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This article is about the video game series. For the comic book series, see God of War (comics).

God of War
File:God of War logo.png
The logo for God of War, the first game in the series.
Subsequent titles and merchandise use a similar logo.
Genre(s)Hack and slash, action-adventure
Developer(s)SCE Santa Monica Studio (Main)
Ready at Dawn (PSP games)
Javaground (Mobile phone)
Bluepoint Games (Port for God of War Collection)
Publisher(s)Sony Computer Entertainment
Capcom (in Japan)
Sony Pictures Digital (Betrayal)
Creator(s)David Jaffe (God of War)
Cory Barlog (God of War II)
Philip Cohen (Betrayal)
Ru Weerasuriya (Chains of Olympus)
Stig Asmussen (God of War III)
Dana Jan (Ghost of Sparta)
Todd Papy (Ascension)
Writer(s)Marianne Krawczyk
Platform(s)PlayStation 2, Java ME,
PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3
First releaseGod of War
Latest releaseGod of War: Origins Collection

God of War is an award-winning action-adventure video game series loosely based on Greek mythology. Debuting in Template:Vgy, the series has become a flagship title for the PlayStation brand, consisting of six games across multiple platforms with a seventh currently in development. The main trilogy – God of War I, II, & III – was developed by Sony's Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 video game consoles. Ready at Dawn developed the PlayStation Portable installments – Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta – which were also published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Capcom published both PS2 and PSP installments in Japan. The mobile phone Java ME installment – Betrayal – was developed by Javaground and published by Sony Pictures Digital. Santa Monica is currently in development of a new title – Ascension – for the PS3. The series has also expanded into a franchise to include other media, such as a comic book series – God of War (2010-11) – and two novels – God of War (2010) and God of War II (2013).

In addition to the individual games, two collections featuring remasterings of both PS2 installments – God of War Collection – and both PSP installments – God of War: Origins Collection – have been released on the PS3 by Bluepoint Games and Ready at Dawn, respectively. With the exception of the mobile phone game, God of War: Betrayal, every installment in the series has been featured on the PlayStation 3 and each main installment has been released in March of their respective release year. The series has also been associated with merchandise including artwork, clothing, toys and cell phone skins. As of June 2012, the series has sold more than 21 million copies worldwide.

The central character of the series is Kratos, a Spartan warrior tricked into killing his wife and child by his former master, the God of War Ares. Kratos eventually kills Ares at the behest of the goddess Athena and takes his place as the new God of War, but is still haunted by the nightmares of his past. Kratos is eventually betrayed by Zeus, the King of the Olympian Gods. Revealed to be a demigod and the son of Zeus, Kratos now seeks revenge against the gods for their machinations. A convoluted series of attempts to free himself from the influence of the gods (and eventually the Titans) and exact revenge follow. Each game chapter forms part of a saga with vengeance as a central theme, with the series becoming darker in tone with each game.

Gameplay

Gameplay from God of War: weakening foes allows for use of controller buttons for greater damage or finishing moves.

The series is composed of single-player games typically featuring a third-person, fixed cinematic camera with the player controlling the character Kratos in a combination of combat, platforming, and puzzle game elements to achieve goals and complete the story.[1][2] A first-person camera is also featured in God of War III (during two boss battles)[3] while God of War: Betrayal features a 2D side-scrolling view.

Kratos' main weapons throughout the series are a pair of double-chained blades, with various other secondary weapons acquired with each game, such as the "Blade of Artemis" in God of War.[4] Magic is also used, with four different abilities usually acquired (e.g. Poseidon's Rage, Medusa's Gaze, Zeus' Fury, and Army of Hades from God of War).[5] God of War III differed in that the four primary weapons each featured their own magic offensive as opposed to gaining separate abilities.[3] With each new game, most weapons and magic are typically lost via a plot device, and a new arsenal of weapons and abilities are acquired during gameplay.[6]

Relics can also be acquired and are an exception to this rule, as the player is able to use each in successive games, such as "Poseidon's Trident" which is first obtained in God of War and kept throughout the chronological sequels.[1] Kratos often has a "special" ability, which provides temporary invulnerability and increased attack damage. This ability has become an ongoing feature in gameplay throughout the series: "Rage of the Gods" in God of War, "Rage of the Titans" in God of War II, "Rage of Sparta" in God of War III, and "Thera's Bane" in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.[3] This ability can be recharged by building "hits" on foes in combat, and gaining game specific orbs (Thera's Bane, however, is recharged automatically).[1][3][7]

