Jim Sterling’s Terrible Bucket List: ICO

"I have a theory when it comes to ICO. I think most people just say they love it because they’re afraid of looking stupid. ICO is one of those games that people talk about “getting” as if there’s something deep and complex in there and I reckon that makes people too frightened to say that, really, ICO isn’t half as great as people say."

[Chris399]

For it's time, ICO was a masterpiece. There's nothing else like it in 2001 (maybe a few things on the PC, but nothing in the console space).

Looking back as a jaded journalist with attention seeking issues, I guess you can find flaws.

To the rest of us, it's stood the test of time as a real piece of video-game art (will be picking up the HD version).

[longcat]

It was the atmosphere that set it aside and apart from everything else. Those deep, encompassing feelings of isolation and despair and unknowing and hope - all mixed together.

In that way, it was it able to generate an emotional connect with the player. Flower had a similar effect on me.

Go back to playing gereric fps # 225

[-Alpha]

Never played ICO but fell in love with Shadow and Flower.

Articles like this, "Top 10 Overrated Games", etc. all manage to take a good game and say something bad as if it is sufficient enough. Perhaps Sterling does a better job (wont read article until I play ICO Collection), but all it takes is one negative opinion on something popular to have a controversial opinion piece.

He is entitled to his opinion, I just don't see the point in arguing over it.

People hold games like ICO to such high opinion and I miss those kind of games today. Regardless of what he says games like ICO embody what I think lacks this generation-- a good emotional connection to gamers

[mantisimo]

@ chris and pedro. Totally agree, what a first class Di*kwad looking for hits.

Ico and shadow are both exraordinarily beautiful, atmospheric, hugely enjoyable, playable games that leave an impression for a long long time.

What utter Sh1t.

Nothing but a Hit whore.

[blumatt]

Exactly, man. Another game that looks to bring those qualities is Journey (by That Game Company) that's coming to PSN. I can't wait for that game. Flower was another game that was powerfully moving, especially for a game that involves controlling a group of petals floating through the wind. lol But yeah Journey is one of my most anticipated games for 2011.

[Chris399]

I mean the game is alright, certainly not terrible, but with the tech, development solutions available and other games released in 2010, it's hardly GOTY.

And as someone (a bit crassly) below pointed out, he's just doing this for hits. I admit, I gave him one, as I like to read his ridiculous straw-man arguments, which have no basis in reality whatsoever.

[TheLastGuardian]

Why does Jim Sterling care so much about letting people know that he doesn't like Ico? I've read this same crap in another article he wrote. Jim Sterling doesn't like Ico because he has no soul.

[ComboBreaker]

just wants to look stupid in order to get hits to their site.

[Elimin8]

Ico is still a MASTERPIECE!

[DigitalRaptor]

It's because Jim Sterling is a cynical mofo.

It's like he's taking the basic game mechanics and looking for a way to critisise the game, rather than looking deeper and understand what the game is about and what it represents in gaming.

[rockleex]

Yet I look forward to The Last Guardian and Team ICO Collection the most.

Those games were amazing to ME. I could care less what other people think.

[badz149]

said someone who gave Deadly Premonition a 10/10!! he doesn't know what a good game is! gaming standard = TRASH!

[FinalSpartan]

Shadow Of Colossus was nice game. Ico at time was visually stunning as for the game...was boring. Overrated even though didn't even score that high...

90% metacritic..

few puzzles there and there nothing to special fighting with some wooden stick. holding hands with some dumb useless girl from getting dragged into darkness. I wondered why people pretend its awesome after finishing it was just another generic game.

I didn't like it IMO. But Last Guardian looks good.

[blumatt]

I have to admit that I've not played either one, yet. I say yet because I WILL be picking up the Ico HD Collection in 2011, probably day one. I'm gonna play Shadow of the Colossus first, then ICO. Can't wait.

[guzman]

@FinalSpartan: Being a Halo fan, you'd know all about generic games. Oh and historically, Spartans were rampant homosexuals and pedophiles, cheers!

[GarandShooter]

@ guzman

Well that would certainly explain why he's the final Spartan.

[TheHardware]

@finalsparat..you are trying to hard. he got a sword in the game, you'd know if you actually played it.

and you not liking girls is uhmm, your choice lol

[guzman]

Garandshooter: Lol! You made my New Year. + bubble for you.

[kancerkid]

Hey Chris, you make contradictory statements. You say that "for it's time, ICO was a masterpiece" but then go onto say
it stood the test of time."

So which is it? Is it still a masterpiece, or for its time was it good?

The game only sold 270,000 copies in the US, so why does everybody on this site act like they play it? I think a lot of people are defending it because it is a Playstation title, and it is supposed to be 'art.' Of course, the Playstation is the only system with games that are "art.' /sarcasm

[Chris399]

At it's time it was spectacular, AND it has withstood the test of time and is still spectacular today. Your comprehension needs work, there's nothing contradictory about what I said.

There are lots of great games that can claim this, across a variety of systems - Chrono Cross, Super Mario, Shenmue. They were brilliant in yesteryear and they're brilliant today.

