Origin stories can be touchy subjects for fans when their beloved series receives the prequel treatment. Mention Star Wars and most fans reactions are to reveal a list of things absolutely wrong with the three prequels. Prequels divide audiences. Some claim they were stories that should be told one way or another whereas others simply see them as pointless; a simple cash in to make money off a franchises popularity. God of War: Ascension isn't a game that ruins important back story. It is, however, debatable whether or not this story needed to be told as Kratos' reason for who he is and how he came to be where he is, is explored within the original God of War. Ascension is here though and there is no dismissing it. It's fully fledged God of War title that explores of origins of everyone’s favourite God slayer – Kratos. The game itself is set 10 years before the original God of War and 6 months after the deaths of Kratos' family. Having broken his bond with Ares, Kratos is fleeing from the Furies, three demonic sisters that punish those that break an oath, more severaly to those that turn their back on a God. In order to be free of his oath to Ares, Kratos must find a way to defeat the sisters.
With the origin story, we were promised a different Kratos, one not so driven by vengeance and rage. While this is true, we don't see any more depth to Kratos than we did in other games. In the very few cutscenes the game provides, we simply see Kratos looking forlorn, a little glum and little down. We don't completely explore his grief, his pain and his regrets. There is also another conspiracy plot that plays a long side Kratos' but this plot is hardly worth being invested in and is rarely touched upon. This is a problem with an origin story, that there is nothing at stake as we know what is to come thanks to earlier games. As already mentioned, there is a distinct lack of cutscenes when compared to the previous title, God of War 3. It's a shame because the few cutscenes used rarely explore Kratos as a character and simply push forward a meandering plot you couldn't really care about. The antagonists of Ascension, The Furies, are at least a driving force to keep the game moving. But thanks the picking off and killing of the God's one by one in God of War 3, the Furies fail in comparison. Again, they're not an intimidating force because you know you're going to win so you're simply pushing on through a story with nothing at stake and nothing to gain.
The weak story aside, the gamplay is where God of War shines and Ascension is no different. This is the tried and tested formula used in previous games and, for the most part, it remains the same, with the battlefield becoming a blur of spinning blades, blood and floating orbs. A notable change is the new quick time events that have also morphed into a new mini-game. Instead of pressing a series of buttons when prompted, you'll continue to mash the attack buttons and use the analogue stick to dodge attacks from your pinned foe. It's a simple change but effective at keeping you involved in the action. The combat also looks fantastic. Killing enemies in gory finishes has never felt so satisfying, especially when some of the enemies here will, at times, offer a genuine challenge when facing different combinations. The new block and counter requires better timings than previous games and tough to time perfectly rather than the simple one, well timed button counter of God of War 2 and 3.
The weapons have also been significantly changed in Ascension. Whereas in previous games, the player would be given items and weapons they'd never use because the chains were so fun, here you are given different elements. The four elements, fire, ice, electricity and hades (whatever element that is) all offer their own rewards for using them. This coincides with the new rage bar. When fighting, Kratos' rage bar will fill up. Once full, apart from offering more combat moves, whichever element Kratos is using on his blade has a better chance to incinerate the enemy which rewards the player with orbs. Which colour orbs you get depends on which element you used. It's probably the most interesting and refined combat in the whole series and actually gives the player a reason to use new weapons, with the rewards of health, magic and golden orbs (rage meter) a good incentive to do so. These are also beneficial because later in the game, Ascension can become a challenge and full mastery of your weapons can be needed, in one area in particular towards the end. Secondary weapons have also been introduced. Kratos can now hold a sword, a shield or even a warhammer which is used with the ever changing circle button. While you may not use them much, they offer some variety to the combat, can be chained in with your combos and can even help get you out of a tight spot. They can also be thrown at enemies, which offers a great looking slow down moment before the moment of satisfying impact.
The puzzles are also enjoyable in Ascension. As the game progresses, they become genuine brain teasers that link and wove together. There is also a new ability in the game that allows you to restore items or decay them which is mixed well into the puzzles. Watching a collapsed bridge slowly re-assemble looks great and the attention to detail on the all the tiny broke pieces has to be admired.
It's also worth noting that God of War: Ascension looks fantastic. Santa Monica are truly getting everything they can out of the aging PS3 hardware and like with God of War 3, offer a jaw dropping experience visually. Add these visuals in with some epic moments, gory combat that reveals the innards of mythological creatures and an acute attention to detail, you have one of the best looking console games on the market today.
Where God of War Ascension falters when compared to the other games is, sadly, a few areas. The colour palette is one that can make it easy to lose track of Kratos in a hectic fight. He can sometimes blend in and often times will appear on the other side of the screen because you looking in the wrong area. The boss fights are also lacking in this game. Only in a few occasions do they reach the epic scales of God of War 3 and never do they test you like some of the boss marathons God of War 2 offered. The game also has a tendency to throw in one too many platforming sections that, while OK, tend to drag on a little longer than they should.
Personal Note: I genuinely love the God of War series. I've loved it since the original and was really looking forward to Ascension. Sadly the game just didn't live up to the others. Kratos didn't really interest me as a character this time round. The boss fights were lacking and the areas and use of colour meant it was frustrating and easy to lose Kratos in a sea of enemies. The combat can offer a genuine challenge at times though which is refreshing in today’s age of hand holding games. If you're a fan of God of War then I would wholeheartedly recommend this game to you. While the core gameplay doesn't change things significantly, it proves that it still works incredibly well and offers a satisfying, blood thirsty experience. However, I will add that, despite the great combat, I'd say this is the weakest console God of War game we've seen yet where many other aspects of the game fail to live up to it's predecessors.
A solid hack 'n slash for fans of the series. There is also additional multiplayer for those that like that sort of thing.
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.
For me this game is at least a 9. But still fair review I guess.
The last boss fight is the best or one of the best in the whole series (for me the best), and you cant deny that.
I think most of the users are "afraid" to score this game with a more well deserved 9 ... Probably because most of the website give to this game a bland 8 ... I dont want forget how some "not so good" game have the same score of God Of War ascension.
Anyway, good review, looks like you enjoy the game !
Ps the multiplayer is very, very addictive and funny !
Pss 9 in graphics is also too low.
Nice review of the game. I just recently played through a good chunk of it myself and found it...really dull. The events presented and the grunt battles were very expected. It's not a bad game, technically, but it's not that fun. My main problems were the grunts. They have too much hp to the point where it was a test of patience rather than a real challenge. Sometimes the enemies would glitch and be under the floor or in the air...stuck. The story wasn't all that interesting either. The fixed camera angles seemed a little archaic too. I want to look around the pretty scenes.
Befoee he was a God, he was a man. That alone should let you know that it would not be at the level of GOW1-2-3. Many people got that wrong and ended up disappointed. For the time the game is set at in Kratos life, I think it was great.
It was just 'heres another pretty game, enjoy'
That's exactly the way a take it. Now, GOW4? That I expect to be something awesome!