The differences between the U.S. version (left) and all other versions (right) go far beyond their cover art.
In order to meet an early shipping deadline for a U.S. release of September 30th, many second-playthrough extras present in the subsequent Japanese and European release of ICO had to be cut. In addition, several changes were made to the castle's rooms and puzzles. The following is a list of all revisions made after the release of the U.S. version of ICO, including missing bonuses.
Bonuses
Yorda's speech translated
In the initial playthrough of ICO, Yorda's speech would appear as runic symbols on the bottom of the screen. On a new game started from a cleared game file (referred to as a "second game"), Yorda's speech is translated.
Two-player mode
After starting a second game from a cleared file, a second player can play as Yorda (by adjusting a new "Players" setting in the Options menu).
Light Saber
A secret weapon that looks (and even sounds, as it swings) like a lightsaber from Star Wars. The blade can vanquish shadows easily, and it has a very long reach if Ico is holding Yorda's hand.
Film-grain effects
A new option that allows the player to select from various film overlays, making the game look similar to an old film. (The overlays are used in various parts of the regular game, including the early cutscene where Ico sees a shadow dripping out of Yorda's cage).
Extra ending
At the end of the game, Ico walks down a long beach to meet Yorda. If this is a second-playthrough file, several watermelons will be behind a large rock near the beginning of the path (the boat "points" right towards it). If Ico picks up one of the watermelons and carries it all the way over to Yorda, an extended ending will play showing them sitting together eating watermelons on the beach.
Technical Changes
- Holding hands is executed differently: in the US version you press the R1 button to hold, and press it again to release grip. In other versions, the button must be held to keep your grip (Either hold option can be used in the other versions).
- Yorda's AI was improved. In the US version, she would usually just stand still even if enemies were actively approaching.
- Yorda now helps the player solve puzzles by pointing to the place or object of interest and vocalising.
- Several of the rooms had their camera angles changed.
- A few puzzles were lengthened by adding trickier bits.
- Shadows all have lower HP (smaller shadows have 7, larger have 11, while in the US version they have 14). Shadows are also less aggressive and easier to handle compared to the US version. The little "Spider" shadows can do damage only in the US version.
Changes made to the castle
Click to enlarge.
| The game | ICO ( Demo · Revisions from U.S. version · Ico HD ) | |
| Characters | Ico · Yorda · The Queen · Shadows · Shinkan | |
| The Castle | Idol Gates · Yorda's language · Saving Benches Altar • Warehouse • Spiral Stairs • Old Bridge • Stairs • Trolley 1 • Trolley 2 • Crane • Chandelier • Drawbridge • Main Gate • Graveyard • Dark Room • Sunbeams • Stone Pillar • East Crag • East Arena • East Idol Stairs • East Reflector • Waterfall • Sluice • Cogwheel • Gondola • Water Tower • West Crag • West Arena • West Idol Stairs • West Reflector • Cage • Pipe • Elevator • Wharf • Queen's Room • Sandy Beach | |
| Other Media | Ico ~Melody in the Mist~ · Official Game Guide · Ico: Castle in the Mist | |
