God of War: Ascension

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Mar 12, 2013
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1461 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 980 out of 1461
  2. Mixed: 327 out of 1461
  3. Negative: 154 out of 1461
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  1. Sitris
    Mar 26, 2013
    9
    Ascension is a fantastic example of doing a prequel right. Sure, it's story isn't as meaty as the other games in the series, and yes the gameplay remains largely the same, But is still another must have for a GoW fan, its tweaks and changes to the familiar formula is a welcome and quite frankly welcome change. Changes to the climbing and platforming sections have also made the experienceAscension is a fantastic example of doing a prequel right. Sure, it's story isn't as meaty as the other games in the series, and yes the gameplay remains largely the same, But is still another must have for a GoW fan, its tweaks and changes to the familiar formula is a welcome and quite frankly welcome change. Changes to the climbing and platforming sections have also made the experience more enjoyable and has made me actually look forward to these events as opposed to dreading them when i got to them in the past. The series trademark of over the top and frankly, epic action is most definitely in tact. I for one would say this game has my absolute favorite section of any of the games in the series. No spoilers from me, but it left me in absolute awe at how perfect the whole segment was executed. By itself i would give the single player content a high score, but this entry in the series supports some extremely (and unexpectedly) fun multiplayer. With FFA (free for all), co-operative, 2v2 and 4v4 modes there is plenty of content. It even allows a single player to try these modes out alone, but they shine far brighter in co-op then alone. Personally, the FFA brawls were the most fun I had, it is fast paced, energetic and more tactical than expected. All in all the whole package for Ascension is fantastic, not quite as good in the single player department as GoWIII, but the multiplayer to me, makes the game just as impressive as its highly regarded predecessor.… Expand
  2. Idan
    Mar 23, 2013
    9
    It is not GOW 4. think about it as a fun addition to the franchise.

    The locations and visuals are amazing, the combat is great and the main antagonists are alot of fun.

    9/10 for me.
  3. Nerusan
    Mar 23, 2013
    9
    For anyone new to the series, this is pretty awesome. For everyone else who've played the other games or even all of the other ones, it'll feel pretty familiar (almost too familiar). I'll give the devs props for making the combat a bit better and adding multiplayer, which does actually play alot better than most would expect. Too many reviewers bash this game's story and gameplay but itFor anyone new to the series, this is pretty awesome. For everyone else who've played the other games or even all of the other ones, it'll feel pretty familiar (almost too familiar). I'll give the devs props for making the combat a bit better and adding multiplayer, which does actually play alot better than most would expect. Too many reviewers bash this game's story and gameplay but it wouldn't be GoW without the button mashing or even references to Greek Mythology! This is a great game and addition to your library in my honest opinion… Expand
  4. BetalootDOTcom
    Mar 24, 2013
    9
    In God of War: Ascension, you play as Kratos, the ghost of sparta, who has broken a bloodoak with Ares, Kratos is locked up and tortured by the furies, the keepers of justice. When Kratos Escapes from their prison, he begins his quest for the eyes of truth, to kill the furies. And then break the bond with Ares, to finish him off. The story in god of war: ascension’s is great, as you get aIn God of War: Ascension, you play as Kratos, the ghost of sparta, who has broken a bloodoak with Ares, Kratos is locked up and tortured by the furies, the keepers of justice. When Kratos Escapes from their prison, he begins his quest for the eyes of truth, to kill the furies. And then break the bond with Ares, to finish him off. The story in god of war: ascension’s is great, as you get a look into his earlier life, and how he became who he is. As for gameplay wise, the combat is super smooth, and looks incredible as always. In the previous games, you could buy new weapons and so on, but in ascension, you cannot buy new weapons. You can upgrade them though, which really makes a different. God of War, has always been known for the Quick-Time events, usually, I am not a big fan of them, but in Ascension, they add to the experience in a good way, being able to completely destroy a creature in an incredible brutal way, looks awesome, and feels very rewarding.

    The God of War fixed camera, both makes and breaks the experience. It really does make you enjoy the environment and the beautiful game that this is. But, sometimes it is just taken too far, it will at some battle moments zoom way too far away, so that it is almost impossible to see yourself, and the fight, other than the slight moments of zooming away, the locked camera works really good. Just like the graphics in this game, the creatures are both terrifying, and stunning at the same time, there are a load of different creatures and bosses, which makes it even more interesting.

    A thing that the God of War games have been criticised before with, is that it is repetitive, in Ascension, it is not as repetitive as the earlier ones, they have really worked to make it non repetitive, with new puzzles and exciting areas.

