Graphics
Graphically,
I find it very difficult to give 3D games the highest marks. There are always issues that plague games,
whether it be clipping, screen tearing, texture popping, etc. 2D games seem to attain their graphical goals
most often since their artistic vision isn’t hampered by technology
limitations. However, God of War III
(GOW3) marks the first time I can give a 3D game the highest praises. As you may know, GOW3 came out a few years
ago. Well, even as I played through it
again now (Sept 2012) this is STILL the best looking game I have played. Kratos is an unbelievably detailed
character. Environments are vast and
expansive. Bosses are larger than life
and look great. My favorite details are
the vivid colors of Kratos’ multiple weapons.
The purple Claws of Hades, the orange/yellow Blades of Chaos, and even
the pastel green of the Nemesis Whip look AMAZING. Any title that is the best looking game for years deserves a ten.
That's one bitchin' hammer.
Sound
God of War has been known for its epic scores and crisp sound effects. The third entry is no different, as the music really sets the tone throughout the game. Voice acting from ALL characters is very believable and well done. I didn’t find myself thinking dialogue was cheesy or poorly delivered, with the exception of Hermes, but I think his goofy lines were there on purpose. Whoever speaks the voice of Kratos does an excellent job portraying both ends of the emotional spectrum (rage and compassion, although not much compassion here) and all of the gods sound the part. I especially loved the voice of Hades. I can’t really think of anything I would change if I had the skills to do so.
Gameplay
God of War has been known for its epic scores and crisp sound effects. The third entry is no different, as the music really sets the tone throughout the game. Voice acting from ALL characters is very believable and well done. I didn’t find myself thinking dialogue was cheesy or poorly delivered, with the exception of Hermes, but I think his goofy lines were there on purpose. Whoever speaks the voice of Kratos does an excellent job portraying both ends of the emotional spectrum (rage and compassion, although not much compassion here) and all of the gods sound the part. I especially loved the voice of Hades. I can’t really think of anything I would change if I had the skills to do so.
Gameplay
In
a series where polished gameplay is a cornerstone, God of War III continues the
tradition by being a game that controls very fluidly. There were very few instances during my
playthroughs where I felt my death was due to poor controls. Combos are smooth and leave some room for
error, creating a better experience in my opinion than other games were timing
is more critical (Devil May Cry for example).
This time around, Kratos can grab smaller opponents and charge through
groups of enemies while holding onto them.
Multiple weapons all have a purpose and fit pretty well. I like the ability to interchange them on the
fly, and each of them were fun and interesting to use. The only issue that ever plagues God of War
is the camera. Although it’s one of the
best in gaming (my opinion of course), it can still get a little squirrely in
some situations. That being said, at
this point in the series, it’s been fine-tuned and any issues result in only a
few moments of frustration at worst.
It’s not enough to detract from the experience.
Campaign/Story
Unfortunately I’m somewhat biased due to my own personal interests when it comes to the storyline in the God of War series. I’ve always been a fan of mythology, ever since I had to study The Odyssey in high school. So, as you can guess, seeing interactions between gods and mortals play out is very fascinating to me. As the finale, God of War 3 has to wrap everything up and tie off any open questions that we may have asked during the course of the series. I believe it does a good job of providing a satisfying conclusion, although the ending isn’t quite what I expected. Over the course of the game, Kratos is in full-fledged pissed off mode, killing anything and anybody that stands in his path. This includes the likes of Poseidon, Hades, Hermes, and Helios, just to name a few. The environments and battles in this game are fantastic, from the massive opening boss battle, all the way to the surprising perspective for the battle with Zeus. The setting changes keep the gameplay fresh and interesting, and also allow the graphics to shine. Even playing through for the 2nd time, I felt myself wanting to not stop so I could see what I would be getting into next. A good mix of puzzles and fighting keep either from getting stale, and the unique boss battles really offer numerous “wow” moments. I could have done without the flying sequences, but at least they are few in number. You may no longer feel any sympathy for Kratos’ murderous ways, but at least you’ll enjoy watching how it all pans out.
