23.9.2007

This is the sequel to the excellent God of War, and at the start of this sequel, we find Kratos using his new found powers as a God to the extreme. The other Gods are becoming afraid of what he might do, and at the very start of the game, Kratos is reduced to being a mere mortal by Athena.The initial part of the game sees Kratos being pursued by a huge statue that has been brought to life by the Gods, in an attempt to kill him. From then on, we find out more about Kratos' past, and also the identity of the narrator from the first game. This game deals with Kratos pursuing revenge on Zeus, and in it we are introduced to the Titans - the elder Gods that were defeated and usurped by Zeus.All the things that made the first game a classic are here - the violent combat,the killing moves, the magic, the puzzles, but in this sequel there are more boss battles and set pieces to get your teeth into.The graphics are still excellent - Kratos looks great, and the scenery is well presented and feels solid. The in-game videos are excellent and don't detract from the action ; they punctuate it. And i love that in a game. Far too many games rely heavily on the FMV sequences, until you start to question whether you are actually going to see some action, and in-game footage.The plot has been well thought out too. It follows on very well from the first game, and is authentic to ancient Greek history as you will find from playing it - i am not going to give away too much of the plot and spoil it! It has been cleverly done.As for length; i think it is about the same as the first game. Though because it is a sequel, you can guess how to solve most of the puzzles without too much difficulty. I played through this the first time very quickly, and am going to start completing all the extra levels of difficulty. There is definite replay value here, like the first game in the shape of extra costumes, cinematic presentations and challenges.The moves from the first game are here too with some extra violent additions, and finishing moves which will please most fans. Kratos can still climb walls, but now has the ability to swing from his Blades of Chaos, and also cling to ceilings in order to progress through the game.All good so far, but i am afraid i have a few niggles with God of War 2. Firstly, the mapping of the graphics is not as good as the first. So when you are moving through some rooms you can see the 'joins' in the construction of the games engine. It happens quite a bit, and once you notice it, you can't help notice it more and more. It doesn't run as smoothly as the first game which seems a bit strange in a sequel, but it just could be that the playstation 2 doesn't have the power to cope with what the game developers wanted. My other quibble is the voice acting - the people who do the voices are great, but they are drowned out by some of the background music, so you really have to strain to hear what is being said. That said, Kratos is fantastic - he is clearly heard, mainly because he is always shouting!Great stuff.My final minor quibble is the action itself. There are more boss battles and set pieces - all of which are spectacular - but it feels at the expense of the main fighting action. This is probably just me being picky, but in the first game i thought the balance was perfect. You fought lots of drones to reach the big boss at the end of one chapter, and that felt good to me. You could have plenty of fun, and then get down to the serious business of trying to find a weakness in a really tough boss.My issues with God of War 2 are all minor niggles, and shouldn't put you off buying this game. This game stands head and shoulders above most other games on the PS2, and i think some of my issues with God Of War 2 are purely because this cannot beat the originality of the first game - which is an inherent flaw of any sequel. The original blew me away - it was probably the most balanced game i have played for many years.I would recommend this game to anyone who has played the first game. If you haven't played the first one, then i would do so, as the plot will not make any sense by picking this sequel. It is still NOT a game for children, and deserves it's certificate rating, so if there are any parents reading this, the 18 rating is correct.It is still a lot of fun, and gives a sense of achievement when completing it. I enjoyed it immensely, and can't wait to see what the developers can do with the next installment...........This game would still feature highly in a top ten of best PS2 games, and for that reason i would recommend you buy this. I would give this game 4.5 (if i could) as it is only slightly less polished than the first game!Kratos is back! Enjoy the last installment of this great series on ps2 NOW!

