Three long years ago critics and gamers alike were astounded by the excellence of the PlayStation 2 game, God of War II. Creating an almost impossibly high standard for other titles to follow, it is still arguably one of the best games created for the console. It’s no wonder therefore that the last three years have caused the build up of expectation for the game’s sequel, God of War III. Is it possible that the final game in the trilogy could equal the effect of its predecessor? With similar but polished gameplay, incredible graphics and atmosphere and particularly satisfying combat, we think it could.
God of War III returns us to the realm of Greek mythology as we, once again, take on the role of Kratos in his effort to scale Mount Olympus. Initially it might seem that the only motivation for Kratos’ actions throughout the plot of the game, is that of violent retribution of anyone that may have dared angered or betrayed him. However, as the plot develops we start to see a different side to our favourite ex-Spartan warrior, helping us to emphasise a little more with the character and giving the story more of the heart that characterised its predecessor.
Following on from the moment God of War II ends, you will find yourself persuading a group of Titans to scale the great Mount Olympus in an effort to destroy the gods. From your first moment within the game you will be treated to an extraordinary spectacle of scale, with the gigantic Titans with whom you are travelling dwarfing your every step. Some excellent camera work will give you an incredibly dramatic sense of the world in which you have encountered, adequately making you feel tiny. However a sudden contrast as the camera shifts into a close-up as you make mincemeat of your foes counters the effect, creating a sense of adventure that will have you perched on the edge of your seat.
The combat system in God of War III isn’t too dissimilar from the previous titles, however with additional polish, weaponry and brutal sophistication, you will undoubtedly find yourself eagerly awaiting the opportunity to gouge an eye from a Cyclops or tear the wings from a Harpy. Improvements in ranged combat mean you won’t have any more impatient moments as your foes manage to avoid your blades of fury. Additional and improved weaponry provides an alternative to the Blades of Exile that were the tool of choice in the previous title. It’s easy now to swap to your secondary weapons arsenal of any of the four unique and entertaining tools of death.
If pure brutal violence isn’t your cup of tea, then you will be happy to hear that God of War III includes plenty of puzzles between dramatic action scenes. You will need to take your brain out of combat mode to think carefully about how best to solve the situations with which you are faced. The result is that, while the game wonderfully displays the violence in combat that its audience craves, it will never feel totally overwhelming.
Don’t expect God of War III to offer a radical overhaul to the successful franchise, but instead expect a dramatic, polished and tense conclusion to a story that will hold you to the last kill. Incredible visuals, a phenomenal sense of scale and added weaponry combined with improved combat make this title into the great success that it is.