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Platform Filters:   All Platforms  Xbox   GameCube   PlayStation 2   PC   Game Boy Advance   Site Sections:   Updates  News   Games   Publishers   Developers   Reviews   Previews   Release Dates   Editorials   Glossary   Contact Us		Review:       18th July 2005: God of War  Killing Greek demons and Gods has never been so brilliant, but why is it so special? Read our definitive review to find out... Posted by Chris Barnett - PlayStation 2 - UK and Europe A game about Greek Mythology may not sound too appealing at the best of times, especially when coupled with a revenge cliché storyline. But somehow, God of War manages to overcome any doubts and proves exactly what the PlayStation 2 still has left in it, both technically and productively. The game is in a similar style to Devil May Cry (and its numerous stable mates) in the context that it is a pseudo-third-person slasher with puzzle elements. But what makes God of War special is the beauty of the violence that takes place, not just in terms of visuals, but in pace and gameplay too. As the game begins, a simple story is setup that outlines the fact that the player character, Kratos, has committed suicide in disgust at the nature of tasks enforced upon him by the god of war. It then flashes back three weeks in order to explain how Kratos tackled the aforementioned god before taking his own life. Being an errand boy for the god of war, Kratos was forced to massacre everyone and everything in his path, in return for the mortal salvation of his people (he was a general in life) and extraordinary powers (he is still mortal, but boy, is he one heck of a mortal). This allows the game to take this dynamic to the extreme as his primary weapon is a pair of sabres attached to chains. This is not a minor aspect though, as it means the game allows distance and strategy within combat. As you engage opponents (of which there are many) you can roll, block, jump and grab to avoid being hit. But the way in which you do these things is handled so smoothly that combat feels similar to dancing if performed well enough. The left analogue typically moves in standard fashion, but the right controls rolls - essential for avoiding the many opponents and attack patterns that will be encountered. With the block, jump, grab, light and heavy attacks all being assigned separate buttons, the combat is a mixture of rhythm and strategy (should you use a combo, risking a retaliating blow, or should you play it safe and use the attack that worked last time?) but never feels repetitive. This is mainly due to the additions to Kratos' resources throughout the game. As enemies sometimes leave red aura (in additional to green and blue) when killed, this can be used to upgrade attacks. This red aura can also be obtained from chests and certain objects, meaning environments must be smashed to pieces to gain full weapon potential. The abilities are also upgraded through the acquisition of items and powers; granted by Greek gods, naturally. So you can get a Medusa's head to turn enemies to stone and use Zeus' rage to make people crazy, to give but a few of them. These new powers are often essential to the progression, in the same way that an item is essential in a Zelda game (so when you get a new power you know it MUST be used soon for an essential aspect of progression) and make you feel more involved with the whole setting (instead of just seeing a power given to you and then ignoring it in favour of the good old chain-sabres). As some of the magic items and powers require magic to work, a bar (blue in colour) is used to track your current amount, replenished by blue aura (green aura is health). This requires a careful monitor as magic can be decisive in a heated battle, or a lazy way out of a tight spot. With the health meter and upgrade meter as well, the top left of the screen may seem a little complicated, but it is quite clear once the game begins. A rage ability is also represented by an icon and meter, but this is displayed at the bottom right for clarity. Despite all these things on screen (as well as combo counter labels) the game still appears neat and relevant. The clarity of the game extends throughout, from the cut scenes (of which there are not too many depending on the potentially deep mythology) to the graphics. But the graphics are what really show this game off. These are probably the best graphics on the PlayStation 2 yet, so soon after the excellent Tekken 5 that Chris S reviewed a while back. It is not just the animation and character models that are impressive, the effects such as water ripples, blood splattering (of which there is a lot), reflections and general scenery destruction are also amazing. Were it not for the satisfying nature of smashing things (due to these excellent visuals) the task would fast tire. But as it is, the ultimate destruction becomes something of a motif, entirely relevant to the brutal nature of Kratos and his goals. Complementary to the presentation are the set pieces, some of which will linger in the mind for long after playing. An entire level on the back of an aging god, the final battle with the god of war and the blowing of horns to summon divine intervention are all notable points. In fact, the game creates its own mythology due to its fabrication of actual myths. This is a good thing as it makes for a very entertaining game (even a spectator would be entertained by the scale of some of the events) and allows the whole it impress (sound and visuals melding to create an experience similar to that of a movie, but with interaction rather than linearity). The only real weak points to the game are in its length (it could be longer on the first play through) and its use of 'stock enemies' (you will see the same ones over and over). But both of these can be put in a positive light: the length is increased due to added difficulty and challenge modes upon completion, and the enemies are so varied and numerous that the fact they are recognised in appearance and attack pattern is a credit to the way the game represents them (you will develop a unique strategy for each enemy, so when multiple variations are tackled you must decide which to focus on). Chris Barnett             Latest Images:		Review Scores:    Graphics:   Sound:   Gameplay:   Length:   Overall: Click here for our Review Score Guidelines.  Review Summary:  The game to prove that the PlayStation 2 can be 'Chinese-burnt' into quality so late in its life. If you love action, adventure or just bizarre Greek mythology subversion; you will love this.  Related Games:  God of War for PlayStation 2  10  Screenshots  1  Review Click here for All Game Information.
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