Health and Magic increases – Gorgon Eyes and Phoenix Feathers respectively – are found throughout the game in uncolored chests.[4][8] Minotaur Horns were also added, which increase the Items and Fire meters in God of War III and Ghost of Sparta, respectively. The Items meter allows for usage of secondary weapons, called "Items", and the Fire meter allows for the usage of the ability, "Thera's Bane". Gorgon Eyes, Phoenix Feathers, and Minotaur Horns increase the length of the meter that each is attributed to and the meter will reach maximum length once a certain number of each have been found. Other chests found in the games contain orbs, marked with a corresponding color for the respective orbs (green, blue, and red).[9] Green orbs replenish health, blue orbs replenish magic, and red orbs provide experience for upgrading weapons and magic (e.g. new and more powerful attacks) and also replenish the Rage meter in God of War. Gold orbs were added in God of War II to replenish the Rage meter and were replaced by white orbs in God of War III. Chests with changing colors have also been available and allow players choice as to which meter to replenish.[10] Red orbs may also be collected by killing foes and destroying certain inanimate objects. "Bosses" and more powerful opponents release a combination of colored orbs when killed via the quick-time feature.[4]

In addition to combo based combat, gameplay also includes a quick-time feature, which is initiated when the player has weakened a stronger foe and an icon (the circle button on the controller) appears above them.[11] The player then presses the corresponding button commands appearing on screen, with success ending the battle, and failure usually resulting in damage.[3] God of War: Ascension will revamp the quick-time feature, replacing some of the button prompts with a new prompt-less free-form system, with players needing to time when to attack or dodge based on enemies' actions.[12] A "grab" maneuver is also available for use on minor foes that yields a higher proportion of experience points in the form of red orbs.[7]

Challenge modes are also included in each installment, which yield bonus red orbs, secret costumes, and behind-the-scenes videos, respectively.[13] There is also bonus content unlocked from beating the game's various difficulty levels.[14] Battle arenas, which allow players to set difficulty levels and choose their own opponents, are also featured in each installment except God of War and God of War: Chains of Olympus.[15] A quick-time sex mini-game is also included in each installment (except Betrayal). The player presses the corresponding buttons that appear on screen while the sex scene commences off screen (e.g. the camera focusing on a vase in God of War).[16]

God of War: Ascension will introduce multiplayer to the series for both online and offline. The mode will allow up to eight players to be split between two teams of four and battle to take control of a map in order to earn rewards from the gods. Players, however, must first sell their champion's soul to one of four deities: Zeus, Hades, Ares, or Poseidon. This decision then allows players to trial different weapons, armor sets, and powers inspired by the god of their choice, with extras such as customizable avatar warriors and other multiplayer features able to be unlocked.[17]

Games

Gameplay from God of War: Betrayal featuring Kratos (left) in battle.

God of War[18] was first released in North America on March 22, 2005 for the PlayStation 2. Kratos is introduced as having been the servant of the gods for ten years, and is tasked by Athena to find Pandora's Box, the key to defeating Ares, the God of War. Through a series of flashbacks it is revealed that Kratos was once the servant of Ares (who saved the Spartan and his army from annihilation) in battle, and tricked him into killing his family, forcing his metamorphosis into the "Ghost of Sparta." Kratos eventually locates the Box, and after finally killing Ares, ascends to Olympus to become the new God of War.

God of War II[19] was first released in North America on March 13, 2007 for the PlayStation 2. Betrayed by Zeus, Kratos is saved by the Titan Gaia, who states Kratos must now find the Sisters of Fate. The Sisters can change his fate and prevent his death at the hands of Zeus. Kratos is ultimately successful, and learns from a dying Athena (who sacrificed herself to save Zeus and thereby preserve Olympus) that he is the son of Zeus. Kratos then joins forces with Gaia and the Titans in an attack on Olympus.

