ICO
LumiScore
Growth
59/100
Growth Value
- Problem Solving
- Spatial Awareness
- Teamwork
Risk
LOW
Engagement Patterns
Minimal pressure to spend or play excessively.
Heads up
Parent Pro-Tip
Encourage your child to describe their strategies for solving puzzles and how they work with Yorda. Discuss the emotional journey of the characters and how they overcome challenges together.
Top Skills Developed
Development Areas
Representation?How diverse the game's characters are in gender and ethnicity. Higher = more authentic representation. Display only — does not affect time recommendation.
Bechdel Test?The Bechdel Test checks whether a game has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. A simple measure of representation.— Passes the test
Yorda and the Queen are both prominent female characters and their interaction is central to the plot, even if indirect.
Parent Pro-Tip
This game is a great opportunity to discuss themes of friendship, protection, and overcoming adversity. The reliance on visual storytelling and non-verbal cues can also spark conversations about communication beyond words.
What your child develops
ICO offers a unique and engaging experience that heavily emphasizes problem-solving and spatial awareness through its environmental puzzles and navigation challenges. The core mechanic of teamwork, where Ico must protect and guide Yorda, fosters empathy and a sense of positive social interaction, albeit with an AI companion. The minimalistic storytelling encourages critical thinking to interpret the narrative and the non-verbal communication between the characters.
Regulatory Compliance
Tap a badge for details. Grey = not yet assessed.
About this game
It's a classic hit and exclusive for the PlayStation 2. Released in 2001, a minimalistic action-adventure explores a simple concept - the boy meets the girl.