The book, Ico: Castle in the Mist is written by Miyuki Miyabe in 2004 and, when it was written, was her first novelisation. In her foreword she states that this book is her interpretation and extrapolation of the story within the game. It is not a walkthrough or explanation according to the game: it is her own narrative which uses the game as a stimulus. I love this idea as it means she can be creative and not ruin the mystique of this singular game that is open to interpretation.
The handholding mechanic was a groundbreaking moment in gaming history, transcending the usual tropes and expectations of the time. The simple act of holding Yorda's hand was not just a gameplay mechanic but a powerful emotional connection that resonated deeply with players. The lack of heavy exposition and reliance on environmental storytelling was also a bold choice that paid off. The mysterious and haunting atmosphere of the castle, combined with the subtle hints of lore, created a sense of wonder and unease that perfectly complemented the emotional journey of Ico and Yorda.
The novel reads like a prequel to the game that gradually flows into the Ico game we know and love. It then continues the game's narrative adding extra detail and dimensions onto those original story beats with more characterisation and detail.
The tale starts with the birth of a horned child, meaning there will be a sacrifice to the castle in the mist when he comes of age at 13 years. It is a terrible sacrifice and the high priest of Toksa Village does not want to do it but the divity of the Lord of Light is contained within and there have been dreadful repercussions beforehand so it is a cost that must be paid.
Inside the castle, Ico meets Yorda, a waifish pale young girl who is kept in an iron cage. Together the young victims of circumstance plan their escape, all the while trying to understand why the castle demands a blood sacrifice.
Ico keeps having visions of a horned knight who calls him 'my son' and sees glimpses of Yorda's life but what can it all mean?
I haven't really read many novelisations since the 80s and early 90s, when they were a huge deal, but this is a solid retelling and enhancement of the game's narrative. We get the story told from Ico's point of view for the first third of the book, followed by Yorda's story and then the final part of the book is the ending with the great escape.
Overall, I liked the novel as it made me reflect on the obscure lore presented within the game but also it is a pretty solid novelisation in and of itself. However, I felt it was overlong in places and the story didn't really need over 350 pages to be told. I enjoyed the book then but, with a greater appreciation of literature and time being more squeezed, it's not one I'd recommend to every reader, just fans of the game.