Ico

Ico was too ahead of its time for gamers in the 2000s, who didn't understand it yet. Anyone who played it recognised its uniqueness; despite many imitations, nothing else truly compares. Yeah, the combat is limp and overstays its welcome in most instances, and the game is way too short, but there's no denying that Ico captures a specific mood and feeling that's hard to put into words. It sits somewhere between ethereal solitude and bittersweet melancholic awe. Sometimes a powerful and unique feeling can carry a game in spite of its flaws, and that's worth more than anything.