The two titular installments set in Norse mythology have made God of War one of PlayStation’s finest IPs.
Originally debuting in the PlayStation 2 generation, God of War quickly established itself with impressive action gameplay, an interesting story of revenge, and an unforgettable protagonist in the vengeful Spartan Kratos Nearly 18 years later,
God of War has become PlayStation’s flagship action-adventure franchise, improving that precise and stylish action even further while also building up its story and world and compelling protagonist in Kratos, now a wise and introspective man.
1. God of War: Ascension (2013)
Platforms: PS3
The prequel to the entire God of War series, God of War: Ascension is set before Kratos turns out to be the Ghost of Sparta. It analyses his past life and how he got to be a servant of Ares.
The game setting concentrates on the aspect that Kratos is trying to escape from the fury and be his own master. There are more puzzle-solving combat scenes and it features multiplayer.
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Platforms: PSP, PS3
This game is a prequel to the first God of War game and takes place in Kratos’ ten years of being enslaved by the gods of Olympus.
Kratos is featured in it again in his next assignment by the gods of the new pantheon to investigate the moon god Helios missing. The game shows Kratos’ shift to hatred of the god, making the player more familiar with his sad past.
3. God of War (2005)
Platforms: PS2, PS3
The first God of War game begins Kratos’s famous vengeful quest against the gods of ancient mythology. Kratos is enraged when Ares, the former god of war, betrays him so, he sets out on a mission assigned to him by the gods – to kill Ares.
The game initializes the basic hack-and-slash combat system of the series along with different set pieces. Built upon an incredible story, God of War provided a foundation for the future installments of the game.
4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Platforms: PSP, PS3
Ghost of Sparta is set between God of War and God of War II. Wrath of the Gods follows Kratos on a journey to search for his brother Deimos on his own.
But while Kratos is trying to find his sibling he faces mythical creatures in boss fights and his demons. It delves into Kratos’ demons and a desire for family after the death of his wife and kid.
5. God of War II (2007)
Platforms: PS2, PS3
Kratos the former god of war overthrew the king, Zeus, and took all his powers from him. The game is about Kratos who aims at getting revenge on Zeus and the other gods of Mount Olympus.
Overall, God of War II offers better combat facilities, more extensive sequences of types, and more demanding bosses. It culminates with a climax that leaves you hanging mid-air and staring straight into the climax of the next game in the series.
Why Is chronological order important?
Knowing the chronological order of the God of War series will help the players get clues about the development of the character Kratos.
Sticking to such a timeline can allow us to see how his desires change from a vengeful servant of Ares to a defeated god trying to atone for his sins.
The prequels show the players through views of the previous moments of Kratos’ life that define his further behavior.
Ascension Explains Kratos’ Origins
Starting with God of War: Ascension prepares players to meet Kratos before he becomes a god, thereby culminating his change. It explains customer experiences that define a tragic background that turns him into a man in an act of revenge.
Chains of Olympus Adds Depth to the Pantheon
Returning here players can witness the effect the gods have on Kratos’ life and how this is used to extend the mythology of the series. It also demonstrates the change in Kratos’ character’s loyalty to the gods.
Understanding Kratos’ Motivation
This way observant players can see Kratos’s motivation shift from anger and revenge to guilt and redemption. This character arc is what makes the God of War series so damned fantastic.
Norse Saga Reboot
Those newer God of War games, beginning with the 2018 reset, bring Kratos into Norse mythology. This shift opens another chapter of the character who from time to time has to deal with his violent nature alongside which he is raising his son, Atreus.
