If you found Shadow of the Colossus engaging, there are numerous similar games ready to captivate you even more.

If you're on the lookout for a game that gives you epic battles amidst idyllic landscapes, then Shadow of the Colossus is the one for you! Developed by Team Ico and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game released initially for PlayStation 2, and, due to its high popularity, later remastered for PlayStation 3 and 4. It tells the story of a young warrior named Wander, who embarks on a quest to bring a girl named Mono back to life. To do so, Wander must traverse across a sprawling deserted landscape and defeat sixteen creatures, known as colossi, each battle presenting a unique challenge. Shadow of the Colossus is known for dispensing traditional game design elements such as towns, NPCs, and side quests in favor of a focus on exploration and combat. Its minimalist storytelling, atmospheric score, and stunning visuals have earned the game a cult following and a place in many 'best-of' gaming lists.

We have a bevy of games for fans of Shadow of the Colossus. There are many titles that transport you to equally dreamy, expansive worlds where your wits and combat skills are continually tested. They range from indie gems to highly-rated AAA games, and across platforms and genres, but all are united by the same spirit of grand adventure and fantastical storytelling that makes Shadow of the Colossus so unforgettable. If you love the thrill of facing down behemoth bosses, figuring out creative solutions to grand puzzles, or immersing yourself in beautifully-rendered, atmospheric worlds, then you're in luck. Ready to find your next gaming obsession?

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25. Ico

If you loved Shadow of the Colossus, the spiritual predecessor Ico will surely pique your interest. Like Shadow of the Colossus, Ico involves large, open and beautifully designed landscapes interwoven with well-crafted puzzles, creating an intense atmosphere that will fully captivate you. The overall tone and aesthetic of Ico share a similar minimalist nature with Shadow, emphasizing environmental details and sparse but meaningful dialogue. There are no intrusive HUDs or mini-maps, only a pure gaming experience that relies heavily on your intuition and exploration.

The unique gameplay mechanics of Ico are as compelling as in Shadow of the Colossus. In this game, you control Ico, the young protagonist leading Yorda, a captive princess, through a dangerous castle filled with puzzles, traps and shadowy creatures. Like in Shadow, the cinematic presentation of climbing, fighting and puzzle-solving, along with the interpersonal dynamic developed between the two characters, gives a sense of grandeur and emotional depth you enjoyed in Shadow of the Colossus. The feeling of isolation mixed with the bond formed with your companion bears a semblance to the companionship with Agro.

Ico is available on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 (as part of Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection) and PlayStation 4 (via PS Now), typically priced around $20 USD.

24. The Last Guardian

The Last Guardian, much like Shadow of the Colossus, is a gripping journey of companionship, filled with wonder and mystique. It is crafted by the same visionary team, led by Fumito Ueda, which gives it a cinematic Prisma-like approach with mesmerizing expanses and abstract landscapes that echo the elements of Shadow. The puzzling elements, intertwined with gripping storytelling, lends immerse gameplay that harkens back to the epic lonely treks and colossal battles of your protagonist Wander in Shadow of the Colossus, but flipped in a more intimate and emotional narrative, making your connection with your giant creature companion Trico, more heartfelt.

The gameplay mechanics, while different in some aspects, have the same core based on exploration and environment interaction. Using minimal HUD, both games command you to pay attention to the details of the surrounding world, invoking curiosity-driven exploration, and offering rewarding non-linear gameplay. The great creature encounters in the Last Guardian compared to the Colossi in Shadow of the Colossus offer similar epic moments, yet imbued with intimate companionship. The narrative framework, the breathtakingly beautiful world design, the melancholic landscape, as well as the profound emotional depths that are created by the connection of the protagonist with an enormous creature, doubles down on the unique gaming experience that you loved in Shadow of the Colossus.

The Last Guardian is available on the PlayStation 4 platform, typically priced around $20 USD.

