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{{General CVG character
#REDIRECT [[God_of_War_(video_game)]]
|name= Kratos
|image= [[Image:Kratos GOW II GameSpot.jpg‎|250px]]
|caption=Kratos' appearance in ''God of War II''
|series=''God of War'' series
|firstgame=''[[God of War (video game)|God of War]]'' (2005)
|voiceactor= [[Terrence C. Carson]]
|japanactor=[[Tesshō Genda]]
}}

'''Kratos''' is the fictional protagonist of the God of War series. The character first appeared in [[God of War (video game)|God of War]], released in 2005, where he served [[Athena]] in order to erase memories of his past. In this game Kratos has to stop [[Ares]], who was destroying [[Athens]] in order to gain [[Zeus]]'s favor. Kratos suceeds in defeating Ares using the power of [[Pandora's box]] and is granted Ares' place as one of the gods of [[Twelve Olympians|Olympus]]. In ''God of War II'' Kratos is betrayed and stripped of his godly power by Zeus. He is helped by [[Gaia]] who suggests to him that he needs to find the [[Fates]] in order to change his destiny. Kratos reaches the Fates, but they refuse to help him and engage in battle, the three sisters are killed and Kratos rewinds the thread controling his life and returns to the moment Zeus betrayed him. Zeus is defeated, but Athena intervenes before Kratos is able to kill him revealing that Zeus is his father. Kratos then rewinds the thread in order to return to the [[Titanomachy]], where he convinces the [[Titan (mythology)|Titans]] to return with to his time and end the war.

When designing the character the creative team focused its attention on several elements they wanted to include, particulary what they preceived as the "Greek" and "Brutal" factors. Several designs were made including one resembling a African native and several wearing traditional Greek armor. Over the course of the creative stage some elements were discarded from the design, these were any type of armor, hair and other "flowing things". The weapon selected for Kratos were a set of "chain blades", a set of swords attached to Kratos by chains located on his wrists. The character has received a mostly possitive critical reception, being described by reviewers as a "sympathetic antihero", while his gameplay was perceived as "a nightmare to his enemies, but a dream to control". [[National Entertainment Collectibles Association]] has produced a series of action figures featuring Kratos' appearance in ''God of War II''.

==Concept and creation==
The main idea when creating Kratos was to design someone that looked "brutal", while separating its appearance from what is considered the traditional Greek hero.<ref name="Brutal">{{cite book| title=God of War: Official Game Guide| publisher=[[Prima Games]]| year=[[2005]]| isbn=0-7615-5133-6| location=United States| Chapter=Art Gallery: Kratos| pages=203}}</ref> The character's look was supposed to feel violent and impulsive.<ref name="Brutal"/> One of the early concepts was to have a fully masked character, but the idea was abandoned when such designs seemed "soulless", lacking a defined personality.<ref>{{cite book| title=God of War: Official Game Guide| publisher=[[Prima Games]]| year=[[2005]]| isbn=0-7615-5133-6| location=United States| Chapter=Art Gallery: Kratos| pages=199}}</ref> During the creative process David Jaffe, the game's director focused on the "brutal" factor, this led to the team focusing on the character's primal aspect. At a point all armor was removed from the character, in order to conserve his "individualism".<ref name="Greek">{{cite book| title=God of War: Official Game Guide| publisher=[[Prima Games]]| year=[[2005]]| isbn=0-7615-5133-6| location=United States| Chapter=Art Gallery: Kratos| pages=208}}</ref> After these numerous desings were drawn, ranging from one resembling a member of a African tribe to several using traditional Greek armors. Various changes were done to these drawings in order to make the character seem as "Greek" as possible.<ref name="Greek"/> Some of the models included unconventional elements, including a infant being carried on Kratos' back.<ref name="flowing things">{{cite book| title=God of War: Official Game Guide| publisher=[[Prima Games]]| year=[[2005]]| isbn=0-7615-5133-6| location=United States| Chapter=Art Gallery: Kratos| pages=200}}</ref> Others were deemed to include exesive detail, these included hair and other "flowing things" wich were discarded after they were considered a bigger effort when creating the virtual models.<ref name="flowing things"/> The chain blades were selected as Kratos' signature weapons because the team considered that they emphasized the character's animalistic nature while at the same time making his combat more fluid.<ref>{{cite book| title=God of War: Official Game Guide| publisher=[[Prima Games]]| year=[[2005]]| isbn=0-7615-5133-6| location=United States| Chapter=Art Gallery: Kratos| pages=206}}</ref>