God of War: Betrayal[20] was released on June 20, 2007 for mobile phones. Taking place between the events of God of War: Ghost of Sparta and God of War II, Kratos is framed for murder and rampages across Greece, seeking the true assassin. Kratos succumbs to bloodlust and kills Ceryx, the son of the god Hermes – an act that alienates him from his fellow gods. Betrayal is the only game in the series to be released as a 2D side-scroller and released on a non-Sony platform.[21]

God of War: Chains of Olympus[22] was first released in North America on March 4, 2008 for the PlayStation Portable followed by a limited edition PSP bundle pack released in June. Set in the time of Kratos' ten years of service to the gods, Kratos halts a Persian invasion of the Greek city of Attica, and learns that the world has been plunged into darkness by the god Morpheus. Learning that the sun god Helios has been abducted, Kratos investigates and prevents the machiavellian plan of the goddess Persephone to use the Titan Atlas to destroy the world and as a result Olympus.

God of War III[23] was first released in North America on March 16, 2010 for the PlayStation 3 with an "Ultimate Edition" available for pre-order with exclusive content. Reigniting the Great War, Kratos is soon abandoned by the Titans. Now aided by the spirit of a revived Athena to find the Flame of Olympus, Kratos engages both the gods and former allies the Titans in an epic series of battles across the Underworld and Olympus. Discovering that Pandora herself is the key to pacifying the Flame and allowing him to open Pandora's Box, Kratos eventually defeats the gods and opposing Titans. After killing Zeus, Kratos refuses to aid Athena assume the role of new patron of mankind and disappears, his final fate unknown.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta[24] was first released in North America on November 2, 2010 for the PlayStation Portable with a limited edition PSP bundle and an exclusive pre-order offer released simultaneously. Set after the events of the original God of War and prior to God of War: Betrayal, Kratos, the God of War, is still haunted by visions of his mortal past and embarks on a quest to discover his origins by finding his mother, Callisto. Learning that his brother Deimos was taken by the gods and then imprisoned by the God of Death, Thanatos, Kratos decides to find and save his sibling. Although successful, Thanatos engages the brothers in combat, and kills Deimos. Kratos then kills Thanatos in turn, and returns to Olympus, now enraged at the gods.

God of War: Ascension[25] is scheduled to be released in North America on March 12, 2013 for the PlayStation 3 with a "Collector's Edition" available for pre-order with exclusive content. The announcement trailer is narrated by Linda Hunt and tells about a time during Kratos' life before he was made the "Ghost of Sparta" when he was not yet bound in blood. The game will be a prequel to the entire God of War series.[26] God of War: Ascension will be the first game in the series to feature multiplayer modes (four-vs-four) and the first installment developed with Stereoscopic 3D (though the second release to feature 3D).[17]

Collections

God of War Collection is a remastered port (the first Classics HD release)[29] of God of War and God of War II for the PlayStation 3 on a single Blu-ray Disc that was released in North America on November 17, 2009.[27] In Europe, the Collection was included in the God of War III: Ultimate Trilogy Edition (March 18, 2010 in Australia and New Zealand; March 19, 2010 in Europe). [30] It was released in Japan as a standalone on March 18, 2010, was published by Capcom,[28] and was later released in the God of War III Trilogy Edition which included God of War III and God of War Collection on March 25, 2010. The game was released in Australia on April 29, 2010.[31] and in the UK on April 30, 2010.[32]

The original God of War and God of War II were ported by Bluepoint Games and feature high-definition resolutions (720p), anti-aliased graphics locked in at 60 frames per second and Trophies (71 total with a platinum trophy for each game[33]). The bonus materials contained on the second disc of the original two-disc PS2 version of God of War II are included with the Blu-ray version of the collection.[34] The port was derived from feedback of fans of the series and was viewed as a means of introducing new players to the series prior to the release of God of War III.[35] The God of War III game demo from E3 2009 was included with early copies of the game.[36]

SCE Santa Monica Studio ran a sweepstakes in November 2009 for the release of God of War Collection. The grand prize was an autographed "Gold" disc (a first pressing of the game created when assets were finalized and reached "Gold" status), exclusive artwork created and signed by a God of War team member, a Limited Edition Kratos T-shirt, and a never before released Limited Edition 10" Figurine of Kratos. First place prize was a copy of God of War Collection signed by the Development Team. Winners were announced in December 2009.[37][38]

