Unfortunately it’s a criticism that can be aimed at Ascension as a whole – it’s an enjoyable game, but one that doesn’t quite live up to the pedigree of its predecessors. The story, which promised so much by revealing a more emotional side to Kratos, stumbles along and is so flimsy it’s almost incidental. The combat has been refined and is therefore as satisfying as ever, but the lack of any really memorable set-pieces – combined with its tiresome reliance on carbon copy battles against waves of exactly the same enemy – result in a game that is at times spectacular but all too often forgettable. Kratos fanatics will no doubt revel in the challenge it presents, especially the gruelling Trials of Archimedes, but there’s no escaping the fact Ascension is the weakest in the series.
God of War's forgotten multiplayer mode was introduced nearly a decade ago, but it may have been a great addition if it was implemented now.
Not saying it was perfect but I really enjoyed it. One of the more unique MP experiences. Wouldn't mind them trying again.
It was nuts that they actually managed to make that experience work so well.
The story might have been the weakest (story-wise) in the main series, but the MP was super fun and well done.
Kratos has been on a rampage, killing Gods in epic battles since 2005. With each release managing to offer high-octane action, I explore each God of War title and rank every adventure from his journey to Olympus to his Norse tales of fatherhood.
I won’t rank Ragnarok just yet, although it is honestly leaving me and my wife blown away…won’t go into details right now, not done as I assume others aren’t either, maybe some of you are, idk haha.
But here’s how I rank them
5. God of War 3
4. God of War Ascension.
3. God of War 1.
2. God of War 2.
1. God of War 2018.
Wow, that’s pretty interesting that someone has the same ranking as me haha. So, did you beat Ragnarok? I assume so with you placing it at #1
1. God of war 3
2. God of war 2018
3. God of war 2
4. God of war 1
Haven't played the others but about 30 hrs In to ragnarock now so safe to say if it keeps up it will end up being at the top of my list when I'm done.
I will say the pacing of the original titles and the epic feel to them I feel is way better than the new one’s. Like, I could recognize and appreciate the praise God of War received, but it bores me to tears except for the pivotal moments.
However, that being said I feel Ragnarok is waaaaay better than 2018. I’m only on Ch. 6, but it’s pretty much rocked my face off from the get-go.
I’m really split between this being my GotY or Elden Ring.
I think different games in the series had different strengths but all are great. I liked the original as it was an origin story and the mechanics were fresh. The sequel added smoother gameplay. Three was just so far ahead of it's time graphically it wasn't even funny. Plus great gameplay and bosses and insane gore and nice use of sexy time. The reboot was cool but lost a lot of what I liked about the original trilogy (I don't need my games grown up, just fun). Will wait and see with ragnarok as haven't had time to play it yet.
BLG writes: "God of War has evolved significantly since the first game launched in 2005. Each subsequent entry has brought something new to the series, be it new power sets, fighting styles, and in the case of the 2018 reboot, a whole new combat system. Therefore, a major component in ranking every God of War game is that game’s impact on the franchise."
2 is my all time favorite with Ascension being my least (but still worth playing). First time dealing with the colossus of rhodes as well as the scale of the steeds of time... just a great game overall.
3 is the best for me, closely followed by the reboot. The reboot lost some of the spectacular scenes in favour of deeper gameplay, 3 was jaw dropping at times. I'm hoping the next game will have the best of both.
Yeah 3 was my favorite as well! The Poseidon battle was amazing! Gameplay wise and graphically!
Honestly first 2 were amazing. I really wanted Sony yo bring back David jaffe and have him do his own version of God of war reboot working in different mythology. David and Cory could make sure story made sense but I think God of war is a big enough series where multiple entries at the same time
1. GOW 3
1. GOW 2
2. GOW: Ghost of Sparta
3. GOW 1
4. GOW: Chains of Olympus
5. GOW(2018)
6. GOW: Ascension
GOW 2018 2nd from the bottom? Behind 1? Behind the 2 PSP games?
Your street cred is taking a hit today.
Talk about late to the party. At least people can't say it was a rushed review.
Majority of reviewers seem to believe its a very good game (8/10) but the story isn't as engaging as the others.
3 prequels was cutting it close but I'd say they got away with it.
I can already see the comments claiming other games get a free pass but I can honestly not think of a single game franchise that has been given a free pass for 3 prequels and maintained high reviews.
but one that doesn’t quite live up to the pedigree of its predecessors. combined with its tiresome reliance on carbon copy battles against waves of exactly the same enemy"
Agree.. I can understand GoW franchise fatigue over other large franchises. The difference is pretty much every GoW game has been exactly the same, with a few differences here and there. A series like Halo, for example, has tried different things throughout the series.
Diagreed on the MP part. It's actually pretty good. With them announcing free DLC map packs, I hope it keeps the community active.
Played through 3 hours of the game today and the combat and gameplay is exactly I am expecting from a GOW game, which I love. I need to finished the game to see if I feel any fatigue about the gameplay or not. I am glad IGN took their time with the review and I am sure they went through ever piece of details about the game but I won't read the review because I don;t want to see any spoiler until I had completed the game. I think thus far I will giver it a 8 -8.5 based on the 3 hours I had with the game.