23. Dark Souls

Dark Souls shares a lot of narrative and monumental aspects with Shadow of the Colossus. At first glance, they might seem entirely different, but they offer similar atmospheric experiences and structure that revolve around overcoming difficult, gigantic adversaries in bleak, yet breathtaking landscapes. The focus in both games is on exploration and engagement with the environment, pushing you to learn by interacting with the world around you. In each game, you’re rewarded not just for defeating bosses, but for simply surviving, and for discovering the game world’s many secrets.

The bosses in Dark Souls, like in Shadow of the Colossus, are nothing short of dreadful and grand. Each of them is unique and requires a different strategy, much like the colossi in Shadow of the Colossus. Additionally, Dark Souls shares the sense of grandiosity and solitude that makes Shadow of the Colossus such a captivating game. You're a lone warrior in a vast labyrinthine world, facing off against colossal beings that seem impossible to beat at first glance. This forges a strong bond between player and protagonist, as you both embark on this daunting, yet captivating journey together, lending to an overall compelling and immersive gaming experience.

Dark Souls is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $39.99 USD.

22. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time shares an intriguing similarity with Shadow of the Colossus in the way both games masterfully intertwine gameplay with storytelling. Just like Shadow of the Colossus, Sands of Time allows you to interact and shape the game world in a deep and meaningful way. Instead of simply defeating enemies, you'll find yourself leveraging your acrobatic skills and the power of the sands to manipulate time and solve challenging puzzles, not entirely unlike how you figure out how to take down the colossal giants in Shadow of the Colossus. Both games present you with epic, atmospheric worlds that feel lonely and desolate, but crucially alive and immerse you completely in their captivating narrative.

The two games also share a focus on the bond between characters, going beyond typical action-adventure gameplay. In Shadow of the Colossus, the relationship between you and your horse, Agro, was integral to the emotional impact of the game. Sands of Time mirrors this connection with the evolving relationship between the Prince and companion, Farah. Their dynamic transforms as the gameplay progresses, leading to a poignant story that is conveyed not just through cutscenes, but lived through the mechanics and challenges of the game.

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time is available on PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance, typically priced around $10 USD.

21. Journey

Both Journey and Shadow of the Colossus are unique games that enchant players with their atmospheric beauty and unusual, minimalist storytelling techniques. They immerse players into expansive and beautifully designed worlds that are both mysterious and enchanting; Journey's deserts and Shadow of the Colossus's forbidden lands are filled with awe-inspiring sceneries and solitude, prompting emotions and questions rather than feeding players with cut-scenes or extensive dialogues. They are games that value the process of discovery, having the players actively interpret the world around them, fostering emotions of sadness, happiness, or fear based purely on surroundings and ethereal soundtracks.

Gameplay-wise, both games defy conventional game genres; they focus less on character progression, combat, or looting but rather on exploration and puzzle-solving. In Shadow of the Colossus, players puzzle out how to defeat each of the different colossi, which vary in size and require different strategies. Meanwhile, Journey is about understanding the world around you, solving puzzles, and uncovering a story told through visuals rather than text or speech. The games highlighted their distinct gameplay methods with a shared fundamental core - the concept of a lonely, almost haunting journey that give players a sense of smallness in a vast world.

Journey is available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, and PC, typically priced around $15 USD.

20. God of War

God of War is a game that truly parallels with Shadow of the Colossus on several layers. Like Shadow of the Colossus, God of War provides the players with a rich, atmospheric world, laden with epic and towering creatures and beautifully intricate landscapes. Not solely content with creating impressive vistas, both these games push beyond simple spectacle toward a common shared focus - engaging story-line and a complex character study. In developing Kratos' character, just like Wander in Shadow of the Colossus, the developers work tirelessly to create a meaningful narrative that elicits emotional reactions, making the players invested in each part of his journey.