On November 2, 2010, the God of War Collection was released as a digital download on the PlayStation Store (God of War and God of War II being the first PS2 games to receive this treatment).[34] PlayStation Plus subscribers may also download a one hour trial of each game and for a limited time could receive a God of War III skin with the purchase of each game: "Phantom of Chaos" (God of War) and "Forgotten Warrior" (God of War II) respectively.[39] The bonus materials for God of War II are not included with the digital download version.[34]

God of War: Origins Collection (titled God of War Collection – Volume II in Europe and commonly referred to as God of War Origins) is a remastered port of the two PlayStation Portable installments in the series – God of War: Chains of Olympus and God of War: Ghost of Sparta – for the PlayStation 3 on a single Blu-ray Disc. It was first announced at the Sony press conference at E3 2011 and was ported by Ready at Dawn, the original developer of the games on the PSP. The collection was released on September 13 and 16, 2011 in North America and Europe respectively, September 29, 2011 in Australia, and on October 6, 2011 in Japan. God of War: Origins Collection was also released in North America as a digital download (including full game trials of both games) on the PlayStation Store on September 13, 2011.[40]

God of War Origins features high-definition resolutions (720p), Stereoscopic 3D (the first God of War release with this feature), anti-aliased graphics locked in at 60 frames per second, DualShock 3 rumble features and Trophies (72 total with a platinum trophy for each game[41]). The God of War – Game Directors Live documentary, Kratos Legionnaire bonus skin, and Forest of the Forgotten combat arena (previously included with the Ghost of Sparta preorder package) are also included with the God of War: Origins Collection.[42][43]

Recurring characters

Main article: List of God of War characters
  • Kratos: The protagonist of the God of War series. The character is a power-hungry Spartan who, to save his life, is eventually forced to serve the Olympian god Ares. During one murderous rampage, Kratos accidentally kills his wife and child. Renouncing Ares and becoming a tormented soul, Kratos serves the gods for ten years (eventually becoming the God of War and revealed to be a demigod) until betrayed by his father Zeus. A convuluted series of attempts to free himself from the influence of the gods (and eventually the Titans) and exact vengeance follow, culminating with a final confrontation with Zeus. The character is voiced by Terrence C. Carson,[44] with Antony Del Rio voicing the character as a child in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.[45]
  • Athena: The Goddess of Wisdom and Kratos' mentor and ally. Athena initially tasks Kratos to find Helios as in the absence of light, the god Morpheus has caused the remaining gods to fall into a deep slumber. She later charges Kratos with the murder of Ares (as Zeus has forbidden divine involvement) and is instrumental in allowing Kratos to become the new God of War.[46] Athena is still sympathetic towards Kratos even after she begged him to stop his second quest for the Ambrosia of Asclepius, lied about his brother Deimos, and after Kratos renounced the gods. Although dying trying to protect Zeus from Kratos, Athena is resurrected and elevated to a new level of understanding. With ulterior motives, she becomes Kratos' ally once more and guides him to the Flame of Olympus surrounding Pandora's Box, which will allow Kratos to kill Zeus and end the reign of Mount Olympus.[47] The character has been voiced by Carole Ruggier in God of War and God of War II and Erin Torpey in God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War III, and God of War: Ghost of Sparta.[45]
  • Gaia: The mother of the Titans and embodiment of Earth. Gaia was banished with her fellow Titans at the conclusion of the Great War. Gaia saves Kratos from the Underworld after a disastrous encounter with Zeus, and directs the Spartan to find The Sisters of Fate in order to change his fate. A successful Kratos plucks Gaia and the Titans from the moment in time before their defeat in the Great War to launch an abortive attack on Olympus.[48] Wounded in the attempt, Gaia abandons Kratos, who eventually finds the injured Titan. Kratos cripples Gaia, but the Titan eventually returns to interrupt a final battle between the Spartan and Zeus. Kratos and Zeus enter Gaia, where the Spartan destroys her heart, killing the Titan.[47] The character has been voiced by Linda Hunt in God of War II and Susan Blakeslee in God of War III.
  • Zeus: The King of the Olympian Gods and the main antagonist of God of War II and God of War III. Zeus and Ares believed the destruction of Olympus was to come by the hands of Deimos, the brother of Kratos, so they had Deimos imprisoned and tortured by Thanatos. Many years later, Zeus aids Kratos against Ares by bestowing him with the magic "Zeus' Fury." Becoming infected with fear, Zeus tricks the Spartan into draining his godly powers into the Blade of Olympus, stating it is necessary so as to deal with a new threat (actually created by Zeus). Kratos, stripped of his power, is mortally wounded while human, and killed by Zeus. With the help of the Titan Gaia, Kratos uses the power of the Sisters of Fate to return to the moment Zeus betrayed him and after extensive combat, he defeats the King of Gods. Zeus is saved by Athena, who sacrifices herself to preserve Olympus. Before dying, Athena reveals that Kratos is in fact Zeus' son, and that he fears a perpetuation of the son-killing-father cycle (as he himself imprisoned his father Cronos).[48] This is confirmed when Kratos discovers that Zeus was infected with fear when Kratos first opened Pandora's Box and used its power to kill Ares. After an enlightening encounter with Pandora, Kratos finally kills Zeus.[47] The character has been voiced by Paul Eiding in God of War, Corey Burton in God of War II and God of War III, and Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Ghost of Sparta (after game "Combat Arena" mode).[45]

