God of War

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2512 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,245 out of 2512
  2. Mixed: 175 out of 2512
  3. Negative: 92 out of 2512
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  1. KamB.
    Apr 16, 2005
    10
    Surprisingly intelligent game play and amazing graphics. I couldn't stop playing this game until I beat it. I did find that the game was a bit TOO easy to conquer making the other modes seem less worthwhile since you know what happens. Yes, there are other things to be unlocked in the harder modes but I still think the easy mode could have been a bit more challenging, or at least, Surprisingly intelligent game play and amazing graphics. I couldn't stop playing this game until I beat it. I did find that the game was a bit TOO easy to conquer making the other modes seem less worthwhile since you know what happens. Yes, there are other things to be unlocked in the harder modes but I still think the easy mode could have been a bit more challenging, or at least, given away LESS of the ending. However, I love this game, and I really hope a sequel is made. The story is what kept my going, so a sequel will need just as strong a story at this one.… Expand
  2. WhiteWarrior
    Apr 17, 2005
    9
    This game is the quentisential game for those in dire need of stress release. I pity them who would refer to this game as a common "hack & slash" because it is so much more than that. This game succeeds in immersing the player in an immense world that never stops being eye-candy, and at no point is there the all too common dead spots in the game. A game of this calibur has been screaming This game is the quentisential game for those in dire need of stress release. I pity them who would refer to this game as a common "hack & slash" because it is so much more than that. This game succeeds in immersing the player in an immense world that never stops being eye-candy, and at no point is there the all too common dead spots in the game. A game of this calibur has been screaming to come out for at least a decade, and lets hope this is the start of something to be expected for mature rated games.… Expand
  3. MikailaK.
    Apr 25, 2005
    9
    Amazing--this may be the best PS2 action game released. There's so much detail and passion in this game and it shows in the details. The final package easily blows away "Devil May Cry 3" and Kratos makes Dante look like a hippie. I've never had so much fun meting out punishment (except with "RE4"). The only complaints I have are minimal: a few frustrating camera views and that Amazing--this may be the best PS2 action game released. There's so much detail and passion in this game and it shows in the details. The final package easily blows away "Devil May Cry 3" and Kratos makes Dante look like a hippie. I've never had so much fun meting out punishment (except with "RE4"). The only complaints I have are minimal: a few frustrating camera views and that rather silly sex game (it kind of diminished the whole revenge-for-family angle, and didn't quite titillate me--maybe because I'm a girl). I also would've liked more than three boss fight; that final one was kind of a pushover. But other than that, this game is a gem. It's not as fun or as stunning as the superlative "Resident Evil 4" or even "Splinter Cell:: Chaos Theory", but it's definitely the best PS2 game out this year.… Expand
  4. GabeM.
    Apr 26, 2005
    10
    God of War is on of the best game ever...it includes greek myths even more than some would learn in a class rooom of this subject.
  5. JoshC.
    May 18, 2005
    10
    It was the best game i've ever played and its plot was godlike!
  6. JohnnyS.
    Jun 28, 2005
    10
    God of War is truly remarkable. It's combined all the elements of different games to turn this game into a gore-filled-puzzle-figuring-graphic-inspiring-ruthless-fighting-action-filled game. If you love great playability, superior graphics, and awesome fighting styles: This is for you! There are also many bloody and awesome fatalities in this game. In three words: Best Game Ever. God of War is truly remarkable. It's combined all the elements of different games to turn this game into a gore-filled-puzzle-figuring-graphic-inspiring-ruthless-fighting-action-filled game. If you love great playability, superior graphics, and awesome fighting styles: This is for you! There are also many bloody and awesome fatalities in this game. In three words: Best Game Ever. This is no lie, you won't be disapointed with this game!… Expand