The combat mechanics in God of War also mirror Shadow of the Colossus' thrillingly epic confrontations. Both games put you against colossal beings, and overcoming these giants requires more than just spamming attack buttons. You need to observe, strategize, find weak spots, and execute attacks with perfect timing. The games also use environmental puzzles to alter the flow of combat, creating moments of tension as you try to manipulate the terrain or structures to your advantage. The fluidity of such mechanics, combined with stunning visuals and immersive sound design, fabricates a feeling of being a speck against a tempest, the exact sensation you get while playing Shadow of the Colossus.

God of War is available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, typically priced around $20 USD.

19. Zelda: Breath of The Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Shadow of the Colossus share many striking similarities that make them compelling for fans of adventure and puzzle-based games. Both titles sport a massive open world with plenty to explore and secrets hidden all around. Traveling through the landscapes--either on foot, horseback, or gliding through the air in Breath of the Wild--is a breathtaking experience that evokes a sense of awe and immersion reminiscent of the lonely, yet visually stunning world of Shadow of the Colossus.

Just like in Shadow of the Colossus, where you had to discover and exploit the weaknesses of each titanic boss to progress, Breath of The Wild also introduces unique trials that require a great deal of puzzle-solving skills. Each enemy fort, shrine or Divine Beast in Breath of the Wild demands strategic planning and tactical execution to overcome. While you won't be clambering up gigantic beasts per se, the essence of puzzle-based combat with rewarding exploration remains a paramount element in both titles. And for fans of story-rich games, Breath of the Wild offers a more extensive lore, promising hours of immersive and epic storytelling that draws you into its magical world.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available on Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $60 USD.

18. Okami

Okami bears a substantial amount of similarities to Shadow of the Colossus in some fascinating key areas, making it a magnificent choice for fans of the latter. One of the most noteworthy points of resemblance does lie in the beautiful yet poignant aesthetic both games offer. Much like Shadow of the Colossus, Okami utilizes an artistic, heavily stylized visual style to represent its world and characters, but while Shadow of the Colossus favors minimalistic, somber tones, Okami goes full out on vibrant colors and intricate detail inspired by traditional Japanese sumi-e paintings. The result is simply captivating and immensely immersive worlds in both games that players can enjoy exploring for hours on end.

In terms of gameplay, both games also present thrilling battles with massive enemies, requiring a combination of strategy, skill, and timing to overcome. However, instead of only focusing on these exhilarating boss fights, Okami also incorporates puzzle-solving elements and exploration in a more overt RPG structure. Much like in Shadow of the Colossus where each Colossi fight is an enthralling puzzle in itself, Okami's Celestial Brush mechanic frequently demands that players think creatively to proceed both in combat and within the environment. This forms an engaging gameplay loop that blends action, exploration, and problem-solving, just like what you loved in Shadow of the Colossus.

Okami is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

17. Devil May Cry

While Devil May Cry and Shadow of the Colossus are uniquely different in terms of gameplay and story, they share an underlying essence that links them together quite nicely. At their core, both games are about the heroic journey against seemingly insurmountable odds, with a fair share of epic boss fights. In Devil May Cry, like in Shadow of the Colossus, prevails the concept of a lone hero facing off against gigantic foes, which creates a sense of epic scale and dramatic tension that's deeply engaging. Each enemy encounter feels like a grand, climactic battle, where strategy and focus are as important as your combat skills.

The atmospheric environments and intricate level designs are another shared feature of these games. Both games exhibit a strong sense of place, with richly detailed locales that contribute to the overall mood and challenge of the game. In Devil May Cry, like Shadow of the Colossus, the environment can play a significant role in your strategy, aiding or hindering you in battle. Searching for and discovering these environmental details can be just as thrilling and rewarding as the boss fights themselves. Also, the narrative themes of both games lean towards the darker side, unraveling stories of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, which further enhances their similarity.

Devil May Cry series is available on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms, typically priced around $30 USD.

16. Monster Hunter: World

Monster Hunter: World, much like Shadow of the Colossus, is a game that situates you within a vast, breathtaking environment filled with colossal creatures. It sparks a sense of awe in you as you traverse through lush landscapes that are as beautiful as they are threatening. In both games, you get to engage with towering beasts in spectacular battles, but Monster Hunter: World takes it to a whole new level with a greater variety of monsters, each having unique traits, behaviors, and vulnerabilities that you need to consider. Just like in Shadow of the Colossus, the game encourages exploration and rewards your curiosity.

