Kratos (God of War): Difference between revisions
→Outward appearance: put pre-order and other cause Morpheus was with 7-Eleven Slurpee codes and Dominus was only in special edition, and I think you meant GoW3 in parenthesis |
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Other features include red tattoos (originally blue but changed late in production<ref name="Heroic Possibilities">''Heroic Possibilities'', ''God of War'' documentary (2005)</ref>) that pass over his left eye and a scar across the right eye. Other changes that occur during the course of the series include the addition of an abdominal scar (''[[God of War II]]'') and ability enhancing armour such as the [[Golden Fleece]] (an [[epaulet]] - ''[[God of War II]]'') and the Boots of [[Hermes]] (''[[God of War III]]''). |
Other features include red tattoos (originally blue but changed late in production<ref name="Heroic Possibilities">''Heroic Possibilities'', ''God of War'' documentary (2005)</ref>) that pass over his left eye and a scar across the right eye. Other changes that occur during the course of the series include the addition of an abdominal scar (''[[God of War II]]'') and ability enhancing armour such as the [[Golden Fleece]] (an [[epaulet]] - ''[[God of War II]]'') and the Boots of [[Hermes]] (''[[God of War III]]''). |
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Kratos' appearance can also be altered in bonus play, as completing a game at each level of difficulty unlocks bonus costumes. Several costumes were also available exclusively |
Kratos' appearance can also be altered in bonus play, as completing a game at each level of difficulty unlocks bonus costumes. Several costumes were also available exclusively via pre-order and other promotions (eg. ''[[God of War III]]'').<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_of_War_III#Marketing]</ref> Although many bonus costumes are consistent with story themes, others are blatantly humorous (eg. the female [[Athena]]) or farcical (eg. the "Spud of War"). A total of 21 bonus costumes are available for use through out the series.<ref>http://godofwar.wikia.com/wiki/Bonus_Costumes</ref> |
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According to an early ''God of War'' script, the character has a height of between 6'4 and 6'6.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/03/17/anatomy-of-a-character-kratos.aspx| title = Anatomy Of A Character: Kratos| first = Matt| last = Miller| publisher = Game Informer| date = 2010-03-17| accessdate = 2010-03-22}}</ref> |
According to an early ''God of War'' script, the character has a height of between 6'4 and 6'6.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/03/17/anatomy-of-a-character-kratos.aspx| title = Anatomy Of A Character: Kratos| first = Matt| last = Miller| publisher = Game Informer| date = 2010-03-17| accessdate = 2010-03-22}}</ref> |
Revision as of 05:54, 20 July 2010
Kratos | |
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'God of War' character | |
![]() Kratos, as he appears in God of War III. | |
First game | God of War (2005) |
Kratos (Ancient Greek: Κράτος, English translation: "strength" and "power") is a video game character and the creation of Sony Computer Entertainment's Santa Monica division (with eventual support in other games by Javaground and Ready at Dawn Studios).
Kratos first appeared in the game God of War (released in March 2005), which is loosely based on Greek mythology. The success of God of War allowed for the development of four additional games (with a fifth in development), with Kratos continuing as the protagonist of the entire God of War series. The character has been consistently voiced by TC Carson.
Eventually revealed to be a demigod, Kratos embarks on a series of often "forced" adventures in attempts to avert disaster or change his fate. Kratos is usually portrayed as being oblivious to all else in the execution these adventures, often engaging in morally ambiguous activities and performing acts of extreme violence. Each adventure forms part of a saga with revenge as a central theme, and provides additional information on Kratos' origins and relationship with his family and the gods.
