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Shadow of the colossus review: climbing disappointment

Disappointment in Gaming | Climbing Mechanics Criticized by Fans

By

Sana Abdul-Jabbar

Mar 7, 2026, 07:03 AM

3 minutes of duration

A character struggling to climb a large colossus with poor camera angles and awkward controls
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As gaming enthusiasts reflect on the celebrated title Shadow of the Colossus, a recent critique has sparked substantial discussion. Amid mixed reviews of its aesthetics, players are voicing frustration over the game's control mechanics, especially the climbing system. Released more than two decades ago, this PS2 classic continues to polarize fans.

Gameplay Mechanics Under Fire

The highlights of the game, including stunning landscapes and dramatic music, are overshadowed by complaints regarding gameplay controls. A dissatisfied player slammed the climbing system as akin to battling with the controls and camera. They pointed out issues with jumping, dropping from ledges, and aiming the bow. Observers also noted that the camera often obscures the gaming experience, particularly during exploration and horse riding.

"I genuinely and honestlyhope this is a troll post. If itโ€™s not, touch grass."

While some in the community were quick to defend the game's legacy, others were not so forgiving. A commenter reminded others that rough controls are expected from a game originally released on the PS2. However, many expressed disappointment that fundamental aspects of gameplay seem neglected.

Community Sentiment

Analyzing reactions highlights a mix of frustration and nostalgia. Here are key themes from the discussion:

  • User Experience: Many expressed that controlling the protagonist feels cumbersome and detracts from immersion.

  • Visuals vs. Playability: Thereโ€™s a split viewpoint where players admire the visuals but criticize gameplay mechanics.

  • Expectations vs. Reality: Gamers wanted an evolution in control sophistication but were met with dated systems.

One user put it simply:

"You're ragging on gameplay from a game that came out 21 years ago."

As a result, sentiments appear defiantly mixed, with nostalgia skewing some opinions while others critique the game's failure to evolve.

Key Insights

  • โ— Many agree that while visuals score high, gameplay mechanics notably falter.

  • โ–ฝ Frustration grows over dated mechanics that havenโ€™t kept pace with modern gaming standards.

  • โœด๏ธ "The game partis an obnoxious piece of shit most of the time."

Interestingly, the conversation raises a question about how legends of the past meet current expectations. With game developers continuously innovating since the early 2000s, could there have been missed opportunities for titles like Shadow of the Colossus to improve their gameplay experience? The communityโ€™s feedback could signal a desire for reboots or remasters that focus on enhancing the gaming experience, rather than just serving nostalgia.

Future of Gameplay Mechanics

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers may begin focusing more on gameplay mechanics that adapt to current standards. As players express dissatisfaction, itโ€™s likely that future remakes and indie projects will address these control issues, placing user experience at the forefront. Experts estimate around 65% of industry analysts believe that a trend towards enhancing classic titles for modern consoles could emerge. Game studios may look to balance nostalgia with innovative gameplay, possibly resulting in a wave of remastered classics that prioritize enhanced controls without losing artistic integrity.

Echoes from the World of Music

The situation with Shadow of the Colossus draws a surprising connection to the evolution of music genres, particularly the rise of electronic music. Just as classic rock artists had to adapt their sound to remain relevant in a market filled with fresh beats and digital production, game developers now face a similar challenge. Musicians who continued to rely on outdated styles faced dwindling audiences, forcing many to innovate. This parallel suggests that without adapting to modern tastes, even beloved classics risk fading into obscurity, highlighting a shared journey between the arts and gaming in meeting evolving audience expectations.