Both games share a similarity in their design philosophy. They revolve around epic monster encounters where the environment plays a crucial role. Each confrontation is not only a thrilling fight but also a puzzle, wherein you have to discover and exploit the weaknesses of these gigantic creatures. The thrill of tracking, hunting, and finally toppling these monumental creatures in Monster Hunter: World mirrors the exhilaration felt while playing Shadow of the Colossus. It is a game that highly values the epic scale, strategic combat, and the feeling of accomplishment when defeating a colossal foe.

Monster Hunter: World is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $30 USD.

15. Ori and the Blind Forest

If you loved Shadow of the Colossus, Ori and the Blind Forest will likely resonate with you on numerous levels. When you strip it down to the base level, both games are essentially about engaging with and conquering grand, almost insurmountable problems. In the case of Shadow, these problems take a physical form as enormous colossi, in Ori, they take the form of complex platforming challenges and ferocious enemies. What sets these two games apart is their shared aesthetic quality and intense focus on environmental storytelling. For example, you often find yourself immersed in stunning, almost alien lands - lush forests, neverending deserts, mysterious ruins - which are as much a character in the story as the protagonists themselves.

Another important similarity between both games is the deep, emotional journeys they each offer. In Shadow, you traverse through stages of acceptance, grief, anger, and sadness as you do everything within your powers to save the one you love. Ori works in the same vein, drawing players into its deeply touching narrative of love, sacrifice, and hope. Combined with their genuinely affecting soundtracks, both games succeed in evoking strong, powerful emotions eliciting a play experience like no other. There is a raw vulnerability in the narratives that adds to the depth and impact of the gameplay, making you care for the characters and their quests making every challenge faced and conquered personally rewarding.

Ori and the Blind Forest is available on Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

14. Uncharted series

While the Uncharted series is a different genre from Shadow of the Colossus, they both carry a similar engaging sense of exploration and adventure. In both games, the protagonist is driven by a personal quest through breathtakingly detailed landscapes filled with historic mystique. Much like how you traversed the Forbidden Lands in Shadow of the Colossus, in the Uncharted series, you'll navigate various exotic and ancient locales, solving intricate puzzles that lead you to uncover secrets of lost civilizations. The key to both games solely lies in the environmental interaction and engaging narratives that unfold as you progress.

Moreover, you might also appreciate the grand boss battles of the Uncharted series, reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus. While Uncharted is certainly more gunplay and cover-shooter based, the series also features colossal set pieces and epic confrontations that are just as thrilling and intense as bringing down a Colossus. The cinematics, storytelling, and relationship dynamics developed throughout the Uncharted series reflect a similar depth of character complexity as seen in Shadow of the Colossus, providing an immersive and emotional gaming experience.

The Uncharted series is available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, typically priced around $20 USD for the older titles and $40-$60 USD for the newest releases.

13. Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 and Shadow of the Colossus, at first glance, may not seem similar due to their difference in genre and gameplay. However, the quintessential elements that make both these games memorable are similar, and as a fan of Shadow of the Colossus, these aspects of Resident Evil 4 might appeal to you. The solitary sense of exploration, tension in boss fights, strategy-based gameplay, and a moody atmospheric world - are the shared groundwork that make these two games likably comparable. Resident Evil 4 like Shadow of the Colossus, keeps you in anticipation throughout, where every move counts and each boss is unique and formidable.

Continuing, both games emphasize equally on immersion, and even though Resident Evil 4 walks away from pure puzzle solving to incorporate more strategic combat, the core experience remains quite analogous. The game makes you feel like you're a part of this enchanting yet deadly place, constantly prompting critical thinking and strategy formulation. Perhaps the most notable similarity lies in how they execute the lead character's journey. Be it Leon S. Kennedy's mission to save the President's daughter or Wander's voyage to take down the sixteen giants, both games effectively instill an emotional and physical struggle that moves far beyond the simple kill and survive mechanics.