==Attributes==
===Personality===
Troughout the series Kratos acts as a [[anti-hero]],<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17746110/| title='God of War II' is one hell of a ride| author=Levi Buchanan| publisher=MSNBC Interactive| date=[[2007-03-30]]| accessdate=2008-03-15}}</ref> often taking inmoral decisions to further his goal, including sacrificing unprotected humans. In ''Gof of War'' Kratos' main motive is revenge, in the first instance he was driven to assasinate Ares in order to achieve absolution from his past crimes.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.us.playstation.com/PS2/Games/God_of_War| title=Playstation 2 - God of War| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| accessdate=2008-03-15}}</ref> When he served as the captain of Sparta's army Kratos was only interested in increasing his power by conquering his opponents.<ref name="Bio">{{cite web| url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/959/959773_biography.html| title=Kratos Biography| publisher=IGN| accessdate=2008-03-15}}</ref> His personality changes when he becomes a servant to Ares, after wich he faithfully followed the god's orders.<ref name="Bio"/> After he stopped seving Ares, Kratos continues to serve the gods in order to receive forgiveness, but shows a defiant stance against them. Once contacted by the gods of Olympus Kratos shows disregard for their plight, only following their orders for personal benefit.<ref name="Bio"/>

===Outward appearance===
For most of the games Kratos' skin is seen completely lacking pigmentation, only showing his original skin color on flasbacks. The charater doesn't use a significant ammount of clothes, usually seen only wearing a [[loincloth]], sandals and gaunlets. This was a choice done by the creative team when designing it, in order to keep his "individuality".<ref name="Greek"/> Some exeptions include the early stages of ''God of War II'' where he is seen wearing a armor reminiscent to the one used by Ares in the first game and cutscenes detailing his past, where he wears a different set of armor. Some of his distintive features include large red markings, wich cover half of his body and head, and the chain blades, wich are attached to his wrists in all of the series' intallments. Kratos' face exhibits a scar crossing over his right eye and a [[goatee]].

==Role in the God of War series==
===God of War===
{{main|God of War (video game)}}
Prior to the events in the game Kratos was the leader of [[Sparta]]'s army, quickly gaining recognition due to his violent tactics. One day his legion was attacked and dominated by a barbarian tribe, moments before being killed Kratos summoned [[Ares]], the Greek god of war, and offered his soul in exchange for a victory.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[God of War (video game)|God of War]] |developer=[[SCE Studios Santa Monica]] |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=2005 |platform=[[Playstation 2]] |version= |level= |language= |quote='''Narrator:''' The soldiers faced a massacre, while their young captain faced the end of his brilliant career, and his life. But to Kratos, victory was worth any price, even his soul. '''Kratos:''' Ares! Destroy my enemies, and my life is yours. '''Narrator:''' That desperate call for aid, will come to haunt Kratos for all his days.}}</ref> He continued to serve Ares until the god tricked him into killing his family, after wich he served several of the Greek gods for a decade. After becoming tired of serving the gods in order to erase the memories of his family's murder he contacted Athena, who offered him forgiveness if he was able to stop Ares' destruction of [[Athens]]. After defeating several monters which were attacking citizens, Kratos saves the city's oracle who tells him to retrieve [[Pandora's box]] in order to defeat Ares.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[God of War (video game)|God of War]] |developer=[[SCE Studios Santa Monica]] |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=2005 |platform=[[Playstation 2]] |version= |level= |language= |quote='''Oracle:''' Choose your enemies wisely Kratos, your brute strength alone will not be enough to destroy Ares. Only one item in the world will allow you to defeat a god... Pandora's Box, which lies far beyond the walls of Athens, hidden by the gods across the desert to the east.}}</ref> Kratos suceeds in this task, but is killed by Ares and sent to [[Hades]]. After escaping from the underworld he returns to Athens and confronts Ares, regaining control of Pandora's box and using its power to kill the god. Following this event he attempts suicide, but is stopped by Athena who informs him that he has been granted Ares' throne on [[Mount Olympus]].<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[God of War (video game)|God of War]] |developer=[[SCE Studios Santa Monica]] |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=2005 |platform=[[Playstation 2]] |version= |level= |language= |quote='''Athena:''' You will not die this day Kratos. The gods cannot allow one who has performed such service to perish by his own hand. Ares' tactics were brutal. His path of destruction had to be stopped. But now there is an empty throne in Olympus, and a new God of War is needed. Take these stairs Kratos, they lead to your ultimate reward. Your battles are at an end Kratos. Your Journey is over, take these steps to Olympus and your place amoung the Gods.}}</ref>

