`ICO’s’ premise is simple and its delivery simpler – you must escape a castle and save the princess in the meantime.

To do so, you must explore the immense castle, solve puzzles and defeat shadowy spirits. While simple, the game sets up everything in a way that is intriguing, challenging and ultimately entertaining.

Although the game is set in only one castle, the immense size of it makes each area feel like a new world. Traveling is difficult, due to the run-down nature of the structure, requiring you to use any means necessary to move on. This consists of standard adventure fare – climbing to new areas, throwing switches and destroying roadblocks, but the game does it in a fashion to keep you constantly guessing and finding new methods of action. All the while you must make sure the less-capable princess is able to follow and avoid her capture by the mysterious inky-black spirits.

The game’s visuals manage to perfectly portray the sheer size of the castle you explore, with breath-taking scenes of high cliffs over the ocean or dizzying looks down the castle’s towers.

The game’s camera can be peculiar to get used to, but it also manages to give you a sense of danger as it moves to show your surroundings as you make your way through deadly areas.

The sound is sparse with no music, but this works perfectly with the game as the few ambient sounds included give you a sense of isolation within the game world.

Like most adventure games, there is very little to go back to once done with the game – and the game can be fairly short for some. `ICO’ is the type of game you will want to enjoy a second time, though, as well as show it off to those you know.

Its simple, yet perfect mix of all things adventurous, make it one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have on the PS2.

Rating: A-

Silent Hill 2

In the horror genre of games, a few series, such as Capcom’s `Resident Evil,’ have dominated the scene as the well-known titles.

But with the release of the second in the series, Konami’s `Silent Hill’ series is starting to make a name for itself.

In `Silent Hill 2′, you take on the role of James Sunderland, a man who heads to the town of Silent Hill in an attempt to find his wife after receiving a letter from her three years after her death. Upon arrival, he quickly realizes not all is right with the town.

Throughout the game, you run into other unwary visitors to Silent Hill and uncover more of the town’s history. The story stays vague and mysterious, often creating more questions than answers. This continually draws you deeper into the plot and subsequently, deeper into the game. While the story is enjoyable, it can be a bit too vague at times. If you dug deep into the first game, some of `Silent Hill 2’s’ mysteries will not be surprising.

The story only sets the stage, as the town is fully brought alive through the gorgeous graphics and great audio.

The character models are detailed and the monsters gruesomely designed. The town itself is done in a stylish and gritty look that perfectly fits the game’s theme.

The ambient sounds and lack of music in most areas keeps the creepy and uneasy feeling going. Finally, excellent lighting and fog effects top off the dark and disturbing atmosphere.

The game offers some excellent puzzles and decent action, with a great sense of exploration. Sadly, you are at times railroaded into a particular area for story’s sake, with no option but to carry it out.

It is still very entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat to the end.

One time through the game is enough for most, but alternate endings do give reason to go back. This leaves very little left to learn besides the new ending, making the later trips short and at times unsatisfying. It is still worth the first trip through, with plenty of thrills, chills and scares just like any good horror story offers.

Rating: B+