Who Voices Kratos in God of War 1?
The God of War franchise has been a beloved staple in the world of video games for decades, and one of the key components that has contributed to its success is the voice of its iconic protagonist, Kratos. The original God of War (2005) introduced the character of Kratos, a Spartan warrior, to the gaming world, and it was the voice of Terry McGovern that brought this character to life.
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Who is Terry McGovern?
Terry McGovern is an American actor who has had a successful career in voice acting, working on numerous video games, anime, and cartoons. Born on April 19, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, McGovern has voiced a wide range of characters across various mediums, from games like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, to anime series like Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon.
Voice Acting Experience Prior to God of War
Before landing the role of Kratos, McGovern had already made a name for himself in the voice acting world. Some of his notable work includes:
• Rise of the Robots (1994) – McGovern voiced the game’s protagonist, "Crimson".
• Crash Bandicoot (1996) – He played the role of Dr. Nitrus Brio in the first three games of the series.
• Spyro the Dragon (1998) – McGovern voiced various characters, including Hunter and Moneybags**.
• Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II – Rogue Leader (2001) – He played the role of Pierce Morgan.
The Birth of Kratos
Developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio, the original God of War game was released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. The game was set in ancient Greece and focused on Kratos’ battle against the gods of Olympus. McGovern was cast as the voice of Kratos, bringing a new level of depth and emotion to the character.
Making Kratos’ Debut
When asked about his audition process for the role, McGovern revealed:
"’I was told that there was this character called Kratos, and that the director wanted someone who could make him sound strong and ruthless. I had no idea what the game was about, but I just jumped in and did the scene. I guess they liked it, because they invited me back for another read-through, and then a third time…’"
The Legacy of Kratos and McGovern’s Impact
The success of God of War cemented Kratos’ status as a gaming icon, and McGovern’s contribution to the character’s personality and development played a crucial role in the game’s success. Although McGovern did not reprise the role of Kratos for subsequent games in the franchise, his influence on the character’s legacy cannot be overstated.
Table: Key Milestones in the God of War Franchise
| Game Title | Release Year | Main Voice Actor |
|---|---|---|
| God of War (2005) | 2005 | Terry McGovern |
| God of War II (2007) | 2007 | Terrence C. Carson |
| God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) | 2008 | Terrence C. Carson |
| God of War III (2010) | 2010 | Christopher Judge |
| God of War (2018) | 2018 | Christopher Judge |
Conclusion
Terry McGovern’s contribution to the gaming world, particularly as the voice of Kratos in the original God of War, has had a lasting impact on the gaming industry. His experience prior to the role and dedication to bringing the character to life have helped shape Kratos into the iconic warrior we know today. The legacy of McGovern and Kratos continues to resonate with gamers around the world, making God of War a beloved and enduring franchise.
