God of War and games like it

The WhatsNext verdict

God of War remains a superb choice for players who want ferocious, accessible action wrapped in mythological spectacle. Expect memorable bosses and presentation, but be ready for dated puzzles, platforming, and checkpoint design.

What it does best

Greek mythology rendered as relentless blockbuster spectacle
Blades of Chaos make every fight feel vicious and fluid
Boss battles become violent cinematic set pieces
An orchestral score that makes every escalation feel monumental

What might put you off

Puzzles and platforming can feel like interruptions
Fixed-camera combat and harsh checkpoints

The setup

What you are walking into

God of War is an action-adventure hack-and-slash video game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). Initially launched for the PlayStation 2, the game stands as the first instalment in the God of War series and the third in chronological order. Loosely inspired by Greek mythology, it unfolds in ancient Greece with vengeance as its central theme. The player takes on the role of Kratos, the protagonist, a Spartan warrior devoted to the Olympian gods. Tasked by the goddess Athena, Kratos is assigned to eliminate Ares, the God of War and Kratos' former mentor. Ares had deceitfully manipulated Kratos into killing his wife and daughter. As Ares attacks Athens fueled by hatred for Athena, Kratos embarks on a quest to locate Pandora's Box, the sole object capable of permanently stopping the vengeful god.