God of War: Ascension Review (a gamers take)

I'm lucky enough to have some great gamer friends who are always willing to lend their personal opinion of the hottest new game. So, here you have it. The first review of God of War: Ascension.

God of War: Ascension Review

by Andrew Swetz

Since 2005, Santa Monica Studios has brought forth an amazing collaboration of Greek Mythology Hack and Slash/ Adventure mixed with platforming elements to bring you the new series God Of War. It’s based around the character, Kratos, seeking vengeance against the God Of War Ares for tricking him into killing his family. It sounds pretty ambitious and risky, but it has paid off! Not only was it one of the best games I’ve played this year,  it also combined my love of Greek Mythology and brutality in one amazing game.  This storyline has spawned 6 games to date.  God of War 2 followed Zeus’ obsession with destroying Kratos . God of War 3 was the revenge against the gods. Chains of Olympus was about Kratos making a choice between his daughter and the world. Lastly, Ghost of Sparta was about Kratos’ childhood and the reuniting with his brother. Now after 5 games, latest game in the God of War franchise and an actual prequel to the entire saga……God of War: Ascension. Taking place 10 years before God of War and 6 months after being tricked by Ares after swearing his allegiance to the God of War himself!

As things go with prequels, they are a risky venture but seem to be the normal thing now with any mediums. So, basically the game takes place in Ancient Greece and is centered on a younger Kratos with the key story about the blood oath being broken. They really delve into Mythology here as the Furies being the enemy here not gods or demi gods as in previous games. They are a bit of a mystery but it’s basically almost like a Memento thing, when you think the story is one way it twists. The narrative is a lot different than previous games as well. They focus more on the human aspect to Kratos.

As the combat is relatively the same hack and slash, they add features where you can steal weapons from enemies. It gives a different dynamic even though the moves are pretty much the same with minor tweaks. 

One key change is the moves are actually more vicious since he is younger. The games’ mini games are mostly for the bosses now.  The mini bosses have a different mechanic now too, where it’s timing on screen without the normal “hit these buttons” which makes it more realistic and enjoyable for some.  The overall depth to the game is an interesting mesh between paying homage to the newer platform games mixed with your classic Castlevania, Zelda and Devil May Cry.

Now, the first boss is pretty insane, in case you were wondering. The battle takes place over several areas while adding moving locations as you are fighting. This gives it a much grander feel. The camera is tight and can be annoying how sometimes it does not adjust right away leaving you open to attack. They also have sliding parts in the game that really makes you think back to the games on the NES and older consoles; lots of nostalgia. Sometimes it’s confusing, the angle they are going for, the story is all over the place. Sometimes the pacing is a bit slower than the previous games but towards the end, it all starts to come together. The ending is more brutal and bittersweet. The anti-climactic ending which really left much to be desired was a bit disappointing, but when you go from making God of War: Ghost of Sparta and then before that GOW3, there is only so far you can take a game.

Overall, the game is amazing. It’s just not as fast paced in some parts which can confuse the player on where the direction of the story is headed.

The verdict I give God of War: Ascension 8 out of 10

The game is great just in terms of gameplay, just the storyline is a little more lackluster and less memorable than some games. But, the combat and the telling of Kratos’s humanity makes for a compelling story. Still, God of War 3 stands as the series high point! Regardless of what IGN says, the game is good. (They tend to be a bit biased so it’s up to you to actually play the game.)

Pros: Tight combat controls, mechanics flow more also NO CGI! Fantastic in game rendering pushing the spec for the PS3, Also lots of nostalgia from previous games of the genre!

Cons: Seems the game was rushed, does not flow as well as other games from the series, some camera issues and glitches more than usual.

Go out and buy the game, it’s worth it if you’re a fan of the series!  (If you’re not a GOW fan, you might not be as impressed!)

Thanks a bunch Andrew for your awesome input! Hopefully, this gives those of you who haven't played it yet, a good idea of what you will be dedicating your life too for a number of hours soon. 

Cheers, 

~7