Do You Need to Play God of War in Order?
The God of War series has been a staple of the gaming industry for over two decades, with a rich history of epic battles, memorable characters, and thrilling storylines. With the release of the latest installment in the series, God of War (2018), many fans and newcomers alike have been wondering: do I need to play the previous games in the series to understand and enjoy the new game?
The Answer in a Nutshell
While it’s not necessary to play the previous God of War games to enjoy the new one, it’s highly recommended to do so. The 2018 game is a soft reboot of the series, which means it takes place many years after the events of the previous games. As a result, the new game assumes some knowledge of the series’ lore and characters. However, the game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, and the developer, Santa Monica Studio, has taken steps to ensure that the game can be enjoyed by both veterans and newcomers alike.
A Brief Overview of the God of War Series
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a brief look at the God of War series:
- God of War (2005): The original game that started the series, following the story of Kratos, a Spartan warrior, as he seeks revenge against the Olympian gods.
- God of War II (2007): The sequel to the original game, continuing Kratos’ quest for revenge and exploring the mythology of ancient Greece.
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008): A prequel to the original game, taking place 10 years before the events of the first game.
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010): Another prequel, set 10 years after the events of Chains of Olympus.
- God of War III (2010): The conclusion to Kratos’ trilogy, as he wages war against the Olympian gods.
- God of War (2018): A soft reboot of the series, taking place many years after the events of God of War III.
What You Need to Know Before Playing the 2018 Game
While it’s not necessary to play the previous games to enjoy the 2018 God of War, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Kratos’ Backstory: Kratos is a character with a rich history, and the 2018 game assumes some knowledge of his past. If you’re new to the series, you may want to do some research or play the previous games to get a better understanding of his motivations and character development.
- Greek Mythology: The God of War series is heavily influenced by Greek mythology, and the 2018 game is no exception. Familiarity with the mythology of ancient Greece can enhance your understanding of the game’s world and characters.
- Major Plot Points: The 2018 game takes place many years after the events of God of War III, and assumes some knowledge of the major plot points from the previous games. If you’re new to the series, you may want to play the previous games or do some research to get a better understanding of the game’s world and characters.
Why You Should Play the Previous Games
While it’s not necessary to play the previous games to enjoy the 2018 God of War, there are several reasons why you should:
- Immersive Experience: Playing the previous games can provide a deeper understanding of the series’ lore and characters, making the 2018 game a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
- Appreciation for the 2018 Game’s Story: The 2018 game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, but playing the previous games can provide a greater appreciation for the characters and world.
- Context for the New Game’s Characters: The 2018 game introduces new characters, including Kratos’ son Atreus. Playing the previous games can provide context for these characters and their motivations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s not necessary to play the previous God of War games to enjoy the 2018 game, it’s highly recommended to do so. The game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, but playing the previous games can provide a deeper understanding of the series’ lore and characters. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer, the 2018 God of War is a must-play game that’s sure to provide an unforgettable gaming experience.
Table: God of War Games in Chronological Order
| Game | Release Year | Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| God of War: Chains of Olympus | 2008 | Prequel to the original game |
| God of War | 2005 | Original game |
| God of War II | 2007 | Sequel to the original game |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta | 2010 | Prequel to God of War II |
| God of War III | 2010 | Conclusion to Kratos’ trilogy |
| God of War | 2018 | Soft reboot of the series |
Bullet Points: Key Points to Keep in Mind
• Kratos’ backstory and character development are important to understand the 2018 game’s story.
• Familiarity with Greek mythology can enhance your understanding of the game’s world and characters.
• The 2018 game takes place many years after the events of God of War III, and assumes some knowledge of the major plot points from the previous games.
• Playing the previous games can provide a deeper understanding of the series’ lore and characters, making the 2018 game a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
• The 2018 game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, but playing the previous games can provide a greater appreciation for the characters and world.
