God of War: Ascension review | GameSpot

The multiplayer's a bust, but God of War: Ascension's campaign is a gloriously bloody adventure filled with exhilarating combat.

[LOGICWINS]

I'm afraid to look at the video review due to spoilers :/

[aceitman]

there negatives-Chilled out Kratos isn't anywhere near as exciting as angry Kratos
Multiplayer lacks originality and compelling modes.
really I thought it was original haven't seen this before . im getting upset at reviews nit picking stuff that really isn't reviewing , saying oh theres not a lot of big titan fights kratos is chilled not angry . I call bs on reviews on any game that nitpick like this . it should be graphics / story / gameplay / multiplayer . how good is it this way . other wise they cant find much to say wrong . so it drops the score to 8.0 for those 2 negatives .

[Revolver_X_]

GS has BSed reviews for a long time. It doesnt seem to be on track to match or beat GoW3 reviews, which is sad. It looks and plays better then 3. From the Destructoid review, I gather the story is great as well.

[DoomeDx]

^ I actually think GameSpot is one of the most reliable review sites you can use

[creatchee]

@aceitman
I think that Kratos' mood is a big part of the God of War series. From 1, where he is merely angry, to 3 where he is absolutely PISSED, his mood and outlook actually were quite in tune with what was going on on the screen. Things got even more furious as the series progressed, and the player felt that and their experience was shaped by that rage and quest for revenge.

I personally don't even want to imagine a chilled-out Kratos, because to me, he's always been a mad dude. I'm sure the reviewers are maybe overexaggerating that point a bit, but it makes sense that he isn't in the same mindset as before. I just hope that it doesn't degrade the quality of the game. I have faith though.

[SephirothX21]

8.0 is a good score. A review score is not based on the sum of all the game's parts. If you think it deserves better, why are you so concerned with someone else's opinion?

[FunAndGun]

"Multiplayer lacks originality and compelling modes."

What other online multiplayer game resembles Ascension in any way? It is an objective based three dimensional class based fighter. MP might not be for everyone but that is just stupid.

not, disagreeing with you aceitman, just the review.

[Revolver_X_]

If that was true, then thats a problem. A review is based on a game's entirety. Not nit picking parts to fit a number you wanna give. The problem is that does happen. 8 is a good score. As a fan of GoW like Ace, is there a problem with wanting it to get 9's and even 10's? These days you have to be concerned with reviews by the sheer amount of trolls/sheep. At last though, my opinion is the one I value most. Thanks for your great superior insight.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

There's nothing original about this style of MP. Powerstone started this type of MP way back on dreamcast

[SuperLupe]

I expect both this and Geow Judgement to score 8-ish.

Too much of the same too late.

[AsimLeonheart]

I dont know why the media is out to get GOW when numerous sequels, prequels and reboots get released each month. Nobody complains about Forzas, Halos, Gears of Wars, Marios, Zeldas and Assasins Creeds. This is only the second GOW title this gen and media is going crazy over it.

[007Bond]

It deserves lower reviews, it's just another mindless hack and slash for action morons with a crappy story like the last 3

[snipes101]

People have been saying all over that the story is boring. So, there goes your story argument. And gameplay-wise, it's the same formula that GoW had when it started, which for some reason warrants vitriol for other game series while this one gets a pass.

People are angry over an 8? Really?

[knowyourstuff]

People are so bitter and jaded. You can't say a game isn't original if the only other games like it are the other games in the franchise.

Call of Duty and Battlefield can be charged with this, not God of War. No other games do it like God of War. None have the scale, the amazing graphics, the brutal fights, the exhilarating combat, the rewarding gameplay, the awesome storyline, I could go on and on.

As for Multiplayer, you claim it isn't good, but don't call it unoriginal, as there isn't a single hack and slash multiplayer game out there that plays anything close to it.

[DOMination-]

8/10 is about what id expect from both this and Judgement. Both are last minute cash ins. I personally don't know a single person excited for either.

People saying it deserves higher when they haven't played it yet.. Come on that's stupid.

[andibandit]

@aceitman

nice job of trying to make it sound like they are nitpicking....i did you a favour and made a short summary of the negative stuf they said:

This time Kratos is fueled by a search for the truth, instead of revenge, which makes the battles a little less rewarding.

Most things were taken to there logical conclusion in GOW3, so theres an element of fatigue at play.

Boss battles remain formulaic and not as taxing as the previous games due to simple patterns and QTE's.

The platform sections, in which kratos use his blade to swing across the environment, suffers from akward camera angles and many of the sections go on for too long, leaving you itching to get back into the combat.

Multiplayer seems tacked on and the combat seems slowed down to allow for human reactions, but more often than not,
simply mashing buttons is enough to net you a kill.