Adaptations

Film and documentaries

A film adaptation of the first game was announced in 2005.[49] 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,[50] and eventually stated that "it's doubtful that the film will even be made." [51] In September 2010, Jaffe stated that the "script went out a year and a half ago to Daniel Craig who plays Bond, but he turned it down." He also advised that another actor had since been signed to the role of Kratos, claiming "this new person is pretty good, if that ends up true."[52] In July 2012, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the Pacific Rim writers, Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, have been hired to adapt the God of War film.[53]

God of War: Unearthing the Legend (75 minutes, 2010)[54] is a documentary about the God of War video game franchise and is hosted by Peter Weller. The production discusses the relationship between the God of War games (excluding Betrayal) and actual Greek mythology, and features members of the God of War III development team and professional historians. It was released in the God of War III: Ultimate Edition (North America) and Ultimate Trilogy Edition (Europe, Australia, and New Zealand). On March 25, 2010, it was released on the PlayStation Store to purchase.[55]

God of War – Game Directors Live (80 minutes, 2010)[56] is a documentary featuring five of the game directors from the God of War series (excluding Betrayal: director Philip Cohen was absent from the production for unknown reasons). The directors included David Jaffe (God of War), Cory Barlog (God of War II), Ru Weerasuriya (Chains of Olympus), Stig Asmussen (God of War III), and Dana Jan (Ghost of Sparta). The documentary takes the form of an interview panel hosted by G4's Alison Haislip, with the five game directors and 150 members of PlayStation.Blog and members of GodofWar.com and SpartansStandTall.com. The production was filmed at the El Portal theater in North Hollywood, Los Angeles on September 1, 2010. It was released as a pre-order bonus for God of War: Ghost of Sparta in North America on November 2, 2010 and was included with the God of War: Origins Collection released on September 13, 2011 in North America (also released to purchase on the PlayStation Store on the same day).[40]

Comic series and novels

Main article: God of War (comics)

A six issue comic book series (titled God of War) written by Marv Wolfman with art by Andrea Sorrentino was published on a bi-monthly schedule by Wildstorm from May 2010 to March 2011 (a collected edition was released March 2011).[57] The story takes place shortly after the events of God of War (and prior to Ghost of Sparta) with Kratos seeking to destroy the Ambrosia of Asclepius (an elixir with legendary healing properties), which he once used to save his dying daughter and the King Sparta.

God of War is the official novelization of the game of the same name and was written by Matthew Stover and Robert E. Vardeman. It was released on May 25, 2010 by Del Rey Books.[58] God of War II is the second novelization in the series and is the official novelization of the game of the same name. It is being written by Robert E. Vardeman and is expected to be released on February 5, 2013 also by Del Rey Books.[59]

Music

On March 1, 2005, God of War: Original Soundtrack from the Video Game was released on CD by SCEI as an exclusive product for the Sony Connect Music Store. It has been praised for the composers avoiding production of never ending action themes. It has also been praised for well-developed orchestral themes, with a noticeable creative use of ancient and ethnic instrumentation.[60] God of War II: Original Soundtrack from the Video Game was released on CD by SCEI on April 10, 2007. Praised as strong, the album features a wide variety of ominous orchestral pieces, and each composers' contributions seems slightly more distinctive than the previous soundtrack.[61] God of War: Chains of Olympus – Original Soundtrack from the Video Game was composed by Gerard K. Marino but has not been commercially released.[62] Marino composed roughly thirteen minutes of new music for the game and re-worked other music from the previous titles.[63]

God of War III: Original Soundtrack from the Video Game was released as downloadable content through the God of War III Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Trilogy Edition in March and April of 2010.[64] It was also released on CD on March 30, 2010.[65] The soundtrack was praised as an orchestral success and the best score in the series.[66] The original scores for God of War, God of War II, and God of War III have each been nominated for Best Original Score at the 2005,[67] 2007,[68] and 2010[69] Spike Video Game Awards, respectively.

