When the original PlayStation was released, gamers were more than amazed by Wipeout, a futuristic racing game dedicated to thrilling anyone and everyone who played it. While the PlayStation 2's release was no doubt a blast, it didn't have anything that stood apart from the crowd quite like Wipeout did. SSX kicked major butt and Tekken Tag Tournament was awesome, but I wanted something more, different -- unique. This September, it looks like I'm finally going to get that wish fufilled.

Brought to you by none other than Sony Computer Entertainment (not a third or second party this time! Can you believe it?), ICO is a cinematic action game that made my jaw drop. I found myself saying, "Wow!" a lot, too. The demo featured on the latest Jampack PS2 DVD Magazine starts without any information on the story, no background details, nothing at all. ICO, the boy you control, is seen breaking into a large building. It is not known why is he here or what his purpose is, but it didn't matter. The cinematic style and gorgeous, highly realistic backgrounds will remind you that this is a video game and a story isn't important (unless it's an RPG, that is).

I began moving ICO around the room, walking in circles just for fun. As you approach the stairs, the camera automatically switches to an appropriate, movie-like view. You can't change the view yourself, but you can pan around ICO using the right stick. Once you look up at the ceiling, you'll never want to take your eyes off it -- the sunlight streaks in more beautifully than any other PlayStation 2 game; or a GameCube or Xbox game for that matter.

Although I haven't gotten a chance to play Munch's Oddysee, judging from the video footage I've seen, ICO is, to some degree, Sony's answer to that. Lorne Lanning claims that he has created the perfect camera, but I beg to differ. Pick up ICO and see what I mean.

After you've managed to pull yourself away from the graphical pleasures of ICO, you'll likely want to find out what the heck this game is. Sure, the visuals are nothing short of stunning, but why is my only a weapon a wooden stick? It may sound weak, but it's strong enough to vanquish the dark spirits enemies (they look a lot like the evil spirits in the movie Ghost) that threaten the princess, who you meet in the next room...

Unfortunately, she's locked in a cage. Climb the stairs, run and hit the triangle button to jump as far as you can. If you land on the cage, it'll break the chain holding it and you'll fall, releasing the princess. Now the dark spirits arrive, and they don't look happy. Whack them with your stick a few times by tapping the square button to make them disappear. When all if the enemies have been destroyed, press R1 to call the princess. She'll walk over and grab your hand. Now she'll be there by your side wherever you go, like Ash Katchum's Pokemon.

No matter how crazy or childish this may sound, it is actually a lot of fun to play. The princess has some unique powers that allow her to open doors that previously blocked ICO's path. Together, you'll make your way outside. Brace yourselves -- even MORE of ICO's graphic beauty is ahead! Hop in the lake and watch as the water ripples, reflecting everything around it perfectly.

Once you make it to the end, you see a large gate at the end of the path. ICO and the princess run as fast as they can, trying to make it through the gate before it closes. Then the dark spirits surround the princess, dragging her below. Then the demo ends. A brief movie follows, showing you that ICO saves the princess from the dark spirits. Not much music was present in the demo, but the song played during this movie really suited ICO's unique style.

The inevitable wait began, but I was glad. As awful as it is to sit and wait for something you want to play so badly, I have learned that it is worse to have nothing to wait for at all. Now I have yet another excellent, revolutionary title to look forward to this September. I remember saying that last year was the best year of gaming and that it'd be a long time before it was ever topped. Less than 12 months later, I was proved wrong. 2001 is by far the best year of gaming. MGS2, Tekken 4 (in arcades), Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, Gran Turismo 3, Klonoa 2, Dark Cloud, Onimusha, Devil May Cry, Maximo and now ICO. Life can't get much better than this!

· · · CasaDeJoey