  7. PhilipA.
    Jul 13, 2005
    9
    After completing the game, several 'behind the scenes' shorts become available. Playing all the way through the game left me - like many others I'm sure - ravenous for more and I watched the 'deleted monsters' and 'making of...' segments in awe. What the creators of the game repeatedly allude to is a time constraint that kept them from implementing all After completing the game, several 'behind the scenes' shorts become available. Playing all the way through the game left me - like many others I'm sure - ravenous for more and I watched the 'deleted monsters' and 'making of...' segments in awe. What the creators of the game repeatedly allude to is a time constraint that kept them from implementing all of the ideas they had. A pity, because what they did have a chance to do was create an engrossing, visually stunning spectacle from beginning to end. Graphics, soundtrack, gameplay and story-line (especially) are way above par and the whole of the game retained a very epic quality throughout. (Although, I found the final battle with Aries considerably dissappointing after a masterful plot build-up early on in the game.) Can't wait for God of War 2 -- hopefully they'll take their time with the next one and make it everything it can be.… Expand
  8. MoonW.
    Jul 14, 2005
    5
    Hack n slash in a sleek package. Cant move camera or interact (that much) with world. Also cant fall off ledges etc. Good for the younger player, older players soon bored of hack n slash.
  9. Tim
    Jul 16, 2005
    8
    As others said, the graphics are amazing and the interface/attacks are very well done. While it's nice to see Greek mythology used, they got quite a bit of it wrong. For all its glory, however, it's fairly short and anti-climatic. I finished it well within a rental period and haven't really missed it since.
  10. MohammadS.
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    I don't know how any one gives this game less than 100% its the best game i played in my life JUST WAAAW.
  11. JakeR.
    Dec 6, 2006
    10
    This game is a miracle for the PS2. The system was dying, and this brought it back to life. This game is the only reason I still have a ps2. Its graphics are of the highest quality possible on the ps2, the ability to string togather attacks is sublime, and the cinematics seamlessly interwind with the compleling story. Sony owes Jaffe and his genius of a crew A LOT. Go, buy this game. If This game is a miracle for the PS2. The system was dying, and this brought it back to life. This game is the only reason I still have a ps2. Its graphics are of the highest quality possible on the ps2, the ability to string togather attacks is sublime, and the cinematics seamlessly interwind with the compleling story. Sony owes Jaffe and his genius of a crew A LOT. Go, buy this game. If you havent a ps2, you are sorely out of luck, as this is the ultimate in gaming. Marvelous.… Expand
  12. WesleyE.
    Mar 14, 2006
    10
    GTA may have innovated in game design, and Halo may have been fun to play, but to say that God of War is straight-up the best American game of the last 5 years is a very severe understatement.
  13. NiclasD.
    Apr 14, 2006
    9
    Probably the best game available on the PS2 God of War epitomizes the attempts of a combination of violence, sex, buttonbashing, difficulty, storytelling and narratives altogether told using Greek mythology - although the last hasn't been represented in most games... Seldom camera issues aside the game is hands down on of the best if not the best game of the year. Why the game Probably the best game available on the PS2 God of War epitomizes the attempts of a combination of violence, sex, buttonbashing, difficulty, storytelling and narratives altogether told using Greek mythology - although the last hasn't been represented in most games... Seldom camera issues aside the game is hands down on of the best if not the best game of the year. Why the game hasn't been awarded a 10 might occur to you as odd, as it is to me, but it feels weird giving a game based on rather simple elements such a grade - the counterargument is of course that the game and its elements are executed in such a damn good way. I'd give it a 9½ if half grades were possible.… Expand
  14. DonC.
    Jul 26, 2006
    10
    Phenomenal. Possibly the most polished game I've played. The design is excellent too - puzzles that don't get old, aren't too hard. Incredibly well balanced all-around.
  15. MatthewH.
    Aug 12, 2006
    10
    1 of the best i have ever played when u play till u literly not notice that u hungy or tired and keep u entertained untill the end u got a winner. and if u get mad because its over u just want to get more.
  16. AdamW.
    Dec 11, 2007
    9
    A very fun game if you like fighting (somewhat button-mashing), (poorly animated) breasts, and massive amounts of gore. There's very little replay value except to unlock some of the amusing extras and secrets. The music is alright but I've heard better. The storyline and plot was kind of generic but was acceptable. You should rent this game.
