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. ATrueSpartan
    May 4, 2013
    10
    Sony at its finest.

    If you're a fan of the God of War Franchise it doesn't get any better than this. Graphics are breathtaking(The best art I've seen coming from Santa Monica), the combat system is a masterpiece in variety and simplicity (It never gets old and magic is more fun and powerful than ever) the platform and puzzle elements are back(some parts took me back to the PS2 debut)    Sony at its finest.

    If you're a fan of the God of War Franchise it doesn't get any better than this. Graphics are breathtaking(The best art I've seen coming from Santa Monica), the combat system is a masterpiece in variety and simplicity (It never gets old and magic is more fun and powerful than ever) the platform and puzzle elements are back(some parts took me back to the PS2 debut) and the story gives us a badass Kratos and some very interesting characters and bosses.

    The only sin of Ascension is coming after GOW3 and his unavoidable impact on the media and the fans.

    Ascension, in my opinion, is the highest point in the history of everybody's favorite spartan.    … Expand
  2. 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
  3. DemonKnight94
    May 25, 2013
    5
    The story is not as good as claimed, Not as cool boss fights as GOW3. Most enemies can be conclusively grabbed then thrown away and the fighting is over all broken. I give it 5 cuz i like GOW2.
  4. Catharasis
    Jun 2, 2013
    8
    I was on the fence about Ascension, especially after the greatness that is God of War 3. I was pleasantly surprised once I played it. They put a lot of time into the game, and it looks great. Even the multi-player is fun. I was very skeptical at firs, but ended up loving it. I knocked it a little for being so short, and honestly, after 2 prequels (this being the third) I am ready forI was on the fence about Ascension, especially after the greatness that is God of War 3. I was pleasantly surprised once I played it. They put a lot of time into the game, and it looks great. Even the multi-player is fun. I was very skeptical at firs, but ended up loving it. I knocked it a little for being so short, and honestly, after 2 prequels (this being the third) I am ready for something that happens later (which we may get on the PS4).… Expand
  5. kevyn420
    Jun 7, 2013
    8
    God of war acension is a prequel to the best selling and innovative series. Based before the original god of war you play as kratos as he tries to find a way to break his blood oath with Ares, the god of war.

    The story focuses on kratos' struggle against the furies, 3 godlike sisters who are in control of kratos' bloodoath. While not as epic or interesting as the storyline from gow 3,    God of war acension is a prequel to the best selling and innovative series. Based before the original god of war you play as kratos as he tries to find a way to break his blood oath with Ares, the god of war.

    The story focuses on kratos' struggle against the furies, 3 godlike sisters who are in control of kratos' bloodoath. While not as epic or interesting as the storyline from gow 3, this games story is still good enough to keep you interested and shows the player a more human side to kratos. He's still a badass who destroys everything in his way, but this earlier incarnation of kratos displays a bit more empathy and fragility than what we are used to.

    The gameplay is pretty familiar with anyone who's played the other games in the series. It's a mixture of hack+slash game with platform and puzzle elements. There are a few new mechanics however. An elemental system is featured, where you can choose between lightning, ice, soul and fire attacks. Some enemies are more vunerable to a certain element, which adds a bit of strategy to the combat system. Also in this game is a grapple attack which is very similar to scorpians famous harpoon move from mortal kombat. About halfway through the game you aquire two items which grant you new abilities. The first has the power to either heal or decay your surroundings, which is essential in getting passed a few of the puzzles. This can also be used in battle, freezing enemies in time and leaving them open for attacks. The second item gives you the power to create a copy of yourself which can be used in combat to dish out extra punishment and is also needed to complete puzzles.

