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- Best overall: Sony Interactive Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS4)
- Best budget: Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian (PS4)
- Best premium: Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4)
- Best for a modern PlayStation setup: Sony Interactive Entertainment PlayStation 5 Console – 1TB
- Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) is the top pick for colossal boss battles, modern presentation and a focused single-player adventure.
- The Last Guardian (PS4) is the better choice for players who want a companion-led story and a slower, more emotional journey.
- Both PS4 games are single-player adventures, and PlayStation 5 consoles support playing them through backward compatibility.
- The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4) adds physical collectibles, while ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) bundles 2 classic games.
Shadow of the Colossus and The Last Guardian are distinct single-player adventures from Japan Studio, but they deliver very different kinds of wonder. Shadow of the Colossus puts 16 towering colossi between you and your goal. The Last Guardian builds its story around 1 boy, 1 mysterious creature and the trust they develop together.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across the games, editions and a current PlayStation platform option. Here's the bottom line: choose Shadow of the Colossus for boss-focused action and visual spectacle; choose The Last Guardian for atmosphere, companionship and a slower narrative. The picks below make it easier to match the right version to your setup and gaming style.
How We Picked
- Compared each game's core experience, including action, puzzle-solving, story focus and single-player structure.
- Checked platform compatibility and highlighted the versions relevant to players shopping for PS4, PS5 and older PlayStation systems.
- Reviewed edition contents, including the games and collectibles included in special physical releases.
- Considered owner feedback and common player priorities, such as visual presentation, pacing, controls and replay appeal.
- Included adjacent PlayStation picks only when they add useful context for someone deciding what to play or buy.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Players | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) | Colossus battles and modern visuals | PS4 | 1 | 16 colossi |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian (PS4) | Story and creature companionship | PS4 | 1 | 1 boy and 1 creature |
| Sony Computer Entertainment ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) | Two classic adventures | PS3 | 1 per game | 2 games |
| Sony Computer Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) | The original version | PS2 | 1 | 16 colossi |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4) | Fans and collectors | PS4 | 1 | 1 Trico statue |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Journey Collector's Edition (PS3) | Artistic adventures | PS3 | 1 per game | 3 games |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment PlayStation 5 Console – 1TB | A current PlayStation setup | PS5 | Varies by game | 1TB storage |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Sony Interactive Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS4)
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) is the best modern colossus adventure for players who want 16 giant encounters and a striking remake. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS4)'s focused structure makes every climb, grip and final blow feel like the heart of the journey.
Best for: Players who want boss battles and modern visuals
- Platform
- PS4
- Colossi
- 16
- Players
- 1
- Release year
- 2018
- Memorable giant-scale encounters
- Remade visuals for PS4
- Direct, focused single-player structure
- Exploration between encounters feels quiet by design
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) is a strong pick for players who want a visually refreshed classic and 16 distinct colossus encounters. Choose it over The Last Guardian when action and scale matter more than companion-driven storytelling.
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#2
Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian (PS4)
The Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian (PS4) is the best emotional adventure for players who want a story built around 1 boy and 1 enormous creature. The Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian (PS4)'s puzzle-solving and companion bond create a gentler contrast to Shadow of the Colossus.
Best for: Players who value story and a creature companion
- Platform
- PS4
- Players
- 1
- Main companion
- 1 creature
- Release year
- 2016
- Distinctive bond between the boy and Trico
- Atmospheric environments
- Puzzles support the narrative
- Companion behavior and pacing divide some players
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian (PS4) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian (PS4) suits players who prefer a personal story, environmental puzzles and an unusual companion. The Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian (PS4)'s slower pace sets it apart from the 16 boss-focused encounters in Shadow of the Colossus.
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#3
Sony Computer Entertainment ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3)
The Sony Computer Entertainment ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) is the best classic double feature for players who want 2 influential adventures in one release. The Sony Computer Entertainment ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) pairs ICO with the original Shadow of the Colossus experience on PS3.
Best for: Collectors and players exploring the series' roots
- Platform
- PS3
- Games included
- 2
- Players
- 1 per game
- Games
- ICO and Shadow of the Colossus
- Two landmark adventures in one collection
- Useful for tracing the games' shared design influences
- A distinct option for PS3 owners
- Requires a PS3 console
Is the Sony Computer Entertainment ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes, for PS3 owners and collectors interested in 2 classic adventures. The Sony Computer Entertainment ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) brings together ICO and the original Shadow of the Colossus, but it does not replace the PS4 remake.
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#4
Sony Computer Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)
The Sony Computer Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) is the best original-version pick for players who want to experience all 16 colossi on the system where the game began. The original release offers a direct route to the classic design.
Best for: Players with a PS2 who want the original release
- Platform
- PS2
- Colossi
- 16
- Players
- 1
- Original release year
- 2005
- The original version of a landmark adventure
- All 16 colossus encounters
- A collectible physical release
- Requires a PS2 and uses its original-era presentation
Is the Sony Computer Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes, for collectors and players with a working PS2 who want the original game. The Sony Computer Entertainment Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) includes 16 colossus encounters, while the PS4 remake offers updated presentation for modern PlayStation setups.
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#5
Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4)
The Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4) is the best display piece for fans who want the game plus 1 Trico statue. The collector set also features physical extras that make it stand out from the standard PS4 release.
Best for: Fans and collectors who want a display edition
- Platform
- PS4
- Featured collectible
- 1 Trico statue
- Players
- 1
- Edition type
- Collector's Edition
- Includes a Trico statue
- Adds physical collectibles for fans
- Combines the game with a display-focused package
- The standard edition is a simpler choice for players who only want the game
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes, for fans who value physical collectibles as much as the game. The Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4) includes a Trico statue and a single-player adventure; collectors should check that the edition's contents match their preferred package.
