[i]Shadow of the Colossus[/i] is available on three generations of PlayStation hardware, but this latest version is the best. The splendid facelift here can't disguise some of its creakier gameplay, but if you've never played it, there's never been a better time to tackle Team Ico's signature game.

In the long shadow of the mountains to the north, the giant treads. Its footsteps resonate down through darkened passages and beyond, to the restless plains below. As this lumbering colossus bears down upon the small figure in its path, the sunlight lingers upon a blade, drawn forth with purpose.

And so Shadow of the Colossus steps back into the light, with a second remastering for the PlayStation franchise. The developmental maestro of porting, Bluepoint Games, has accepted this task of resurrection. And by its breathing new life into this old beast, fans will once again have a chance to tackle the 16 unique bosses that dwell within the Forbidden Land.

The gameplay of Shadow of the Colossus has seen minimal modification, save for an optional updated control scheme. This is a blessing for purists, but perhaps a curse for newcomers. Protagonist Wander’s clunky movement and limited visibility due to the camera are frustrating on occasion, and very much a relic from a bygone era. A modern controllable camera, even made available as an option, would have made for a far more enjoyable trip down memory lane.

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