God of War II and games like it

The WhatsNext verdict

God of War II remains a premier choice for players who want ferocious melee combat, enormous mythological set pieces, and memorable boss encounters. Play it for the action and spectacle, not for nuanced writing or consistently elegant puzzles.

What it does best

Brutal combat with exceptional weight and flow
Boss battles that become unforgettable spectacles
Mythological scale delivered as playable spectacle

What might put you off

Occasionally frustrating puzzles and platforming
A thinner, cliffhanger-driven story

The setup

What you are walking into

God of War II, an action-adventure hack-and-slash video game, was developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). Initially launched for the PlayStation 2, it serves as the second installment in the God of War series, the sixth in chronological order, and a sequel to 2005's God of War. The game is rooted in Greek mythology and unfolds in ancient Greece, revolving around the theme of vengeance. The protagonist, Kratos, is the new God of War, having defeated the former, Ares. However, Kratos is betrayed by Zeus, the King of the Olympian gods, who not only strips him of his godhood but also kills him. Dragged slowly to the Underworld, Kratos is rescued by the Titan Gaia, who guides him to seek out the Sisters of Fate. These entities have the power to enable time travel, allowing Kratos to prevent his betrayal, and ultimately seek revenge on Zeus.