17.4.2007

The return of Kratos was eagerly anticipated, ever since I played the original God of War. It was somewhat of an `accident' that I came across the original God of War because it seems to have been a fairly well kept secret and if you have not played it yet then I heartily recommend it. I would liken GOW and its sequel to the Prince of Persia trilogy but without the frustration and uncertainty as to whether you are heading in the right direction and asking yourself why you have just wasted half an hour wandering aimlessly around. Don't get me wrong I thoroughly enjoyed POP 1,2 & 3, I just find GOW ultimately more rewarding and certainly less frustrating.GOW 2 follows on from the original with the now mighty God of War Kratos directing his Spartan warriors into more conquests and bloodshed.This inevitably leads to disapproval from many Gods on Olympus particularly Zeus - and you don't want to upset him do you!So as not to spoil the story I will skip the detail but Kratos once again finds himself a `mere mortal' given the task of changing his fate. The journey now truly begins and you will find yourself sucked into the magic of Greek mythology ( although probably not the Greek mythology you were taught at school) and the glorious barbarity of Kratos. It is difficult to reconcile why you feel such real affection for Kratos, an individual who kills so indiscriminately and yet you do.The basic mechanics of the game remain unchanged and sure there is an awful lot of button mashing in the frequent battles, with little need to change tactics when fighting the lesser foot soldiers. However, GOW 2 never feels dull or repetitive and there is rarely a OH NO! here we go again moment. The frequent battles help you to hone your skills and attacks for the numerous and very rewarding boss battles ahead. Anyone who played the first game will surely have appreciated the glorious boss battles, just hoped there were many more. Well there are as well as some rather tough encounters that aren't truly counted as boss battles, each one requiring you to master a particular skill or tactic.The violent way in which Kratos manages to dispatch his many foes is a joy to behold, and is certainly why it earns its 18 rating, that and perhaps the unlockable mini game with a couple of ladies! which you may stumble across during the course of the game - parents be warned. I found the puzzles to be ultimately very rewarding and never asked myself `how the he** was I supposed to work that one out'. If you pay attention to the introduction of each scene there should be no need to throw the controller across the room in frustration.I could continue telling you why you should try this game but if you need more convincing then it probably would not be worthwhile. One final tip, try to avoid easy mode if you want the battles to present any sort of a challenge.OverallThe Good: Great graphics, Excellent boss battles, Good sound and voice acting, much longer than the original at around 16 hours of gameplay (for me at least). Rewarding puzzles - seldomly frustrating. GOW 2 is probably one of the last great games to come out on the PS2 and is certainly a worthy curtain closer.The Bad: Not much really, some may find the fixed camera a bit annoying although it generally works fine. Some may feel it is too violent - but hey Kratos is `The God of War'.

14.5.2007

This has to be one of the last throws of the dice the PS2 has to offer, and what a game they have made. I completed this game on God mode in 21 hours. That is quite unheard of lately, as most games clock in at around 10 hours, and are usually quite easy. Basically, they're too short, but I cannot level that criticism against this. It was quite difficult in some parts, but that's to be welcomed, except the part where the gamemakers deliberately use the tension of not being able to save for added effect. There was not even a checkpoint midway through it. So I was unimpressed by that, but for most of the game, the saves and checkpoints are adequate.However, I cannot say the same for the story.

4.5.2007

I was seventeen when I played the first God of War, and I was hooked on it all the way through. It had a briliant story, great environments, with a great ancient Greek mythology atmosphere. The story told of a Spartan warrior named Kratos, who is desperate to redeem for his past mistakes. He had pledged his life to the service of the god of war Ares in return for saving his life. Ares had tricked Kratos into killing his wife and only child. In the game he embarked on a quest to get his hands on the unfound pandora's box, containing the ultimate power capable of defeating a god. With this power Kratos managed to defeat Ares and become the new god of war in his place.I was thrilled when I heard a sequal was being made.

1.8.2007

Arguably the best looking (if not the best) PS2 game in that it manages to squeeze an awful lot out of the platform and gives most PS3 efforts a battering in terms of graphics and playability.It represents not so much a revolution but more of an evolution from the first game and broadly it is superior. The game is longer. The graphics are smoother and better, particularly in combat. There are more bosses and therefore more oppotunity to see those unique boss killing animations.The only downsides in my opinion are that the puzzles are a little more straightforward (and therefore, whilst avoiding the frustration/controller throwing that often crept into GOW1, they don't carry the same level of relief/achievement now)

30.7.2007

Those of you who have played the original God of War will know all too well how great the game play, graphics and music are, well prepare yourself to be bowled over once again by our friends at SCEE.This second installment of the God of War series is bigger, badder and bloodier than the original. Graphics are seamless, gameplay is smooth and Kratos (given his spinning about) is easy to control. The music is still brilliant, giving you a booming reminder that you are playing an epical adventure game.This time around you have been stripped of your godly status for waging war all the time (surely thats his job) and sent back down to earth as a mere mortal. Zeus tries to kill you,

3.9.2007

The PS2 has had many great games, and one of the best, God of War, has stepped up a notch from game, to series.God of War 2 delivers all the fantastic sounds, graphics and fighting from the first game, but injects it with so much more.This game is literally bursting with Greek Mythological characters, making it a much more enjoyable game when you can say 'hmm, I know that guy'.One of the biggest improvements over God of War is the boss battles. Instead of the 3 in the original, there are hundreds. The small enemy battles are broken every once in a while with an epic boss battle. But don't think boss battle means just a stronger character. You'll need brains to get through this one!The puzzles are just as tricky,

12.6.2007

This game is great: visually stunning with engaging gameplay. The character is always impressive by being utterly ruthless and brutal. All the other reviwews will say pretty much the same thing. Therefore all I need to add is that I am actually somewhat disappointed. Somehow, after the brilliance of the original God Of War, I was expecting more. There can be the feeling at times that you are missing big chunks because you suddenly get a cutscene before you've finished exploring. Other times you will spend a long time exploring every nook and cranny for a secret room which isn't there, or a ledge that you can't actually stand on, which really detracts from the fast pace intended.

