Why exactly is Shadow of the Colossus held in such high regard?

[Sewer Rat]

While I agree with some of the people who posted that the point is that you are supposed to get little resistance from the Collosi, you are supposed to feel like a cold blooded murderer. That said though, I didn't really have patience for the game honestly. I found the controls like you said to be terrible, and I found the language of the demon or whatever the hell it was to be incredibly grating. I found it to be a great experience visually, and in its overall depth, but as a game I found it to be kind of terrible. This balanced out to me as for me saying it was above average, but personally feel it is a little overrated.

 

[Flailing Escapist]

I enjoyed it because I have never played a game like it. To this day it keeps me drawn in and looking forward to the next colossi. Its a game that doesn't need constant explosions or storytelling getting in the way; the atmosphere drives the game. Its practically wordless but thanks to the beautiful landscape, wonderful soundtrack and the shear size of the colossi it does what most games can't do today which is keep me interested.

I don't think I've ever had quite a what the fuck moment like the first time after you slay your first colossus. The cool thing is by the end of the game I completely accepted the fact that it was going to happen and it didn't surprise me that it did. When you become accustom to the fact that after you slay the beast darkness will invade your body, you'll collapse and wake up looking more and more dead as you go on the game is winning (your hearts and your minds).