    A new addition to the God of War series, is the multiplayer, this is phenomenal and is a great addition to the franchise! In the multiplayer you can play up to 8 people, in 4 modes, there is the usual “FFA” “Team Deathmatch” and so on, but with a God of War twitch, for example. In the map: The Desert of the Lost Souls, you play two teams of four in a deathmatch type area, but in the background, we have Titan Cyclops Polyphemus, who is attacking the player while you are fighting around, this really adds to the experience.

    God of War Ascension, is a game that both old and newcomers to the series will enjoy, it is about 8 hours long on the normal difficulty, and the multiplayer adds a lot of extra hours if you are interested in that, the only downside is the slight overuse of quicktime events, and the fixed camera sometimes move too far away. We give Ascension a 9/10. For more gaming news and reviews, head over to BetaLoot.com    … Expand
  5. Master94
    Mar 25, 2013
    9
    I wanted to do a review of the God of War Ascension because people are saying things that doesn't make sense. God of War Ascension is a God of War game. It feels like a God of War game. There are a few tweaks like the rage meter and it is a good thing. It makes a bit less button mashing game and wants you to dodge more and be less careless about the incoming attacks. Overall the game isI wanted to do a review of the God of War Ascension because people are saying things that doesn't make sense. God of War Ascension is a God of War game. It feels like a God of War game. There are a few tweaks like the rage meter and it is a good thing. It makes a bit less button mashing game and wants you to dodge more and be less careless about the incoming attacks. Overall the game is epic. Don't listen to those fools who do not appreciate new tweaks. Otherwise it would be the same game after all and everybody will be bored after playing it. Story is good. Don't worry no spoilers. Kratos is the same. He owns nothing and offers nothing :D. And i am not talking about multiplayer! It is hell of a fun. If you love God of War series you should play it. It is worth 60 bucks. If you are still not convinced than go and try out the God of War Ascension Demo.… Expand
  6. GrandFactor
    Apr 2, 2013
    9
    God of War is a true classic game again Graphics exquisite, the story is gripping and long ..Kratos may be negative for some, but this time the story is not so wild reflects very well.In addition, new multiplayer modes, which was a very pleasant.
    Ascension can not get full marks from me, but God of War manages to establish the throne of my heart again.
  7. ShadoInfante
    Apr 24, 2013
    9
    Absolutely brutal. This game has almost everything a good God Of War game should have, minus an amazing story. While the story is still great, it falls a bit short compared to other GoW titles. The gameplay is still loveable, ESPECIALLY the online play.
  8. Adeo
    Apr 25, 2013
    9
    i really like this game i played the Ps3 version and it looks incredible, but in my opinion its almost the same in GOW 3 same kind of history nothing new only characters and the new multiplayer but still i recommend this game no doubt
  9. Flyingdog670
    Apr 29, 2013
    9
    God of War Ascension may not be as epic as God of War III, but this is a prequel, and it is an amazing game with satisfying combat and fun multiplayer.
  10. thejlb
    May 25, 2013
    9
    This game is a step backwards in story and gameplay. The stories villains don't stand up well to the likes of Ares and Zeus. Kratos movement seems slower and less responsive but this could be a clever way to show you his skills are closer to a mortal in ascension. Overall I think combat and story sell this franchise and ascension is just not a grand enough story like we're used toThis game is a step backwards in story and gameplay. The stories villains don't stand up well to the likes of Ares and Zeus. Kratos movement seems slower and less responsive but this could be a clever way to show you his skills are closer to a mortal in ascension. Overall I think combat and story sell this franchise and ascension is just not a grand enough story like we're used to getting. It is still tons of fun. Also has online multiplayer that can be addictive.… Expand
  11. SuperstarVenom
    Jun 20, 2013
    9
    Really enjoyable game.
    This is my first bash at a god of war game and I like it. The combat is fast paced and brutal and you're always aspiring to get Kratos combo meter up to unleash better attacks. Though I've not yet completed the game, I have put several hours in to it and i'm still hungry for more. It looks nice, some boss battles are of epic proportion and though it's on rails, is    Really enjoyable game.
    This is my first bash at a god of war game and I like it. The combat is fast paced and brutal and you're always aspiring to get Kratos combo meter up to unleash better attacks. Though I've not yet completed the game, I have put several hours in to it and i'm still hungry for more. It looks nice, some boss battles are of epic proportion and though it's on rails, is thoroughly enjoyable. This game has made me get Ghost of Sparta to play on my Vita and I will be getting 1,2 & 3 to play as well.
    I missed these gems but won't let them slip by again.
    Ascension is excellent. get it.    … Expand
  12. iddqd4
    Jan 18, 2018
    9
    Кратос хорош во всех своих реинкарнациях и воплощениях. Перепрошел в ожидание GoW 2018, игра все также увлекательна и красива. Уровни с меняющейся архитектурой прекрасны.
  13. huss2215
    Nov 14, 2013
    9
    Sound: Nice soundtrack, great voice acting. 10.

