What makes Shadow of the Colossus so special?

[Megaoverlord12]

I played the PS3 version, and while I can see the praise it got from everyone, I couldn't bring myself to get past the 3rd or 4th Colossus because I. just. DESPISE. the controls. It's been a while since I tried it, but the controls and camera were among the worst I've ever had. I wanted to like the game, I really did, but I just couldn't.