  17. JamesC.
    May 23, 2007
    10
    By far the best game for the PS2. Beautiful storyline. Unique upgradeable combat moves. Can't think of any reason why people are going as low as 1's or even 0's here. I'll be buying the PS3 solely for GOW3.
  18. JamesB.
    Jun 23, 2007
    9
    This game has high definition movies -in-game movies called- and the puzzles and battles you nned to do to win are considerably difficult. I expect that this saga of games -God of War- wouldn't end, but it has to. I'm very anxious waiting for the 3rd game.
  19. NelsonD.
    Sep 12, 2007
    7
    Its entertaining but Rygar: The Legendary Adventure is WAY better, IMO. I think its because of the better atmosphere/enviroment and music. God of War's levels are too bleak and bland for me (though im sure this is might be the intended effect).
  20. VahndD.
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    best game i've ever played. from the begiining till the end always shocked me. can't wait for the sequel. excellent job for the team.
  21. jambubby
    Jul 27, 2011
    8
    Full disclosure: I am playing this game on the PlayStation 3, as part of the "God of War Collection" which includes both "God of War" and "God of War 2" upgraded to HD visuals. I'm writing the review here because they are two separate games and deserve their own analysis. Also, I am playing the game for the very first time, as I never owned a PS2. Fist off, I love the game. IFull disclosure: I am playing this game on the PlayStation 3, as part of the "God of War Collection" which includes both "God of War" and "God of War 2" upgraded to HD visuals. I'm writing the review here because they are two separate games and deserve their own analysis. Also, I am playing the game for the very first time, as I never owned a PS2. Fist off, I love the game. I absolutely love it. So why am I taking away two points and giving it an 8 instead of a 10? Well, a 10 is damn near unattainable. To get that score, a game would have to be as amazing as "God of War" is, but without some of its flaws.

    The first flaw is the camera. Players may not have had any issues with this at the time of the game's release, but they really should have. As your character, Kratos, moves throughout his environment, the camera is not static, but it is not dynamic either. It actually travels on rails, following Kratos around and often times delivering a very beautiful and cinematic angle from which to view the action. The problem is, that when battles ensue, (and ensue they do!) it is often impossible to see enemies on the periphery of the environment because the camera is too zoomed in, or positioned such that the player needs to lead the enemies to an area where they can get a good clean view of them. If you don't do this, you may get your ass kicked, even though you are fighting enemies you are otherwise fully capable of defeating easily.

    So how could the developers have dealt with this? Simple, there are plenty of games that zoom out when a battle takes place, and that is what should have happened here. I have no problem with the cinematic angles. In fact, I love them when they are not hindering the battle sequences. Its unfortunate that this is as big of a problem as it is and because of it I have to knock off a point.

    The second problem is the battle controls. That's right, the battle controls. How can I complain about everyone's favorite part of "God of War?" Well, I'm not actually complaining. I am actually pointing out something that is factual and non-objective; that the controls don't always work. They don't always work for a few reasons. One, I wish that the player had the ability to target a specific enemy, or "lock-on" to one of them, rather than just generally steer the left thumb-stick toward the desired target. In defense of the game, the defensive maneuver does seem to work regardless of which direction Kratos is being attacked from. This means that as long as the player is blocking, the enemy attack will be effectively blocked regardless of if the enemy attacks Kratos' front or back. I think the developer stayed away from the lock-on, probably because they were worried about it hindering the games combo system. Fair enough reason, but there are many games (Batman Arkham Asylum) which have great combo systems intact, even with a fantastic targeting system. This could have also been dealt with by allowing Kratos to score hits on enemies next to the ones he is targeting. Oh well, for whatever reason this was not to be.

    The second flaw in the controls is the often mentioned mini-games or quick-time events which serve to initiate finishing moves. After an enemy takes a certain amount of damage, a prompt appears on the screen letting the player know that that enemy is now vulnerable to a finishing move. The moves are usually extremely cool, elaborate, violent, and fun to do. The problem is that the game very often does not register that the player is hitting the prompt button, and the finishing move becomes impossible to initiate. Together, these control flaws are enough to warrant another point off for me. They make an otherwise superb game frustrating.

