When many think of PlayStation, multiple franchises come to mind. From spinning bandicoots and twisted clown cars to surviving a harsh zombie world and hunting robotic dinosaurs, the brand is never afraid to mix things up. But one franchise stands above the others: God of War.
With the series celebrating its 20th anniversary, Lords of Gaming celebrates its long-standing legacy by covering why each installment is a milestone to the action/adventure gaming genre.
The Ash-Covered Warrior – God of War (2005)
“The Gods of Olympus have abandoned me… Now there is no hope.”
These iconic lines are the first words Kratos, one of the greatest Spartan warriors of the land, speaks as he falls into a cloudy abyss.
Releasing in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, the original God of War was unleashed on the PlayStation 2. Directed by David Jaffe, this title melded linear levels with fun hack-and-slash gameplay, all headlined by skillful usage of quick-time events and large-scale battles with massive creatures.
From the game’s opening level, where you fight a massive hydra across a ship slowly being torn apart, to the game’s climactic final battle against Ares himself, the game’s big battles are always enjoyable. But in between the bigger battles are encounters with undead warriors and other Greek horrors.
Meeting Kratos
The defining aspect of God of War was Kratos himself, who showed no restraint. He used his Blades of Chaos to attack from a distance and use powerful attacks, but he could just as easily charge into foes and rip them clean in half.
This is reflected in how he overcomes puzzles as well. A large box? He violently kicks it to move it faster. Or if there is no box? A simple corpse will do to press down a switch.
This attitude echoed throughout most of the franchise, originating from a horrific trick by the Ares. The God of War tricked Kratos into killing his own family, with his only desire being to cleanse his mind of the act. But when he fulfills his promise to the gods (killing Ares), they make him the new God of War.
Still wrestling with his nightmares, the brutal warrior let this anger simmer.
Quest for Vengeance – God of War II
Continuing where God of War (2005) left off, Kratos unleashes hell across Greece, living up to his new title as the God of War. But his reckless actions catch up to him. After a climactic battle, using the Blade of Olympus to fend off a massive steel giant, Kratos loses his newfound powers and learns that he is one of Zeus’s children.
Promising revenge, the former God of War is sent to the pits of Hades. He escapes, coming across Gia, one of the fallen Titans. Making a deal to free them, he escapes the underworld and begins his new quest for revenge.
Stronger Chains – Improved Platforming
God of War II may be ‘just more’ of what made the original God of War a classic, but it makes major improvements for the series’ future.
The first is focusing on platforming and exploration, with larger areas to explore, and creative usage of Kratos’s blades. He can now swing across chasms and grapple onto specific points. In addition, he can also use new abilities for exploration, such as the Wings of Icarus, to glide across long distances.
In addition, Kratos can swim underwater using the Trident of Poseidon, opening up the level design in fun ways.
Blooded Palms – Improved Combat
Platforming and exploration weren’t the only improvements. Combat in God of War II takes what the original established and dials it to eleven. Kratos has a larger combo pool, using new and old weapons. The iconic chain-blades return for combat, but Kratos uses weapons like the Spear of Destiny and the Barbarian Hammer.
Each one ‘feels’ different from the blades, with the former focused on vertical attacks while the latter focused on heavy swings.
Even quick-time events get a major improvement, with the buttons being linked to the sides of the screen. So when a major set piece or battle happens, you can focus on the action without issue, as the original had the button in the center of the screen.
Dancing with Ghosts – God of War: Chains of Olympus
While God of War had a firm home on the PlayStation 2, the series also made a name for itself on the PlayStation Portable. Developer Ready at Dawn created Chains of Olympus, telling a prequel story before the events of God of War (2005).
In this adventure, Kratos is tasked with finding the Sun God Helios, with assistance from Athena. While the adventure isn’t as iconic as past and future installments, Kratos’s character development is notable.
This takes place before the original God of War, meaning he isn’t nearly as brutal, with one moment, in particular, hitting hard. Later in the narrative, Kratos finds his dead daughter and has to let her go to save the day. This was the first of many losses, defining Kratos as a nuanced character.
The Portable PlayStation
The greatest impact Chains of Olympus had on the franchise was the sheer quality of a portable ‘console quality’ experience.
PlayStation released similarly-scaled games, like Ready at Dawn’s prior release, the Jak II prequel Daxter, but something on the scale of God of War was unheard of. Seeing the series’ iconic gameplay largely untainted by the more limited control scheme added to that impact.
Titanic Clashes – God of War 3
But everyone knew the series would debut on the powerful PlayStation 3, with God of War 3 releasing in 2010 to critical and commercial acclaim.