    Graphics: The best GOW graphics to date. 10. Gameplay: Hack and slash game like the previous title with a while lot of new features. There’s different god-like blades which add to the hack and slash mechanics. The game never feels like its repeating itself, Ascension does an amazing job of keeping just the right pace. The    Sound: Nice soundtrack, great voice acting. 10.

    Graphics: The best GOW graphics to date. 10.

    Gameplay: Hack and slash game like the previous title with a while lot of new features. There’s different god-like blades which add to the hack and slash mechanics. The game never feels like its repeating itself, Ascension does an amazing job of keeping just the right pace. The puzzles are just perfect, not too challenging, but just the right challenge. The gameplay has a more focused camera angles which makes it feel more in your face realism. Multiplayer has been added and it’s not revolutionary but it is a great added bonus to an already superb title. 10.

    Story: I enjoyed how the story is told in this game; past, present, past, present. The ending falls short compared to God of War 3. And it felt like it ended too quickly, and that the story’s pacing was a little rushed. Overall it was a great story, but not the best in the God of War series. 8.5.

    Replay Value: I beat the game on normal in about 8 hours, plus the game has multiplayer. This isn’t last minute cash in and I’d definitely recommend this game. The gameplay is better at mixing things up when compared to God of War 3, but the story falls a little short. 10.

    Overall Score: 9.7 out of 10.    … Expand
  14. jenko
    Nov 24, 2013
    9
    Another brilliant game to add to the series,combat remains the same ,if its not broke don't fix it ,the only problem now is where does the epic spartan warrior go from here
  15. grrrr
    Feb 2, 2014
    9
    I was looking forward to this game, because I played God of War III and I really enjoyed it. GoW: Ascension did not disappoint my expectations. Fantastic graphics, breathtaking game scenes. Amazing gameplay. Plus a story. Unforgettable game.
  16. BlakeyCharms
    Mar 7, 2014
    9
    Before picking up this game, I had never played a GoW game, or even a Ps3. I had always owned an Xbox.

    I was floored by the graphics, the depth of the storyline, and the overall likeability of the game. I liked it so much I went and bought GoW 1-3, and I'm looking forward to the games that many are saying are better. Many of the complaints are legit, but I think, as a new fan, it is    Before picking up this game, I had never played a GoW game, or even a Ps3. I had always owned an Xbox.

    I was floored by the graphics, the depth of the storyline, and the overall likeability of the game. I liked it so much I went and bought GoW 1-3, and I'm looking forward to the games that many are saying are better.