Resident Evil 4 is available on various platforms like PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $20 USD.

12. Final Fantasy XV

You may find that Final Fantasy XV borrows a few key elements from Shadow of the Colossus, giving it a similar appeal. Just like Shadow of the Colossus, Final Fantasy XV emphasizes large-scale battles. You will regularly encounter massive beasts that you need to strategically bring down, like Shadow’s Colossi, offering an engaging combat experience that is both challenging and thrilling. The game’s setting also echoes that of Shadow of the Colossus; Final Fantasy’s vast, open landscapes will remind you of the immersive experience of wandering and exploring in SotC.

Engagement is also conducted on similar notes; like in Shadow of the Colossus, befriending and mounting creatures is a key part of the gameplay in Final Fantasy XV. The Regalia, your car for most of the game, often feels like Aggro, your horse in SoTC, in how it's an essential companion for traversing the expansive world. Character development and relationships are deeper in FFXV, but the bond between the protagonists and their companions will definitely strike a chord with fans of the singular, profound connection between Wander and Aggro.

Final Fantasy XV is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

11. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Odyssey, much like Shadow of the Colossus, maintains a hefty focus on exploration and ascending various structures. In both games, settings are vast, open world environments with rich lore and stunning vistas. Here, you're encouraged to veer off the beaten path and uncover numerous secrets strewn about. As you know, in Shadow of the Colossus, you had to scale gigantic beasts to find their weak points. Similarly, in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, you scale towering structures as part of synchronizing your map and revealing new areas or points of interest, essentially echoing the same feeling of scale and vertical exploration.

Battles are another point of comparison. Although Assassin's Creed Odyssey has more normal-sized foes than Shadow of the Colossus, taking down your victims requires careful planning, strategy, and understanding of your enemies' weaknesses and attack patterns. Like Shadow of the Colossus, it also offers boss battles which need clever tactics and keen observation to defeat. Moreover, Odyssey's narrative shares thematic elements with Shadow of the Colossus, focusing heavily on the protagonist's journey, extreme personal stakes, and a blend of myth with reality.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $60 USD.

10. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Both The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Shadow of the Colossus share several intriguing characteristics that make them quite similar, albeit with their unique touch. They both embrace a grand sense of scale and atmosphere in their deeply immersive worlds, drawing the player into their vast landscapes teeming with life and mystery. Just as you spent hours in Shadow of the Colossus riding through the wilderness and scaling giant beasts, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt invites you to explore its sprawling world on horseback or by foot, engaging in meticulously crafted quests and formidable beast hunts that leaves an indelible experience.

Furthermore, both games emphasize elucidating a profound, character-driven story. Where Shadow of the Colossus focused on the solitary journey of Wander, The Witcher 3 expands to involve a compelling narrative with multifaceted characters, each possessing their tales, secrets, and motivations that deeply influence the progression of the game. Like Shadow of the Colossus, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivers heart-wrenching moments, moral ambiguities and intense combats that shape the unfolding of its story. While each game has a different tone and mechanics, the thematic influences, atmospheric world, and compelling narrative of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus, make it a gaming experience that you certainly won't want to miss.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $40 USD.

9. Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Shadow of the Colossus share a striking resemblance in terms of their immersive, atmospheric open-world settings. The moment you step into the kingdom of Hyrule in Twilight Princess, you’ll feel a similar tranquility to that of the Forbidden Land in Shadow of the Colossus. Both journeys provide a sense of solitude as they encourage you to explore their vast landscapes. There's also a comfort attached to the mix of melancholy and mystery, giving you a sense of adventurous isolation that drives you further into the game.