The game began where God of War II ended, with Kratos riding on Gaia and storming Mount Olympus with the other Titans. But the Gods weren’t going down without a fight, with a pathon of Gods working together to prevent Kratos from getting his revenge on Zeus.
Ending the Great Sea – Iconic Opening Sequence
And when I say ‘begins where God of War II ended, ‘ I mean literally. Kratos, the player controlling the brutal warrior, fights across Gaia’s body while fighting off Poseidon at every turn. What makes this entire sequence enjoyable is the dynamic nature of the fight.
Sure, it’s scripted in the grand scheme of things, as Kratos can’t freely jump on and off Gaia during the gameplay sequence, but the illusion of a ‘living level’ created one of the most iconic video game openings. The fight ends with Kratos cornering Poseidon, and the game changes the POV.
You aren’t seeing the world from Kratos’s eyes but from Poseidon’s as he finishes the god off in a way that would make Mortal Kombat fighters flinch.
Opening Pandora’s Box – Kratos’ Quest for Vengence, Conclues
This sheer brutality toward the gods and everyone in Kratos’s path defined his journey throughout God of War III. At this point in the fallen-gods adventure, he threw whatever kindness and empathy to the wayside.
But only one person was spared from Kratos’s rage: Pandora. Reminding him of his daughter, Kratos journeys with her for the final stretch of God of War III’s campaign, and through her, he learns of a powerful emotion.
Hope.
With that emotion alone, he releases it across Greece once his vengeance against all the gods is done, seemingly getting that death he longed for at the beginning of God of War (2005).
Finding Family – God of War: Ghost of Sparta
Releasing alongside God of War III was a second PSP adventure, Ghost of Sparta. Taking place right after God of War (2005), Kratos receives haunting visions of his mother and fallen brother, Demos.
Despite Athena’s warning him not to pursue these ‘phantoms, he goes on yet another adventure to find answers, and the ones he gets are powerful. Learning that, once more, the gods deceived him, Kratos tries to reclaim the family he has left.
It’s a deeply personal journey that genuinely moved me, as the final portion of Ghost of Sparta’s story has impact, completely justifying Kratos’ rage leading into God of War II.
The Definitive Blades – Perfecting the GoW Combat System
While the story of Ghost of Sparta is the game’s stand-out element, another is its perfected combat system. Taking the best elements across the main God of War trilogy and their work on Chains of Olympus, the team at Ready at Dawn has the best feeling and playing combat system in the series.
Doging with the left stick & shoulder buttons feels more responsive than Chains of Olympus. In addition, Kratos’s ability to engulf his blades with flame for additional damage feels awesome, especially when enemies require skillful usage of that powered-up attack.
Ghost of Sparta also gives players access to one of the best weapons in the entire God of War series, nearly a decade before the weapons return in God of War Ragnarok: the Spartan Spear & Shield.
Kratos can utilize the spear for lethal stabs and strikes while having greater defensive control over the battlefield with his shield. These weapons and their skill-set were expanded upon with their return in Ragnarok.
Returning Home – Kratos Visiting Sparta
One of the best moments in Ghost of Sparta is when Kratos returns home to Sparta for a short sequence, gaining the Spear & Shield weapon from one his loyal Spartan warriors.
Throughout the entire series up to this point, everyone fears Kratos as a monster, this emotionless husk of a man that will rip you into two. The only glimmer of human emotion toward him was with a fellow Spartan warrior in God of War II, following a somber death by Kratos’ own doing.
Returning home, Kratos is adored by all. His people love him for what he represents: a proud warrior of Sparta and someone who will protect them no matter what. And Kratos walking throughout the entire gameplay section in Sparta, not running, signifies how at ease he feels.
Before the Norse saga, it was rare to see Kratos like this, so this window into a ‘happy life’ for him was appreciated.
Kratos’ Early Years – God of War: Ascension
Being one of the final first-party releases on PlayStation 3, alongside titles like Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus and Puppetter, Santa Monica’s swansong on the console brought Kratos back to his past, set sometime before Chains of Olympus.
I admittedly did not get far in this one, as I didn’t connect with the title like prior-God of War games. However, two elements that Ascension brought to the table are noteworthy for the series.
One is giving Kratos a more limited arsenal of weapons, locking the god-killer to his Blades of Chaos, but applying various elements to them. This mixed up combos and his overall moveset, adding a new wrinkle to the at-the-time ageing God of War combat system.
The biggest addition to the series was the introduction of a multiplayer mode. It featured warriors fighting against one another in arenas using iconic weapons from the series. People still play this multiplayer mode, melding God of War’s brutal combat with Power Stone-like elements.
