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 aesthetic and evocative, wordless storytelling.

Taro highlighted the game's revolutionary core mechanic—guiding Yorda by holding her hand—as a radical departure from established gameplay conventions. 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 of leading another character, he emphasized, was groundbreaking, challenging the prevailing understanding of player interaction.

At the time, successful game design often prioritized engaging gameplay even with extremely simplified visuals. ICO, however, prioritized emotional resonance and thematic depth over purely mechanical innovation. Taro believes the game demonstrated that art and narrative could transcend their role as mere embellishments, becoming integral to the core experience.

Calling ICO "epoch-making," Taro credited it with fundamentally altering the course of game development. He praised its ability to convey profound meaning through subtle interactions and atmospheric world-building.

Beyond ICO, Taro cited two other influential titles: Toby Fox's Undertale and Playdead's LIMBO. These games, he argued, similarly pushed the boundaries of interactive storytelling, proving the capacity of video games to deliver deeply emotional and intellectually stimulating experiences.

Taro's appreciation for these games provides valuable insight into the creative wellspring of his own work, further underscoring the ongoing evolution of video games as a powerful and versatile art form.