===God of War II===
{{main|God of War II}}

''God of War II'' begins with Kratos performing his office as the new god of war. He however had chossen to avoid the other gods, instead using his powers to aid the Spartans in battle.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[God of War II]] |developer=[[SCE Studios Santa Monica]] |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=2007 |platform=[[Playstation 2]] |version= |level= |language= |quote='''Narrator:''' By defeating Ares, Kratos, the once mortal warrior became the new god of war. However, Kratos soon found himself alone on Olympus, shunned by his fellow gods. But Kratos had no need for the love of petty gods. He had found a new family in the warriors of Sparta. Bringing solace from his past with carnage and battle.}}</ref> This angered several of the other Olympians, but after receiving a ultimatum Kratos' ignored it and decided to destroy a city where the Spartans were fighting. Upon decending to the city Zeus brings a giantic statue to life and tricks Kratos into transferring all of his godly strength into the Blade of Olympus, the blade used to defeat the [[Titan (mythology)|Titans]] in the [[Titanomachy]]. Zeus then gains control of the sword and stabs him with it, while declaring that "he would never be the ruler of Olympus".<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[God of War II]] |developer=[[SCE Studios Santa Monica]] |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=2007 |platform=[[Playstation 2]] |version= |level= |language= |quote='''Zeus:''' It did not have to be this way my son. This path is of your choosing. '''Kratos:''' A choice from the gods is as useless as the gods themselves. '''Zeus:''' Even now as you draw your last breath, you continue to defy me! Everything you have ever known, Kratos, will now suffer because of your sacrilege. You will never be the ruler of Olympus. The cycle ends here.
}}</ref> After this [[Gaia (mythology)|Gaia]], aids Kratos in escaping from Hades and tells him to find the [[Moirae|Fates]] in order to change his destiny. He travels to the island of the Fates, where he retrieves the [[Golden Fleece]] and the power of some of the surviving Titans. Kratos eventually reaches the temple of the Fates with the help of [[Atlas (mythology)|Atlas]] and confronts them. The Fates decline to help him, citing than his destiny was already determined.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[God of War II]] |developer=[[SCE Studios Santa Monica]] |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=2007 |platform=[[Playstation 2]] |version= |level= |language= |quote='''Lahkesis:''' Your resolve is admirable, even if it is misguided. None can change their destiny, Kratos. We Sisters determine the fate of all. It was I who deemed that the Titans lose the Great War and I who have allowed you to come this far. It is not your destiny to kill Zeus. '''Kratos:''' You no longer control my destiny. '''Lahkesis:''' I see Gaia has filled you with her lies. '''Kratos:''' I have warned you! Let me pass! '''Lahkesis:''' You have always amused us, Kratos. But know this mortal. There is no power greater than the Sisters of Fate. If you challenge us, you will die.}}</ref> Seeing that the Fates were not going to help him, Kratos fights and kills them. He then proceeds to rewind the thread that controlled his life and returned to the moment were Zeus betrayed him and regains control of the Blade of Olympus. Both engage in battle, Zeus is badly injured but Athena intervenes when Kratos was going to kill him, being mortally stabed. Before dying Athena reveals to Kratos that he is Zeus' son.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[God of War II]] |developer=[[SCE Studios Santa Monica]] |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=2007 |platform=[[Playstation 2]] |version= |level= |language= |quote='''Kratos:''' Athena! No! Why do you sacrifice yourself? '''Athena:''' To save Olympus. '''Kratos:''' I do not seek to destroy Olympus, only Zeus. '''Athena:''' Zeus is Olympus! '''Kratos:''' He brought this to himself. '''Athena:''' Because of fear Kratos. A fear felt by his father, Cronos. A fear that naught the Great War. A fear that drove Zeus to kill you.... his own son. '''Kratos:''' His son!?}}</ref> The game ends with Kratos rewinding the thread a second time and returning to the moment of the Titanomachy, where he convinces the Titans to acompany him back to his time and engage in battle against the Olympians.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[God of War II]] |developer=[[SCE Studios Santa Monica]] |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=2007 |platform=[[Playstation 2]] |version= |level= |language= |quote='''Kratos:''' Gaia! '''Gaia:''' We have been expecting you, Ghost of Sparta. The gods are far too powerful for us to defeat now. '''Kratos:''' All Olympus trembles at my name! Zeus is weak. Ares and Athena are dead and I wield the Blade! We can win the Great War but not in this time! Together we will destroy the petty gods and we will see Olympus crumble before us! Come with me Gaia, return to my time! Victory awaits!}}</ref>