The Rebirth of a Greek Legend – God of War Norse Saga
While I have extensive experience with the series, one of my good friends is an expert on the new era of God of War.. I humbly tag in my co-host of Press X: Code & Culture, Seahawk aka Lord Rockstar, to chime in on this era in the franchise’s history.
The Boy – God of War (2018)
God of War (2018) is a title cherished by many, and to the surprise of a wide audience, it is frequently regarded as one of the finest games of the PS4 generation. Before diving into the game’s merits, let’s explore its development and the difficult circumstances Sony Santa Monica faced.
Raising Kratos – Development History
Initially a secondary project, it became the studio’s primary focus following the cancellation of another game and subsequent layoffs. That canceled project, a shooter, was significant, as the developers repurposed its shooting mechanics into the now iconic axe-throwing mechanic we know today.
Another pivotal moment was the return of Cory Barlog as director. This was a rare instance of continuity for the franchise, which had previously seen a different director for each game.
Barlog, one of the original developers from the series’ early days, brought a genuine sense of authenticity to the project. Many anticipated that rebooting God of War (2018) would fail or result in a lackluster game, especially given its drastic shift from a fast-paced, hack and slash god killing experience to a slower, narrative-driven journey reminiscent of The Last of Us, even removing core mechanics like jumping.
Landing the Final Blow – Release & Impact
However, after a single delay, the team delivered a masterpiece that outshone Rockstar Games’ critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2, cementing Sony Santa Monica’s prominence and setting the stage for a sequel to further elevate this new God of War saga.
The game reimagines Kratos, transforming him from a rage-fueled god killing machine into a more mature character seeking redemption. It resonates with long-time fans who have grown alongside the series, much like the developers, encouraging them to reflect on Kratos’ journey as a father haunted by guilt over the death of his first child due to his unchecked anger.
This exploration of fatherhood adds depth to Kratos’s character, making him more developed and relatable. In addition, the game’s widely praised combat system offers a satisfying and challenging experience, alongside not being overly punishing. The game strikes a balance between linear storytelling and an open-ended hub world, providing a refreshing alternative to a fully open-world design. This structure allows for exploration and puzzles while ensuring the set pieces and action sequences remain captivating, enabling players to immerse themselves in the experience.
God vs God – God of War: Ragnarok
Announced with a brief logo teaser in the lead-up to the PS5 launch, God of War: Ragnarok arrived with tremendous anticipation following its predecessor’s Game of the Year win in December 2018.
Channeling the Storm – Development History
Like the 2018 title, its development cycle faced significant challenges. Christopher Judge, the talented actor portraying Kratos, suffered an injury, and the disruptions caused by COVID, which forced remote work, added further complications. Additionally, Cory Barlog passed the director role to Eric Williams, a veteran developer and combat lead for the series, as Barlog transitioned to the position of studio creative director.
While Barlog crafted the blueprint for the sequel and remained heavily involved as creative director, he stepped back to focus on a second project, rumored to be a new IP, allowing Williams to take the helm while offering guidance.
Calling of the Wild – Release & Impact
Unlike its predecessor, God of War Ragnarök is not a transformative sequel. Instead, it’s a direct continuation from where God of War (2018) left off, narratively and gameplay-wise.
Enhancing the foundation of the 2018 game by refining its scope and design, a debated decision was concluding the Norse saga in this title rather than telling the story over 15 years, as some had anticipated. Many agree that the pacing had flaws because of its extensive amount of content.
While the previous game focused on a slower buildup, Ragnarök opts for a grander scale, featuring a grander cast and more significant events involving Asgard, Odin, and beyond. Although the story’s pacing is not as refined as its predecessor, it still delivers a compelling narrative, highlighting the growth of its characters, resolving major mysteries, and introducing new questions for fans to consider.
The game completes this remarkable new saga, elevating the underestimated reboot to new heights, the franchise having sold 15 million copies as of November 2023.
Facing the Monster – God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla
Being a free expansion to God of War Ragnarök, this introduced an experimental rogue-lite experience that seamlessly blends story, meaningful dialogue, and a reflection on Kratos’s journey. It showcases how far Kratos has come, allowing him to confront and overcome his former self, ultimately completing the arc he began in this Norse saga. This expansion provides players closure while subtly hinting at the possibility of a new saga or future adventures for the franchise.
Closing Thoughts on the God of War Series Anniversary
As a fan of the older God of War titles, I’m amazed the series lasted this long. While other iconic PlayStation 2 era franchises remain dormant to this day, the fact that Kratos’ brutal conquest managed to survive multiple console generations is impressive.
But is your favorite God of War experience? Let us know in the comments below!
