So I went into the local game store here in lil ol town, when I come across this beauty.  I have the 60gb version of the PS3, so I always take a look in the PS2 section, because I hear there are a couple good games on the system.  Even though this was used, the container was in impeccable condition, so I went to the counter, they put the game in, and the disc is just as good as the container.

When it comes down to it, I've never played this game.  I played Shadow of the Collosus, thought it was outstanding, as many of you do.  Will this game hold up?  I know the graphics are going to not quite be there, since it is an early PS2 game, but I'm talking about the gameplay, style, etc.

I never played it.. But considering the way that just about every gaming critic raves about it, it will definitely hold up.

And aside from graphics, the great games always hold up in terms of gameplay.  I just picked up Indiana Jones and The fate of Atlantis and it was released over a decade ago.

It holds up spectacularly.  I just recently played through it again myself.  Even the graphics are not that bad, simply because of the stylized nature of the game.  Definitely worth a play through if you enjoyed SotC.

I really need to play this game.

You should be aware that there is talk all over the internet for the impending HD re-release of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. I bring this up because Ico had special features stripped from it's American release, that I predict are going to be reinserted with this re-release. (TWO PLAYER MODE)
 
Does it hold up? Yes. Spectacularly. 
Let's put it this way: You think that Shadow of the Colossus was "outstanding", which I too agree. I consider Ico to be the superior game between the two. It's more coherent and emotionally engaging, an absolute must play for anyone with the faintest appreciation for Shadow of the Colossus. 
 
Combat is not it's strongest suit, although I don't expect a kid to bust out any Devil May Cry combination's here. AI path-finding for the princess Yorda ranges from brilliant to "OH MY GAWD WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!" 
 
By all means: pick it up.

I begun playing it on my PS2 about a year ago but never got around to completing it. I'll probably pick up the SOTC/ICO remastered PS3 version if it ever comes out and play through both of those games again. The game still looks good as it is but it would be even more enjoyable to play an HD upscaled version.

" I begun playing it on my PS2 about a year ago but never got around to completing it. I'll probably pick up the SOTC/ICO remastered PS3 version if it ever comes out and play through both of those games again. The game still looks good as it is but it would be even more enjoyable to play an HD upscaled version. "

The frame rate got a little choppy at times but the game was still very playable. I agree though with a smooth frame rate the game would have been amazing.

So that was a year ago, and I've since played it twice.  Yes, to answer my own question, it does hold up.  Obviously, you're not going to be getting the smoothest animations, the best combat, the smartest AI.  But those are things that shouldn't - and don't - take away from the game really whatsoever.  The atmosphere these Team ICO guys are able to pull out of their hat at their whim goes beyond impressive.   
 
Kudos to one of the best games of the previous generation, and consider that Ico/Shadow of the Colossus bought on day 1 if they do decide to come up with that here. 
 
@davissc9: I want to say I paid less than 20$ for it...I think it was 17 or 18, which is an absolute steal.