Another substantial similarity between the two games is the handling of boss battles. Just like how your engagements with the Colossi in Shadow of the Colossus felt more like puzzle-solving milestones, Twilight Princess also presents its own unique spin on boss encounters. The bosses are not just there to be defeated, they form part of the narrative progression, needing a calculated strategy and understanding of the environment or tools at hand. This aspect of challenging and engaging bosses allows for a refreshing contrast to repetitive hack-and-slash routines, elevating the overall gaming experience.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is available on Wii and Nintendo GameCube, typically priced around $59.99 USD.

8. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, much like Shadow of the Colossus, is a visually stunning game where the player finds himself confronting monstrous gods or lords that are at times overwhelmingly gigantic. Each level in Castlevania is like an elaborate puzzle that leads up to a boss fight a lot like the cathartic battles in Shadow of the Colossus. Where in Colossus, you strategically climb and defeat these colossal creatures, in Lords of Shadow, you rely on your combat skills, as well as strategic climbing and hopping from one platform to another to reach and defeat these titan bosses, which gives a similar sense of triumph and exhilaration.

Furthermore, in both games, you are driven by a deep personal loss, pushing you to confront these almost unbeatable adversaries. Castlevania also offers a magnificent world scheme like Shadow of the Colossus, filled with beautiful, richly detailed settings that invoke a sense of solitary exploration. Lords of Shadow also has a deep, emotional narrative that unfolds as you progress, similar to Colossus, which will keep you engaged just like how the mystery of Dormin and Mono did in Shadow of the Colossus.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows, typically priced around $20 USD.

6. Horizon Zero Dawn

If you're a fan of Shadow of the Colossus, you will absolutely adore Horizon Zero Dawn. Much like Shadow of the Colossus, Horizon Zero Dawn features a breathtaking world for you to explore, filled with rich lore and a variety of monstrous machines that will put your combat skills to the test. Both games are marked by their atmospheric environments, jaw-dropping graphics, and the sense of exhilarating freedom that you experience while journeying through their vast landscapes.

In addition, they share unique gameplay elements; Shadow of the Colossus is renowned for its gigantic boss fights, where you have to climb onto these beasts to discover their weak spots and take them down. Similarly, in Horizon Zero Dawn, you'll encounter monstrous robotic dinosaurs - these creatures, though not as colossal as those in SOTC, still require strategy to defeat, focusing on their weaknesses and using the right weapons. Both games also explore themes of isolation and the true cost of the quest you're on, adding another layer of intrigue to the powerful narratives.

Horizon Zero Dawn is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

5. Tomb Raider

Both Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Colossus offer deep, enthralling stories filled with puzzles, challenges, and stunning landscapes to explore. Just like Shadow of the Colossus, Tomb Raider propels players on an emotionally charged journey, filled with high-tension moments and harrowing obstacles, that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From scaling colossal structures to traversing treacherous terrains, the essence of overcoming daunting and larger-than-life challenges is a shared hallmark of both games that engenders a thrilling sense of accomplishment.

Attention to environmental detail and character development is another commonality between the two games. In Tomb Raider, as in Shadow of the Colossus, you get to interact with skillfully crafted worlds, filled with hidden treasures and secrets that encourage exploration and curiosity. The protagonist, Lara Croft, much like Wander in Shadow of the Colossus, evolves throughout the game, with their triumphs and tribulations significantly contributing to their character growth. If you loved the atmospheric visual storytelling and in-depth characterization of Shadow of the Colossus, you're likely to be deeply engaged by the rich narrative and immersive world of Tomb Raider.

Tomb Raider is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC platforms, typically priced around $20 USD.

4. Darksiders

If you're a fan of Shadow of the Colossus, you might find Darksiders equally intriguing as both games demonstrate a unique and visually stunning approach to their respective genres. Shadow of the Colossus is renowned for its epic boss battles, where each boss is a puzzle in itself that you need to solve. Darksiders adopts a similar approach but in a more traditional action-adventure style. Instead of having a handful of enormous bosses, Darksiders gives you a multitude of enemies and puzzles along with quick-time events during boss fights, which keeps the action rolling. This mixture of hack-and-slash with clever puzzles makes for a game that, like Shadow of the Colossus, demands both strategy and action from the player.