The levelling system dosn't bring anything that hasn't been seen before, but works well enough.
You are unlikely to play the multiplayer for long as it simply isn't deep enough to hold your attention for long.

[lastdual]

It sounds like a disconnect between story and gameplay.

On the one hand, Kratos is less anger-driven than in past games. But on the other hand, he's more vicious and violent than ever before.

The contrast makes for a jarring combination that just doesn't add up well when taken in context of the larger story.

[TwoMinTy]

I agree. Every review for Ascension that I've seen so far has given the game a good score (7-9) but only mentioned the things they don't like, which ultimately don't matter. Like the absence of bosses on the level of the gods. this is the first game chronologically, why would there be? If Kratos starts off killing stuff that powerful, that would make his slaughter of the Gods in GoW3 way less epic/anticipated.
And a review complained that they didn't keep the same weapons as GoW3. Again, chronology. He can't use weapons he hasn't acquired yet..... These aren't things that should drop a game's score....

[miyamoto]

8/10 from Gamespot is means a 8.5 or 9

not bad

@Doomed DX

I agree.

LOL!

"Chilled-out Kratos!"
too cool to be cruel? LOL!

I owe it to myself to play this game out of self respect.

[JJOR64]

8/10 from GameSpot means 8/10.

[miyamoto]

@ JJOR64

Tell that to the people who played The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

LOL!

Like Zelda: Skyward is a big Wii exclusive GOW: Ascension is a PS3 exclusive.

This is the perfect time to gain more internet traffic for all the gaming sites.

It happens all the time. This crazy frenzy every time a big PS3 exclusive releases.

Look at the sites that give it 8 to 9.5 no one hardly goes there. So 7.5 below or a perfect 10 will guarantee clicks.

Remember God of War III?
It was bashed left and right but it did not prevent the game from selling 9.19 million copies.

And GOW: Ascension technically tops GOW III in every aspect with MP as a bonus.

Don't take them reviews seriously.
Play the demo. Its free.
Real world gamers vote with their wallets not reviews.

Let the true gamer in you be the judge.

[etownone]

@ miyamoto

Where did you get your 9+ million sales for Gow3?

Last I checked it sold over 4 million.

http://www.vgchartz.com/gam...

[Derekvinyard13]

Maybe it didn't need multiplayer

[showtimefolks]

i like gamespot and their reviews. they are a bit more harsh but they really let you know about all the pros and cons

if GS gave it a 8/10 than its easily a 8.5-9/10 from most other sites. And by now most GOW fans shouldn't need a review score we know how GOW games feel and play a score isn't gonna tell em if i should buy it or not unless its a 2/10

i wish one day david jaffe directs another GOW game for ps4

[Hingle_Mcringleberry]

Gamespot gave GoW III a 9. Does that mean it actually got 9.5's and 10's and 11's from other sites?

[LordHiggens]

SPOILERS...

Kratos Kills Everything.

End...

[Dark11]

Can't wait!

[LOGICWINS]

If you have any reservations about watching the video review, well, don't. NO major spoilers. Very well done by Gamespot. It makes me want the game even more :)

[HeavenlySnipes]

Only thing I disagreed with was the MP bit. He must have only playe with other reviewers, because the MP is more in depth then just button mashing against good players. (Even more so in that arena battle MP mode in the Hercules backdrop, timing is key)

I only played the MP the last weekend that it was out, and I had loads of fun even with all the restrictions they put. All the collectibles in the game reminded me of Uncharted and there are many armor pieces and weapons available making almost every character look unique.

The different classes also add interesting dynamics to the game, the verticality and dynamic maps also spice things up too. I don't get what this guy was saying about the MP because even for the short time I played it, I was instantly hooked.

[RIP_Weazel]

I enjoyed the MP beta, and have loved the sp campaigns in all previous gow's, so 1st day buy for me.

[itBourne]

Lol... oh the critics.
The bad: Chilled out Kratos isn't anywhere near as exciting as angry Kratos.
Wtf, after all you critics bitch about how God of War is a great game but Kratos is a bad character. Just screams, is very shallow, and always angry.

[TheFallenAngel]

I was fixing to say the same. Now they complain about a calm kratos. I guess you are damned if you do and damned if you don't.

[Good_Guy_Jamal]

Is it the same people that complained? Because last I checked, GoW 3 got excellent reviews. Is it my understanding that we trust journalists and reviewers when they like the games we like and hate them when they give the games we worship good and not excellent scores?

[MetalProxy]

Simple answer is NO

[StrawberryDiesel420]

Agree, an 8/10 is completely acceptable. Maybe the game is a 9 or 10, however, everyone's opinion is different and as long as the reviewer at least recognizes the game is solid(reflected by his score) it's a good review. He didn't give the game a 6/10 which would be average to below average, 8/10 is good, he may just not be a rabid fan of God of War, still recognized the game is good though. A fan of the series probably would review it a 9 or 10. Anything less than an 8/10 for a game like this is a poor review most likely.