    Graphically the game is very impressive. The detail on the environments and the bosses is awe inspiring. Santa Monica really pushed the ps3 to its limits with this title

    To sum up this is a very enjoyable game and a worthy edition to the series. It's not quite as good as god of war 3 as the story doesn't suck you in as much and the gameplay ain't quite as epic, but its still one hell of a game.    … Expand
  6. FallenHeroAM
    Jun 30, 2013
    8
    This game is as God of War, as God of War can be. From the regular brutal slayings of mammoth sized to the sound of a titan hitting the ground. God of War Ascension ascends past all of its previous entries and in doing so stumbles in one major pitfall. One it created by it's own choosing might I add, the multiplayer. The multiplayer feels like a haphazard idea from the moment you wince atThis game is as God of War, as God of War can be. From the regular brutal slayings of mammoth sized to the sound of a titan hitting the ground. God of War Ascension ascends past all of its previous entries and in doing so stumbles in one major pitfall. One it created by it's own choosing might I add, the multiplayer. The multiplayer feels like a haphazard idea from the moment you wince at the sight of it being proudly displayed at the back of the box. God of War has become a goliath in a world of video game giants. Rivaling the likes of Half life, Halo, and Mario. Yet, for some reason, Sony Santa Monica doesn't feel as confident as they should with solely delivering the best single player experience possible. While multiplayer will undoubtedly become a cult favorite, the following it gather ultimately will never have been worth what could have been their swan song on the PS3.
    Conclusion: GoW is a great game. It has my favorite gameplay of the series despite an unusual choice for the parry system. It has the best graphics, the best sound design, a wonderful story, and a Kratos that could be considered the polar opposite of GoW 3's Kratos which is nice. Unfortunately with the multiplayer I will forever be left wonder what GoW Ascension could have been, instead relishing what it is.    … Expand
  7. 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.
  8. BorisBomb
    Aug 3, 2013
    10
    This game is a master peace it is the best looking game on the ps3 atm, a must buy for all gow fans and it is a great edition to the story. I love this so so very much a must buy if you own a ps3
  9. nono5551212
    Aug 17, 2013
    4
    I love GOW... But this one let me down... The camera was so far pulled back at times you couldn't even see Kratos... GOW 3 was so awesome and than this came out made me wanna cry.
  10. mattlarkin
    Jan 30, 2014
    8
    God of War Ascension is a prequel to the original game. The GoW have become famous for insanely epic battles, gratuitous violence, and equally epic stories. Ascension continues this tradition, though, as a prequel, it naturally comes in somewhere below GoW 3.

    Even from the first moments, you live out some of the epic scenes that this series embraces--fighting the enormous    God of War Ascension is a prequel to the original game. The GoW have become famous for insanely epic battles, gratuitous violence, and equally epic stories. Ascension continues this tradition, though, as a prequel, it naturally comes in somewhere below GoW 3.

    Even from the first moments, you live out some of the epic scenes that this series embraces--fighting the enormous Hecatoncheries.

    Gameplay:
    Many aspects of play have been fine-tuned and tweaked. Making the overall experience pretty smooth. There was only a single section that irritated me--a platforming piece that reminded me of the tower of blades in the original game. Not so much the context, which was completely different, but the ease with which you could instantly die. Combined with the fact that, after death, reloading takes several annoying seconds, this was enough to dampen my enjoyment of the game.

    At its best, it feels like a finely refined version of the classic formula. At its worst, it reminds me of some basic weaknesses in the franchise never really corrected--namely that it can occasionally step over the line between challenging and frustrating.

    Graphics:
    Yeah, it's absolutely gorgeous. The monsters are beautifully crafted titanic abominations fought in great set piece battles. Sometimes, in fact, the game tries so hard to pull of the epic confrontations, it pulls the camera out farther than I'd have liked. If I'm fighting a pack of guys, I want to be able to clearly see where my character is. But this only happened a few times, so it was a minor gripe.

    Story:
    The story follows Kratos's attempts to break his bond with Ares, before he sets out on the original quest to destroy the God of War. He is constantly haunted by the Furies. The story is told out of order, and initially is confusing--which fits well based on its theme of the Furies driving Kratos made for breaking his oath. It's really pretty good.

