If you're a gamer, chances are you've played or at least heard of the God of War game franchise for Playstation. Its dynamic and fun gameplay along with a powerful and moving story have been captivating players for 20 years and there's no indication that it's going to stop.
In our article today, we will talk about all the God of War games released so far, always talking a little about the game's history and the advances in gameplay and graphics. We will follow the order in which the games were released and not according to God of War's chronological order. Ready to learn about all the God of War games? Then let's get to the list!
God of War (2005) – Metacritic: 94
Released on March 22, 2005 for PlayStation 2, God of War introduced the world to Kratos, a Spartan tormented by his past and seeking revenge against Ares, the god of war. The story is set in Ancient Greece and follows Kratos as he attempts to redeem himself for the sins of his past by fulfilling Athena's mission to eliminate Ares. The game broke new ground by featuring an engaging cinematic narrative and scenes of violence, consolidating itself as one of the console's top titles.
Of all the God of War games, this one, along with God of War 2018, was the most innovative, as it created the foundation that would be used in all subsequent games until Ascension. The gameplay introduced a fluid and visceral combat system, with the use of the iconic Blades of Chaos, allowing for quick attacks and varied combos. The success of God of War set a new standard for hack and slash action games, ensuring its continued existence as one of the most influential franchises in the genre.
God of War II (2007) – Metacritic: 93
Released on March 13, 2007 for PlayStation 2, God of War II expanded the mythology of the series by exploring Kratos' rise as the new god of war. After challenging Olympus, he is betrayed by Zeus and eliminated, being rescued by Gaia, the Titan who wants to help him take revenge on the gods. The narrative delves into Kratos' thirst for revenge, culminating in his quest for the Titans to defeat Zeus himself.
To this day, this is considered by many to be the best game in the franchise. This was largely due to the gameplay being improved with new powers, features, and mechanics, including better use of magic and the combo system. The game also introduced even more epic boss battles and larger, more detailed environments. Combat was refined, becoming even more dynamic and brutal, while exploration was expanded, allowing for a more immersive experience.
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) – Metacritic: 91
Released on March 4, 2008 for PlayStation Portable (PSP), Chains of Olympus served as a prequel to the first game in the franchise. The story follows Kratos as he fulfills missions for the gods before rebelling against them, including the search for Helios, whose disappearance plunges the world into darkness. The game delves deeper into Kratos' past, showing his emotional conflict upon finding his daughter in the underworld.
Despite the limitations of the PSP, Chains of Olympus impressed with detailed graphics and gameplay that remained faithful to the console games. The combat was adapted to the handheld's controls without compromising the series' characteristic fluidity. The combination of intense combat, engaging narrative and well-designed puzzles ensured that the game was one of the best releases on the PSP.
God of War III (2010) – Metacritic: 92
Released on March 16, 2010 for PlayStation 3, God of War III brought the climax of the original trilogy, following Kratos on his final journey of revenge against the Olympian gods. Picking up directly after the events of God of War II, the game sees Kratos and the Titans invading Mount Olympus, leading to epic clashes against deities such as Poseidon, Hades, and Zeus.
Of all the God of War games up to that point, it was not only the best-selling, but also the one with the best graphics due to the generational leap from PS2 to PS3. The gameplay was refined, with new features, abilities, and mechanics, including the use of mounts on certain enemies. The game also introduced cinematic Quick Time Events, making battles even more impactful.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) – Metacritic: 86
Released on November 2, 2010 for PSP, Ghost of Sparta Set between the first and second games in the franchise, Kratos delves deeper into his past, revealing his relationship with his brother, Deimos. Kratos embarks on a personal journey to find Deimos, facing emotional challenges and battles against mythological creatures.
The gameplay maintained the fluidity of the main titles, bringing impressive graphical improvements for a portable and new combat abilities. Ghost of Sparta presented a more personal plot, humanizing Kratos by showing his suffering and guilt, enriching the series' mythology with an emotionally engaging story. Despite this, of all the God of War games it was the one that sold the least, only 1.2 million copies.
God of War: Ascension (2013) – Metacritic: 80
Released on March 12, 2013 for PlayStation 3, God of War: Ascension is the first game following the God of War chronology, a prequel that explores the events prior to the first game, showing Kratos attempting to free himself from Ares' servitude. The game features the Spartan facing the Furies, entities responsible for punishing those who break their oaths to the gods.
The gameplay introduced new mechanics, such as the combat system with secondary resources and a multiplayer mode, unique among all God of War games. Despite the innovations, Ascension received mixed reviews due to its less impactful story and less evolution compared to previous titles. However, the graphics and intense action remained the game's strong points.
God of War (2018) – Metacritic: 94
Released on April 20, 2018 for PlayStation 4, God of War reinvented the franchise by changing its setting for Norse mythology and radically transform the gameplay. Despite the changes, it is considered by many to be the best in the franchise. Now older and more restrained, Kratos embarks on a journey with his son, Atreus, to scatter his wife's ashes on the highest peak in the realms. The relationship between father and son is the center of the narrative, offering a more mature and emotional tone.
The gameplay was revamped, with a third-person over-the-shoulder camera, more strategic combat, and the replacement of the Blades of Chaos with the Leviathan Axe, which features unique throwing and return mechanics. The game received critical and fan acclaim, being considered one of the best of the generation due to its deep story, stunning graphics, and significant evolution in the combat and exploration system.
God of War Ragnarök (2022) – Metacritic: 94
Released on November 9, 2022 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, God of War Ragnarok continues the journey of Kratos and Atreus as they face the aftermath of Fimbulwinter and the impending Ragnarök. The game further deepens the characters' relationship and introduces new realms such as Vanaheim and Asgard, as well as gods such as Thor and Odin.
The gameplay maintains the improvements of the previous game, expanding the combat systems with new features and abilities, as well as offering more variety of enemies and bosses. The title was praised for its exciting narrative, memorable performances and gameplay improvements, consolidating the new phase of the franchise as a milestone in the gaming industry.
Conclusion
So, out of all the God of War games above, which is your favorite? Have you played the old trilogy or have you only played the most recent games? Tell us in the comments! Want to know more about games? Then take a look at this article where we teach you How to increase FPS in Fortnite! Now, if you want to know more about all the God of War games, watch the video below.