Kratos has received positive critical reception, being described by reviewers as a "sympathetic antihero".[1] The character has also been associated with products including artwork, clothing, comic books, fast food, the internet, a novel, sweepstakes, toys and cell phone skins, with Game Guru claiming that "Practically anyone, even if they hadn't played any of the God of War games, would know about Kratos."[2]
Concept and creation
During the creative process, game director David Jaffe strived to create a character that looked "brutal", but still separated his appearance from what is considered to be the traditional Greek hero.[3] Traditional armor was also removed from the character, in order to promote the character's "individualism".[4] One of the early concepts was a fully masked character, but the idea was abandoned when such designs seemed "soulless", lacking a defined personality.[5]
Some models included unconventional elements, including an infant being carried on Kratos' back,[6] while others were deemed to include excessive detail, such as hair and other "flowing things".[6]
The double-chained blades were selected as Kratos' signature weapons as they emphasized the character's animalistic nature but still allowed combat to remain fluid.[7]
Jaffe commented on the final version of Kratos stating while "...he (Kratos) may not totally feel at home in Ancient Greece from a costume standpoint, I think he achieves the greater purpose which is to give players a character who they can play who really does just let them go nuts and unleash the nasty fantasies that they have their head."[8]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/68/Kratos_God_of_War_concept_art.jpg/220px-Kratos_God_of_War_concept_art.jpg)
Outward appearance
The most notable external feature is Kratos' ash-white complexion, a story development which earns him the title "Ghost of Sparta."[9]
Other features include red tattoos (originally blue but changed late in production[10]) that pass over his left eye and a scar across the right eye. Other changes that occur during the course of the series include the addition of an abdominal scar (God of War II) and ability enhancing armour such as the Golden Fleece (an epaulet - God of War II) and the Boots of Hermes (God of War III).
Kratos' appearance can also be altered in bonus play, as completing a game at each level of difficulty unlocks bonus costumes. Several costumes were also available exclusively via pre-order and other promotions (eg. God of War III).[11] Although many bonus costumes are consistent with story themes, others are blatantly humorous (eg. the female Athena) or farcical (eg. the "Spud of War"). A total of 21 bonus costumes are available for use through out the series.[12]
According to an early God of War script, the character has a height of between 6'4 and 6'6.[13]
History
Throughout the series, Kratos is portrayed as an anti-hero,[14] often performing questionable actions.
Prior to becoming the "Ghost of Sparta", Kratos was the youngest Captain of Sparta's army, but is revealed to even then have had a thirst for power. Once saved by Olympian god Ares and given the Blades of Chaos, Kratos blindly follows the God of War, killing hundreds in his name. After Ares tricks Kratos into murdering his wife and daughter, the Spartan is shocked out of his bloodlust and renounces service to Ares, being truly remorseful for the murder he has committed.
Although Kratos then vows to serve the other gods in order to receive forgiveness and relief from the nightmares of his past deeds, he is openly defiant. Kratos is reluctant to aid the gods when Helios is kidnapped, and openly abandons them when the goddess Persephone offers him a chance to be reunited with his daughter Calliope. Kratos, however, is eventually forced to reverse his decision when Persephone uses the Titan Atlas in a bid to destroy the world and in turn Calliope. Knowing that while intervention will save Calliope it will keep them apart forever, a bitter Kratos kills Persephone, imprisons Atlas and frees Helios (Chains of Olympus).
When Kratos grows tired of his service and confronts patron Athena, the goddess advises that if Kratos will kill the rampaging Ares, the gods will forgive his sins. Kratos once again agrees out of selfish motives, and after finding and using Pandora's Box, is ultimately successful. Despite being free of Ares' influence (including the Blades of Chaos), Kratos is not relieved of the nightmares that haunt him: only forgiven. A dissatisfied and despairing Kratos attempts to commit suicide, but is saved by Athena, who guides Kratos to Olympus where he becomes the new God of War (God of War).
Shunned by the other gods and bored with life on Mt. Olympus, Kratos spends his time watching the Spartan army overrun Greece. After being falsely accused of committing murder and eventually killing Ceryx, the son of Hermes (Betrayal), Kratos joins the Spartan army in city of Rhodes, intent only on destruction. Zeus, however, weakens Kratos, and then tricks him into abandoning his godly powers into the Blade of Olympus (which Zeus uses to kill Kratos). Although Kratos overcomes all obstacles, he is stunned at Zeus' betrayal and swears revenge as he dies.
As Kratos falls into the Underworld, he is rescued by the Titan Gaia. Banished to Tartarus with the other surviving Titans after the First Great War, Gaia and her brethren seek the death of Zeus. Kratos, fuelled by anger at the betrayal, agrees to aid the Titans and is instructed to find the Sisters of Fate, with their power being capable of returning him to the moment of Zeus' treachery.
Kratos becomes both determined and is utterly ruthless—in the pursuit of his goal he wounds a Titan, kills several Greek heroes without hesitation and deliberately sacrifices two scholars. All three of the Sisters of Fate are killed when they oppose Kratos, and in a final confrontation with Zeus is prepared to execute the King of the Gods. Zeus is only saved when Athena intervenes and sacrifices herself for him, with Kratos only then showing some remorse. Learning from a dying Athena that Zeus is in fact his father, and that Zeus wishes to avoid a repetition of what he himself did to his own father Cronos, Kratos rejects any notion of a relationship and vows to kill both Zeus and destroy Olympus. Encouraged by Gaia, Kratos retrieves the Titans from the moment in time when they were amidst defeat in the Great War and with their aid storms Mt. Olympus (God of War II).