    Altogether, Kratos' first adventure is absolute stunner. Even with an 8 of 10 rating, the game remains a must play. It is stunning in its beauty even all these years after its original release. As far as a piece of art, it is perhaps a 9 or 9.5 out of 10, but due to some technical failures, the final is really no higher than an 8. Sorry Kratos, but that's as honest as a player can be.    … Expand
  22. Justinavery7074
    Mar 18, 2013
    10
    You buy a PS2 for reasons like this. Everything about this game is awesome. About 8 years after its initial release and it's still fun as ever. 2 or 3 problems but that's it
  23. Rodrigo_31
    Aug 16, 2016
    10
    This game is the best entry in the God of War series, and will keep it like that! I am absolutely sure that for more beautiful that the new the last of War looks like for ps4, god of war will never be perfect as this title again, the same goes to bethesda, nothing will ever come close to morrowind and Skyrim again!
  24. TheQuietGamer
    Mar 17, 2011
    9
    This isn't one of the best games for the PS2 for nothing, I still can't believe the PS2 is capable of these kind of graphics, don't get me wrong there aged by todays standards but back then these were top notch, the sound track and voice work are PHENOMENAL!!! and the gameplay might be simple but the puzzles and combat are extremely satisfying, this really captures what I love most aboutThis isn't one of the best games for the PS2 for nothing, I still can't believe the PS2 is capable of these kind of graphics, don't get me wrong there aged by todays standards but back then these were top notch, the sound track and voice work are PHENOMENAL!!! and the gameplay might be simple but the puzzles and combat are extremely satisfying, this really captures what I love most about Greek mythology the sex and violence, this game makes you feel like a bad ass slicing your way through enemies with a giant sword, taking on giant bosses, avoiding deadly traps, satisfying maidens, and solving puzzles, and the story is awesome, by now your asking yourself if this is so perfect why didn't I give it a perfect 10? the only flaw I can find with this is the first boss fight, it's just boring, that flaw aside this is still one of the best games I've ever played, and a must own that's just shy of perfection.… Expand
  25. duckypwns
    Dec 11, 2011
    9
    A lot of people say this is a button masher. Um ok? Well sure, if you sit there and mash the button. The same can be said about any game. That doesn't mean you're playing the game properly at all though. If you know how to play a beat 'em up properly and you understand the type of gameplay that's being utilized, you will love this game. The combos are interesting, each useful in varyingA lot of people say this is a button masher. Um ok? Well sure, if you sit there and mash the button. The same can be said about any game. That doesn't mean you're playing the game properly at all though. If you know how to play a beat 'em up properly and you understand the type of gameplay that's being utilized, you will love this game. The combos are interesting, each useful in varying situations, the leveling system is well implemented, the rate at which you unlock new weapons and abilities is very well done, and there's even a bit of exploration, although it's usually very simplistic and obvious. Those are the reasons I play the game, but there's also an added bonus of an interesting story, lore, and characters, as well as stunning visual effects.… Expand
  26. vahn
    Jan 12, 2013
    7
    Even if I do admire this game for its technologic standards and detail programming, story and combat system, I really never liked this game. I'll be really honest: the game is excellent graphically and the combat is still good, and the story is very well done and it's not there just to make an appearance. But still...the game is a big button masher, with just pressing one or two buttonsEven if I do admire this game for its technologic standards and detail programming, story and combat system, I really never liked this game. I'll be really honest: the game is excellent graphically and the combat is still good, and the story is very well done and it's not there just to make an appearance. But still...the game is a big button masher, with just pressing one or two buttons everytime, with almost no tactics or thought in the process. There aren't many weapons either, but even then you'll just use one or two tops, because it's always a button mashing game. The good thing is that the game has also puzzles inside and they are actually done very good and I had a lot of fun trying to solve them, even if not many. Second: the game has almost no replayabilty whatsoever. You finish the game once, and there's nothing else to do (except the 10 room challenge thingie). It's not a