There is no reason you should be reading reviews for this game at this point, if you have a PS2... GET THIS GAME!
The answer is an absolute yes, if you own a PS2 console and you still haven't played God of War - I think we should be asking you what the hell is wrong with you as a gamer. Instead of you wasting time reading reviews of an otherwise exceptional game.
I understand not everyone is into Greek mythology and action, adventures. But that shouldn't stop you from having this game in your PS2 collection.
Ok - ok... I know it's already clear that I enjoyed this game immensely, but you need to know exactly how fun this game will be on the front end and if it has much if any replay value. (Or) Maybe you are like myself and only really buy things that you feel are an investment, to solidify your purchase of a PS2.
Let's cover the basics.
Graphics: Phenomenal, that is of course if you think in terms of when this console came out - versus the not so optimistic standard these 'next-gen' consoles have made. The textures are the best you'll see on most PS2 releases. Gore and Particle effects really make you feel like you're doing some serious damage to everything you assault. Not to mention the art behind the design of the game really pulls you into the Greek time period. An the cinematic backgrounds simply put - EPIC...
Sound: Pretty fantastic and diverse. Sure your going to be too busy to take note of something so subtle as - the sound of your Blades of Chaos slicing into boxes, crates, walls, flesh and the odd bone soldier or two. (Or) Maybe you like the strategic and ominous use of sound to emphasis the difficulty if sometimes eeriness of certain obstacles put before Kratos. Be-it bladed wheels slicing through the floor, Kratos pushing a weighted stone block, or the haunting melody of a Siren on the distant wind of a dust bowl desert. I think it's very obvious sound plays a critical part in game emersion now days, and I still consider God of War to be a modern day standard for games to come.
Control: You'll learn early on that timing and control is a big part of the combat system in this game. Now not everyone is going to get the same experience from the combat system but, that doesn't make it flawed. Considering the programmers designed the control scheme to work seamlessly between walking, running, jumping, swinging, climbing, swimming, pushing, pulling and fighting. I think the control you have over Kratos is amazing. But that's just my personal opinion - based on actually playing the game of course. Sure you will notice a little delay here and there while pulling off some seriously devastating moves, but the reality of it is, we can't all jump 20 feet in the air while committing to a 360 spinning suicide attack. I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you - really I am.
Story: Fairly compelling, well written and nicely executed plot. I would like to go into greater detail but I really don't want to be the one to ruin it for you. Needless to say, this game has one of the most epic endings this gamer has ever personally experienced. I will add though, there are no alternate endings, which is probably for the best - as I can't imagine it ending any other way than it did. Nor would I have wanted it to.
All right nub cakes - there now you have a general understanding of what you've been missing this whole time. I hope you feel dumb for not having at the least rented this sum-bish sooner.
What's that you ask?... "Is there any replay value?"
Well sure there is! I mean - I've only heard you can get rewards for playing through the different difficulties - but that's better then nothing.