Pros: Simple controls allow players to concentrate on the beauty of the game. Super fun!
Cons: Game is too short for $50 and the music score is slightly lacking.
The Bottom Line: God of War cannot be ignored, but because it is so short, gamers should wait until this game goes under $20 or just pick it up as a rental.
soupjhhs's Full Review: God of War for PlayStation 2
God of War was released in March 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and immediately got high reviews from various sites. God of War stars a Spartan named Kratos who is out to kill Ares, the god of war. Kratos’ story is a Greek Tragedy (a story in which the hero has one or two fatal flaws that eventually lead to his downfall) that would make even Homer (author of Odyssey) blush. God of War is armed with smooth gameplay, beautiful graphics, and a gripping story, making God of War a strong candidate for game of the year.
Kratos is a well developed character that many game developers should take notes on. While he is a bloodthirsty, ruthless killer, his past made me want to cheer him on. Throughout the game, players learn about his past in steps that drive the game forward, making God of War hard to put down.
Combat systems can make or break a game. In God of War’s case, the combat system is one of the best reasons for its success. God of War’s simplicity is its call to fame. The controls are easy to learn and are structured in a way that allowed the developers to add more moves without raising the learning curve. The combo system uses the entire controller well, making gameplay efficient and simple enough for a button masher to master. The monsters that fall by Kratos’ blade range from undead soldiers to minotaurs to giant sea serpents. The fighting flows seamlessly creating a sense of awe. Part of the joy of playing God of War is just watching the fighting. The red streak after the weapons looks amazing.
God of War uses a system of orbs to level up skills, fill up health, and fill up magic. Red orbs are used to level up skills for Kratos’ “Blade of Chaos” and the magic spells granted to Kratos by the gods throughout the game. Managing these red orbs adds a bit of strategy to the game. Players can choose to go all weaponry with minimal power for magic or vice-versa. The greenish white orbs are used for health, while the blue orbs are used for magic. I found that these orbs are sometimes placed quite poorly making varying levels of difficulty that can peak at the worst times for players.
God of War places well designed, moderately difficult puzzles throughout the game. The puzzles require more speed than deep thought; running past rotating blades, pushing pillars on conveyer belts to get over walls, and jumping from one moving platform to another are the norm. The puzzles are strategically placed to help give the player a chance to relax from the fighting making God of War a well rounded game.
The game is dangerously short and has little to offer after the first run through. I beat the easy mode in 7 hours and the normal mode in just ten minutes more. After the first run through, only video documentaries and a set of ten challenges are available. The challenges take about a hour or two and unlock some funny costumes. In the second run through, gamers can play as a cow, a business mogul, a chef, a scuba diver, or in Ares' armor. Outside of the cute little costumes, there is little incentive to play through again outside of taking on a harder mode.
Graphically, God of War is on par or better than similar games. With all the fighting, the frame rate stays high throughout creating a smooth looking fight that demands attention from all. The enemies look well designed and well textured. The cutscenes look crisp and are placed well in the game. Part of the joy of playing God of War is just watching the fighting; the red streak after the weapons looks amazing.
The music score is somewhat limited, but is well placed for each area of the game. The music helps enhance the Greek settings, as well as add a sense of urgency during battles and puzzles. The sound effects are constant and are not overpowering. While there is not enough music for me to buy the soundtrack, the music shines.
God of War shines with a strong story, simple controls, and a smooth look. Players can master the controls easily, allowing the player to concentrate on the battles and puzzles. I hope that future game developers will look to the amount of effort put into God of War. Despite all of this, God of War won’t keep you playing for fifty or more hours, but it can’t be ignored. With its length, God of War makes the perfect rental or a bargain buy. If you don’t try it, the gods will abandon you.
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