The God of War Trilogy Soundtrack was included with the God of War III Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Trilogy Edition as downloadable content. The Trilogy Soundtrack consists of the scores for God of War, God of War II and God of War III respectively. It has been praised as the best way to experience the series' musical development, and allows the listener to see how the composers have developed over time.[70] On November 2, 2010, God of War: Ghost of Sparta – Original Soundtrack from the Video Game was released as downloadable content by SCEI via the God of War: Ghost of Sparta pre-order package and includes three bonus tracks from God of War: Chains of Olympus.[63] It can also be purchased from iTunes.[71] Several tracks were cited as being intended for purely contextual purposes, with the remainder of the soundtrack rating well in comparison to the soundtracks of the main installments in the series.[72]

God of War: Ascension – Original Soundtrack from the Video Game will be composed by Tyler Bates and Timothy Williams and will be released as downloadable content through the God of War: Ascension – Collector's Edition by SCEI.[73]

God of War: Blood & Metal

Untitled

The God of War: Blood & Metal EP is a heavy metal homage by various bands from the Roadrunner Records label, and features original music inspired by the God of War video game series. The EP was released for purchase on March 2, 2010 and is available from ShockHound[74] and from the iTunes Store. The EP was also released as downloadable content via the God of War III Ultimate Edition (North America) and Ultimate Trilogy Edition (Europe, Australia, and New Zealand) and included a bonus track.[75][76] The second track, "Shattering the Skies Above" by Trivium,[74] and the bonus track, "Even Gods Cry" by The Turtlenecks,[77] were made into music videos.

1UP.com (2.5/5) claimed "it's not offensive to [the] ears" and "mainstream listeners may enjoy [the album]".[78] SquareEnixMusic.com (8/10) stated the album is a "good selection of metal music" and listeners will be "surprised with the variety of music".[79]

Track listing
No.TitleMusicLength
1."My Obsession"Killswitch Engage3:44
2."Shattering the Skies Above"Trivium4:44
3."Raw Dog"Dream Theater7:33
4."This Is Madness"Taking Dawn4:18
5."Throat of Winter"Opeth5:47
6."The End"Mutiny Within3:18
Total length:29:24
God of War III Ultimate Edition/Ultimate Trilogy Edition bonus track
No.TitleMusicLength
7."Even Gods Cry"The Turtlenecks7:32
Total length:36:56

Critical reception

Aggregate review scores
As of July 4, 2012.
Game GameRankings Metacritic
God of War 93.62%[80] 94/100[81]
God of War II 92.71%[82] 93/100[83]
God of War: Betrayal 75.00%[84] N/A[85]
God of War: Chains of Olympus 91.21%[86] 91/100[87]
God of War III 92.54%[88] 92/100[89]
God of War: Ghost of Sparta 86.83%[90] 86/100[91]

As of June 2012, the series, including God of War Collection and God of War: Origins Collection, has sold more than 21.65 million copies worldwide.[92] The original God of War, God of War II, God of War: Chains of Olympus, and God of War III have received universal critical acclaim from several review journalist as compiled by review aggregates GameRankings and Metacritic. Although God of War: Betrayal did not receive this level of positive feedback, it has been critically acclaimed for its fidelity to the series in terms of gameplay, art style, and graphics.[93] God of War: Ghost of Sparta, though also not reaching universal acclaim, has been praised for its graphics and story, with 1UP claiming it's "a more personal story than the other GOW games..."[94] The original God of War has been claimed as the "best action game ever to grace the PS2"[95] and one of the best action games of all time, having received over a dozen "Game of the Year" awards[96] and in 2007 being named the "seventh best" PlayStation 2 game of all time on IGN's "Top 25 PS2 Games of All Time" list.[97] God of War II was also on IGN's list being named the "second best" PlayStation 2 game of all time.[98] God of War II has similarly been claimed as one of the best action games of all time and is considered the swan song of the PlayStation 2 era.[99]

