Story: The protagonist is a boy named Ico who was born with horns growing from his head. Because of this, he is taken away by his villagers to a castle surrounded by water where he is locked up. A tremor allows him to escape his prison. Not long after his escape, he discovers a captured girl and frees her from her birdcage. They cannot speak the same language. Their only way to communicate is with short words and hand gestures. Yet Ico and the girl form a bond as they traverse this complicated castle, fight off the dark creatures trying to capture the young girl, and find a way to escape their prison.

Gameplay: This game takes place inside a castle that is seemingly one giant puzzle. It's a three-dimensional platform game played in a third person perspective. Ico is able to do many things in typical platform games like jump, climb, push objects, ect. to solve puzzles. Yet his companion is the one that brings an extra challenge to the game. She is the key that can open the doors in this castle, yet she can only jump short distances and can't climb tall heights. It is up to Ico not only to help her reach these doors, but also to protect her from dark creatures that try to pull her into black vortexes. Ico can kill them with his stick, but if he leaves her for too long, the creatures will come and snatch her away.

Overall, this game is one of the most beautiful games I have played, both graphically and storywise. The story is very simple, yet effective. The game has few cutscenes, but the story is delivered through the gameplay. You cannot help but feel attached to this young girl as you protect her and work together throughout their journey.