[GarandShooter]

Hey kancer, I own Ico and I bought it used, so of those 270,000 copies sold I can attest to 270,001 people playing it...unless others could have experienced the game by buying it used as well...

And here's a thought for you...since this is a gaming centric site, you know, frequented by gamers, the possibility there may be a higher than 'general population average' of people who actually played the game should come as no surprise.

[iceman06]

Little shock to your "only 270,000 copies sold" theory...I have finished ICO and I NEVER owned it. How you ask??? I borrowed it! See, it's possible to do something called borrowing...and even renting. In it's defense it really did stand out amongst the other titles of it's time and even today. There are very few experiences like it...at least that didn't come from the same developers. It's definitely NOT for everybody...just as certain movies and music fit certain tastes. This isn't a judgment on the refinement, culture, or class that an individual might possess. It's just one of those games that you either will GET or you won't.

[Kingmitch23]

I think a lot of people defend ICO because the played Shadow of the Colossus and developed a profound respect for the developer

I don't pretend to have played ICO but the arguments made against it can be so childish its hard not to point out how the person is being a hypocrite/setting up a straw man

[Man In Black]

Saw one of his videos, fat fuck with a shitty sense of humour.

[nycredude]

I got a theory when it comes to Gaming Journalism... It doesn't exist. It's just a bunch of fanboys that get paid to be what they are fanboys.

In fact it is a new oxymoron: gaming:journalism

[RogueCheddar]

"Looking back as a jaded journalist with attention seeking issues, I guess you can find flaws."

Wow. I mean, I'm guilty of this too, but you're really calling it like it is here. Still, it's just one man's opinion.

[Caspel]

I preferred Shadow of the Colossus over Ico. The Last Guardian will be amazing and it's a PS3 exclusive! Can't wait!

[Halochampian]

I agree but was it necessary to say "its a PS3 exclusive!"

I guess this is N4G where exclusives make or break a game. The only people that care about exclusivity are the fanboys (or single system owners)

[FrankMcSpank]

Exclusives are what makes the system. And if the 360 had the amount of exclusives PS3 I would priase it the same. But it doesn't and all those PS3 gamers are what sets Sony apart. It's not about Fanboyism. It's about getting the most from your system. If you have ten multiplats and I have ten multiplats we tie. If you have 3 exclusives and I have 10, what would you call that. Other than LAIR and HAZE, the majority of PS3 games are well loved.

[Halochampian]

So your saying that im right?

I own all three so its kinda pointless for me to care about exclusivity. I just like to enjoy all e the games on the systems.

And to say that the 360 doesnt have its fair share of games is just childish. It's all about preferences and to be honest i bought more games in my 360 this year than ps3.

PS3: GOW3, 3D dot heroes, GT5
360: ME2, Halo Reach, Alan Wake, Fable 3
Wii: Mario Galaxy 2

Just enjoy games and stop trying to defend your purchase. Because were all the same on the inside.. gamers

[BABY-JEDI]

I preferred Ico, as the two main characters were soo vulnerable & lost in this desolate world, & this added to the charm & atmosphere of childhood.
Happy new year again to all Ico fans

[life doomer]

I bet you people will be stupid enough to click on the link. This guy is clearly looking for hits.

[longcat]

you mean actually read an article before commenting? - You must be new here

[MidnytRain]

The coolest part is, by simply clicking and commenting on the story, you generate heat, which raises the chance that somebody will click the link to Sterling's web page, giving him hits. Neat, huh?

[OllieBoy]

Wow, he's so controversial!

[damize]

ICO was an ok game, does not deserve this hatred that has been thrown upon it. I guess everyone is intitled to their own opinion. I can think of far worse games to trash. Anyways thanks for the controversial article. Happ New Year!

[krisq]

Another retarded journalist wannabe.

[MidnytRain]

Feel better, now?

EDIT: @disagree(s)
Come now, there's no reason to insult people. I don't know about you, but I was raised better than that.

[Bathyj]

Well I was raised poorly. The guys a douche.

[Chromer]

does it just to see peoples reactions since he knows he can get away with it.

[Spenok]

Yeah pretty much. How else would he get hits?

[Arup02]

This guy is an asshole. ICO was an amazing game, i still play him sometimes. This guy must think CoD is the best game ever created.

[MidnytRain]

Actually, his review of Call of Duty: Black Ops was very negative.

http://www.destructoid.com/...

You know, as mean spirited as Sterling may be, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I personally think Uncharted 2: Among Theives is one of the greatest games ever made. But some people honestly think it's nothing special. I don't understand that, but whatever. That's why calling someone a retard over the matter (see krisq above) is close-minded and immature. Think about it: is it honestly even feasible to think a single game will be adored by every gamer on the planet?

[Kakihara]

But he didn't say he didn't like the game. He said the game was bad and implied that everybody who claims to like the game is lying to seem intelligent.

'I found ICO boring personally, it just felt like one long protect mission' OKAY

'ICO was a shitty game and you only pretend you like it to seem intelligent and deep' ASSHOLIAN

[gorebago]

yes he's like that fat insecure teenage girl that hides cake and ham sandwiches under her bed to eat when she's feeling lonely which is all the time

[Kakihara]

Ah, the old, 'I don't get it so there must be nothing to get' argument. It's all a grand conspiracy of people just pretending to like something to seem deeper than you, the only other option is that they're actually deeper than you and that's just unthinkable isn't it???

