'Shadow of the Colossus' remake comes to PlayStation 4

Promotional screenshot of Sony's "Shadow of the Colossus" PlayStation 4 remake.PlayStation website

The PlayStation 2 classic gets a full remake in 4K graphics, and it is a sight to behold. The remake of JAPAN Studio's "Shadow of the Colossus" is coming soon to PlayStation 4.

Many are anticipating the arrival of new "Shadow of the Colossus" game next week. Few remakes have succeeded to deliver and live up to the hype, although critics are saying "Shadow of the Colossus" far exceeds its original PlayStation 2 version, not just in regard to its graphical upgrade.

The 2018 remake boasts stunning 4K graphics with high frame rate capability. Players will enjoy a realistic environment with dynamic elements. The fur on the gigantic colossi sway with the wind, blades of grass bend, clothes flutter, and dust particles that are kicked up float in the air with smooth flow. The game includes new computer-generated imagery (CGI) cut scenes that are incredibly detailed and up-to-date, fitting for today's standards and the powerful PlayStation 4.

The story is one and the same, and no changes have been made to the original plot. Players don the mantle of a warrior out to save what was lost and to revive a loved one. Similar to the original, much of the plot is left to be discovered, and the rest is left to the player's imagination. There is no overly informative introduction or narrative, and the plot is slowly revealed to the player by way of short pieces of information to form its conclusion at the end.

The controls have been tweaked and streamlined for ease of use, giving players a more responsive feel and seamless experience. Dodging, for example, no longer requires pressing two buttons simultaneously. The improved controls allow the player to move the character with fluid grace, comparable to other action and adventure titles today.

Armed with only a sword and a bow, players will journey through expansive lands in hunt of 16 ancient colossi. The 2005 game was one to remember with its magical experience and satisfying minimalism. The 2018 remake, however, is looking to shatter those records and create better memories with improvements in all aspects. If the 2005 version was an epic fantasy, the 2018 remake is that fantasy made real.

"Shadow of the Colossus" will be released on Feb. 6 for the PlayStation 4.