God of War: Chains of Olympus has been praised for "fantastic" graphics and "tight and responsive" controls.[100] In 2008, Chains of Olympus was awarded the Best PSP Action Game,[101] and in September 2010, Chains of Olympus was listed as the best PSP game on GamePro's "The 10 Best PSP Games" list.[102] God of War III has received high praise for its graphics, in particular of Kratos, with IGN stating that Kratos is "perhaps the single most impressive-looking character ever in videogames." IGN also claimed that God of War III "redefines what the word 'scale' means with regards to videogames, as it throws you into scenes with Titans that are larger than entire levels in some other games."[103] God of War III has also received awards for "Most Anticipated Game of 2010" [104] and Best PS3 Game.[105] The game was also honored with the "Artistic Achievement" award at the 2011 BAFTA awards.[106] God of War: Ghost of Sparta received various awards at E3 2010 including Best Handheld Game, Best PSP Game, and PSP Game of Show,[107] and later won Best Handheld Game at the 2010 Spike Video Game Awards.[105]

The series has also received criticism over issues such as puzzles, weapons, and technical problems. God of War: Chains of Olympus was criticized by G4 who stated that the game "occasionally suffers from screen tearing and framerate drops", while noted that some of the puzzles "are so maddeningly difficult to solve".[108] The game was also criticized for its relative lack of variety in enemies, players still having to move boxes to solve puzzles,[100] and its relatively short story.[109] God of War III received criticism over one of its mini-games where X-Play felt it was "particularly inappropriate."[110] IGN complained of its weapons, stating "that two of the three additional weapons that you'll earn are extremely similar to your blades. They have unique powers and slightly different moves, but by and large, they're more of the same."[103] Gamestyle also criticized the script, claiming it "gets downright hokey at times".[111] God of War: Ghost of Sparta received criticism from Eurogamer, who stated that the "game's primary problem...is in its in-built focus" and stating that "there is a sense that Ghost of Sparta is a step back for the series if you've played [God of War III]." [112]

Collections

God of War Collection has received universal critical acclaim. IGN (9.4/10) awarded the game the "Editor's Choice" Award and praised the enhanced resolutions, lower price point and smoother frame rates, stating it was a "definitive way to play the game".[118] 1up.com ("A" rating) praised the tremendous increase in visuals but noted that although insignificant, the in-engine cut-scenes appeared blurry.[119] GamePro (5/5) stated the collection is "two fantastic games on one disc for a low price; puts you in the right mindset for God of War 3."[120] PlayStation LifeStyle (5/5) noted that for those who are "familiar with Kratos will enjoy the extra polish the Collection brings to two of the best games from the PS2 era."[121] Due to the success of the God of War Collection, Sony ordered new titles to receive similar treatment under a new brand of "Classics HD".[122] As of June 2012, God of War Collection has sold more than 2.4 million copies worldwide.[92]

God of War: Origins Collection was similarly well received. IGN (9/10) stated "Sony succeeded at making good games better" and also stated that the game "acts as a time lapse experiment for players to get a really good look at how a developer evolves from one game to another."[125] GamePro (8/10) noted the lack of new bonus content, and claimed "3D doesn't necessarily radically redefine the experience. It does, however, make things like boss fights and magical effects much more mesmerizing..." although "all of the in-game cinematics are not in 3D, which is...unfortunate considering how cutscenes are such an integral part of the storytelling in any God of War game".[126] As of June 2012, God of War: Origins Collection has sold 711,737 copies worldwide.[92]

Other Appearances

Kratos has been featured as a playable character in five other PlayStation games outside the God of War series. These include Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds (with "Clubs of Chaos"),[127] a DLC costume for LittleBigPlanet (also included Medusa and Minotaur costumes, and a level sticker kit),[128] Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny (with own stage),[129] ModNation Racers (with "Kart of Chaos"),[130] and the PS3 and PSVita versions of Mortal Kombat (including own stage with three stage fatalities).[131] Kratos will appear as a playable character in the upcoming crossover fighting game, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (with God of War inspired stages, mixed with other games).[132]

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External links

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