'Shadow Of The Colossus (2018)' makes a great first impression. Its opening cut-scene makes excellent use of its gorgeous graphics, delivering an enigmatic and atmospheric opening that practically has you twitching with anticipation. Sadly, though, the gameplay can't match this. When you finally do take control of Wander, guiding he and his horse, Agro, towards your first foe, all you notice is how stiff and clunky the controls are. When you arrive at the first of the sixteen Colossi the game will see you fight, you're treated to another spectacle. You feel a real sense of awe looking up at one of these seemingly immovable beings and knowing you have to somehow defeat it. Once again, though, when you actually attempt to do that, you realise that the controls keep getting in your way. Your character never quite goes exactly where you want them to and this issue plagues the entire experience. After a couple of bosses, you'll be more or less used to this chunkiness and be able to play the piece without yelling in frustration. However, the problem is always present and often causes bursts of annoyance. Also, while the visuals really are stunning, the extended sequences of horse travel get a tad repetitive and aren't satisfying if the vague way-point system guides you into yet another dead end. Don't get me wrong: I like the game. It's just sort of difficult to properly play, let alone become immersed in. It's often fun and always impressive, with its aesthetics and atmosphere being its strongest aspects. There are moments that really are great. It is certainly very flawed, though. Its issues can't be brushed aside because, to be honest, there were actually moments where I considered stopping playing. Because of that, I can't say that I enjoyed this as much as most people seem to. It's a solid, if flawed, experience that does something different and has moments of real success. 6/10
