We’ve finally reached the third installment of the God of War series, and Kratos is that much closer to completing his objective by slaying the almighty Zeus. At this point, Kratos is responsible for the deaths of more gods than Kobayashi has eaten hot dogs. While I wasn’t sure exactly what I was getting myself into, I have to say that I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Hack and slash games have always seemed the same to me: Square, Square, Triangle, Block, Evade, Repeat.
In order to fully enjoy this game without feeling the need to repeatedly slam my controller into the wall, I stuck with another basic formula. Stick and move. On my first run-through, I attempted to play on Titan – the hardest mode available from a brand-new game. About 4 hours in, still trying to best Hades, mano-a-mano combat, I conceded to defeat and started a new game on God difficulty. On the Normal difficulty I occasionally felt the sting of defeat, and depending on your experience in this particular type of platformer, you may as well.
Relentlessly, I pushed forward through the game, slicing, dicing and generally destroying anything in Kratos’ path to vengeance. Most of the game, I stuck with my trusty Blades of Exile, switching to the Nemean Gauntlets when necessary. Fittingly, I spent a majority of my red orbs on those two items. However, by the time you reach Zeus – if you were diligent in your exploration – you should be able to fully upgrade Kratos’ entire armory.
The game itself is visually stunning, and sets the bar high for the next Santa Monica Studios production. Smooth transitions from area to area make the game seamless. I can’t recall a single loading screen, unless you count the few seconds after each of my numerous deaths. The environment is not what I would call interactive, but the lack of a player-controlled camera makes exploring a daunting task that’s filled with reward – if you’re thorough. As far as context sensitive camera angles go, it’s extremely well done. You shouldn’t find yourself ever wanting to control the camera; mostly because you’ll be too busy using the right analog stick to evade attacks.
If you’re in this game for the trophies, you’ll find that many of them are story-driven and can be achieved on the first playthrough. For the others, you’ll have to do a little bit of work and exploration. Sadly, I thought that getting all of the Gorgon Eyes, Phoenix Feathers and Minotaur Horns for the trophies would prove difficult, but it appears that they provide you with an excess of chests.
Overall, this game blew me away, and if you played it and you aren’t blown away, you are most likely blind, and therefore probably not reading this. Though, I’d be interested to know how a blind person finished God of War III. There was never a point where I was bored, but there were many times where I had to walk away from the controller or prepare myself to spend $55 on a new one.
For the brave and experienced with DualShocks to spare, you could do your first run on “Titan.” Otherwise, “God” should be extremely enjoyable. For the absolutely crazy, there’s an unlockable Chaos mode available after the first completed game. You don’t need it for the Platinum Trophy, but the bragging rights that come with beating Chaos are undeniable.
The Opening Levels that hooked gamers from the outset.
Cultured Vultures: Let’s delve into Kratos’ long and rampageous history and find out which games are worth the hype and which are better left buried under the weight of Kratos’s might.
Both requels over 2 and 3? Clowns. Those are two of the most boring games I've ever played.
My favorite was part 2 and I think Ragnarok is better that 2018.
There is no worst. Except for Ascension, only cause I didn't play it lol. They are all masterpieces. 1,2,3, 2018 and Ragnarok. 1 of, if not the greatest video game franchise...besides MetalGear.
Can't agree, older games do so much more than the last two. More weapons, magic abilities, enemies are more varied, level design is also more aesthetically pleasing, and agree with those who say that they shouldn't have removed jumping. Was a time I'd agree, but those old games are so so much better, that they really should've looked into bringing into the reboot/sequels.
God of War 3 Remaster has sold 4 million copies since its inception, making the franchise PlayStation's most profitable gamer merch brand.
Haha I still remember my brother playing the opening scene on ps3!!!
Yeh he had to put the controller down his heart was beating too fast trying to get past first 10 minutes. He said "it's too much". Best thing I've ever seen in gaming. Haha
I know this is unpopular opinion, but I prefer these over the new ones. I’m not saying the new ones are bad or anything, but they sort of get boring to me, whereas the older games were like non-stop roller coaster rides.