What makes Shadow of the Colossus so special?

[Megaoverlord12]

mZuzek said:

Megaoverlord12 said:
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.

The PS3 version has worse controls actually. It was made off of the original European PS2 version, which came out after the Japan/NA releases and had a bit of "extra polish", which somehow made the game worse to play. I know most people don't even notice this, but it is true, the first time I tried the PS3 version I could instantly tell there was something off and after looking up online I confirmed it. Specifically the one thing that was changed was Wander's ability to hang on, which was made worse (I assume to make the game more realistic), so very often whenever you're trying to stab a colossus or just stand in a safe place, you won't be able to do anything or just clumsily fly away because even the slightest movement from the colossus completely screws up your balance.

That said, the controls complaint usually goes further than that, and then it's a problem with every version. I have to say, I never once thought the controls were bad or clunky and still don't really understand what everyone goes on about. The camera is a bit tough, sure, but even that I didn't realize before I saw a lot of people complaining about.

I also don't know how the PS4 version is supposed to feel, so I'm hoping it's closer to the original release on PS2.

I do specifically remember climbing and hanging on to stuff in that game being a particular nuisance now that you mention it. Ah well. Whenever I get a PS4 however many years from now, maybe I'll give it a shot, but it absolutely won't be my first. Or second. Or third for that matter. (Ratchet & Clank, Nier: Automata, and Horizon headline that list.)