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#6
Sony Interactive Entertainment Journey Collector's Edition (PS3)
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Journey Collector's Edition (PS3) is the best atmospheric companion pick for players who want 3 artistic PlayStation experiences together. The collection includes Journey, Flower and flOw, making it a strong choice for fans of quieter adventures.
Best for: Players who want artistic, atmospheric games
- Platform
- PS3
- Games included
- 3
- Players
- 1 per game
- Included titles
- Journey, Flower and flOw
- Three distinct artistic games
- Fits fans of atmospheric adventures
- A useful alternative for PS3 owners
- Does not include Shadow of the Colossus or The Last Guardian
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Journey Collector's Edition (PS3) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes, if you want 3 atmospheric games rather than another version of either comparison title. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Journey Collector's Edition (PS3) includes Journey, Flower and flOw, making it an adjacent pick for players drawn to reflective PlayStation adventures.
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#7
Sony Interactive Entertainment PlayStation 5 Console – 1TB
The Sony Interactive Entertainment PlayStation 5 Console – 1TB is the best current-platform pick for players who want 1 console for modern games and compatible PS4 titles. PS5 backward compatibility supports playing the PS4 versions of both comparison games.
Best for: Players building a modern PlayStation setup
- Storage
- 1TB
- Console generation
- PS5
- PS4 game compatibility
- Supported
- Display feature
- 4K output supported
- Plays compatible PS4 games
- Modern platform for current releases
- Supports 4K output
- A console purchase is more than a game-only upgrade
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment PlayStation 5 Console – 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes, for players who want a current PlayStation console and access to compatible PS4 games. The Sony Interactive Entertainment PlayStation 5 Console – 1TB supports playing both PS4 comparison titles through backward compatibility, alongside its PS5 library.
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Which game is better, Shadow of the Colossus or The Last Guardian?
Choose Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) for 16 colossus battles, exploration and a lonely atmosphere. Choose The Last Guardian (PS4) for a slower adventure about a boy, Trico and cooperation.
The games suit different moods: Shadow of the Colossus centers on dramatic encounters, while The Last Guardian builds its story through puzzles and a companion’s behavior.
What is the main difference between the two games?
Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) is built around finding and climbing gigantic enemies. The Last Guardian (PS4) follows a boy and Trico through a vast structure, with progress shaped by puzzles and their developing bond.
Both are single-player games. Pick Shadow of the Colossus for boss battles or The Last Guardian for a companion-led story.
Can you play Shadow of the Colossus and The Last Guardian on PS5?
PS5 supports compatible PS4 games, including Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) and The Last Guardian (PS4). Check the listing and your console setup to confirm the version and format.
ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) requires a PS3, and Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) requires a PS2.
Which edition should collectors choose?
The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4) includes a Trico statue. Choose it for the collectible, or choose the standard edition if you only want the game.
ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) bundles two games. Check each listing’s contents, condition and platform before buying, especially for older or collector editions.
What should you look for in a Black Friday 2026 purchase?
Check platform, edition and play style before choosing. Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) suits players seeking large-scale battles; The Last Guardian (PS4) suits those drawn to puzzles and a creature companion.
PS4 games are supported on PS5 through backward compatibility. PS3 and PS2 releases require their respective systems. Review package contents if collectibles matter to you.
Buying Guide
Match the game to your preferred pace
Choose Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) for 16 boss encounters and exploration, or The Last Guardian (PS4) for a slower puzzle adventure with Trico.
Check platform before edition
PS4 versions are supported on PS5. ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) and Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) require older systems.
Separate game value from collectible value
The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4) includes a Trico statue. Choose it for the display piece; choose the standard edition if gameplay is your priority.
Check what the package includes
Review the edition, contents and condition, especially for collector releases and used copies.
Buy for the system you use
A PS5 Console – 1TB supports compatible PS4 games. Choose PS3 and PS2 releases only if you have the matching hardware.
FAQ
Is Shadow of the Colossus better than The Last Guardian?
Shadow of the Colossus is the stronger fit for players who want 16 giant boss encounters and a focused action adventure. The Last Guardian is better for players who want a companion-led story with puzzles. Choose based on whether battles or a creature bond sounds more appealing.
Which game should I play first, Shadow of the Colossus or The Last Guardian?
Start with Shadow of the Colossus if you want a direct introduction to the 16-colossus adventure. Start with The Last Guardian if you prefer a slower story about 1 boy and Trico. The games stand on their own, so release order is not required.
Can I play The Last Guardian on PS5?
Yes. The PS5 supports compatible PS4 games, including The Last Guardian (PS4). Check whether you own the disc or digital version and confirm your console setup supports it. The PS3 collection and PS2 original Shadow of the Colossus need older PlayStation hardware.
How many colossi are in Shadow of the Colossus?
Shadow of the Colossus features 16 colossi. The PS4 remake preserves the central sequence of giant encounters while updating the presentation. The Last Guardian does not use the same boss structure; its story focuses on a boy, Trico and puzzle-solving.
What comes with The Last Guardian Collector's Edition?
The Last Guardian Collector's Edition (PS4) is a physical collector package featuring the game and a Trico statue, alongside additional collector materials. Check the specific listing for its complete contents and package condition, since those details matter when comparing physical editions.
Does ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection include The Last Guardian?
No. ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3) includes 2 games: ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. The Last Guardian is a separate PS4 release. The collection is a good fit for PS3 owners who want those 2 classic adventures together.