Unfortunately I’m somewhat biased due to my own personal interests when it comes to the storyline in the God of War series. I’ve always been a fan of mythology, ever since I had to study The Odyssey in high school. So, as you can guess, seeing interactions between gods and mortals play out is very fascinating to me. As the finale, God of War 3 has to wrap everything up and tie off any open questions that we may have asked during the course of the series. I believe it does a good job of providing a satisfying conclusion, although the ending isn’t quite what I expected. Over the course of the game, Kratos is in full-fledged pissed off mode, killing anything and anybody that stands in his path. This includes the likes of Poseidon, Hades, Hermes, and Helios, just to name a few. The environments and battles in this game are fantastic, from the massive opening boss battle, all the way to the surprising perspective for the battle with Zeus. The setting changes keep the gameplay fresh and interesting, and also allow the graphics to shine. Even playing through for the 2nd time, I felt myself wanting to not stop so I could see what I would be getting into next. A good mix of puzzles and fighting keep either from getting stale, and the unique boss battles really offer numerous “wow” moments. I could have done without the flying sequences, but at least they are few in number. You may no longer feel any sympathy for Kratos’ murderous ways, but at least you’ll enjoy watching how it all pans out.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he took that one in the face.
Lasting Appeal
Well, as with all of the previous entries in the series, God of War 3 does not offer any multiplayer modes, however, that’s not really a big deal here. This game is meant to be played solo, through an epic and well-crafted campaign. That being said, I played the game a couple months after its release, and recently returned for another playthrough. The well-polished gameplay means this game will never feel outdated, and will always be something you can return to. Not to mention, there are different difficulty levels, in addition to challenge rooms, which are opened after the game is completed. For me personally, the campaign is a perfect length, clocking in around 9-10 hours. It will definitely merit multiple playthroughs.
Well, as with all of the previous entries in the series, God of War 3 does not offer any multiplayer modes, however, that’s not really a big deal here. This game is meant to be played solo, through an epic and well-crafted campaign. That being said, I played the game a couple months after its release, and recently returned for another playthrough. The well-polished gameplay means this game will never feel outdated, and will always be something you can return to. Not to mention, there are different difficulty levels, in addition to challenge rooms, which are opened after the game is completed. For me personally, the campaign is a perfect length, clocking in around 9-10 hours. It will definitely merit multiple playthroughs.
Overall
If you were a fan of the first two God of War games, picking up the trilogy closer is a must. However, even if you haven’t given the God of War series a try, now is a better time than ever. With the re-release of the first two games, and the HD console upgrade of the PSP games, you can play 5 GOW games on your PS3. Given the fact these games have been out a few years, you’ll probably be able to get them really cheap and provide yourself with hours of entertainment. God of War 3 is a satisfying conclusion to the series and brings an unparalleled level of polish along with it, both in terms of graphics and gameplay. This is a must buy.
If you were a fan of the first two God of War games, picking up the trilogy closer is a must. However, even if you haven’t given the God of War series a try, now is a better time than ever. With the re-release of the first two games, and the HD console upgrade of the PSP games, you can play 5 GOW games on your PS3. Given the fact these games have been out a few years, you’ll probably be able to get them really cheap and provide yourself with hours of entertainment. God of War 3 is a satisfying conclusion to the series and brings an unparalleled level of polish along with it, both in terms of graphics and gameplay. This is a must buy.
- BBestvin
Description
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|
9.5
|
Gameplay
The third main entry in the series means the gameplay is polished almost to the point of perfection. Some hit detection issues in a couple spots hold it back a smidge. |
10
|
Graphics
This game came out over two years ago and my recent playthrough still had me thinking it was the best game I’ve ever seen graphically. |
10
|
Audio
Awesome voice acting, the sound of crunching bones, and an epic musical score leave nothing to be desired. Superb. |
9.0
|
Campaign
A satisfying conclusion to the trilogy that leaves
no questions unanswered. Varied
environments, enemies, and bosses will keep you wondering what’s coming next.
|
9.0
|
Lasting
Appeal
When a game is this good, you can always
come back for another playthrough. The
campaign is a perfect ~10 hours and its variety will never get stale.
|
9.5
|
Overall
(Not an average of above scores)
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