[itBourne]

Oh no, I find it funny. I could careless what a journalist gives it, its a buy for me. I dont trust scores at all, and really only rely on opinions of journalists I know and listen to on podcasts, because then I know their tastes. If they dont like something and it seems out of their element then I know it just wasnt for them.

[itBourne]

Not to mention when it comes to multiplayer, i trust NO journalists, hell I dont even trust the developers. For one they are typically awful at the game, for two the world wants crap mp that appeals to masses right now = /, not things at are actually competitive.

[nevin1]

@acitman

"I call bs on reviews on any game that nitpick like this "

By that logic, people cant say "little things like that makes the game great" If you what I mean.

[C0MPUT3R]

should of made it a shooter with set pieces, and lots of hand holding those are the only games that review well these days.
.
I like the part about the multiplayer not being unique.
.
So which multiplayer are they ripping off?
.
And why aren't they holding it against Tomb Raider? That is a blatant rip off.

[SJPFTW]

no instead they made an action game with set pieces, with lots of hand holding.

[PHiSHLoC]

Out of all those sales u just listed exactly how much money did YOU make.
I love when people throw sales numbers around like if they're actually making money off of it. Lmao
Sorry about being off topic.

[arbitor365]

i can tell that pretty much all of the reviewers whining about the multiplayer just suck at it and want to play a game where you can put two shots in someone to kill them.

Ascension's MP actually takes skill and you actually have to learn the mechanics. but I guess that isnt what multiplayer is about these days, huh?

so many casual morons reviewing games nowadays

edit: and the part about it being unoriginal is possibly the biggest crock of bull**** that gamespot has ever spewed. this is some of the most original multiplayer we have seen in years. that is just utterly retarded

[FriedGoat]

So true, I was playing the MP beta for ages and loving it. It's very different from most games.

[fsfsxii]

Stupid review, i've wasted my time reading
The review have no idea what GOWA is about
Chilled Kratos is bad??? thats because its before GOW1 before anything happened
Lack of originality??? LOL
COD comes out every year with a bunch of FPS games and this was never mentioned in any FPS game before lol
Dumbass review, don't waste you time reading

[ritsuka666]

What a fanboy you are. The review make a lot of good points, the franchise fatigue has set in it seems.. Time to go back to the drawing board, and bring or do something new to the franchise Santa monica studios.

[fsfsxii]

Yeah, i'm a fanboy, and i admit it, same goes with you being a sony hater.
Great review, huh??
again, the points he mentioned are just dumb!

[CEOSteveBallmer]

fsfsxii is right. with the fps genre we dont hear the words, "lack of originality" in reviews and yet other genres get this treatment. Game reviewers are nothing more than Mindless FPS/shooter fans. did they even accuse COD series lack of originality?. its people and journalist like these that some developers are afraid to do something new because it may not sell well. all they want is Shooters!!, shooters!!, fu***** shooters!. its so saturated, like the days of sidescrollers in the old school days. Ive played GOW:A its story and emotional tone should not be a bad part but should be an asset. I give this game a 9, not perfect but one of the best. and ritsuka666, just admit your a fanboy or fanGIRL of another system.

[SDF Repellent]

Good score. Very well reviewed and very looking forward of playing this game. It is a shame that the multiplayer aspect didn't fair so well but the campaign is what this game is all about.

[fsfsxii]

LOL!!!
Your attempt of trying not to be a fanboy is just pathetic.
Good review?? seriously, the bad things he mentioned doesn't make any sense, Kratos being calm??? I facepalmed reading that
MP lacking originality, lol, as i said before, FPS come out every month lol and no one counted the lack of originality in the FPS game as a bad thing

[SDF Repellent]

"Your attempt of trying not to be a fanboy is just pathetic"

Sorry Master PS fanboy, I swear to you I'll try harder next time. :P

[Omar91]

Hang on hang on.... SDF is a fanboy because he liked the review and though it was well reviewed? wow... lol

and I thought I almost thought I was a fanboy. you beat me by a long shot bro.

[BanBrother]

@SDF Repellent

Hmm, I think you are just trolling. Your username and past comments agree. Either way, you are entitled to your opinion.

@fsfsxii

I'm pretty damn sure SDF is a fanboy, but why are you calling him out for it?

"Yeah, i'm a fanboy, and i admit it..." You said that in one of the comments above LMAO. Hypocrisy AND stupidity at its finest.

[Hicken]

Generally, people who can't see what their problems are tend to be worse than those who KNOW their issues. SDF, a rather notorious troll, is as evident a fanboy as will ever exist.

