.
- Malus (The Great Destroyer): The final and largest Colossus, resembling a massive fortress.
The Significance of the 16
The number 16 is significant in the context of the game’s narrative. It represents the price Wander must pay for resurrecting Mono. With each Colossus he defeats, Wander becomes increasingly corrupted by Dormin’s power, his physical appearance changing to reflect the darkness consuming him. The game subtly explores themes of sacrifice, morality, and the consequences of pursuing one’s desires, even when those desires are noble. The systematic elimination of the 16 Colossus isn’t just a series of boss fights; it’s a deliberate act with a deepening, chilling impact on the protagonist.
A Legacy of Influence
Shadow of the Colossus has had a profound impact on the gaming industry, inspiring countless developers with its unique blend of exploration, combat, and storytelling. Its minimalist approach to narrative, focusing on visual storytelling and environmental cues, has become a hallmark of many modern games. The sheer scale and majesty of the Colossus continue to awe players, cementing Shadow of the Colossus‘s place as a timeless classic. The game emphasizes solitude and the weight of one person’s actions against seemingly insurmountable odds, a thematic resonance that continues to captivate audiences.
Shadow of the Colossus FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Shadow of the Colossus that delve deeper into the game’s mechanics, lore, and impact:
H3 What is the main objective of Shadow of the Colossus?
The main objective is to defeat the 16 Colossus in order to resurrect Mono, a maiden who was sacrificed. Wander, the protagonist, is guided by Dormin to achieve this goal.
H3 How does Wander defeat the Colossus?
Wander must identify the Colossus’s weak points, usually glowing sigils, and strike them with his sword after climbing onto the creature. Each Colossus requires a unique strategy and skillful use of Agro, his horse.
H3 What role does Agro, Wander’s horse, play in the game?
Agro is Wander’s faithful companion and plays a crucial role in traversing the vast landscape. Agro is also essential for reaching certain Colossus and navigating their arenas.
H3 What are the consequences of defeating the Colossus?
With each Colossus defeated, Wander’s appearance becomes increasingly corrupted, and he experiences unsettling visions. This reflects the growing influence of Dormin and the dark price of resurrection.
H3 Is there a New Game Plus mode in Shadow of the Colossus?
Yes, upon completing the game, a New Game Plus mode unlocks. This allows players to replay the game with their acquired items and enhanced stats, making it easier to complete time attacks and unlock new content.
H3 What are Time Attack challenges?
Time Attack challenges are unlocked after defeating each Colossus. They allow players to replay the battles against the Colossus within a set time limit. Completing these challenges unlocks special items and rewards.
H3 Are there any hidden secrets or Easter eggs in Shadow of the Colossus?
Yes, the game contains numerous hidden secrets and Easter eggs, including hidden locations, alternative ways to defeat the Colossus, and references to other games by Team Ico, the game’s developer.
H3 What is the significance of Dormin?
Dormin is an enigmatic entity who guides Wander throughout the game, promising to resurrect Mono. Dormin’s true nature is ambiguous, and its motivations are a subject of much speculation and interpretation.
H3 How long does it take to beat Shadow of the Colossus?
A standard playthrough of Shadow of the Colossus typically takes between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the player’s skill and exploration. Completionists who aim to unlock all secrets and complete all Time Attack challenges can expect to spend significantly longer.
H3 What is the art style of Shadow of the Colossus like?
Shadow of the Colossus features a unique and evocative art style, characterized by its vast landscapes, detailed Colossus designs, and muted color palette. The game’s visual presentation contributes to its sense of solitude, mystery, and grandeur.
H3 What makes Shadow of the Colossus a unique gaming experience?
Shadow of the Colossus is unique for its minimalist storytelling, focus on boss battles, and exploration of themes such as sacrifice, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. The game’s emotional impact and sense of scale set it apart from other action-adventure games.
H3 How does the PS4 remake differ from the original PS2 version?
The PS4 remake features significantly improved graphics, updated controls, and enhanced performance. While the core gameplay and story remain largely unchanged, the visual enhancements provide a more immersive and visually stunning experience.
H3 Is Shadow of the Colossus a prequel or sequel to Ico?
While both games share a similar aesthetic and thematic sensibility, there is no direct canonical connection between Shadow of the Colossus and Ico. However, many fans believe there are subtle narrative links and shared lore elements that suggest a loose connection between the two worlds.
H3 What are the different difficulty settings in Shadow of the Colossus?
The game offers Normal and Hard difficulty settings. Hard mode features more challenging Colossus, requiring more hits to defeat them, and their weak points are harder to reach.
H3 Why is Shadow of the Colossus considered a masterpiece?
Shadow of the Colossus is widely regarded as a masterpiece due to its innovative gameplay, compelling story, evocative atmosphere, and profound emotional impact. The game’s unique blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving, combined with its thought-provoking themes, has cemented its place as a landmark title in video game history. The overall experience of confronting and ultimately defeating the 16 Colossus makes for a truly unforgettable and impactful journey.