Although Kratos kills Poseidon, he is abandoned by Gaia when an initial encounter with Zeus goes poorly. Stranded in the underworld and now betrayed by both the Olympians and Titans, Kratos learns from the spirit of Athena he will need to find the Flame of Olympus: the key to Zeus' defeat. Kratos murders both Titans and gods alike, ignoring the warnings of his victims as he seeks the Flame. Realizing the key to pacifying the Flame and reaching what is discovered to be Pandora's Box is in fact Pandora herself, Kratos comes to care for the girl, who reminds him of his lost daughter Calliope.
Kratos shows humanity when he attempts to stop Pandora from sacrificing herself to quenching the Flame, but reluctantly allows the act when Pandora states there is no other option. Finding the Box empty, and driven berserk by Zeus' mockery, Kratos attacks his father. Although Gaia intervenes and attempts to kill both Kratos and Zeus, she is destroyed by Kratos, who then apparently defeats Zeus.
Zeus, however, returns and attacks Kratos in spirit form. Kratos, now retreated into his psyche, comes to forgive himself for his past sins with the help of his wife Lysandra. Pandora later appears and tells Kratos that hope will ultimately save him. A now whole Kratos is revived and easily destroys Zeus. Athena confronts Kratos and demands that Kratos return what she placed in Pandora's Box: hope. In a selfless act, Kratos refuses and disperses the power across the world for mankind's use (by impaling himself with the Blade of Olympus), stating that his need for vengeance is at an end.
Kratos' ultimate fate remains unknown (God of War III).
Critical reception
GameSpot stated God of War did not allow the player to initially understand Kratos, but would be evident by the game's conclusion.[15] The character was regarded as a "sympathetic antihero" and a "badass", and described as "endearing" due to his unforgiving demeanor.[15] IGN similarly noted he was "ruthless", "merciless" and "savage", noting the character's main motive is vengeance and "he doesn't care for the plight of the Olympians. 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."[16] IGN also stated that in time the player would begin to "love and loathe Kratos and hate Ares."[16] GameDaily included him in a top 25 list of video game anti-heroes, stating that they love him for how he "tears enemies limb from limb and looks awesome doing it".[17]
GamePro stated it was "Kratos' tragic fall and brutal ascension to the peaks of Mount Olympus that made the original God of War so memorable."[18] GamesRadar listed Kratos as one of the 25 best new characters of the decade, stating that while he appears at first to be a generic character, the players eventually learn that he is both an "unstoppable force of nature" and a "broken, tragic man".[19]
Prince of Persia producer, Ben Mattes, explained in an interview that he considers Kratos "a supercool character, but it's black and white; his personality is pure rage, his dialogue is pure rage, his character design is pure rage--it's kind of easy."[20]
Merchandise
Two series of action figures based on God of War II have been produced by National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The first set included two versions of Kratos (the first being Kratos wielding the Blades of Athena and the second and second Kratos wearing the Golden Fleece and holding Euryale's head). A twelve-inch variation of the second figure that plays six pre-recorded game quotes was included in this release.[21]
A second two-figure set was also released, with Kratos wearing Ares' God of War armour.[22][23]
Kratos has also been featured in a line of action figures released by DC Unlimited based on God of War III.[24]
On January 29, 2010, it was announced that from February 1, 2010 until March 31, 2010, 7-Eleven would be selling a limited edition Slurpee drink called "Kratos Fury" (a blend of blackberries and frosty lime flavors) available in one of four exclusive God of War III Slurpee cups. The cups also featured codes that could also be used on the Slurpee website for exclusive God of War III and Slurpee themed downloadable content.