===God of War: Chains of Olympus===
{{main|God of War: Chains of Olympus}}

''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' serves as a prequel to ''God of War'', the events in it take place ten years before the timeline of the first game.

==Cultural impact==
===Critical reception===
[[Image:Godofwharf.jpg‎|thumb|270px|"God of Wharf"]]
Upon ''God of War's'' release Kratos' received a mostly possitive reception. [[GameSpot]] feel that the story telling's method didn't allow the player to understand the character in the early stages of the game, but would allow full understanding of him when the game was concluded.<ref name="GameSpot"/> The character itself was reviewed as a "sympathetic antihero" and a "badass", his demeanor has been described as "endearing" due to his unforgiving demeanor.<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web| url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/godofwar/review.html| title=Reviews: God of War| publisher=GameSpot| author=Alex Navarro| date=[[2005-03-21]]| accessdate=2008-03-10}}</ref> [[IGN]] simmilary noted that he was "ruthless", "merciless" and "savage", noting that the character's main motive is vengance and that "he doesn't care for the plight of the Olympians. He doesn't care for the wake of fire and death that spreads from the heels of war. Kratos doesn't want to save anyone, let alone himself. All he desires is murder. Kratos wants to destroy the god of war for the joy that would come from ripping his heart out."<ref name="IGN"/> However the publication felt that in time the player would begin to "love and loathe Kratos and hate Ares." <ref name="IGN">{{cite web| url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/596/596778p1.html| title=Reviews: God of War| author=Ivan Sulic| publisher=IGN| date=[[2005-03-18]]| accessdate=2008-03-10}}</ref> The character's story was also well received, to the point that [[GamePro]] directly stated that it was "Kratos' tragic fall and brutal ascension to the peaks of Mount Olympus that made the original God of War so memorable."<ref name="GamePro">{{cite web| url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/98528.shtml| title=Reviews: God of War II| author=Patrick Shaw| publisher=GamePro| date=[[2007-03-28]]| accessdate=2008-03-10}}</ref>

When reviewing ''God of War II'', [[GameSpy]] noted that Kratos' role as a god was "far more ruthless than Ares ever was" eventually being "stripped of his godhood for being a little too hands-on with the people of planet Earth."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/god-of-war-2-divine-retribution/| title=Games: God of War| publisher=GameSpy| accessdate=2008-03-10}}</ref><ref name="GameSpy">{{cite web| url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/god-of-war-2-divine-retribution/763910p1.html| title=Reviews: God of War II| author=Gabe Graziani| publisher=GameSpy| date=[[2007-02-12]]| accessdate=2008-03-10}}</ref> His gameplay was described as "a nightmare to his enemies, but a dream to control", aspects outside of combat, such as the addition of a gliding ability provided by the use of the [[Icarus|Wings of Icarus]] were possitively reviewed.<ref name="GameSpy"/> The character has been referenced in two other video games, the first of these was in [[Heavenly Sword]], where his Olympian armor and chain blades are displayed as part of King Bohan's arsenal, Kratos himself appeared in a parody of ''God of War'' titled "God of Wharf" in [[The Simpsons Game]], where he appears in a billboard advertising a [[chowder]] restaurant.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/802/802694p1.html| title=E3 2007: Eyes-On The Simpsons Game| publisher=IGN| date=[[2007-07-11]]| accessdate=2008-03-10}}</ref>