    Overall, a solid entry that I'd have rated slightly higher if not for a few gripes (mentioned above) that detracted from the experience.    … Expand
  11. SJ-ULTI-Reiews
    Sep 27, 2013
    8
    Ascension has breathtaking visuals, the gameplay for the most part has remained the same but is not better than GOW IIIs gameplay. The story is really good and their is some character development throughout the game, this game has one of the best boss battles i have ever seen. Overall this is a solid entry for the franchise.
  12. Fedelca
    Sep 28, 2013
    8
    God of War: Ascension respeta la temático y los movimientos clásicos de God of War. Un punto criticable serían los duros cambios en la jugabilidad del juego, pero lo compensa con sus complejos puzzles y peleas que son totalmente divertidas, además en el final del juego nos espera a todos una sorpresa, pero más que nada Santa Monica's Studio creó este juego para mostrar que no han perdidoGod of War: Ascension respeta la temático y los movimientos clásicos de God of War. Un punto criticable serían los duros cambios en la jugabilidad del juego, pero lo compensa con sus complejos puzzles y peleas que son totalmente divertidas, además en el final del juego nos espera a todos una sorpresa, pero más que nada Santa Monica's Studio creó este juego para mostrar que no han perdido el toque y siguen vigentes todavía.… Expand
  13. joao1198pedro
    Nov 21, 2013
    5
    this is absolutely the most disapointing game released this year,there is only one good thing in this game wich is the graphics and nothing more,it's almost the same of the others god of war.
  14. 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
  15. kavilash
    Nov 22, 2013
    5
    God of War: Ascension was a disappointment and it didn't live upto my expectation was hoping 3 was perfect the way it ended and it would had been the end of the franchise. i played 1, 2 and 3 and it was the best experience i had. the new combat system was really hard to learn and i died a lot of times which made the gameplay more frustrating and the game that is supposed to be solelyGod of War: Ascension was a disappointment and it didn't live upto my expectation was hoping 3 was perfect the way it ended and it would had been the end of the franchise. i played 1, 2 and 3 and it was the best experience i had. the new combat system was really hard to learn and i died a lot of times which made the gameplay more frustrating and the game that is supposed to be solely single player was made multiplayer. introducing multiplayer is the only for the game play biggest mistake ever and it did induce harm on the God Of series. hope the PS4 version is single player. would had rated 6 but for the combat system and for multiplayer -5 … Expand
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. TheBrak
    Feb 10, 2014
    7
    While ascension is a fun game and the main mechanics are still satisfying it lacks the punch that god of war 3 had. The story is weak and lacks consequences of any form. The bossfights and new enemies are less memorable. In a desperate attempt to top the last game in the franchise its more violent than ever and at times some finishing moves feel like a snuff film directed by Zack Snyder.
  19. TheRebel
    Aug 20, 2015
    7
    Gameplay:
    God of War Ascension keeps the gameplay intact from previous entries, while adding new elements to the formula. Unfortunately, some of these new elements were unnecessary. New additions such as the rage meter and "world weapons" felt tacked on and useless. The rage meter felt as if it was rewarding you with a move that was in previous games (The triangle, triangle, triangle move    Gameplay:
    God of War Ascension keeps the gameplay intact from previous entries, while adding new elements to the formula. Unfortunately, some of these new elements were unnecessary. New additions such as the rage meter and "world weapons" felt tacked on and useless. The rage meter felt as if it was rewarding you with a move that was in previous games (The triangle, triangle, triangle move in which Kratos leaps in the air on the last attack). The "world weapons" felt like an inconvenience to use and some of the weapons did not flow well with the combat of GOW. The most annoying element was the fact that magic attacks aren't unlocked until the element is fully upgraded. That is another instance in which the player is rewarded for something that was once available in previous installments. These new additions felt as if they were introduced simply to make the series seem "fresh," without regard of their worth during gameplay.