    Many of the complaints are legit, but I think, as a new fan, it is worth picking up.    … Expand
  17. sabertooth70
    Oct 9, 2014
    9
    I love the game especially in online player mode truly is a great game to play. i find myself setting in front of the tv for 3 or more hours trying to beat other players all over the globe.
  18. ACGAMESOP
    Jan 27, 2015
    9
    God of war ascension is a great game although it is a prequel.The story wasn't so deep but it made u hate the furies and want ther death.Now u see a calmer Kratos who is not the best concept for him.I loved the 4 powers of the gods and the platforming is incredible.U should buy it.
  19. bear00766
    Feb 6, 2021
    9
    This version noticeably has an arcade like polish to it, sort of like a Japanese style
  20. AlvaroK95
    Jan 2, 2020
    9
    No es la secuela de GoW 3 que todos esperábamos pero es otra entrega sobresaliente de esta gran saga.
  21. tryztan
    Mar 18, 2023
    9
    mesmo em sua época de desgaste ele se manteve majestoso!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  22. SupahGualtah
    Jun 4, 2020
    9
    i loved this after it came out it quickly disapeared from everywhere like it was just some other game and yeah to a point i understand that but man this has that GoW quaiity on everything. and it shows ! worth it !
  23. Jsaiyan
    Jan 18, 2023
    9
    The story is a bit superfluous since GoW 3 wrapped up the Greek era, but screw it! I don't play these games for the story! I wanna take on some Greek monstrosities!
    Set pieces like fighting in the prison built within the giant is awesome, and the fights are just as big and bombastic as you'd expect. Combat is just as brutally beautiful as the previous games. It's a simple hack n slash that    The story is a bit superfluous since GoW 3 wrapped up the Greek era, but screw it! I don't play these games for the story! I wanna take on some Greek monstrosities!
    Set pieces like fighting in the prison built within the giant is awesome, and the fights are just as big and bombastic as you'd expect. Combat is just as brutally beautiful as the previous games. It's a simple hack n slash that doesn't need to be any more deep or shallow than what it is.
    Although the overarching story is sloppy, you get some great character moments with Kratos when you delve into his past as a Spartan, husband, and father. It helps solidify that his entire story is a Greek tragedy with how he gave up a great life by selling his soul to Ares, and how the core of his character is a broken man full of shame looking for redemption.
    I highly recommend this game.    … Expand
  24. FRIST_008
    Jun 14, 2021
    9
    Достойное продолжение на том же движке и с новыми механиками. Пусть оно и уступает оригиналу, но это всё ещё твёрдая 9-ка
  25. Evanequilibrium
    Oct 1, 2020
    9
    So I gotta say. I dont get why people really hate this game. Maybe franchise burnout, but after playing the psp games and 1/2 on vita, and then ascension, that this is definitely my fave god of war game so far. The different elements are so cool, I LOVE, absolutely LOVE how fast paced the sliding in some levels is. The huge fights against some bosses felt amazing. The ability to sortaSo I gotta say. I dont get why people really hate this game. Maybe franchise burnout, but after playing the psp games and 1/2 on vita, and then ascension, that this is definitely my fave god of war game so far. The different elements are so cool, I LOVE, absolutely LOVE how fast paced the sliding in some levels is. The huge fights against some bosses felt amazing. The ability to sorta control some of the quicktime events beyond just pushing buttons at certain times was also very fun. I will say though that on normal its waaaaay too easy. And the ending boss felt kinda underwhelming, but again, probably cause I played it on easy.… Expand
  26. Jefferson-Leony
    Feb 25, 2022
    9
    Incrível como todos os jogos de GOW são bons, mas nesse caso aqui é um bom game, mas não é espetacular igual aos outros da franquia.
    Um quesito que esse supera os demais são os seus gráficos que conseguiu ser mais bonito que o GOW 3 e pelo o fato de ser o primeiro GOW dublado em PT-BR.
  27. Mindkiller7522
    Dec 18, 2021
    9
    This was way better than some of the other GOW games. It's a real hit and miss series for me. Fantastic graphics and sound, excellent story, and really incredible graphics for the time. Some of the battles are seriously epic, as well! Highly recommended!
  28. navarrojpx
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    A great game, an amazing story, Kratos is the best spartan warrior. I just Love it.
  29. Justinavery7074
    Apr 17, 2013
    8
    You know when you're trying to add another game in a video game saga that's amazing as phuck, it's hard to outdo yourself. It's a solid game. The story is nowhere near as interesting but with all that, it's a good game. A game that's worthy to buy when it's 20 bucks.
  30. Rene9aaade
    Apr 11, 2013
    8
    I was against this release as i was tired of GOW i loved all of them but had enuff i platinumed all of them on ps3. So this was a no purchase so a friend bought it and said it was really good so i borrowed it and credit were credit is due its really good. an 8.5 from me. Why i rate it so highly number one Kratos is as brutal as ever this game is the most violent yet (not that i am a sheerI was against this release as i was tired of GOW i loved all of them but had enuff i platinumed all of them on ps3. So this was a no purchase so a friend bought it and said it was really good so i borrowed it and credit were credit is due its really good. an 8.5 from me. Why i rate it so highly number one Kratos is as brutal as ever this game is the most violent yet (not that i am a sheer fan of brutality per SE but when its done right and its kratos then its perfect. The graphics are extremely good i have seen better but definitely nothing to complain about. It looses marks story wise its no where near GOW 3's epic story telling. I must note that enemy design is best in series. I am sorry santa monica i owe u a purchase. You rekindled my love for GOW and if you are ever to release it on ps4 i ll buy!!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best PS3 Game of 2013
7
#7 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2013
6
#6 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 89 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 89
  3. Negative: 0 out of 89
  1. XGN
    Jun 16, 2013
    85
    God of War: Ascension does exactly what you would expect from a God of War title.The sheer amount of violence and tension is simply breathtaking, especially when taking place right on top of a giant creature. The entire experience is accompanied by stunning graphics and an impressive soundtrack. While the multiplayer is somewhat disappointing, it is apparent that Kratos is still this generation's most fearsome warrior.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    May 7, 2013
    85
    You can point out that Ascension failed to make a real step forward. You can argue that the multiplayer mode is a foreign body, a strained attempt to find innovation in the wrong place. That’s true, but in my eyes the foundation built by the previous God of War games proved to be strong enough to sustain what I hope is just the calm before the storm that Kratos will unleash on PS4. And damn, Ascension looks unbelievable! [CD-Action 05/2013, p.64]
  3. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Apr 22, 2013
    87
    Ascension shows a warrior who is miles away from being the ultimate and flawless killing machine we all know and love. He is more like an unguided projectile here, trying to cope with all the injustice delivered unto him. [April 2013, p.62]
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