Beyond the Forbidden Lands
@btflgame.bsky.social
In-progress, free, game restoration project of the cut content for Shadow of the Colossus. Fan-led and volunteer basis. Join us on Discord! https://linktr.ee/btflgame
Did you know that hanging off the side of Agro makes you invisible to the colossi? This works even on Celosia and Cenobia. So how do you all think this would work in let’s say….Sirius’ fight?
Presenting: Beyond the Forbidden Lands Buddha
Some colossi started out as variants of another boss. Malus was such an example. Originally as knight 2, (a variant on Gaius) before becoming Buddha, then later the final boss we all know.
I'd love to get back to Tuesday streaming but I need to catch up a bit on work today. I'll have lots to talk about for tomorrow though. Might do a mostly chatting and wandering around in SOTC stream.
There exists a later version of Griffin that isn’t shown off called griffin_b. It’s believed griffin_b was later reworked into an entire new colossus we know today as “Leo/Celosia”. BTFL is opting to use griffin b, with elements from griffin_A.
There’s mentions of a saru_2, possibly indicating either a second monkey or a revision of it. Another example of this is knight_2 being Buddha. Concept art does hint at a possible different version hanging from all 4 limbs as opposed to just 2.
There exists two possible designs for Yamori A. Both possible designs have been made for BTFL, but a community vote will be taken to decide which one makes it into the mod.
Some leftover unused Worm functions that were found by Wisi in the OPM and E3 Demo versions demonstrate quite a bit of how the colossus used to function. The found codes are named "FixWormIKWork", "FixWormIK2Work" and "WormIK2Work".
There exists an alternate design of Spider with long, black tentacles coming from its underside. The origin of this picture is from a Famitsu magazine dated December 2nd 2005. It’s unknown if this is an earlier or later version of the spider seen near the bridge.
Sirius' name most likely originates from the brighest star in the night sky named "Sirius", which has tied to the real world Stonehenge (the name of Sirius' arena).
Roc was the source of many urban rumors surrounding the game. These rumors stem from a graphical error and it being the only cut boss with video footage. The rumors are also the inspiration behind the famous Brazilian Black Bird Blog!
Phoenix had a very large arena at quadrant I4 and was talked about in the art book as being almost completed. Phoenix was cut late in development.
Popular rumor is that the soundtrack "Anger" was supposed to play during the battle with Devil. These rumors are not likely to be true however, as the music can be heard in the opening cutscene in old gameplay footage including the E3 Demo version.
When Wander arrives directly under the 16th colossus, it can be seen that its legs are made of an odd black and yellow energy substance. Attacking these will result in one of its pulse attacks being shot at Wander from its hand (meaning it shoots through its "stone garment")
When the distances between individual colossi are compared, the straight line distance between the 12th and 15th colossi is the smallest, making both of them the closest colossi "neighbors".
The 14th colossus' developer nickname is "Cerberus". Like this mythological creature, it plays the role of a guardian - as described by Dormin. This title may also refer to its somewhat dog-like physique and movement as well as its aggressiveness towards intruders (Wander).
Phalanx has three eyes: One on its right side and two on its left. It is also well known as the longest colossus.
Pelagia actually has markings that do indicate eyes. You don’t normally see it because it’s one of the bosses that is very darkly colored and it’s been removed in the PS4 version.
Even if Wander has already shattered Celosia's armor, players can repeat the process of dislodging a torch and luring it off the edge. The same cutscene will play, though the music track will not silence nor will the colossus receive any additional damage.
A mistranslation in early builds of the game caused fans to speculate that Dirge was fought with another one at the same time. Worm or Saru. The line actually referred to Agro and Wander.
Basaran/Turtle is among two colossi who had their Dormin introduction changed from the Preview version; the other being the 10th. "It sleeps in a dry lake bed..." was changed from "It sleeps at the bottom of the lake". Its cave did have water in the Preview and earlier versions.
When the 8th colossus walks, it leaves burn-like marks into the ground. There is also an unused dripping texture for its foot prints, implying it originally the idea was it stuck to the walls with some adhesive.