    Story:
    The plot takes place before Chains of Olympus. Kratos has broken his blood oath to Ares and is tortured by the Furies, who punish those who they deem "traitors." This is weakest plot of all the installments. I've played every single God of War, and after beating God of War 3, the Furies seem like such a weak antagonist. It feels as if there was no heart put into the story. Also note that the beginning of the game is similar to GOW3, where you're attacking a very large enemy while also attacking a "main boss."

    Graphics:
    The visuals are easily the most impressive asset this game has to offer. The lighting, character models, and set pieces are better than ever! It looks better than some current 8th generation games! It's amazing to see the graphics Sony Santa Monica can pull off on the PS3 and they should be applauded for their skill.

    Verdict:
    As a huge God of War fan, I can only recommend it if you're a hardcore fan of the series. Sony once claimed that they were going to be "careful" with the franchise after GOW3, but this is exactly the opposite of that statement. This is an entry than can easily be skipped, as there is nothing groundbreaking that would entice you to play it. The plot is uninspired and a let down compared to other installments. It seems as if the studio has lost its creativity. It's a good overall game when compared to what the industry has to offer, but it's a subpar God of War game.    … Expand
  20. jacked_beast
    Feb 22, 2014
    8
    I love the God of Series! This game is great...however not as good as God of War 3. I wish there was more boss battles in this game. I had doubts about the multiplayer but it turned out amazing! This game is about 8 hours long which is a good length for these kinds of games. The story was alittle weak but still good. The combat was pretty similar to the other games in the series. There isI love the God of Series! This game is great...however not as good as God of War 3. I wish there was more boss battles in this game. I had doubts about the multiplayer but it turned out amazing! This game is about 8 hours long which is a good length for these kinds of games. The story was alittle weak but still good. The combat was pretty similar to the other games in the series. There is a good amount of weapons and magic abilities to choose from. Overall, great job cant wait til God of War on PS4!… Expand
  21. 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
  22. mostafasaeedix
    Apr 11, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. این بازی مثه سری قبل فوق العاده بود و من خیلی دوستش داشتم .
    همه چیز در حد فوق العاده بود....    … Expand
  23. samsolidME
    Sep 18, 2014
    8
    God of war 3 than this iteration in my opinion. GOW 3 is grander in scale but this is a jewel too.
    Level design and graphics and fluid combat and some puzzles I love it. I knew what to expect from this game and perceived quality has been delivered. Multiplayer i did not like a lot, but I bought this game just to see some more carnage and blind rage by Kratos destroying everything on his    God of war 3 than this iteration in my opinion. GOW 3 is grander in scale but this is a jewel too.
    Level design and graphics and fluid combat and some puzzles I love it. I knew what to expect from this game and perceived quality has been delivered. Multiplayer i did not like a lot, but I bought this game just to see some more carnage and blind rage by Kratos destroying everything on his path. I mean, if that guy did not have his revenge i dont know what revenge is and he is still pissed ( maybe to prescribe Reiden's revengeance to Kratos , otherwise this lovely character will go nuts :)))
    Anyhow Kratos rules and I do not mind his rage again and again ,just keep them coming :))    … Expand
  24. Kai82
    May 17, 2020
    7
    The God of War game that is forgotten. While it is a really good game it is also a prequel not many have asked for. Nearly all fans want a continuation of the story after the teaser at the end of God of War 3 not a prequel. A prequel no matter the media has always the same problems. You know who survives and there is no tension because of it. When new characters are introduced it meansThe God of War game that is forgotten. While it is a really good game it is also a prequel not many have asked for. Nearly all fans want a continuation of the story after the teaser at the end of God of War 3 not a prequel. A prequel no matter the media has always the same problems. You know who survives and there is no tension