Glixel's James Mielke wrote:

Fumito Ueda: Every game I’ve directed has started with a set of core qualities in mind, but these qualities change with every project. It may be 'motion' or new mechanic developments in how we interact in the game. These can be affected by the industry trends and advancing technology at the time of development. I also strive to polish every aspect of the game. But, I think the thing that I really cannot control or alter – and is sometimes overwhelming to me – is maintaining the consistency and elegance of the entire project.

If you could define the core quality of Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian in a few words each, what would they be?

If I had to describe the keywords for each of these games, I would say...

Ico: Holding hands, girl, crime, protect, eroticism.
Shadow of the Colossus: Clinging, enormous enemy, punishment, battle, violence.
The Last Guardian: Affection, gigantic friend, pardon, friends, comfort.