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So... God of wars series.
- Thread starter chickdigger802
- Start date
d00d3n
Member
GoW 1: The best looking game of the console generation when it was released. The first third person action game to enpower gamers by making simple button imputs result in masterful combat moves? (inspiring Darksiders and Batman among other titles) This went hand in hand with the great pacing of the game. Essentially in a genre that was all about ramping up difficulty and frustration levels to make things interesting, God of War successfully went in another direction. Obvious GOTG candidate.
GoW 2: Graphics not as impressive as in the first one. Enhancements to gameplay and larger scope validated the release. Was probably too long - pacing suffered somewhat towards the end. Still a GOTY candidate, but obviously not as original or significant as the first game.
God of War: Chains of Olympus: Too linear. Bad graphics. Tolerable.
GoW 3: Lack of new gameplay features was disappointing. A cowardly release that sticks very close to the established formula. Still great pacing, good graphics and so on, but clearly a step down from 1 or 2. Second tier GOTY candidate?
GoW: Ghost of Sparta: Awful. Even as a fanboy I didn't like this at all. The strict linearity combined with the absence of new gameplay ideas makes the game boring and uninspired.
GoW 2: Graphics not as impressive as in the first one. Enhancements to gameplay and larger scope validated the release. Was probably too long - pacing suffered somewhat towards the end. Still a GOTY candidate, but obviously not as original or significant as the first game.
God of War: Chains of Olympus: Too linear. Bad graphics. Tolerable.
GoW 3: Lack of new gameplay features was disappointing. A cowardly release that sticks very close to the established formula. Still great pacing, good graphics and so on, but clearly a step down from 1 or 2. Second tier GOTY candidate?
GoW: Ghost of Sparta: Awful. Even as a fanboy I didn't like this at all. The strict linearity combined with the absence of new gameplay ideas makes the game boring and uninspired.
Baconsammy
Banned
God of War 1 and 2 are great. God of War 3 was one of my biggest disappointments this gen. The first God of War on PSP is weak. The 2nd is great. The newly announced multi-player game...mehhh. They can keep that.
I found the GOW series far less repetitive as a whole compared to say DMC, NG or Bayonetta. Unlike the other games, non stop manic button slamming combo or combat mayhem isn't the be all and end all, or the fundamental draw. With GOW it's just as much about the puzzles, narrative, set pieces and characters. Same could be said for the other games listed, but much less so.
I'm terrible at these general hack n'slash type games, probably the same reason I am terrible at fighting games, I can't remember combos to save my life.
But I have played and finished GoW 1,2 & 3 because I enjoy them regardless and find them to be really well made games that have awesome set pieces and would say to anyone to at least give them a go before judging them.
But I have played and finished GoW 1,2 & 3 because I enjoy them regardless and find them to be really well made games that have awesome set pieces and would say to anyone to at least give them a go before judging them.
Captain_Spanky
Member
@Onlywei
Dude the first time you meet the sisters it's a talking statue and it specifically says they will never help Kratos because of the man he has become. He then, rightly, points out that he is that way because the gods made him so. And, technically, the Sisters of Fate. Wanting to murder them and the gods is understandable.
The combat in the games is great for what it is, it's spectacle and reaction focused, not combo and intricacy focused. You're supposed to understand enemies patterns and then mash like hell when there's an opening. And if there isn't an opening you make one. It reflects the character and story well.
Dude the first time you meet the sisters it's a talking statue and it specifically says they will never help Kratos because of the man he has become. He then, rightly, points out that he is that way because the gods made him so. And, technically, the Sisters of Fate. Wanting to murder them and the gods is understandable.
The combat in the games is great for what it is, it's spectacle and reaction focused, not combo and intricacy focused. You're supposed to understand enemies patterns and then mash like hell when there's an opening. And if there isn't an opening you make one. It reflects the character and story well.
revolverjgw
Member
These games are awesome, if one came out every 6 months I'd still never tire of them. So many beautiful locations, memorable bosses and setpieces, incredible music... the combat, platforming, exploration and puzzles aren't very deep or intensive but they're all solid and they give you lots of stuff to do... the way they mix all the elements up makes this by far my favorite hack and slash series, and if you play it on a high difficulty it's plenty involving. It also has almost none of the stupid design decisions or jank that always seems to pervade even the good games in this genre.