because of it. When new characters are introduced it means they die in this game or are unimportant to the later games story or progress. I may sound too negative because this is an awesome game and a true God of War experience. It has a really good battle system as always, the standard great soundtrack and good graphics. Even the story is great and a good addition for the franchise. It is the first God of War on the timescale (Yes, even before God of War 1). The most noteworthy addition is multiplayer. I am impressed by it but I did not want or need multiplayer in a God of War game. For clarification: Yes that means it is really good and I don't care. The main problem is for me and many others that the game has not the impact of the other games. You feel like you have seen and experienced it all before. It does not help that the triology finished the story of Kratos. You want to see a continuation or something new. God of War 2018 delivered this fully and in the most epic way possible. Overall a really good game that is only plagued by fatigue of the series. Without the fatigue I would have risen my rating probably to 9/10.… Expand
  25. 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.
  26. Vzhik
    Jan 23, 2018
    7
    Эпично. Красиво. Мощно. Но почему-то забросил игру более чем на пол года. Кроме того минус за то, что просто невероятная сложность на предпоследней главе.
    В общем хорошо, но не более.
  27. Termin8ter
    Feb 9, 2016
    8
    God Of War Ascension is a great Hack'n'slash game and a worthy follow-up to God Of War 3. Bear in mind,Ascension is set before the original God Of War, so Kratos will not be as brutal as he is in GOW3 or MK9. The combat in Ascension is more or less like the combat in GOW3 and 2. Kratos wields his iconic Blades Of Chaos, which he can swing in all kind of directions, slicing and dicingGod Of War Ascension is a great Hack'n'slash game and a worthy follow-up to God Of War 3. Bear in mind,Ascension is set before the original God Of War, so Kratos will not be as brutal as he is in GOW3 or MK9. The combat in Ascension is more or less like the combat in GOW3 and 2. Kratos wields his iconic Blades Of Chaos, which he can swing in all kind of directions, slicing and dicing enemies. However, unlike in GOW3, Kratos only has his Blades Of Chaos, nothing else. The story is sort of interesting, but fun to play through. The graphics are nice too. There is a Multiplayer mode for Ascension, but it's not that great. There also is a demo for The Last Of Us as well, so that should add to your time with this game. Overall, I would recommend Ascension to God Of War fans, but you probably already bought this game, didn't you? Buy this game for 20$ or 30$, but don't buy it for a full 60$.… Expand
  28. badgerryan19
    Jun 19, 2017
    7
    Kratos is back with a prequel story that maybe never should of been made. Don't get me wrong i love God of War just as much of the next guy. There were some great moments in this game and interesting ideas. But nothing here is really memorable. The worst God Of War yet, which doesn't necessarily make it a bad game.
  29. njja02
    May 15, 2018
    4
    A tiresome and repetitive effort that feels unoriginal. Same game-play, same quick time events, same everything. Just another God of War game.
  30. vinicius77777
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    Excelente, o jogo contou muito bem sobre o passado misterioso de Kratos antes do God of War 1. O jogo apresenta uma ótima história, ótima jogabilidade, excelentes gráficos, trilha sonora digna da franquia, e inimigos muitos bons que foi o caso das irmãs fúrias. um personagem que eu também gostei muito foi um personagem que também é uma sobra, porém que sempre se mostra ao lado de Kratos.Excelente, o jogo contou muito bem sobre o passado misterioso de Kratos antes do God of War 1. O jogo apresenta uma ótima história, ótima jogabilidade, excelentes gráficos, trilha sonora digna da franquia, e inimigos muitos bons que foi o caso das irmãs fúrias. um personagem que eu também gostei muito foi um personagem que também é uma sobra, porém que sempre se mostra ao lado de Kratos. Depois que vc joga God of War Ascension da vontade de jogar novamente todos os jogos da franquia. Congratulations Santa Mônica Studios.

    HISTÓRIA:10
    JOGABILIDADE:10
    TRILHA SONORA: 10
    CHEFES: 10
    NOTA FINAL:10    … Expand
Page:

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

All reviews »
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]
See all critic reviews »