25 essential video games every gamer should know

22. Shadow of the Colossus

From the makers of Ico, Shadow of the Colossus just got a remastered edition for the PlayStation 4, so there’s no excuse to not to check out number 22. The game is not only excellent at creating an almost haunting atmosphere — but also amazing unique gameplay.

Originally released on the PlayStation 2, Shadow of the Colossus was an indie hit. The player embarks on a quest to kill large creatures of varying shape and size with the intent to revive a young girl. Your only companion on this journey is a horse named Argo. The open world is pretty desolate compared to current standards, with little else to do but make your way towards the next Colossus. The empty world, which is paired with music only playing during cutscenes or fighting, adds to the atmosphere the game creates.

The gameplay of Shadow of the Colossus is unlike any other game as the massive Colossi are both the boss and the stage you’ll be fighting on. Players will use the environment as well to fight these monsters, but each of them requires the player to climb on the Colossus, holding onto any hair when the beast tries to shake you off, and finding the glowing weak point to stab with your sword.