Ever since Sony unveiled the erection-inducing God of War Blu-ray compilation, gamers have been flagging other PlayStation 2 classics they believe to be worthy of similar treatment. The Metal Gear Solid, Ratchet & Clank and Sly Cooper games have been mentioned, with Capcom gauging fan interest in a Devil May Cry collection. Two of the more popular picks seem to be ICO and Shadow of the Colossus, critically acclaimed titles that have garnered significant attention in the wake of their 2001 and 2005 releases, neither of which was particularly impressive sales-wise.

Certainly would be a nice way to generate additional excitement for The Last Guardian, though I’m pretty sure it doesn’t need much help. Sony Computer Entertainment has kept the game under wraps for so long that many are frothing at the mouth for any information, no matter how vague or seemingly insignificant. Some might even be willing to decimate an entire ant colony, provided with a magnifying glass on a sunny day. I certainly wouldn’t think twice about it.

This chatter certainly isn’t lost on Team ICO director Fumito Ueda. During a Q&A session with 1UP readers at TGS 2009, the famed game designer admitted to being initially apprehensive to the idea, but has since warmed to it.

“Lately, I’ve been thinking it would be nice to provide the games to other platforms to reach more users,” Ueda said, no doubt triggering numerous ferocious orgasms.

According to the 1UP story, he wouldn’t object to PSP versions either.

It is important to note that his comments confirm nothing, as Ueda was merely offering his blessing. Team ICO might not even be involved with HD re-releases, should Sony choose to pursue them. The God of War Collection is being prepared by Bluepoint Games, not Sony Santa Monica.

Like many, I first learned of ICO after playing SOTC. Since then, I have been searching for a reasonably priced new copy, a tough prospect given its scarcity. Needless to say, I am definitely in for a Team ICO HD combo. Personally, I would enjoy a Ueda-led commentary, in which the devs explain the narrative as it unfolds. Also, footage of Ueda slaying a dragon, using its skull to fashion a canoe for the purpose of engaging the French in naval combat. It would be a landslide, as the French would surrender immediately.

Eventually, I expect both games to be playable on all PS3s, whether by a Blu-ray disc, the PSN Store, or both. I can just imagine SCE honcho Kaz Hirai grinning from ear to ear, contemplating the promise of a PS2 PSN storefront. It would be a ****ing gold mine, to put it bluntly.

Whether we get a Blu-ray compilation will likely depend on the longevity of the PS2, as well as the sales of the God of War Collection.

True ICO wasn’t a smashing commercial success, but it wasn’t heavily hyped either. Prior to the release of SOTC, it was pretty much an unknown entity. Since then, however, it has become a highly coveted PS2 game, evidenced by some of the absurd prices on eBay and Amazon.

Despite being released nearly four years ago, SOTC – a Greatest Hits title since August 2006 – has remained a top seller for Sony’s sophomore home console in North America. It ranked in the top five PS2 software sales for the weeks ending Aug. 15 and 29, as well as Sept. 26, based on Amazon.com data obtained by Gamasutra.

Image credit to Game Informer

Sources: 1UP, Destructoid, Gamasutra, Gamasutra, Gamasutra

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