Kratos has been featured as a playable character in four other PlayStation games outside the God of War series. These include Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds[25], LittleBigPlanet[26], Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny[27], and ModNation Racers.[28]
Kratos has also 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.[29] 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.[30]
Other media
Film
A film adaptation of the original God of War was announced in 2005.[31] Creator David Jaffe confirmed that a completed script had been written by David Self and would be sent to an unspecified "huge-name director". Jaffe also confirmed that Universal Studios is behind the making of the God of War movie but was unaware of its current status,[32] and eventually stated that "it's doubtful that the film will even be made." [33]
Novel
A novelization of Kratos' first released adventure -God of War- was written by Matthew Stover and Robert E. Vardeman was released on May 25, 2010 by Del Ray Books.[34]
Internet
Sony Computer Entertainment also established a page on the internet phenonmenon Facebook for the character Kratos.[35]
See also
References
- ^ Gabe Graziani (2007-02-12). "Reviews: God of War II". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
- ^ [1]
- ^ "Art Gallery: Kratos". God of War: Official Game Guide. United States: Prima Games. 2005. p. 203. ISBN 0-7615-5133-6.
- ^ "Art Gallery: Kratos". God of War: Official Game Guide. United States: Prima Games. 2005. p. 208. ISBN 0-7615-5133-6.
- ^ "Art Gallery: Kratos". God of War: Official Game Guide. United States: Prima Games. 2005. p. 199. ISBN 0-7615-5133-6.
- ^ a b [citation needed] 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}}
- ^ "Art Gallery: Kratos". God of War: Official Game Guide. United States: Prima Games. 2005. p. 206. ISBN 0-7615-5133-6.
- ^ Character Graveyard, God of War feature (2005)
- ^ SCE Studios Santa Monica (2005). God of War (PlayStation 2). Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Oracle: From this night forward, the mark of your terrible dead with be visible to all! The ashes of your wife and child will remain fastened to your skin, never to be removed! Narrator: And with that curse, all would know him for the beast he had become, his skin white with the ash of his dead family. The ghost of Sparta had been born.
- ^ Heroic Possibilities, God of War documentary (2005)
- ^ [2]
- ^ http://godofwar.wikia.com/wiki/Bonus_Costumes
- ^ Miller, Matt (2010-03-17). "Anatomy Of A Character: Kratos". Game Informer. Retrieved 2010-03-22.
- ^ Levi Buchanan (2007-03-30). "'God of War II' is one hell of a ride". MSNBC Interactive. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
- ^ a b Alex Navarro (2005-03-21). "Reviews: God of War". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
- ^ a b Ivan Sulic (2005-03-18). "Reviews: God of War". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
- ^ http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-antiheroes/?page=25
- ^ Patrick Shaw (2007-03-28). "Reviews: God of War II". GamePro. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
- ^ "The 25 best new characters of the decade". GamesRadar. 2009-12-29. Retrieved 2010-01-04.
- ^ As quoted in Gary Steinman, "Prince of Persia: Anatomy of a Prince," PlayStation: The Official Magazine 13 (December 2008): 50.
- ^ "Kratos Gets Packaged". National Entertainment Collectibles Association. 2007-02-20. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
- ^ "Player Select God of War II Ares Armor Kratos Closed Mouth Action Figure". National Entertainment Collectibles Association. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
- ^ "Player Select God of War II Ares Armor Kratos Open Mouth Action Figure". National Entertainment Collectibles Association. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
- ^ "God of War Toys Coming". IGN. 2010-02-12. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ Hinojosa-Miranda, Chris (2008-08-20). "Kratos to Swing the Clubs of Chaos in Hot Shots Golf". Sony Computer Entertainment of America. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
- ^ "GameStop LBP pre-order adds more God of War sackness". Joystiq. 2008-10-07. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ Sinclair, Brendan (2009-04-28). "Soulcalibur forges Broken Destiny on PSP". GameSpot. Retrieved 2009-04-29.
- ^ Fahey, Mike (2010-03-15). "ModNation Dated, Kratos, Ratchet & Clank, And Nathan Drake Join The Race". Kotaku. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
- ^ fdemarco (2007-09-17). "Kratos' Armor Makes Guest Appearance in Heavenly Sword". Kotaku. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ "E3 2007: Eyes-On The Simpsons Game". IGN. 2007-07-11. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
- ^ Games to Film: God of War, IGN.com
- ^ Gametrailers.com - Game Head - David Jaffe meets Uwe Boll
- ^ John, Tracey (2010-03-04). "God of War Movie Update: Designers Have 'No Creative Control'". UGO Entertainment. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
- ^ "Del Ray announces first God of War novel for March 2010". Joystiq. 2009-06-13. Retrieved 2010-01-04.
- ^ [3]
External links
- Official God of War website
- Official God of War II website
- Official God of War: Chains of Olympus website