Yoko Taro Praises ICO as a Masterpiece That Revolutionized Video Games

Yoko Taro, the visionary behind NieR: Automata and Drakengard, recently discussed the profound impact of ICO on video games as an art form. Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, ICO quickly achieved cult status, celebrated for its minimalist design and evocative, wordless storytelling.

Taro highlighted the game's revolutionary core mechanic: guiding Yorda by holding her hand. He noted, "If ICO had tasked you with carrying a suitcase the size of a girl instead, it would have been incredibly frustrating." This simple act, he emphasized, was groundbreaking, challenging established norms of player interaction.

At the time, game design often prioritized engaging gameplay even with extremely simplistic visuals. ICO, however, prioritized emotional resonance and thematic depth over purely mechanical innovation. Taro believes ICO proved that art and narrative could be integral to the gameplay experience, rather than mere window dressing.

Calling ICO "epoch-making," Taro praised its ability to convey profound meaning through subtle interactions and atmospheric design, fundamentally reshaping game development.

Beyond ICO, Taro cited two other influential titles: Undertale by Toby Fox and LIMBO by Playdead. These games, he argued, expanded the expressive potential of interactive media, demonstrating video games' capacity for deep emotional and intellectual engagement.

Taro's admiration for these games offers valuable insight into the creative wellspring of his own work, and underscores the continued evolution of video games as a powerful and versatile art form.