Yoko Taro, the visionary behind acclaimed titles such as NieR: Automata and Drakengard, has lauded the profound impact of ICO on the landscape of video games as an art form. Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, ICO swiftly achieved cult classic status due to its minimalist aesthetic and narrative conveyed without words.

Taro has emphasized how the game's central mechanic, guiding Yorda by holding her hand, revolutionized gameplay norms. He poignantly noted, "If ICO had tasked you with carrying a suitcase the size of a girl instead, it would have been an incredibly frustrating experience." This mechanic of leading another character was revolutionary, challenging the traditional notions of interactivity in video games.

At the time of ICO's release, successful game design was often measured by how engaging the experience remained even when reduced to basic geometric shapes. ICO broke from this trend by focusing on emotional resonance and thematic depth rather than just mechanical novelty. Taro believes the game demonstrated that art and narrative could move beyond mere backdrops to become essential elements of the gaming experience.

Describing ICO as "epoch-making," Taro credits it with altering the course of game development. He extols the game for showing that video games have the potential to communicate deep significance through understated interactions and atmospheric design.

In addition to ICO, Taro mentions two other games that significantly influenced him and the industry: Undertale by Toby Fox and LIMBO by Playdead. These games, he argues, expanded the possibilities of what could be achieved through interactive media, proving that video games are capable of delivering profound emotional and intellectual experiences.

For enthusiasts of Yoko Taro's creations, his appreciation for these games provides a glimpse into the creative forces shaping his work. It also highlights the continuous evolution of video games as a dynamic and expressive art form.