The first one was amazing at the time, but it has aged... still a worthwhile experience and should be played first, but GoW2 was a huge step forward, a near perfect game.
The first one was amazing at the time, but it has aged... still a worthwhile experience and should be played first, but GoW2 was a huge step forward, a near perfect game.
The notion that the God of War games haven't evolved and somehow improved since the first game is an attitude that could honestly only come from someone who hasn't played more than one of the games.
The "linebacker" grab from God of War 3, hook jumps from God of War 2, the Icarus wings from God of War 2, the Gauntlet of Zeus from Chains of Olympus, etc. All of these things changed how combat moved throughout the series.
They make up for the lack of other elements with a much deeper combat system. It depends on what you want in an action game; if you want a bit of everything, GoW is a good choice. If you are like me and just want action action action, GoW is quite dull.
Shtof
Member
I want action action action and completed GoW 1 and 2 numerous times back in the day, including the dreaded Titan Mode in GoW2. Wasn't dull at all.
AwesomeSauce
MagsMoonshine
Ghost of Sparta is fantastic. Don't skip it.
I completely appreciate that. But variety is the spice of life. There's a place for the Bayenetta's and a place for the GOW's. People who want GOW to be more like DMC or vice versa I think are missing that point.
Exactly. Personally, I cannot tolerate 'hardcore action' games such as Ninja Gaiden and Bayonetta. DMC is good, but there is nothing more satisfying than killing someone in GoW. Every hit has a meaningful impact and the entire game is just a spectacle. Very few games have amazed me like the God Of War series. For the lack of the better word, but they're epic. I don't want 'action game elements' in God Of War. The combat system is completely fine. If they add extra moves, then sure, that would be great, but the basic gameplay is still my personal favourite out of all other 'action games'.
OP, your time would be better spent playing DMC, NG, or Bayonetta if your looking for a good action game. The God of War combat is not impressive, which isn't to say that it's on the level of something like Fable. But if your looking for a game you can truly sink your teeth into, skip it.
On the other hand, if your just looking for a good adventure game, this has some amazing locations and design. You'll have to put up with the worst protagonist in gaming, but if your okay with that and your going in for adventure, enjoy.
On the other hand, if your just looking for a good adventure game, this has some amazing locations and design. You'll have to put up with the worst protagonist in gaming, but if your okay with that and your going in for adventure, enjoy.
Combichristoffersen
Combovers don't work when there is no hair
Dude. What.
To Far Away Times
Member
When played for the story or the "adventure" God Of War is fun, but gameplay wise it's not in the same league as something like Ninja Gaiden.
Whoa really? It was a country mile ahead of God of War 3 or Chains of Olympus.
I replayed GoW1 + played GoW2 and GoW3 all in a row 2 years ago (right when GoW3 was released). YMMV, but the first two games are some of my all-time favorite games. They are the perfect of examples of the "total being greater than the sum of their parts" for me. There are a lot of other games that do certain things better than GoW, but the total package of the game is what keeps it so highly regarded for me.
The pacing, environments and set pieces, bestiary/bosses, combat, and narrative...all enveloped in Greek mythology. It really just hits the spot for me.
The pacing, environments and set pieces, bestiary/bosses, combat, and narrative...all enveloped in Greek mythology. It really just hits the spot for me.
d00d3n
Member
The graphics in GoW were groundbreaking when the game was released in 2005. I stand by the opinion that graphics in GoW 2 were not as impressive when released in 2007.
