What is God of War: Ascension?
God of War: Ascension is an action-adventure game developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. It is the eighth installment in the God of War series and the final game in the original Greek mythology storyline. Released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3, Ascension is a prequel to the original God of War game and serves as a conclusion to Kratos’ story arc.
Storyline
The game takes place in 2013, three years after the events of God of War III. Kratos, still haunted by the memories of his past, is struggling to maintain his relationships with his daughter Calliope and his wife Lysandra. However, his demons are stirred when he is confronted by the Furies, a group of goddesses who serve as the judges of the underworld. The Furies accuse Kratos of betraying his oath to them and seek revenge.
Gameplay
Ascension introduces a new multiplayer mode, Challenge of the Gods, where players can compete against each other in various combat scenarios. The game also features a Story Mode, which serves as the main campaign. In Story Mode, players control Kratos as he navigates through various levels, fighting against enemies and solving puzzles to progress.
New Features
Ascension introduces several new features to the God of War series, including:
• Rage Mode: A new ability that allows Kratos to enter a state of fury, increasing his strength and speed.
• Favor System: A system that rewards players for completing challenges and allows them to earn new abilities and upgrades.
• Boons: Special powers that can be used in combat, such as the ability to summon a ghostly Kratos or to create a vortex that pulls enemies towards him.
Graphics and Soundtrack
Ascension features improved graphics compared to its predecessors, with detailed environments and characters. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Gerard Marino, Michael Wandmacher, and Ron Fish, is a sweeping epic that perfectly complements the game’s action-packed gameplay.
Reception
God of War: Ascension received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising its engaging combat and storyline. However, some critics felt that the game’s multiplayer mode was lacking and that the game’s difficulty was too high.
Table: Key Features of God of War: Ascension
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Story Mode | The main campaign, where players control Kratos as he navigates through various levels, fighting against enemies and solving puzzles. |
| Challenge of the Gods | A multiplayer mode where players can compete against each other in various combat scenarios. |
| Rage Mode | A new ability that allows Kratos to enter a state of fury, increasing his strength and speed. |
| Favor System | A system that rewards players for completing challenges and allows them to earn new abilities and upgrades. |
| Boons | Special powers that can be used in combat, such as the ability to summon a ghostly Kratos or to create a vortex that pulls enemies towards him. |
Conclusion
God of War: Ascension is a action-packed game that serves as a conclusion to Kratos’ story arc. With its engaging combat, improved graphics, and new features, it is a must-play for fans of the series. However, its multiplayer mode may be lacking, and the game’s difficulty may be too high for some players. Overall, Ascension is a great addition to the God of War series and a fitting conclusion to Kratos’ journey.