6.2.2009

Now I'm not one to like hack and slash games like this, I have played many others like Devil May Cry, but I never really seemed to like them due to the repetitive moves and the pacing...well is terrible. But God of War changes all of this! It is truly the 'Swan Song' of the PS2, and makes sure that the PS2 will be remembered for some of the greatest moments in gaming history! Do yourself a favour and BUY THIS GAME! Everything about it is breathtaking! The pacing is amazing, when you're about to get bored, it just changes and gives you completely new moves and enviroments to play around with.The graphics and art style are just the BEST I'VE EVER SEEN FOR A PS2 GAME!

23.5.2007

I thought the first game was brilliant but flawed in places, the sequel is a much better designed game with far fewer irritations. Its graphically stunning for a PS2 game and has some of the best imagery I've ever seen - the attack by the Collossus of Rhodes that begins the game is a fabulous marriage of technology and creative vision and God Of War 2 has many more moments to offer than just that. Great music, a satisfying story and great cut scenes, oodles of violence and responsive gameplay plus a hefty challenge - I dont know why anyone would have anything bad to say about it (unless they are a pacifist disturbed by the games savage nature or a gamesplaying wuss without the skills needed to meet its challenges).

25.10.2008

I'm not a huge gamer, and happened upon this game beause I had a day off work with nothing to do, and got it second hand for a tenner to pass the time. Ever since then I have been hooked, and try to fit as much of it into my day as I can!!The amount of work that has gone into the level designs is outstanding, visually beautiful, engaging and at times challenging. The graphics are superb, and are the best I have seen on the PS2.Gamplay is also excellent, and you are thrown into the action as soon as you start. lots of fighting action and puzzles, and a great story line too.God of War 2 has made me dust down the PS2 and put back into the living room as a pemanent fixture.

7.6.2007

This game is far better than the first God of war 1. Its graphics are excellent. Kratos is back again for revenge against the big cheif thunderbolt throwing olympian himself!Having been thrown down to earth, he then sets himself upon visiting the three sisters of Fates, to alter and change his destiny. In his way, he encounters the Titans, Medusa, and a few other big monsters to boot. The game play is easy,and not to hard or time consuming on ones brain cell! But, its worth the £s, if not just for entertainment purposes.THe one thing about the game, is that in some scenes, Kratos being Kratos, God of War its rather violent in places. Apart from this, if I could give this game ten out of ten I would!The best thing about this game,

11.5.2007

Just got it, and only played a bit, ,(will write proper review once finished in a few days), up to the horseman bit, but like what I have seen so far, so much so I almost called in sick to work!I refreshed on GoW 1 the other day, as I knew it would make the 2nd more fun, it has!Normally I like FPS games, but the GoW titles are well worth the try.I only hope that these games dont get the hollywood treatment, which has bolloxed up enough comics and games.I first heard about GoW from a collegue, who told me it was a dead cool game, I owe him for the referral, and now with GoW 2 I can see that I will have fun, beating my previous times of completion!Well worth the £ spent.

22.9.2006

This game looks great, i have a subscription to the OPS2 magazine, so i get loads of clippets of information each month, and i can honestly say it is shaping up to be one of the best action games of all time (Arguebly :)).I mean, who DOESN'T want to assault the cyclops with the twin blades formerly grafted to your skin, then run up it's body, find a handhold (In the form of the eye) and casually rip it out with one hand while picking your nose with the other.But it is strange how the Gods would just cast Kratos out without any retaliation from the beginning, and who would become the new God of War?And i couldn't help but have a chuckle at Ben Dover's post. :)

3.7.2007

This is an unapoligetically over the top, ridiculous arcade frenzy of a game, and more or less ends the debate on PS2 entertainment. As long as you like deliriously opulent visuals, Ben-Hur classical soundtracks and stupendous (comic) levels of violence then I'd say you have no other choice! It's a small improvement over the original God of War but doesn't really alter much at all. This is either a good or a lazy thing depending on one's point of view but I'd rather see a great game that is similar to it's progenator than a wildly diverting sequel which disappoints.Just imagine if these programmers had been let loose on Tomb Raider Anniversary...

God of War 2 (PS2) - Reviews

Info

Analysis

Detail