I swear, this guy is the walking embodiment of every negative stereotype about gamers. Fat little negative creep trying to rationalize away the fact that he's spent his entire life trying to tear down the work of others in order to feel superior without having to grow as a person or achieve anything of value.

[yewles1]

*applauds*

[rockleex]

Holy shiat! Comment of the year 2010 goes to...

*drum rolls*

Kakihara!!! XD

[Tikicobra]

SO EDGY!

You KNOW he's a good journalist because he hates good games!

[Baka-akaB]

I have a theory when it comes to Jim Sterling . i think he just say he hate everything because he aint afraid of looking stupid .

[thief]

Lets face it - we all love the generic games. Thats why shooters, RPGs, sandbox games sell millions.

But every gamer also wants the odd unique experience. Would we like every game to play like Ico, Heavy Rain or Demon's souls? No. Would we have preferred their developers had not made these games for us and instead made CoD clones? Again, no.

[BrianC6234]

Jim Sterling is the last person anyone should take gaming advice from. Does this clown just write this crap to get hits? He rarely writes anything worth reading.

[Shmotz]

Well it was.

[BABY-JEDI]

Well it was what?
I always find that an explanation to a comment is usually helpful
To get your opinion across.

[Bathyj]

Well at least no ones afraid to say Jim Sterling’s isnt half as good as people say.

And no ones even saying he's that good.

[longcat]

+BUB

[thetorontokid]

Wow this guys a video game jounalist?!
Ico has inspired so many other great game, how could you knock it. He is surley just trying to be controversial. Even recent games like Majin, are still borrowing from Ico, most fundamental gameplay mecahnics. Metal Gear Solid 2 escort level ring a bell. I could be wrong but i think even Shigeru Miyamoto was paying attention...Zelda?

[Dellis]

Game is nothing special, is very boring

the true experience is SOTC

[BABY-JEDI]

Ico is a true example that video games can be art. All good/exceptional art evokes emotion. Ico is a true example of this.

[TANUKI]

lol... he sure loves hating on Playstation games. Oh well, leaves more copies out there for me (us) to buy.

[yog-sothot]

I think ICO is a pure masterpiece and I love it (even though I still prefer SotC)

I don't give a shit if people think I'm stupid for loving (or hating) it or any other game... But I must say I'd start to worry if they believed I'm a jackass of Jim Sterling's magnitude

[TheHardware]

Seriously Where do these no name sites come from? "beta gamezone" and in a desperate attempt to get hits, this is the stuff they come up with?

I guess this guy thinks silent films are stupid also? or maybe black and white films? or heck anything withought guns and blood and action

I'm not defending Ico itself, (even though I loved it), it's these loser so called journalist or blogartists, that try to get hits while pretending to know what they are talking about.

beta gamelosers can .....eat...a...d!ck. lol

[TheLeprachaun]

Not that I agree with the article but gamezone is a pretty well known site, more so than 99% of sites on n4g. Jim sterling is probably one of the most well known people in the internet gaming journalism field.....

[TheHardware]

Point noted, and to clarify; my point wasnt to bash noname sites...just that Ico is an old game. people who played it like/loved it. story over, Does Mr. well known Sterling think people were making it up when they originally said they liked it? is he leading the charge of gamers who just wanted to be part of the in crowd?

Ico must be the beginning..and boy does he have his work cut out for him..cause the list of games that can be added to that list is enormous .....Mr. Sterling lets go back and start at Pong.

I can't wait for this..lmao

[Pollak]

@TheHardWare

It may be an older game but it didn't get all the praise it does now when it came out. Personally I can't recall people talking so highly of this game until this generation of consoles came out.

[Pollak]

What a perfect article to end the year with. Everything he said about the game is spot on. SotC was brilliant but Ico is the most overrated game of all time. The game is slightly above average at best. To this day I can't understand why so many gamers sing its praises.

[guzman]

Maybe when your balls drop and you move out of your parents' basement you'll understand.

[almasy919]

Jim Sterling is the the Armand White of videogame "journalists". Anything that guy puts out is troll bait.

[Acquiescence]

makes me feel ashamed to be English. Even I find his accent/voice irritating as hell; God knows what the yanks must think of it.

Oh, and ICO - undisputable classic.

[hazelamy]

ico is a great game, but it's not without it's flaws.

there is one thing nobody can deny, yorda is bloody useless, she wouldn't have made the grade as a sidekick in daikatana.

but that could have been forgiveable if it weren't for the frakking smoke monsters, seems like every thirty seconds you have to stop whatever it is you're doing to try to get yourself and yorda out of that castle to go and beat up some more smoke monster.

and the worst thing is, you know that once you beat them and go back to doing whatever it is you were doing before, you wstill wont have time to finish as another group of smoke monsters will come and you'll have to fight them off again before you get to finish that one puzzle you're still working on.

give me a version without the pain in the arse smoke monsters and i'd be in absolute heaven.