Ghost of Sparta is awful. The least amount of exploration in a GoW game, very linear, no new gameplay mechanics and so so set pieces. Weak graphics.
wat. The game looked better then some launch titles for the 360/ps3
Yeah, the talking Statue does say that. Still seems extremely strange that Kratos would completely give up on diplomacy right then and there, especially considering he has NO IDEA at the time that he even has the ability to use the time machine without the sisters' help.
hey_it's_that_dog
benevolent sexism
GOW2 looks substantially better than GOW1. If you weren't as impressed personally, well, sorry. Ghost of Sparta seemed about the same exploration-wise as most parts of GOW games. They introduced a new charge and tackle mechanic, the flame attack mechanic, the shield and spear, new magic, and the usual handful of new enemies. It seemed to vary from the rest of the series as much as any of them did. It looks very good compared to Chains of Olympus and even compares pretty well to the PS2 games.
Complaining about limited exploration and linearity in a GoW game. My mind is so full of fuck. I also hate this stupid shit logic that linear = bad.
Baconsammy
Banned
Here's some blasphemy - I played Dante's Inferno at the same time I played GOW3, and I preferred Dante's...by a huge margin. But this thread reminds me that I need to buy the GOW 1-2 HD collection.
I did the same thing and Dante's Inferno just felt completely janky compared to GoW3.
lmao
The Albatross
Member
I though that the first God of War was great. Impressive visuals, cool set pieces, and the action seemed fresh... While the mechanics were redundant, your sense of power was pretty awesome, and the unique ways to dispatch enemies was intuitive and fitting. It was a solid game.
Then, personally, GoW2 was... just too much of the same. I was excited for GoW3 but really disappointed... just the exact same as GoW2. So I never really played the series again.
Then, personally, GoW2 was... just too much of the same. I was excited for GoW3 but really disappointed... just the exact same as GoW2. So I never really played the series again.
Raonak
Banned
I look at it this way.
I play DMC for the amazing super tight combat. anything else; just gets in the way. im just playing the game to get to the next enemy encounter. everything just boils down to the combat (and to a lesser extent, the storyline, mainly cause of how amusing dante is)
I play GOW for the whole experience. The traversal, the puzzles, the presentation, story, combat, boss deaths, etc. it's the whole spectacle.
I play DMC for the amazing super tight combat. anything else; just gets in the way. im just playing the game to get to the next enemy encounter. everything just boils down to the combat (and to a lesser extent, the storyline, mainly cause of how amusing dante is)
I play GOW for the whole experience. The traversal, the puzzles, the presentation, story, combat, boss deaths, etc. it's the whole spectacle.
Baconsammy
Banned
I don't know what the word "janky" means, but control-wise Dante's took a bit of getting used to, but the story itself and the level design interested me much more than GOW3 did. I also liked the winged mechanic. Added a lot to that gamestyle. I think the only other GOW clone I enjoyed more was Castlevania (minus the puzzles near the end).
hardcastlemccormick
Banned
I am of the opinion that the second one is the only one worth playing. Not only is it very cheap these days, but the series isn't that gripping so you might as well start with the best.
If the PS2 version didn't have screen tearing, it would be a perfect substitute for the PS3 re-release (considering it's $3). But.
If the PS2 version didn't have screen tearing, it would be a perfect substitute for the PS3 re-release (considering it's $3). But.
GhostWriter24
Member
Holy Jesus...embarrassing...
SillyEskimo
Member
I have both HD collections and GoW3. I played through 1 and am 1/2 way through 2. I played the first 30 minutes of 3, and while epic at the start I was disappointed to see the exact same dudes shooting arrows at me that were in 1 and 2 once I was past the opening titan stuff. i stopped playing 3 and went back to finsh 2 where I've languished for almost a year. I'm sorry, but once you play Bayonetta every other action games seems so trite. It's the same thing with DMC and Ninja Gaiden series.
lowhighkang_LHK
Member
The one thing I hate about the God of War games, and they keep doing it - because it seems the masses love this sort of herp-a-derp thing: is that the bosses are super huge, and all epic and shit, but at the end of the day you're just square, square, triangle-ing it's fucking hand or some shit and then it's head will drop after you square, square, triangled it's hand enough and you go into some QTE sequence. Repeat this sequence twice, and then you go into another QTE sequence in which you rip out either it's eye, chest/heart and you quickly realize the game played itself for the past 30 minutes.
Whoever said God of War is the McDonalds of action games hit it on the money.
