Which God of War Should I Play First?
The God of War franchise has grown exponentially over the years, with multiple games, sequels, and spin-offs. With the recent reboot of the series, the question arises: which God of War game should you play first?
For Newcomers
For those new to the franchise, starting from the beginning can be daunting. You might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of games, sequels, and reboots. Here are a few reasons why playing the 2018 soft reboot, God of War (2018), is a great place to start:
- Modern Storyline: God of War (2018) offers a fresh storyline that’s not tied to the original trilogy. It’s a new beginning for the series, making it an excellent introduction to the character and world.
- Improved Gameplay: The 2018 game features a more focused combat system, making it more accessible to new players. The gameplay is smoother, and the narrative is more engaging.
- Shorter Story: At approximately 10 hours, the 2018 game is a shorter, more digestible experience compared to some of the other God of War titles.
Contents
Chronological Order
However, if you’re eager to experience the series in chronological order, here’s a brief rundown of the games:
| Game Title | Release Year | Main Character |
|---|---|---|
| God of War (2005) | 2005 | Kratos |
| God of War II (2007) | 2007 | Kratos |
| God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) | 2008 | Kratos |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) | 2010 | Kratos |
| God of War III (2010) | 2010 | Kratos |
| God of War: Ascension (2013) | 2013 | Kratos |
| God of War (2018) | 2018 | Kratos |
Reboot vs. Original Storyline
If you’re interested in exploring the original storyline, God of War: Chains of Olympus is a great starting point. This game serves as a prequel to the 2005 original and fills in the gaps between God of War (2005) and God of War II (2007).
Here are some pros and cons to consider when choosing the original storyline:
Pros:
- Canonical Storyline: The original games follow a canonical storyline, providing a deeper understanding of Kratos’ background and motivations.
- Atmosphere and Storytelling: The God of War games are renowned for their atmospheric storytelling and intense action sequences.
Cons:
- Graphics and Controls: The original games are older and may show signs of age in terms of graphics and controls.
- Less Accessible: The combat and puzzles in the original games can be challenging, even for experienced players.
God of War: A Beginner’s Guide
Difficulty Level and Recommended Play Order
To help newcomers navigate the series, here’s a breakdown of the games by difficulty level:
| Game Title | Release Year | Difficulty Level | Main Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| God of War (2005) | 2005 | Medium-High | Kratos |
| God of War II (2007) | 2007 | Medium-High | Kratos |
| God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) | 2008 | High | Kratos |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) | 2010 | Medium-High | Kratos |
| God of War III (2010) | 2010 | High | Kratos |
| God of War: Ascension (2013) | 2013 | High | Kratos |
| God of War (2018) | 2018 | Medium | Kratos |
Conclusion
Choosing which God of War game to play first depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for. If you’re new to the series, God of War (2018) is an excellent starting point. For those seeking a more traditional God of War experience, God of War: Chains of Olympus offers a strong storyline and improved gameplay. Whichever game you choose, be prepared for a thrilling adventure filled with combat, exploration, and storytelling.
Key Takeaways:
- Start with God of War (2018) for a modern, more accessible storyline.
- Explore the original storyline with God of War: Chains of Olympus for a deeper understanding of Kratos’ past.
- Consider difficulty level and play order: Start with a game with a medium difficulty level (e.g., God of War (2005)) and gradually increase the challenge as you become more experienced.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun exploring the world of God of War!