Will he ever admit to it? Hell no. But it's as plain as day, nonetheless.

fsfsxii may also be a fanboy, but admitting that pretty instantly gives him more credibility than someone who can't.

Me? Yep, I'm biased, too. Don't hide it. But the only ones who think I'mm a fanboy are the ones who, themselves, don't realize how fanboyish they are on a regular basis.

[DivineAssault]

i have a feeling that video review showed me too much.. I hate reviews with spoilers

[sourav93]

Though I might disagree with some of the negatives, 8/10 is a great score.

[Donnywho]

Finely crafted beating of a dead horse, much better than most dead horse beatings from what they're saying.

[MeatAbstract]

I like my hack 'n slash games but God of War just hits the perfect note for me when it comes to killing things in gruesome ways.

Personally, I think the multiplayer looks crap though. It doesn't look enjoyable, like the tacked on multiplayer for the Assassins Creed games - whats the point? It will find a small following but I'll probably give it a go and never look at it again.

As for people having a whine about the negative points for the review, remember, one man's crap is another man's toothpaste. I personally am looking forward to seeing a different Kratos but this reviewer prefers a rage filled one.

But yes, rejoice fellow God of War fans, another one is on the way.

[FriedGoat]

I don't like assasins creed at all. I do however like the multiplayer.

[plaZeHD]

I call this review a complete BS. Hence how they complain about how Kratos is not one sided evil man anymore, but then again if you guys remember in the other God Of War reviews they complained about how Kratos is just a one sided cold-blooded murder. Come on GameSpot at least be reasonable.

[Veneno]

Too much variety?

[NateCole]

lol! This time around there is not enough variety to them hehe.

[Raptura]

The logic on N4G is so messed up, glad I don't come around often anymore. Looks like the PlayStation fanboyism hasn't changed. Boohoo, PlayStation and their fans are so oppressed by gaming sites!

[wumster]

This is a big reason why I don't stop here much either. The fanboys on this site are unbelievable. Sony can do no wrong and the other companies are always wrong. Sony never copies anyone and everyone always copy Sony.

GoW does not deserve an 8 because it's made by Sony and the site that gave it an 8 is a loser site.

When MS makes multiple iterations of a game, they have exhausted the series. But when Sony does it, it's alright.

[mr_kubrick]

^^ THIS.

Sad but true.

[NateCole]

It's true though that Gamespot are generally hard. Don't remember a 10/10 game from them let alone a 9.5. Really great games have been 9's with them.

[Gamer_of_the_Year]

METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS GOT A 10 FROM GAMESPOT!!!!

[MadMax]

Been playing for the last couple hours and its GOW through and through. Lots of action and boss battles. Graphics are very nice and the collectors edition is well worth the extra $20 for all the extra stuff you get with it! All future dlc, the steelcase, statue, dynamic theme! Even came with 2 extra playstation all stars characters. Zeus from GOW and Isaac from Dead Space.

[XIIIWARRIOR41]

What does the theme look like? I'm intrigued.

[MadMax]

Well, the voucher code is not valid until tuesday! I am wondering myself as well. I personally would have liked to see the steelbook cover with some nice glossy color and art of some of the enemies along with Kratos. Instead we get an all black case with the GOW golden logo, on the inside there is Kratos.

Nothing big though. Think of the marvel vs capcom steelbook, Now that was a nice cover, front, back and inside! Wish they wouldve done something similiar here. Still for the extra $20, might as well go for the CE version.

[tubers]

The devs just set the bar very high with GOW3..

[yaz288]

I am big gow fan but I smelled the score from a mile ( played the demo) .. I don't want to defend the review but I understood what he mean and felt it also. thought they would give it a 7.5

I don't want to judge the game from the demo but for me it just felt somehow tiring and all the violence that Kratose do doesn't bring much of satisfactions to the experience because he is not that angry dude from gow3. In the past I was more drown to GOW as a story (it had great one) but now I think they should stop. (these are my thoughts after the demo ... my final judgment will be put at hold until I play the game)

I recently finished MGS RISING, people should really look at that game! (a solid 9 for me.. best action game this gen!!)

[vikingland1]

8 out of 10 is a good score. What's the problem? If you enjoy the God Of War series you will probably enjoy this one too. Buy it play it don't worry about the scores.

[Mr-SellJack]

this a biased review,i mean not liking the game because of stupid nonsense...any GOW fan should buy ascension no matter what

[victorMaje]

Hey every1, Whatever the reviews say, Ascension is sick! Camera views are awesome, sound is incredible & the graphics are as spectacular as ever. Suspension of disbelief guaranteed!

[Tzuno]

It's a difference between a blind fan-boy and a fair one which side you are? Personally i like GameSpot reviews and i find them most fair and not so overrated like other sites do. The game looks good.