A beloved video game from the early 2000s has returned in jaw-dropping form – and the best part? You can play it right now, for free, if you're a PlayStation Plus Extra subscriber. With a complete graphical overhaul and reverent attention to the original's spirit, this is more than just a nostalgia trip – it’s a full-blown visual masterpiece that’s earned top marks across the board.
A visual upgrade that redefines the original
When Shadow of the Colossus was first announced as a remake, fans were a mix of thrilled and cautious. Could it really recapture the magic of the PS2 classic, a game many hold dear as one of the most iconic gaming experiences of its time?
The answer: absolutely. Bluepoint Games, working alongside SIE JAPAN Studio, didn’t just dust off the original. They rebuilt it from the ground up, crafting an entirely new visual experience while preserving the essence of what made the original so unforgettable. Every texture, every lighting effect, every shadow – it's all been lovingly recreated to bring the game's haunting landscapes to life.
From sprawling grasslands to eerie deserts and snow-dusted cliffs, the world now looks like it was plucked from a high-end fantasy film. Whether you're riding across a sun-drenched plain or facing down a mountain-sized beast, every frame is worthy of being your next desktop wallpaper.
Smoother, faster, and finally flawless
Back in the PS2 era, Shadow of the Colossus was a technical marvel but didn’t exactly run like a dream. Frame rate drops and sluggish performance were the norm. This remake fixes all of that – and then some.
Now, the game runs at a steady 30fps, and if you're on a PS4 Pro, you can crank that up to a smooth 60fps. It's a major technical leap that not only makes gameplay more enjoyable but also more responsive during those tense, heart-pounding battles with the Colossi.
It’s this polished performance, paired with the visual revamp, that’s helped the remake achieve near-perfect scores from critics.
An epic quest with emotional weight
At the heart of the game is a minimalist but powerful story: a lone warrior ventures into forbidden lands to resurrect a lost loved one. The cost? Slaying sixteen towering, mysterious giants scattered across the map.
Each battle is its own puzzle. There are no hordes of enemies or sprawling quests here – just you, your horse, and the looming shadow of the next Colossus. Players must study each creature’s behavior, find their weak points, and climb their massive form to deliver the final blow. It’s intense, emotional, and often awe-inspiring.
The musical score, composed by Kow Otani, elevates every encounter with soaring orchestral sweeps and thunderous percussion that echoes long after the fight ends.
A few quirks, but nothing game-breaking
No remake is perfect, and this one’s no exception. The hero’s animations can feel a bit clunky in places – especially when climbing a shaggy Colossus mid-stomp – and the camera occasionally struggles to keep up with the action.
There aren’t many new features or extra content either, but the original’s 6 to 15-hour playtime still holds up as a satisfying and complete journey. It’s exactly as long as it needs to be – no filler, no fluff.
A must-play moment for old fans and newcomers
Whether you played the original or are discovering Shadow of the Colossus for the first time, this remake is a rare case where a classic gets a second life and actually lives up to the legacy.
And with its inclusion in the PlayStation Plus Extra library, there’s really no excuse not to dive in. It’s the perfect time to revisit (or finally experience) one of gaming’s most poetic adventures – with all the beauty and technical polish it always deserved.
