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What Does God Of War Need To Do To Maintain AAA Status?

Ben-Dutka 27 Comments

It's one of the most revered franchises in video game history.

In fact, the first three titles are some of the highest scoring games ever, even if the last installment – Ascension – slipped a little.

Hell, even the PSP games rocked. So, what does God of War need to do in the new generation to retain its lofty status? Should we get a new protagonist and a fresh theme and environment? Many fans are calling for all-new everything; a fresh start. But is that the right move? Wouldn't a lot of those fans love to see Kratos on PlayStation 4? Isn't Kratos synonymous with that franchise? At this point, would it be like supplanting Solid Snake or the Master Chief or something like that?

Perhaps it's a better idea to have Kratos visit another setting or time period. I think you can ditch the Greek mythology setting easier than you can ditch the protagonist; he just seems like a central piece of the series, you know? What do you think? What should Sony Santa Monica do with the new entry? We all know it's coming and some of us are on pins and needles awaiting the unveiling… Ready for E3?

Related Game(s): God of War 4

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What Does PS4 Need More: God Of War Or Gran Turismo?

Ben-Dutka 34 Comments

We all know the PlayStation 4 suffers from a current lack of exclusive software.

Of course, it's still early yet, and I've no doubt the PS4 will once again be home to the most innovative, cutting-edge exclusives of the generation. It'll begin with LittleBigPlanet 3 later this year, and continue with Bloodborne and Uncharted 4: A Thief's End in 2015.

However, which is the franchise PlayStation followers most want to see right now? I think it comes down to a new entry in one of two franchises: Either God of War or Gran Turismo . For the latter, Kazunori Yamauchi said late last year that Gran Turismo 7 is only "a year or two away," and we all assume Sony Santa Monica is working on a God of War installment for the PS4. The question is, which will result in a bigger hardware sales spike? Which is the game that will be considered the better system-seller?

At this point, it's difficult to say. Any ideas?

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PSXE Poll Update: Gamers Pumped For God Of War: Ascension

Ben-Dutka 11 Comments

This one wasn't too close.

While some said they want to see some gameplay, the majority polled say the freshly announced God of War: Ascension is gonna kick ass.

That's a fairly safe assumption to make, given the fact that we're looking at one of the highest-rated franchises in video game history. Sony Santa Monica and Ready at Dawn will very likely deliver a gem; everyone will be awfully surprised if the game falls short. The addition of multiplayer won't have a negative impact on the campaign – the developers assured us of this last week – and Kratos is back. Yeah, we're a little worried they may give us a gentler, more sensitive Kratos, but there's no way they remove all the dude's attitude. Right?

This week, Starhawk arrives. Although Warhawk did very well, it also released way back in 2007, when a whole lot of gamers still didn't have the PS3. But with a single-player campaign and an even deeper multiplayer component, Lightbox Interactive has prepared quite the robust package. So what do you say…are you in?

Related Game(s): God of War: Ascension

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Ascension Details: Multiplayer Won’t Gimp Single-Player

Ben-Dutka 14 Comments

God of War: Ascension is definitely one of our most anticipated titles, so the more details, the better.

A few more interesting pieces of info have found their way to the Internet, and just about all are mighty encouraging.

Firstly, the new title will "build on the God of War III engine," so we can expect better lighting, shading, and texturing, along with other graphical improvements. Secondly, the story should try to depict the "more human side" of the main character, Kratos, which should prove to be interesting from a plot standpoint. Thirdly, the team wanted fans to "start fresh with the series," which is why the new title isn't called "God of War 4." It's a definite prequel so they gave the new project a new name so people wouldn't get confused.

Last but certainly not least is the developer's take on multiplayer. As you already know, multiplayer will be featured in Ascension , and that's a first for the franchise. As you might expect, some long-time fans are concerned that such an addition will gimp the single-player campaign, which is of course the core of the series. But evidently, Sony Santa Monica says the single-player will in no way be "dumbed down," and they acknowledge that the solo campaign has always been the "bread and butter" of GoW. Still, they're "excited" about the multiplayer.

You can bet that more details will continue to surface in the coming months, so stay tuned.

Related Game(s): God of War: Ascension

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SCEA “Guarantees” Ascension Will Give Fans What They Want

Ben-Dutka 27 Comments

In only a few minutes time, there will be a live streaming Q&A concerning Sony's fantastic new PS3 exclusive, God of War: Ascension .

But we've also got the official press release from SCEA as well. Confirmed as a prequel, the new GoW will boast "epic cinematic storytelling, visceral battles, and blockbuster moments." We can also expect a few improvements, including a "revamped combat system and a brand new online multiplayer mode that combines the brutal gameplay and large-scale battles that God of War is known for to create a competitive experience like never before."

Said Sony Santa Monica Game Director Todd Papy:

"The bar has been set quite high for this franchise as each God of War title succeeds in being better than the last. But, unlike previous releases, we're providing a deeper look into Kratos' tormented past and psyche that fans have not seen before. Combined with refined gameplay, jaw-dropping visuals, and a fresh twist on competitive gaming with our new online multiplayer mode, I guarantee that God of War: Ascension will give fans what they have been eagerly waiting for, and much more."

So yes, for the first time ever in the franchise, multiplayer will be part of the package. It will feature up to 8 players and a variety of modes, along with customizable avatar warriors with a wide range of weapons and armor. Other interesting parts of the press release included the "promptless mini-games" along with "fluid, life-like characters" and "world-changing scenarios." "Epic" has never been a problem with GoW.

As for the story, Kratos must find a way to break the blood oath that binds him to Ares. After being tricked into killing his wife and child, Kratos is sentenced to a life of madness with the Furies, locked away in a gigantic prison for the living damned. Kratos must battle his own insanity and "mythology's darkest creatures," all the while solving "intricate puzzles," if he wishes to finally gain redemption. So prepare for quite the adventure!

Related Game(s): God of War: Ascension

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Catch God Of War: Ascension Gameplay During Live Q&A

John-Shepard 10 Comments

Thus far, all we've got is that intriguing teaser trailer.

But very soon – like, within hours – we might be getting our first glimpse of gameplay for the freshly revealed God of War: Ascension . …feel that? Those were goosebumps.

Sony will be hosting a Live Q&A Event for the hotly anticipated new game, and if you just so happen to be glued to your computer screen at 11 a.m. EST today, April 30, you can rush on over to Ustream and fix your greedy eyes on Kratos' latest adventure. Everyone is very interested to see how Sony Santa Monica and Ready at Dawn have fared thus far; chances are, the game won't be ready until next year, but they've obviously been working hard, yes? And we don't want the entire intro or something…just a peek at the action will suffice. Thanks.

We're also wondering how they'll explain the beginnings of one of our favorite PlayStation icons…

Related Game(s): God of War: Ascension

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