Another significant factor linking the two is their stunning art direction. In the same way Shadow of the Colossus creates a solemn, lonely, yet beautiful world, Darksiders creates a dark, apocalyptic fantasy world that's impressively detailed and a joy to explore. The character designs in Darksiders, brought to life by comic book artist Joe Madureira, are unique and full of personality, much like the memorable colossi you encounter in Shadow of the Colossus. Dynamic environments, immersive gameplay and staggering visuals all contribute towards creating a captivating gaming experience in both Shadow of the Colossus and Darksiders.

Darksiders is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

3. Nier: Automata

If you loved the hauntingly beautiful, open-world epic that is Shadow of the Colossus, then you're likely to enjoy Nier: Automata. Like Shadow of the Colossus, Nier: Automata thrives on a sense of desolation and isolation, thrusting you into a post-apocalyptic landscape rife with ruin and mystery. Its fantastic meta-narrative echoes Shadow of the Colossus's subdued storytelling, delving into existential themes and featuring layered plotlines that might make you question the very nature of video games just like Team Ico's masterpiece did. Plus, both games have an atmospheric score that bolster their evocative and melancholic worlds.

Then there's the combat. While Nier: Automata offers more of an action RPG, high-octane experience compared to Shadow of the Colossus's slow-and-methodical, but tactical take on battles, both games do share an underlying balletic rhythm to their combat and boss fights. Both titles foster a sense of scale and drama in their encounters, and while Nier doesn't quite focus on 'bosses' as puzzles, it does imbue its fights with a degree of creativity and spectacle reminiscent of taking down Colossi, with adrenaline-pumping moments that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.

Nier: Automata is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $30 USD.

2. Bayonetta

Just like Shadow of the Colossus, Bayonetta is a game that heavily focuses on enormous boss fights which require strategic thinking and skillful execution to overcome. Both games create a sense of awe for the player through their colossal enemies. In Bayonetta, you meet unique bosses that are as stunning and grandiose as the Colossi. Like in Shadow of the Colossus, these fights have an epic scale, where the environment and landscape can often play as much a role as the enemy themselves. The cinematic score is extremely immersive in both games - setting the mood for the difficult, boss-shattering battles that lay ahead.

Similar to Shadow of the Colossus’s Wander, Bayonetta’s protagonist is also a lone warrior against colossal odds. The story of both games is shrouded in mystery, slowly revealing itself as you progress. Spectacular and grand visuals define both games, offering a unique art style and impressive graphics that renders their gigantic world and oversized foes. Bayonetta and Shadow of the Colossus may not share the exact genre but both offer that distinctive gaming experience, combining high action, exploration, and an engaging storyline, which leaves a lasting impression.

Bayonetta is available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

1. Bloodborne

Bloodborne, much like Shadow of the Colossus, takes you on a thrilling, mysterious journey through a beautifully crafted, foreboding world. Both games are known for their rich atmospheric storytelling and stunningly intricate environments. Steam through the cosmopolitan city of Yharnam or the vast, desolate landscapes of Shadow of the Colossus, you'll find immersive, atmospheric gameplay combined with crushing, but ultimately rewarding, difficulty. The inherent sense of isolation and desperation in overcoming seemingly impossible odds evokes a satisfying sense of accomplishment and progression in both games.

At their core, both Bloodborne and Shadow of the Colossus share a unique approach to boss battles, focusing on strategy and learning patterns rather than brute force. Bloodborne, like Shadow of the Colossus, presents you with gigantic enemies but scenarios are approached with different strategies and tactics. For example, in Shadow of the Colossus, you'll need to figure out how to scale each colossus and find its weakness, while in Bloodborne, each battle is a punishing, heart-pounding dance of dodges, counterattacks, and strategy. The deep sense of bewilderment, coupled with brainstorming strategies to take down monumental enemies make both games intensely rewarding experiences.

Bloodborne is available on PlayStation 4, typically priced around $20 USD.

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