This outstanding slice-n-dicer arises from the under utilized ancient Greek mythology. While not completely rooted in historical myth, the authors have created a well though out, intriguing storyline that brings both ambitious goals and better than most emotionality to the screen.
The interface, while very functional as most Playstation games are, is exceptionally intuitive and rewarding. When I began my first game, on a moderate setting, I was expecting to be daunted by the numerous, very beautifully rendered moves preformed by Kratos, the game's hero. Forgive me for doubting, since I've turned 35, I have found that programming VCRs has become challenging. I'm sure that a seven or fifteen year old will wonder what I'm even talking about.
This game is gory. It's not just gory for gory's sake, but honest to gory gosh gory because the hero is a violent guy. I loved the feel of this, because it reminded me of watching the swords & sandals movies, just as they slashed and wrestled their way to ultimate, noble glory, so does Kratos. In fact, if there is any real flaw, it is because there is perhaps too much hubris distributed among all the characters in this game.
I've been bored of the video game industry's fascination with anime and the Japanese spiky- haired teen heroes. There is plenty of luscious large-chested babes in slinky, barely decent attire, and then you have 'warriors' that look like ten-year-olds in safety-mom's dream football gear. I've never been a big costume fan. In God of War, Kratos is rendered bare- chested and powerfully built, with a blazing red body tattoo, scars and white skin. It's something I can relate to. He's moody, vicious, and he extracts blood and limbs like nobody's business. I can relate to this too.
The God of War world is expansive, inviting exploration as well as providing very good direction, and only once did I have any trouble with the puzzles. I spent nearly two days solid trying to place a dumb crate into a room to jump to a ledge. Apparently it had to be just so, and I kid you now, I was near destroying my console with my bare hands, Kratos style.
If this game has any educational value what so ever, it will teach patience, and that try, try, try yet again will eventually pay off. This game stays in my personal library. I love it.
