Yoko Taro Hails ICO as Revolutionary Gaming Masterpiece

Yoko Taro, the visionary behind acclaimed titles like NieR: Automata and Drakengard, has publicly acknowledged the profound impact of ICO on the video game industry as an art form. Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, ICO swiftly garnered a cult following due to its minimalist design and its narrative conveyed without words.

Taro pointed out that ICO's innovative gameplay mechanic, where players guide the character Yorda by holding her hand, revolutionized the conventions of the time. "If ICO had tasked you with carrying a suitcase the size of a girl instead, it would have been an incredibly frustrating experience," Taro observed. He stressed that this mechanic of leading another character was revolutionary, challenging the traditional views of interactivity in games.

During that era, game design often focused on maintaining engagement even when all elements were simplified to basic cubes. ICO, however, diverged from this norm by emphasizing emotional resonance and thematic depth over purely mechanical innovation. Taro noted that the game demonstrated that art and narrative could go beyond being mere backdrops to gameplay, becoming essential elements of the experience.

Labeling ICO as "epoch-making," Taro credited it with altering the course of game development. He lauded the game for showing that video games could convey deep meaning through subtle interactions and atmospheric design.

In addition to ICO, Taro highlighted two other games that significantly influenced both him and the industry: Undertale by Toby Fox and LIMBO by Playdead. He argued that these titles expanded the potential of interactive media, proving that video games are capable of offering profound emotional and intellectual experiences.

For enthusiasts of Yoko Taro's creations, his appreciation for these games provides a glimpse into the creative influences behind his own work. It also highlights the continuous evolution of video games as a powerful and versatile art form.