===Merchandise===
Kratos has been featured in two series of action figures released by [[National Entertainment Collectibles Association]]. Both are based on ''God of War II'', the first included two figures, one illustrated Kratos' most common appearance while attacking with the chain blades and the other included the [[Golden Fleece]] and [[Medusa]]'s head as accessories .<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.necaonline.com/article/detail/68| title=Kratos Gets Packaged| publisher=National Entertainment Collectibles Association| date=[[2007-02-20]]| accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref> A twelve-inch variation of the second figure wich plays six pre-recorded game quotes was included in this release. A second two-figure set featuring Kratos wearing Ares' armor was released later, the main difference between these two versions is that they feature variations on Kratos' facial expression.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.necaonline.com/product/detail/49307| title=Player Select God of War II Ares Armor Kratos Closed Mouth Action Figure| publisher=National Entertainment Collectibles Association| accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.necaonline.com/product/detail/49306| title=Player Select God of War II Ares Armor Kratos Open Mouth Action Figure| publisher=National Entertainment Collectibles Association| accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Greek video game characters]]
[[Category:Fictional swordsmen]]

Revision as of 04:35, 20 March 2008

Kratos
'God of War series character
File:Kratos GOW II GameSpot.jpg
Kratos' appearance in God of War II
First gameGod of War (2005)

Kratos is the fictional protagonist of the God of War series. The character first appeared in God of War, released in 2005, where he served Athena in order to erase memories of his past. In this game Kratos has to stop Ares, who was destroying Athens in order to gain Zeus's favor. Kratos suceeds in defeating Ares using the power of Pandora's box and is granted Ares' place as one of the gods of Olympus. In God of War II Kratos is betrayed and stripped of his godly power by Zeus. He is helped by Gaia who suggests to him that he needs to find the Fates in order to change his destiny. Kratos reaches the Fates, but they refuse to help him and engage in battle, the three sisters are killed and Kratos rewinds the thread controling his life and returns to the moment Zeus betrayed him. Zeus is defeated, but Athena intervenes before Kratos is able to kill him revealing that Zeus is his father. Kratos then rewinds the thread in order to return to the Titanomachy, where he convinces the Titans to return with to his time and end the war.

When designing the character the creative team focused its attention on several elements they wanted to include, particulary what they preceived as the "Greek" and "Brutal" factors. Several designs were made including one resembling a African native and several wearing traditional Greek armor. Over the course of the creative stage some elements were discarded from the design, these were any type of armor, hair and other "flowing things". The weapon selected for Kratos were a set of "chain blades", a set of swords attached to Kratos by chains located on his wrists. The character has received a mostly possitive critical reception, being described by reviewers as a "sympathetic antihero", while his gameplay was perceived as "a nightmare to his enemies, but a dream to control". National Entertainment Collectibles Association has produced a series of action figures featuring Kratos' appearance in God of War II.

Concept and creation

The main idea when creating Kratos was to design someone that looked "brutal", while separating its appearance from what is considered the traditional Greek hero.[1] The character's look was supposed to feel violent and impulsive.[1] One of the early concepts was to have a fully masked character, but the idea was abandoned when such designs seemed "soulless", lacking a defined personality.[2] During the creative process David Jaffe, the game's director focused on the "brutal" factor, this led to the team focusing on the character's primal aspect. At a point all armor was removed from the character, in order to conserve his "individualism".[3] After these numerous desings were drawn, ranging from one resembling a member of a African tribe to several using traditional Greek armors. Various changes were done to these drawings in order to make the character seem as "Greek" as possible.[3] Some of the models included unconventional elements, including a infant being carried on Kratos' back.[4] Others were deemed to include exesive detail, these included hair and other "flowing things" wich were discarded after they were considered a bigger effort when creating the virtual models.[4] The chain blades were selected as Kratos' signature weapons because the team considered that they emphasized the character's animalistic nature while at the same time making his combat more fluid.[5]