Whoever said God of War is the McDonalds of action games hit it on the money.
Chuck Norris
Banned
I kind of agree with d00d3n.
Ghost of Sparta feels linear even for a God of War game. The GOW games have been linear, but either I'm just seeing all the flaws in the formula playing it more and more, or they are doing a worse job hiding it.
I think it's probably a combination of both. There are some really obnoxious moments in that game where its so obvious you're on a linear path, like they'll blow up a doorway just in front of you that you accessed just before, so they can guide you to the doorway on the right this time.
They could easily open this series up to a bit of exploration and non-linearity
Ghost of Sparta feels linear even for a God of War game. The GOW games have been linear, but either I'm just seeing all the flaws in the formula playing it more and more, or they are doing a worse job hiding it.
I think it's probably a combination of both. There are some really obnoxious moments in that game where its so obvious you're on a linear path, like they'll blow up a doorway just in front of you that you accessed just before, so they can guide you to the doorway on the right this time.
They could easily open this series up to a bit of exploration and non-linearity
Chuck Norris
Banned
That's how all the action games handle big bosses though...
I know right? It is hard to play God of War (even on the harder difficulties) and not get tired of the combat segments. There are certainly a variety of gameplay elements to keep things fresh but a majority of the combat elements come down to fighting some uninteresting enemies in packs. Aside from bosses/mini bosses is there any memorable fights?
lowhighkang_LHK
Member
Interesting then to note how the best boss fights in action game history are typically your reasonably sized human based bosses. I.e, Murai, Jeanne, Vergil, Nelo Angelo, Credo etc.
Also, Mundus in DMC1 was done very well for a big boss (not the space harrier part) but Mundus version 2.
And Bayonetta (despite the QTE's) also did a good job of implementing larger boss fights.
I don't care if it was a quick time event. Nothing tops the final boss finisher. NOTHING.
Stallion Free
Cock Encumbered
I loved 1/2/Ghost of Sparta on the first playthrough and the first half of 3. Chains of Olympus was drab and I despised the second half/last third of GOW3. I dig the whole Greek mythology thing and I'm a sucker for big setpieces, but the story direction just rubbed me in the wrong direction in 3.
I have zero interest in replaying any of them, I can't even find the drive to replay 1/2's HD ports.
I have zero interest in replaying any of them, I can't even find the drive to replay 1/2's HD ports.
Chuck Norris
Banned
I agree that human sized bosses trump all. It's a shame that GoW doesn't make great use of them. Though some like Hercules and Perseus were great IMO
Mundus was terrible though
And I haven't played Bayonetta but from the videos I saw it seemed like a bit of attacking the hand of enemies too
I think God of War 3 did a good job mixing it up. Poseidon comes to mind, as does Kronos
I fell in love with God of War because the first stage of the first game is just so perfect.
After ignoring the hype completely for around 2 or 3 years, I decided to try out God of War. Pretty much knew what to expect, but it was so well-done that I couldn't help but love it. It looked good, controlled well, the hits felt great, the animations were outstanding. Then I got to the Hydra boss and it completely blew me away.
Been a fan ever since, day one purchases etc. They have been getting progressively worse, though.
After ignoring the hype completely for around 2 or 3 years, I decided to try out God of War. Pretty much knew what to expect, but it was so well-done that I couldn't help but love it. It looked good, controlled well, the hits felt great, the animations were outstanding. Then I got to the Hydra boss and it completely blew me away.
Been a fan ever since, day one purchases etc. They have been getting progressively worse, though.
Personally, after playing GoW 1&2 and Conan, I found Conan much more enjoyable and the boss battles and set pieces were amazing. Don't get me wrong, GoW is an enjoyable game too but I think many overlook Conan.
GhostWriter24
Member
By what standard does it "take too long"? These games don't last any longer than ~12-15 hours.
D
Deleted member 81567
Unconfirmed Member
I heard Conan is frustrating though.
I think from memory I only had trouble with one section but I could honestly say after finishing GoW1 on Hard on my first playthrough that Conan was no more frustrating than GoW.
Dude it's like 4-6 hours long.