Ben-DutkaGod of War may be the most critically revered franchise in the history of gaming, which is why it probably warrants a book…well, maybe.
The official God of War novel has been announced and you can even read the entire first chapter online. Head over to the official site for the details; the book will be available to buy on May 25, so if you like what you see in that first chapter, feel free to pick it up. Author Robert E. Vardeman will pop into the forums in a few weeks to answer some fan questions about the book, too, and you can also chat about that first chapter if you so desire. The question is whether or not the fans will respond; reading a book is a bit different than playing a game, especially when it's a game like God of War . Perhaps an RPG is more suited to the literary transition in question but hey, didn't those Halo books do well enough? Besides, for game collectors, they may need to have the GoW novel "just because." We'll also be wondering if more popular video games will become books in the future; it doesn't appear to be a logical leap but there are some intelligent gamers out there, right?
Eh, maybe I'm only interested because gamers who read have really become an interest to me as of late. Some of you know of what I speak but there will be no talking about it, yes? 😉 Just stay tuned…
Well I like to read a lot, but I hope this author is very talented. Unfortunately Kratos doesn't exactly lend himself to a great deal of thoughtful introspection. It's really just a lot of "I can't help you."
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 5/11/2010 10:03:18 PM
Well when it comes to books, there is a potential for a lot of character development. Think of all the GOW games out and all the characters with in those games.
There may in fact be much to write about. Might even go more in depth about Kratos's brother and the kind of live he held with is family (mother, brother, wife & child).
true, true. That's what I said I hope the author is good, he will need to flesh out a lot of things that just are NOT in the games.
This might be good to read. I never read any of the Halo books they really held no intrest for me.
And im not sure what it is that you speak but im very interested…
I read one or two of the Doom books when I was a youngin' 🙂
I still have all 4 of those novels. I thought they were pretty good, and still some of the best novels based on games to be written. Until the Gabriel Knight books and the Diablo books came out.
yeah they weren't bad, they managed to inject a story into the otherwise simple gameplay.
Ben, seriously — you've suggested before that you'd like to find a way to work in reviews of classic novels into PSX some way if it were feasible. I cannot think of a better bridge than this — why don't you give us a review of God of War: The Book?! I'm sure I'm not the only one a little fascinated by the concept and would love the opinion of a guy who understands the series AND great literature. I'm sure the author would be the first to agree this ain't destined for the canon, but shoot, it may be a fun read! Seriously dude, hope you give it some thought. I for one for really look forward to it.
Eh, I'm just not convinced the audience is there for that type of thing.
Besides, I'm a BIT busy this month. 🙂
It's cool man. I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about the GOW book's author, regardless.
Oh, and in regards to your latest poll — there are a number of readers here I would REALLY like to see review some games. I think I could contribute some good perspective too on a few titles. A hearty YES in favor of user reviews on PSX right here.
@telly
I would review to my heart's content! I adore writing and playing video games, so what's better than a place to post your own reviews? 🙂
YES on user reviews on PSX as well 😀
I hope this succeeds. The more Kratos the merrier.
IMO, a GoW novel series sounds like heaven. I LOVE to read and it'll be about GoW?? *Praises the gods of gaming* Sure, go ahead and say it: I'm a major nerd.
I'm definately going to enjoy this read! 😀
And your last statement confuses the crap outta me Ben… I'm kinda scared to find out what it means D:
I've been a huge fan of GoW since the first entry was released on PS2. And I have loved every entry since, but… this is probably going to be pretty bad.
"ZEEEUUUSSS!!! RAWR!!!", Kratos screamed as he made his way through the depths of Hates.
"RAWR!", Kratos bellowed as he eviscerated a minotaur. As the beast lay dead before Kratos' feet, he somberly utter the words, "Zeus will pay."…. and jumped violently forward letting out a powerful "RAWR!"
LOL! It would clearly have to be written in such a way that is not relative to how the game was written.
i dunno adam west, i'm kinda liking your version. just expand that to 300 or so pages, and i'd buy it.
I really like to read, I have a whole crap load to read still, I'll read the first chapter online and if I really enjoy the first chapter then i'll probably end up buying the book.
i dont like to read books, but this i will read… I hope, cus im buying it anyways! 😉
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 5/11/2010 11:45:27 PM
well most videogame based books are pretty good, and they usually help expand the story line quite a bit. so I'm game.
Well I really enjoyed the 2 books that were prequels to dragon age. They probably won't win any awards but they sure added a lot of depth to the story. Especially getting to know Duncan when he was young. Although the second one kind of gave away part of the story from the game. I won't say what, but if you haven't played the game I suggest playing and then reading.
Edit: Oh and I know what Ben is talking about, don't I feel special!
Last edited by kraygen on 5/12/2010 12:56:23 AM
im more interested in ghost of sparta.
its a prequel to the original god of war, but how far forward will it take us.
to kratos childhood?
maybe we will finally find out who hes brother is!
one thing im really dying to find out is who is this hero gia speaks of in one of GOWs behind the scenes trailers.
i hate it when games do this, just sit there and tease you.
i feel like a cat with a ball of yarn just out of reach!
Hey, isn't Ghost of Sparta the story between GoW 1 and 2?
uh, i think its a prequel for GOW1, at least thats what my memory is telling me.
hope it is a prequel to GOW1 because theres not really much they can fill in between 1 and 2, theres a whole childhood to be explained.
kratos brother, how and why he joined the spartan army, ect, ect.
I read the prologue just now, and I kind of like it, it gives a new perspective to the story.
I might pick this up.
And yeah, I know what you mean Ben *wink*
Always wanted a book of GOW, can't wait to get it.
It'll look nice in my bookcase 🙂
I need more books to read, all the one's i have i lost interest in a couple pages.
My bookcase is officially overflowing.
i remember reading x-com : ufo defense the novel in like 7th grade for a book report.
just finished the stand. that book was AWESOME. i get bored at work a lot, so i read or play psp in the bathroom. lol
Has anybody read the Metal Gear Solid novel? Does it represent the game well at all?
IN THE END, THERE WILL BE ONLY CHAOS… and Literacy. Yes, Chaos and Literacy.
I seen a God of War comic in a store called Hastings. It seemed alright, but for some reason, they slapped a LOT of Ads in the middle of the story, it was too annoying to keep reading the story in it. I was actually reading that comic and then an Ad made me put it down, there was an advertisement every two pages. Can't tell me that isn't bad. I guess the point being is yeah, I'd read the book if I got a hold of it…
Also, there hasn't been a new update on here for about 11hrs, unless there's a section other than the main page that I always go to to keep myself updated. Usually doesn't take that long to update, does it? Not trying to sound rude or anything, it just seems odd I guess.
Last edited by DeathOfChaos on 5/13/2010 10:05:52 AM