Is God of War: Ascension a Prequel?
The God of War series has been a staple of the gaming industry for over a decade, with its first installment released in 2005. The series has undergone significant changes over the years, with the most recent installment, God of War (2018), receiving widespread critical acclaim. However, the 2013 game, God of War: Ascension, has been a topic of debate among fans and critics alike, with some questioning whether it is a prequel or not. In this article, we will delve into the world of God of War and explore the evidence to answer the question: Is God of War: Ascension a prequel?
The Story of God of War: Ascension
God of War: Ascension is an action-adventure game that takes place after the events of God of War III. The game follows Kratos, the protagonist, as he attempts to break the curse of the Furies, a group of goddesses who have been tormenting him since the end of God of War III. The game’s story is heavily focused on Kratos’ struggles with his past and his attempts to find redemption.
The Debate: Is God of War: Ascension a Prequel?
The debate surrounding God of War: Ascension’s status as a prequel began shortly after its release. Some fans and critics argued that the game was a prequel, while others believed it was a standalone game that took place after the events of God of War III. So, what evidence is there to support either side of the argument?
Evidence for God of War: Ascension being a Prequel
Here are some points that suggest God of War: Ascension is a prequel:
• The Furies’ Curse: The Furies’ curse is a central plot point in God of War: Ascension. The curse is said to have been placed on Kratos by the Furies themselves, and it is implied that the curse is a result of Kratos’ past actions. This suggests that the events of God of War: Ascension take place before the events of God of War III, as the Furies’ curse is not mentioned in God of War III.
• Kratos’ Character Development: Kratos’ character development in God of War: Ascension is focused on his struggles with his past and his attempts to find redemption. This suggests that the game takes place before the events of God of War III, as Kratos’ character development in God of War III is focused on his struggles with his newfound godhood and his attempts to destroy Olympus.
• The Ending: The ending of God of War: Ascension is intentionally left open-ended, with Kratos seemingly finding a way to break the Furies’ curse. This suggests that the game is setting the stage for future events, rather than concluding the story of Kratos.
Evidence against God of War: Ascension being a Prequel
Here are some points that suggest God of War: Ascension is not a prequel:
• The Timeline: The game’s director, Todd Papy, has stated that God of War: Ascension takes place after the events of God of War III. This suggests that the game is a direct sequel, rather than a prequel.
• The Story: The story of God of War: Ascension is heavily focused on Kratos’ struggles with his past and his attempts to find redemption. While this could be seen as a prequel, it could also be seen as a standalone game that explores Kratos’ character in a new way.
• The Gameplay: The gameplay in God of War: Ascension is similar to that of God of War III, with a focus on fast-paced combat and platforming. This suggests that the game is a direct sequel, rather than a prequel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are arguments for and against God of War: Ascension being a prequel, the evidence suggests that it is not a prequel. The game’s director has stated that it takes place after the events of God of War III, and the story and gameplay are consistent with this timeline. However, the game’s ending is intentionally left open-ended, leaving room for future games to explore the story further.
Table: God of War Timeline
| Game | Release Year | Story Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| God of War | 2005 | Ancient Greece |
| God of War II | 2007 | After God of War |
| God of War: Chains of Olympus | 2008 | Between God of War and God of War II |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta | 2010 | Between God of War II and God of War III |
| God of War III | 2010 | After God of War II |
| God of War: Ascension | 2013 | After God of War III |
| God of War (2018) | 2018 | After God of War III |
In Conclusion
God of War: Ascension is not a prequel, but rather a standalone game that takes place after the events of God of War III. While the game’s story and gameplay are consistent with this timeline, the ending is intentionally left open-ended, leaving room for future games to explore the story further.
