STFUandPLAY's Tony Polanco writes:
"The God Of War franchise, once one of the strongest in the gaming world has finally stumbled. While God Of War: Ascension is technically a good game, it falls well below the standards set by previous entries 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.
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.
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.
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
I personally did not find the controls to be "unresponsive" at all, and the new "counter" move was easy to get the hang of and imho, it was needed in order to expand the move so as to affect more enemy attacks than in previous games. Even though "no one asked for it", the multi-player is great, and enhances the game greatly. The story is also very good for a "hack/slash" type of game.
this game is sick! screw the haters!
I played & replayed all God of War games with a big smile on my face and with Ascencion it's the same, and I haven't touched the multiplayer yet. It's hard to believe some franchises with a yearly rehash get a free pass yet 3 years of work on Ascension gets so many harsh reviews.
It's a classic God of War game that ticks all the right boxes, the combat feels tight and very satisfying, the bloody violence is there the way it should be, the graphics are even better than GoW3...only the story is not what I hoped for, with a prequel I expected to start ad a captain in the Spartan Army all the way to the moment you're betrayed by Ares, but do I really care? No, because everything else is so good. It's just a blast to kill your way through the game, I didn't even mind setting the difficulty to Hard, something I didn't do with part 3 that lasted less than 10 hours and never got me hooked. If you're any good in these types of games you just have to make sure you set the bar yourself to make sure you're challenged in a normal way. These type of expensive games aren't just made for the fans anymore, newcomers should be able to enjoy them as well, hence Normal is too easy for a veteran fan. And fans should know this by now. For me, on Hard, everything falls in place. I freaking love this game!
As someone who was upset with the inclusion of multiplayer in GOW, I have to say it's probably the most fun I've had with an online game in a LONG time. IF you haven't had the chance to try or just believe that GOW shouldn't have an online component, I encourage you to try it.