God of War: Ascension is the sixth game of the award winning God of War series featuring the returning anti-hero, Kratos. Ascension is a prequel story that takes us all the way back to the beginning of the God of War saga and shows us the events that unfolded leading up to the plot of the original God of War game. Before Kratos could challenge Ares, the Greek mythology God of war in the original story, he had to fight for his freedom from his blood oath to Ares. Tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the blood oaths and punishing those that would break it were a group of guardians known as the Furies. In order for Kratos to break free of his blood oath he has to fight his way through the Furies' illusions and defeat all three of them in battle.
The plot behind God of War: Ascension is a more personal story for Kratos simply as a man beginning his legendary journey to defeat the Gods. That being the case, the story did not have the same epic feel as the previous three God of War console games in the original trilogy. That is not to say the story wasn't enjoyable, but it did feel more in line with the PSP side stories of Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta. The graphics however is where Ascension really shines. The deep and rich environment details along with the beautiful animation really impressed and once again proved how powerful the PS3 console still is this late in it's lifecycle. God of War: Ascension is easily and without a doubt, the best looking God of War game in the franchise. All in all, the single player campaign in Ascension is a solid experience and will require around a 10 hour play through on normal. God of War Ascension also offers for the first time a New Game + feature and chapter select which will allow gamers to replay specific chapters or hunt down treasures that unlock special abilities that can then be used in New Game +, giving the game a very good amount of replay value.
Ascension did add some new enjoyable gameplay elements that didn't interfere with the overall God of War timeline. Unlike past God of War games where Kratos had access to several different main weapons aside from his iconic Blades of Chaos, Ascension focuses on his Blades as his primary weapon throughout the game, but adds the new God power system where Kratos can channel energy from either Zeus, Hades, Aries or Poseidon. Selecting different God energy resulted in different types of attacks, combos and magic from Kratos' Blades of Chaos. For example, selecting Zeus power gave the Blades and electric attack bonus or selecting Hades power gave the Blades a souls attack bonus. Ascension also added a new secondary environment weapon feature where Kratos can wield various different weapons he finds throughout the game for a limited amount of time. The most significant new features were the Amulet of Uroborus relic which enabled Kratos to either reverse or advance time which also allowed Kratos to either repair or decay objects throughout the game. It also allowed Kratos to freeze enemies for a short period of time. Also new to Ascension was the Oath Stone of Orkos relic which creates a shadow clone of Kratos allowing him to be in two places at once. Also useful in battle since the shadow clone attacks enemies as well. Finally there is the Eyes of Truth relic which allows Kratos to see through Furies illusions and helps blind enemies in battle.
These new elements also added to the new multiplayer theme being offered for the first time in a God of War title. In the multiplayer, you create a character and choose a God to side with between Zeus, Ares, Hades or Poseidon. Much like in the single player campaign, which deity you choose determines what specific powers and attacks your character will have. There are four multiplayer modes which includes Team Favor of the Gods, Match of Champions, Trial of the Gods and a classic Capture the Flag. The multiplayer is an enjoyable secondary experience. Not many single player franchises can pull off a successful multiplayer feature, but Ascensions multiplayer did a solid job of introducing multiplayer into a God of War game.
Overall, God of War Ascension won't be remembered as the best chapter in the God of War saga, but that doesn't mean it was a disappointing game. Very rarely can a franchise go as long as God of War has and still be as successful. The fact that Ascension is still a great game six titles later speaks volumes to the high quality of the franchise. When a game like God of War Ascension is this good and still considered the "weakest" of the franchise, that right there tells you everything you need to know about God of War.
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.
Great review, I am in chapter 21, loving the game so far, the battle before the bros before hos/foes trophy was epic.
Can't understand why the audio falls out of sync at times, never happened to me with GOW3, graphics are amazing though, Kratos never looked more life-like.
very good review there i would rate it higher
because for me it's the best GOW game along with GOW2
and GOW3 follow them
but you still bring very good points that i agree with
and yeah the GFX is out of this world
i can't believe i'm seeing this gfx on that 6 yewars old hardware
anyway great review
I haven't played the game yet, but your review seems very fair. I'm quite a big GodOW fan. I have played and enjoyed 1, 2, 3 and COO. The thing is I really can't seem to justify picking it up at full price since I feel I have had a very good run with the franchise and it just seems it has been wrapped up for me. I will eventually play it. Thank you for the review.
The online is like nothing ive EVER played before!and as far as the audio if your using a headset go into options and set audio to HEADSET,its awsome.
So whats the story with the audio? I haven't seen this mentioned in other reviews.