Attributes

Personality

Troughout the series Kratos acts as a anti-hero,[6] often taking inmoral decisions to further his goal, including sacrificing unprotected humans. In Gof of War Kratos' main motive is revenge, in the first instance he was driven to assasinate Ares in order to achieve absolution from his past crimes.[7] When he served as the captain of Sparta's army Kratos was only interested in increasing his power by conquering his opponents.[8] His personality changes when he becomes a servant to Ares, after wich he faithfully followed the god's orders.[8] After he stopped seving Ares, Kratos continues to serve the gods in order to receive forgiveness, but shows a defiant stance against them. Once contacted by the gods of Olympus Kratos shows disregard for their plight, only following their orders for personal benefit.[8]

Outward appearance

For most of the games Kratos' skin is seen completely lacking pigmentation, only showing his original skin color on flasbacks. The charater doesn't use a significant ammount of clothes, usually seen only wearing a loincloth, sandals and gaunlets. This was a choice done by the creative team when designing it, in order to keep his "individuality".[3] Some exeptions include the early stages of God of War II where he is seen wearing a armor reminiscent to the one used by Ares in the first game and cutscenes detailing his past, where he wears a different set of armor. Some of his distintive features include large red markings, wich cover half of his body and head, and the chain blades, wich are attached to his wrists in all of the series' intallments. Kratos' face exhibits a scar crossing over his right eye and a goatee.

Role in the God of War series

God of War

Main article: God of War (video game)

Prior to the events in the game Kratos was the leader of Sparta's army, quickly gaining recognition due to his violent tactics. One day his legion was attacked and dominated by a barbarian tribe, moments before being killed Kratos summoned Ares, the Greek god of war, and offered his soul in exchange for a victory.[9] He continued to serve Ares until the god tricked him into killing his family, after wich he served several of the Greek gods for a decade. After becoming tired of serving the gods in order to erase the memories of his family's murder he contacted Athena, who offered him forgiveness if he was able to stop Ares' destruction of Athens. After defeating several monters which were attacking citizens, Kratos saves the city's oracle who tells him to retrieve Pandora's box in order to defeat Ares.[10] Kratos suceeds in this task, but is killed by Ares and sent to Hades. After escaping from the underworld he returns to Athens and confronts Ares, regaining control of Pandora's box and using its power to kill the god. Following this event he attempts suicide, but is stopped by Athena who informs him that he has been granted Ares' throne on Mount Olympus.[11]

God of War II

Main article: God of War II

God of War II begins with Kratos performing his office as the new god of war. He however had chossen to avoid the other gods, instead using his powers to aid the Spartans in battle.[12] This angered several of the other Olympians, but after receiving a ultimatum Kratos' ignored it and decided to destroy a city where the Spartans were fighting. Upon decending to the city Zeus brings a giantic statue to life and tricks Kratos into transferring all of his godly strength into the Blade of Olympus, the blade used to defeat the Titans in the Titanomachy. Zeus then gains control of the sword and stabs him with it, while declaring that "he would never be the ruler of Olympus".[13] After this Gaia, aids Kratos in escaping from Hades and tells him to find the Fates in order to change his destiny. He travels to the island of the Fates, where he retrieves the Golden Fleece and the power of some of the surviving Titans. Kratos eventually reaches the temple of the Fates with the help of Atlas and confronts them. The Fates decline to help him, citing than his destiny was already determined.[14] Seeing that the Fates were not going to help him, Kratos fights and kills them. He then proceeds to rewind the thread that controlled his life and returned to the moment were Zeus betrayed him and regains control of the Blade of Olympus. Both engage in battle, Zeus is badly injured but Athena intervenes when Kratos was going to kill him, being mortally stabed. Before dying Athena reveals to Kratos that he is Zeus' son.[15] The game ends with Kratos rewinding the thread a second time and returning to the moment of the Titanomachy, where he convinces the Titans to acompany him back to his time and engage in battle against the Olympians.[16]

God of War: Chains of Olympus

Main article: God of War: Chains of Olympus

God of War: Chains of Olympus serves as a prequel to God of War, the events in it take place ten years before the timeline of the first game.

