Yoko Taro Hails ICO as Revolutionary Gaming Masterpiece

Yoko Taro, the visionary behind NieR: Automata and Drakengard, has openly discussed the profound impact of ICO on the artistic landscape of video games. Launched in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, ICO quickly garnered a cult following due to its minimalist approach and its compelling narrative told without words.

Taro emphasized how ICO's central gameplay mechanic—guiding the character Yorda by holding her hand—revolutionized the norms of the era. "If ICO had tasked you with carrying a suitcase the size of a girl instead, it would have been an incredibly frustrating experience," Taro noted. He stressed that the innovative requirement for players to lead another character challenged the conventional ideas of interactivity in gaming.

During that period, game design was often deemed successful if it remained engaging even when stripped down to basic cubes. ICO broke this mold by prioritizing emotional connection and thematic richness over sheer mechanical novelty. Taro argued that the game demonstrated that art and storytelling could go beyond serving as mere enhancements to gameplay, becoming essential elements of the gaming experience.

Labeling ICO as "epoch-making," Taro credited it with steering the course of game development in new directions. He lauded the game for showing that video games could convey deep meanings through nuanced interactions and atmospheric design.

Beyond ICO, Taro also acknowledged the influence of two other groundbreaking titles: Undertale by Toby Fox and LIMBO by Playdead. He believes these games further expanded the possibilities of what interactive media can express, affirming that video games have the capacity to offer profound emotional and intellectual experiences.

For enthusiasts of Yoko Taro's work, his appreciation for these games provides valuable insights into the creative forces driving his own projects. It also highlights the continuous evolution of video games as a dynamic and expressive art form.