The final chapter of Kratos is bloodier, deadlier, and more brutal than its predecessors.
GAMEPLAY - Much like God of War II was to God of War, this is the new and improved combat system we all know and love. A lot of things are still here, along with some new aspects to the combat system. This game actually has 4 different weapons that are very favorable, and you don't feel like you're sacrificing anything by trying a new one out. Each comes with its own move that uses magic, which also gets upgraded along with the weapon skill. Other moves are now included such as a bow and a decapitated head that can illuminate the darkness. Best thing about these side moves is that they don't use mana at all. They use a yellow bar beneath your mana that constantly recharges when you're not using them. Variety of monsters has been reduced somewhat, but there are many more bosses than in the past. Much like the first two games, the beginning pits you against a formidable foe, and it only gets harder from there. Boss fights are definitely the most epic and difficult that they've ever been, but you are also open to many strategies on how to approach them now. Now for the two bad things I encountered. This game is a little buggy in comparison to the first two games. It froze on me twice, and one time I died just because the camera wasn't focusing on me like it should. Also, there were times where the game would freeze or have screen tearing. I know this game is supposed to push the limits of the PS3, but in some ways it does to the point where it's unfulfilled in that respect. Still, the gameplay here is a lot of fun, and in many ways better than its predecessors. - 9.5/10
STORY - This picks up right where God of War II left off. Nothing here is really new. You're pretty much on your way to kill Zeus and annihilating everything in your path. I do like the flow of the story, and even though it has its bland moments, it still makes you want to continue onwards. I will say, for the record, that I didn't care for the ending very much. Not to give too much away, but it just made God of War II and III feel kind of pointless in a way. You'll see what I mean, but I felt that the conclusion left much to be desired. - 7.5/10
GRAPHICS - Easily some of the best graphics you'll see on any game on any system today. The environments are majestic in size, and the detail put into Kratos, the monsters, and blood is all amazing. My one gripe here is that the secondary characters (i.e. the other Gods) still look like they were taken out of a PS2 game and placed in here. They don't look terrible, but they don't look like they belong on the PS3, especially with everything else around them. - 9.5/10
SOUND - Pretty much what you'd expect for a game of this series. I didn't find the music very memorable, however, and some of the music was just remixed versions of past God of War pieces. Just as epic as it has ever been though. - 9/10
LENGTH/REPLAY VALUE - I just beat this game tonight, and clocked in around 8 and a half hours for the play-through. About the same as the previous games, so no complaints there. Obviously there's replay value, as always, in order to obtain the features unlocked from Chaos (or very hard) mode. I will say that the unlockable costumes aren't as interesting, but still mildly amusing. - 8/10
BOTTOM LINE - I really did enjoy this game a lot, but part of me wondered why it was continually pushed back and released so much later after God of War II. When it comes down to it, this is just another outing with our favorite Spartan. Nothing about it felt truly revolutionary or separated it from the previous titles as a stand-alone masterpiece. Still, this is in awesome game, and one that I believe every PS3 owner should have, along with the first two God of War games. The final confrontation with Zeus is pretty epic, and other than the back-story that leads up until that point, it is indeed a very fitting end to Kratos' journey. - 9/10