Cultural impact

Critical reception

File:Godofwharf.jpg
"God of Wharf"

Upon God of War's release Kratos' received a mostly possitive reception. GameSpot feel that the story telling's method didn't allow the player to understand the character in the early stages of the game, but would allow full understanding of him when the game was concluded.[17] The character itself was reviewed as a "sympathetic antihero" and a "badass", his demeanor has been described as "endearing" due to his unforgiving demeanor.[17] IGN simmilary noted that he was "ruthless", "merciless" and "savage", noting that the character's main motive is vengance and that "he doesn't care for the plight of the Olympians. He doesn't care for the wake of fire and death that spreads from the heels of war. Kratos doesn't want to save anyone, let alone himself. All he desires is murder. Kratos wants to destroy the god of war for the joy that would come from ripping his heart out."[18] However the publication felt that in time the player would begin to "love and loathe Kratos and hate Ares." [18] The character's story was also well received, to the point that GamePro directly stated that it was "Kratos' tragic fall and brutal ascension to the peaks of Mount Olympus that made the original God of War so memorable."[19]

When reviewing God of War II, GameSpy noted that Kratos' role as a god was "far more ruthless than Ares ever was" eventually being "stripped of his godhood for being a little too hands-on with the people of planet Earth."[20][21] His gameplay was described as "a nightmare to his enemies, but a dream to control", aspects outside of combat, such as the addition of a gliding ability provided by the use of the Wings of Icarus were possitively reviewed.[21] The character has been referenced in two other video games, the first of these was in Heavenly Sword, where his Olympian armor and chain blades are displayed as part of King Bohan's arsenal, Kratos himself appeared in a parody of God of War titled "God of Wharf" in The Simpsons Game, where he appears in a billboard advertising a chowder restaurant.[22]

Merchandise

Kratos has been featured in two series of action figures released by National Entertainment Collectibles Association. Both are based on God of War II, the first included two figures, one illustrated Kratos' most common appearance while attacking with the chain blades and the other included the Golden Fleece and Medusa's head as accessories .[23] A twelve-inch variation of the second figure wich plays six pre-recorded game quotes was included in this release. A second two-figure set featuring Kratos wearing Ares' armor was released later, the main difference between these two versions is that they feature variations on Kratos' facial expression.[24][25]

