Games often draw inspiration from unexpected places, a testament to the passion of their creators. While many indie titles proudly wear their influences on their sleeves, like Bomb Rush Cyberfunk’s homage to Jet Set Radio or Blasphemous echoing Castlevania’s dark charm, some connections are truly surprising. Take, for instance, Fumito Ueda’s atmospheric giant-slaying masterpiece, Shadow of the Colossus. It’s hard to imagine, but this unique game found its spark from an unlikely source: the classic first-person shooter, Battlefield 1942.
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How could a serene, epic battle against colossal beasts possibly emerge from a chaotic, gun-filled FPS? Battlefield 1942 is undoubtedly a beloved classic, but its essence – tanks, rifles, and sprawling multiplayer combat – seems diametrically opposed to the world of Shadow of the Colossus. Yet, one key element from Battlefield 1942 nearly became a fundamental part of Ueda’s vision, and no, it wasn’t the weaponry.
Following the critical acclaim but limited commercial success of his previous title, Ico, Ueda was determined to create a game that resonated with both critics and a wider audience. With considerable creative freedom from Sony, he delved into extensive playtime with Battlefield 1942. What captivated him most was the organic cooperation among players in its multiplayer environment. This sparked a pivotal question: could this sense of collaborative effort be channeled into a game centered around defeating monumental creatures?
Ueda revealed in a recent interview that during that period, he wasn’t heavily invested in single-player games. Instead, he was thoroughly immersed in Battlefield 1942, an experience that unveiled “immense potential” in the competitive landscape where players spontaneously engaged, whether by battling adversaries or assisting unknown allies.
This fascination with creating a “network game” – a concept encompassing online interaction, combat, or collaboration – directly inspired his initial vision for a game where players would team up to overcome colossal monsters.
Despite the seemingly solitary nature of the final product, Shadow of the Colossus actually began its life as a multiplayer experience. Initial concepts envisioned several players each assuming distinct roles, coordinating to bring down a single, enormous adversary. However, the ambitious multiplayer component was eventually scrapped by Ueda, primarily due to the substantial development resources it would demand.
Ueda elaborated on this, explaining that while they might have experimented with two controllers on a local network to move characters, actual online multiplayer testing was never fully realized. He had initially believed a multiplayer game was feasible given Sony’s first-party studio backing, but a realistic assessment of the available production resources led him to conclude it wasn’t achievable. To optimize development, the multiplayer aspect was definitively cut.
It’s fascinating to ponder what a multiplayer Shadow of the Colossus might have looked like. While the single-player game stands as an undeniable classic, its niche appeal might have broadened significantly with a Battlefield-inspired online component. Then again, such an addition could have fundamentally altered its iconic atmosphere, perhaps to its detriment. The “what ifs” are endless.
While we can only speculate on the reception of a multiplayer Shadow of the Colossus, there’s a strong belief that Ueda would have executed it brilliantly. Developers at Sony Computer Entertainment Japan were reportedly impressed by his decisive action to pivot away from multiplayer. However, Kyle Shubel, a producer at Sony Computer Entertainment America, mused that a successful multiplayer implementation could have elevated the game’s impact even further, suggesting that if they had managed it, “everyone would be talking about this game.”
Regardless of its ultimate single-player destiny, Shadow of the Colossus continues to spark conversations and awe gamers worldwide. If you’re drawn to its intense atmosphere and awe-inspiring creatures, many other role-playing games offer similar compelling experiences. For those craving the strategic, large-scale combat reminiscent of Battlefield, a wealth of war games are available.
What about you? Have you encountered any other bizarre or unexpected tales of developers finding inspiration in the most unlikely places? Share your stories and join the discussion with fellow gaming enthusiasts!