Phoenix (or Adar Flam, the name given to it by fans) is one of several unused colossi that did not make it into the final version of Shadow of the Colossus.
Strategy
The guidebook gives information on how Phoenix had to be defeated: "Its body was wreathed in flame. You defeated it by plunging it into a lake". This indicates that Wander was not able to climb its body straight away. In all released screenshots of Phoenix, Wander is seen riding Agro, so it can be assumed she was vital to this battle.
Rumors
According to an old Team Ico Gamers Blog post, Phoenix was removed for being overpowered and also because it required a huge arena due to its attacks. [1] (This would later be confirmed by an interview with Fumito Ueda conducted by French gaming magazine Chronic'art.)
There are two proposed locations for this colossus' original location; the first at D3 on the map, where the same trees seen in several of the beta screenshots can still be found in the released version of the game. The second is at quadrant I4; where matching texture and data evidence also suggests the colossus once dwelled. [2]
Gallery
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 |