God of War Ascension is another fantastic glimpse into the challenging life of Kratos. Sure, you’ve seen most of this before, another chapter in the same story surrounding the complex life of a tireless warrior who on countless occasions has taken down the biggest and the baddest enemies you can image. And yet again with just the right amount of originality to spice things up, the experience is over the top with added story ingredients keeping it fresh.
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
GameInsider: "Visually God of war Ascension is in a word, stunning! . I never thought I would be able to say it but Ascension does edge out God of War III in the eye-candy department and that’s almost doing the impossible in my book. After multiple battle scenarios Kratos’ body is fastened with lacerations from enemy attacks as he is oftentimes bathed in his enemy’s blood, level designs and textures are pristine throughout and most importantly during those heated battles when it seems like Kratos is fighting enemies from all sides, the action never takes a dip in frame rate. God of War Ascension is easily one of the best visual packages on current gen consoles today. Added to the visual mix Ascension supports a robust 7.1 surround package that truly resonates with the games intense nature. From the subtle sounds of movement from Kratos’ blades and greaves as he explore his surroundings to every swing of his blades the immersion of sounds is paramount in Ascension."
i love SSM :)
good score ...that's my score for this game as well
Not going to spoil anything since I just beat the 3rd boss but im glad some reviewers see how great a job SSM has done with this game. If there is a minor complaint for me it would be just sometimes when your in battle or platforming the camera will sometimes zoom out, I know its to show the epic scale of everything happening around u but I can see why reviewers would cry about it. Like I said its just a minor thing because I understand what SSM was trying to do but so far the game has been awesome. 9.5 at this point.
just finished the game and it was amazing!!!!!! Fighting that last boss was pretty EPIC!!!
A review that understands that technical quality and artistic vision is more important to a review than a person's selfish opinion on the state of a franchise OR personal fatigue.
What Santa Monica does, they do fantastically, and as well as GOW3. An ambitious, thrilling and technical masterpiece in the campaign + unique new multiplayer to add replayability should net Ascension more credit that "just more of the same". Even so, the technical quality alone is deserving of massive credit. I'm not even just talking about visuals here, it's the experience, the scale and the dynamic levels. It's not as "endgame" as GOW3? So what?? Awesome game.
I'm loving this game.