God of War: Ascension Critic Reviews

Ascension is another 'instant classic' entry into the amazing God of War series.

Ok, you can say that God of War: Ascension is less epic than the previous chapters and it lacks somewhere in terms of narrative and news ideas, but if you dig further you can find a much improved gameplay, a compelling adventure and some of the most incredible boss fights you can ever face in a videogame.

There's plenty of blood, stunning action, fun and a few puzzles in this game. It's Kratos losing his family, losing his mind and annihilating massive creatures. It's a God of War, and there's little we can say apart from that. You already knew if this game was meant for you or not.

Although it's far from innovative, God of War: Ascension is a truly epic tale of violence that will tell the origins of its well-known spartan. Aside from an unremarkable multiplayer side, Kratos' new adventure is an amazing production that will not disappoint.

Beyond one particularly challenging battle which takes place towards the very end of the game, Ascension is action-packed though not especially difficult. The boss encounters are definitely as epic as expected, even if they seem more few and far between in comparison to other God of War games.

God of War has never looked or played better than this. Kratos has never been as deep or interesting as this. They've set the bar so high that I have no idea how they'll be able to follow this one up. Sony Santa Monica should be proud. Series fans should be proud.

Ascension is not content to rest on past success, giving players new combat options, a fresh approach to magic and rage, an even larger sense of scale, and some small but meaningful mechanical changes that improve the overall polish to the game.

While not quite the high-point of the God Of War series, Ascension delivers an action-packed, gloriously-produced, freak-bashing extravaganza with an addictive multiplayer component to boot.

God of War Ascension is one of the most beautiful, brutal and funny action games you can play these days. This prequel definitely lives up to its predecessor, proposing an astounding adventure, and a climax of action and brutality with no equals. On the top of that there is a new multiplayer mode that brings over the character of the series.

God of War: Ascension offers a gaming experience that is at the level of the best in this generation of consoles.

God of War Ascension is not just the best action game of the moment, it's the new technical yardstick on home consoles, and the perfect example of how to rejuvenate a series working with care and attention on the gameplay dynamics.

With Sony so laser-focused on the multiplayer component since Ascension was announced, we were understandably worried that the single-player side of things may end up a rote retread of old ground. But we’ve never been so happy to be proven wrong, and from its gorgeous visual and evolved combat to its lavish presentation and tight pacing, this is arguably the best God Of War yet.

Full of verve, Kratos returns and wounds everyone and everything like in his past years. Do not worry about its multiplayer game, and enjoy the exceptional mythical opus written in the golden age of PS3. For the PlayStation 3 owners this is a must, for the others this is a very good reason to buy SONY's gaming machine.

A supremely spectacular trip back into ancient Greece, with reworked combat, more puzzles and superb pacing.

Overall, God of War Ascension is another good game in a good game series.

God of War: Ascension isn’t a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, but considering it’s lineage, it feels like a step back rather than a step forward.

Ascension might be a prequel but it's far from a step behind in the relevance of God of War. Instead it is a necessary evolution that builds a better future for the franchise. Its half baked multiplayer could benefit with further balance and better objectives but putting that aside, the story is as tradition dictates an epic tale of vengeance, blood and loads of action. Despite the glorious combat and top-notch graphics, we can avoid feeling disenchanted with a toned down Kratos, but after all it comes with the logic of this being the beginnings.

Exactly what one would expect from one of Kratos’ adventures. It’s gritty, action packed, super-violent, and feels as epic as ever. As fun as it is, one can’t help but feel like we have played this game before...perhaps a major change of scenery is needed before this patented formula wears out its welcome.

Bloodier than ever, the god of Sony's IPs come back with a title than focuses on the beginning of the tragedy. Reluctant to remember what happened, Kratos only wants to break the pact he made once with Ares. God of War: Ascension bring us a visual spectacle that pushes PlayStation 3 to its limits, carrying new elements for the gameplay and even a Multiplayer mode that helps to extend the life of this spartan odyssey. A great Good-bye to the character until the Next Generation.

Ascension shows a warrior who is miles away from being the ultimate and flawless killing machine we all know and love. He is more like an unguided projectile here, trying to cope with all the injustice delivered unto him.