To prove that I do recent mainstream games as well as obscure retro and abortive ones, here is the first of many posts on the crucial God of War series, arguably the most significant classically-themed videogames franchise so far. The latest instalment comes out in a couple of weeks - see below.
Rather than rehash the detailed and inventive plots of each game, here's the overall story-arc of the series (spoiler alert). This gives us an extended and cumulative example of how videogame plots require the destruction of the biggest possible cosmic structures, and the attainment of ultimate rewards (e.g. the girl, the throne, the magic power, world peace, immortality, divinity).
God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP: forthcoming March 28 2008)
The prequel. Kratos fights as a mortal general, with Ares' assistance. Goes from killing a basilisk and the Persian king at Marathon to defeating Persephone in her own temple. Multiple endings.
God of War (PS2: 2005)
Kratos, the Spartan general, dedicates himself to Ares in order to gain glory in battle. The resulting massacre includes his wife and child. After a long quest to challenge Ares and gain vengeance, during which he retrieves Pandora's Box, and is also killed and returns from the underworld, he kills Ares in single combat and becomes the new God of War.
Kratos, the Spartan general, dedicates himself to Ares in order to gain glory in battle. The resulting massacre includes his wife and child. After a long quest to challenge Ares and gain vengeance, during which he retrieves Pandora's Box, and is also killed and returns from the underworld, he kills Ares in single combat and becomes the new God of War.
God of War: Betrayal (mobile phones: 2007)
In order to avenge the deaths of his fellow soldiers, Kratos goes on a bloody rampage against his mythological foes, culminating in the defeat and execution of Hermes' son. (Who? Details welcome, I haven't seen this one in action.)
God of War II (PS2: 2007)
Kratos is stripped of his powers by Athena for his pro-Spartan bias and offences against the other gods. He then undertakes another labour-filled quest to regain his former status, culminating in a duel with Zeus himself. When he wins, Kratos reverses time and undoes all the horrors he has experienced.
God of War III (PS3: forthcoming 2009?)
God of War III (PS3: forthcoming 2009?)
Details unknown. Director Cory Barlog has said:
'The story is going to finish off with a very big, very epic bang'...
How will they raise the game again? My hopeful guess is that they will bring back the Giants and Titans for a new cosmic war...Or pit the Greek gods against their Egyptian or Norse competitors...
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