Ico is a minimalist puzzle-platformer, action-adventure game starring a boy with horns.
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Story & Themes
Ico, a boy with horns, is imprisoned in a castle by a group of warriors. After a tremor shakes the ground, Ico is able to escape and shortly thereafter happens upon Yorda, a fellow captive. Ico rescues her and together the two explore the castle as they search for a way out.
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The game encourages players to immerse themselves in the atmospheric world and experience whatever emotions come naturally. Little is told when it can instead be shown.
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In a co-op mode unlocked after the first completed playthrough, a second player can control Yorda. The story remains the same.
Save Points
The player can save periodically by resting on stone benches scattered throughout the game.
Difficulty
Ico's controls aren't difficult to learn, but the puzzles can be challenging.
Heads Up!
Violence In the game, Ico fights shadow creatures with a stick and, later, a magic sword. There is no blood or gore.
Scary Imagery The shadow creatures might be scary for younger kids.
Discrimination The two central protagonists are a boy and a girl, but the girl is virtually helpless and must rely on the boy to fend off enemies and solve puzzles. Even as a playable character, the girl has many more limitations than the boy.
Conversation Starters
Did you (as Ico) feel emotionally attached to Yorda by the end of the game? Why or why not?
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The game does not contain any backstory and offers few explanations. Were you content to accept this level of mystery or disappointed by the lack of answers?
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What did you make of the ending?