References

  1. ^ a b God of War: Official Game Guide. United States: Prima Games. 2005. p. 203. ISBN 0-7615-5133-6. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Unknown parameter |Chapter= ignored (|chapter= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ God of War: Official Game Guide. United States: Prima Games. 2005. p. 199. ISBN 0-7615-5133-6. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Unknown parameter |Chapter= ignored (|chapter= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b c God of War: Official Game Guide. United States: Prima Games. 2005. p. 208. ISBN 0-7615-5133-6. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Unknown parameter |Chapter= ignored (|chapter= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b God of War: Official Game Guide. United States: Prima Games. 2005. p. 200. ISBN 0-7615-5133-6. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Unknown parameter |Chapter= ignored (|chapter= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ God of War: Official Game Guide. United States: Prima Games. 2005. p. 206. ISBN 0-7615-5133-6. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Unknown parameter |Chapter= ignored (|chapter= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Levi Buchanan (2007-03-30). "'God of War II' is one hell of a ride". MSNBC Interactive. Retrieved 2008-03-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ "Playstation 2 - God of War". Sony Computer Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  8. ^ a b c "Kratos Biography". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  9. ^ SCE Studios Santa Monica (2005). God of War (Playstation 2). Sony Computer Entertainment America. Narrator: The soldiers faced a massacre, while their young captain faced the end of his brilliant career, and his life. But to Kratos, victory was worth any price, even his soul. Kratos: Ares! Destroy my enemies, and my life is yours. Narrator: That desperate call for aid, will come to haunt Kratos for all his days.
  10. ^ SCE Studios Santa Monica (2005). God of War (Playstation 2). Sony Computer Entertainment America. Oracle: Choose your enemies wisely Kratos, your brute strength alone will not be enough to destroy Ares. Only one item in the world will allow you to defeat a god... Pandora's Box, which lies far beyond the walls of Athens, hidden by the gods across the desert to the east.
  11. ^ SCE Studios Santa Monica (2005). God of War (Playstation 2). Sony Computer Entertainment America. Athena: You will not die this day Kratos. The gods cannot allow one who has performed such service to perish by his own hand. Ares' tactics were brutal. His path of destruction had to be stopped. But now there is an empty throne in Olympus, and a new God of War is needed. Take these stairs Kratos, they lead to your ultimate reward. Your battles are at an end Kratos. Your Journey is over, take these steps to Olympus and your place amoung the Gods.
  12. ^ SCE Studios Santa Monica (2007). God of War II (Playstation 2). Sony Computer Entertainment America. Narrator: By defeating Ares, Kratos, the once mortal warrior became the new god of war. However, Kratos soon found himself alone on Olympus, shunned by his fellow gods. But Kratos had no need for the love of petty gods. He had found a new family in the warriors of Sparta. Bringing solace from his past with carnage and battle.
  13. ^ SCE Studios Santa Monica (2007). God of War II (Playstation 2). Sony Computer Entertainment America. Zeus: It did not have to be this way my son. This path is of your choosing. Kratos: A choice from the gods is as useless as the gods themselves. Zeus: Even now as you draw your last breath, you continue to defy me! Everything you have ever known, Kratos, will now suffer because of your sacrilege. You will never be the ruler of Olympus. The cycle ends here.
  14. ^ SCE Studios Santa Monica (2007). God of War II (Playstation 2). Sony Computer Entertainment America. Lahkesis: Your resolve is admirable, even if it is misguided. None can change their destiny, Kratos. We Sisters determine the fate of all. It was I who deemed that the Titans lose the Great War and I who have allowed you to come this far. It is not your destiny to kill Zeus. Kratos: You no longer control my destiny. Lahkesis: I see Gaia has filled you with her lies. Kratos: I have warned you! Let me pass! Lahkesis: You have always amused us, Kratos. But know this mortal. There is no power greater than the Sisters of Fate. If you challenge us, you will die.
  15. ^ SCE Studios Santa Monica (2007). God of War II (Playstation 2). Sony Computer Entertainment America. Kratos: Athena! No! Why do you sacrifice yourself? Athena: To save Olympus. Kratos: I do not seek to destroy Olympus, only Zeus. Athena: Zeus is Olympus! Kratos: He brought this to himself. Athena: Because of fear Kratos. A fear felt by his father, Cronos. A fear that naught the Great War. A fear that drove Zeus to kill you.... his own son. Kratos: His son!?
  16. ^ SCE Studios Santa Monica (2007). God of War II (Playstation 2). Sony Computer Entertainment America. Kratos: Gaia! Gaia: We have been expecting you, Ghost of Sparta. The gods are far too powerful for us to defeat now. Kratos: All Olympus trembles at my name! Zeus is weak. Ares and Athena are dead and I wield the Blade! We can win the Great War but not in this time! Together we will destroy the petty gods and we will see Olympus crumble before us! Come with me Gaia, return to my time! Victory awaits!
  17. ^ a b Alex Navarro (2005-03-21). "Reviews: God of War". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-03-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ a b Ivan Sulic (2005-03-18). "Reviews: God of War". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ Patrick Shaw (2007-03-28). "Reviews: God of War II". GamePro. Retrieved 2008-03-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ "Games: God of War". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
  21. ^ a b Gabe Graziani (2007-02-12). "Reviews: God of War II". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-03-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "E3 2007: Eyes-On The Simpsons Game". IGN. 2007-07-11. Retrieved 2008-03-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ "Kratos Gets Packaged". National Entertainment Collectibles Association. 2007-02-20. Retrieved 2008-03-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ "Player Select God of War II Ares Armor Kratos Closed Mouth Action Figure". National Entertainment Collectibles Association. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  25. ^ "Player Select God of War II Ares Armor Kratos Open Mouth Action Figure". National Entertainment Collectibles Association. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
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