Let's see how many gamers are in this subreddit. I am a fan of Fumito Ueda's games Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian. They tell beautiful stories in a very unique way. Here are some of the themes I appreciate most in this game series:
- Loneliness – In each of these games, the main character (MC) only has one companion journeying alongside them. Other than that, they are utterly alone in the story (besides the enemies that oppose them, which are often mysterious, impersonal forces). And even then, each companion doesn't even really speak (two are animal companions, and the third has a language barrier of sorts). There's very little dialogue in these games.
- Companionship – This goes hand-in-hand with Loneliness. Because the MC only has one companion in these games, you grow quite attached to that companion as you journey with them and overcome obstacles together.
- Quietness / Solitude – The settings in each of these games are eerily quiet. While there is some flora and fauna, there's absolutely no other human activity around you. Each game even takes place in an abandoned civilization of sorts. You feel very alone.
- Melancholy but Hopeful Endings – These games have bittersweet endings, but not at all hopeless. Two of the three games in particular are very emotional as they wrap up the story, but they end with a final scene that restores hope and comforts you.
Those are the immediate themes that come to mind with these games. If you've played the game, feel free to make suggestions based on your own experience of the game.
Thanks!
by orolond