short game sure...but even Devil May Cry had much more longevity and secrets in comparison! I just expected more content from a game that apparently they say it's perfect, yet once you finish there's just nothing else to do, except restart on another difficulty (which is a cheap way to say "it's longer because it's harder"). And third, which isn't a real flaw, but more of a thought...I think the game is just very admired because of the gore. Let's be honest, everybody loves to rip enemies apart and even I enjoyed tear my enemies in pieces. But that gets tiring and, in all honesty, it's not impressive, and yet this is one of the core details of the game and probably one of the main reasons why it's loved so much (apart the good story, which IS good and has a nice twist, even if predictable). Personally, this game is not meant for me: it didn't leave an impression to me and the lack of content didn't make me want to restart the game, getting dust on the shelf once I finished it. It Is an impressive game for its time and if you're very curious about this game, you could give it a look. Just don't spend full price on it though. It's not worth the entire price.… Expand
  27. Watermelon789
    Jul 11, 2011
    9
    Epic masterpiece, Kratos is even more monster than the brutality. The slick control is smooth and brilliant. Bloody,incredible and bold just wish more heroes had this kind of sense of humor.
  28. raghav123
    Jun 24, 2011
    10
    absolutely amazing!!! i thing the people who are calling this a hack'n slash should first play this game and then look at the depth of its combat. great graphics,slick story and a great overall package...
  29. Sachi
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    God of War is an amzing game that does not dissapoint. Everything is nearly flawless, the graphics are great for the PS2. The combat is very fluid and the best part of the game with many brutal kill animations. The plot holds out to be relatively strong with Kratos on a journey for vengeance. The set pieces are massive and detailed at the same time, God of War reaches epic proportions. TheGod of War is an amzing game that does not dissapoint. Everything is nearly flawless, the graphics are great for the PS2. The combat is very fluid and the best part of the game with many brutal kill animations. The plot holds out to be relatively strong with Kratos on a journey for vengeance. The set pieces are massive and detailed at the same time, God of War reaches epic proportions. The characters are all great too, especially Kratos. Kratos may be a cold-blooded killer but his tragic past makes you sympathize with him and he is a guy who you don't want mad at you. The only flaw is the platforming which can be a little irksome at times but not very. Overall, God of War is a great game to play, especially if you are into violence. "God of War" Score Breakdown: Presentation: 9.6, Graphics: 9.5, Sound: 9.5, Gameplay: 9.7, Lasting Appeal: 9.5. Verdict: 9.7 out of 10 "Amazing".… Expand
  30. BasilZero
    Sep 29, 2012
    8
    God of War is an amazing video game which all Greek Myth fans, action fans and fans of violent bloody games will enjoy. The game has a casual length with a decent storyline, character and environmental setting. The music and sound effects are well made and go well with the game. Although not as refined as other action games, this game will surely suffice for any lack of action games youGod of War is an amazing video game which all Greek Myth fans, action fans and fans of violent bloody games will enjoy. The game has a casual length with a decent storyline, character and environmental setting. The music and sound effects are well made and go well with the game. Although not as refined as other action games, this game will surely suffice for any lack of action games you may of add and can start your journey into the rest of the series.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PS2 Game of 2005
2
#2 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
2
#2 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 75
  3. Negative: 0 out of 75
  1. Game Informer
    100
    While playing God of War, I honestly found it difficult to resist the urge to simply genuflect and be humbled to be in the presence of such digital divinity, this god among games. [Apr 2005, p.122]
  2. IGN
    98
    If you like to kill freaky things with your giant serrated knives, you'll love the s*** out of this... This videogame features sexual situations, bare breasts and excessive brutality. Good with that? Excellent!
    Read full review
  3. Play Magazine
    95
    The game contains so much energy and conviction, so much skill and spirit. There came a point where I was totally lost to it, in the way you are to a great movie - to any powerful art form. [Apr 2005, p.50]
See all critic reviews »