From Pac-Man to Uncharted, there are many beloved video game franchises, spanning across different genres and eras. Where some releases have introduced players to new worlds, characters and styles of gameplay, others have reworked classics for modern audiences. A great example of this is the God of War franchise. What began as a classic hack and slash game has evolved into a third-person action-adventure narrative with one common factor: Kratos.
In older entries, Kratos was a man filled with rage against Greek Gods, stopping at nothing to defeat them, even if it meant destroying the world. However, 2018's God of War saw a more subdued and patient version of the "hero," who now had a young son, Atreus. Due to its massive success, the 2018 reboot brought in countless new players to the franchise. But are the original games, which set up the franchise's overarching story, actually worth revisiting before God of War: Ragnarok comes out?
Released in 2005, the original God of War introduced players to a version of Kratos who was in his prime and (potentially) his most deadly. The overarching story explained why he was taking his battle to the Gods of Olympus: He was manipulated into killing his family so that he'd have no choice but to serve his master, Ares. Eventually, he killed his deceiver and became the new God of War.
Unlike most protagonists, Kratos is largely unlikeable and is the farthest thing from a an inspirational hero. However, his impressive, rage-fueled feats made playing him as he takes on Gods and Titans a sight to behold. This is especially true when comparing the 2005 game to its more story-driven reboot, which showed a version of Kratos still capable of those feats but less likely to perform them unless necessary.
Gameplay-wise, the original God of War titles implemented two classic gameplay models and truly made them their own. First, they embraced their hack-and-slash influences, allowing Kratos to bring mayhem to the battlefield with various weapons inspired by Greek mythology. Perhaps the most famous was the Blades of Chaos, which brought widespread carnage in the same vein as Dante's sword Rebellion in Devil May Cry. The original trilogy also focused on quick-time events when facing off against the Gods, bringing its interactive quality to new heights. A great example of the control these moments brought to players is during the fight with Helios in God of War III, where players controlled Kratos as he ripped off the God's head.
The narrative pacing of the original God of War franchise was also more energetic than that of the 2018 reboot, which made up for its slower pace with rich lore and environments. However, the original God of War games made players feel the drive and rage coursing through Kratos' veins from start to finish. Players had not a moment's rest as Kratos encountered enemy after enemy on his journey to exact vengeance on his father, Zeus. The trilogy is like an exposed nerve that turns every emotion up to an 11, and playing it feels like a heavy metal album come to life. Compared to the reboot, the narrative pacing of the trilogy is like a workout that keeps players running from start to finish.
Even with its different gameplay style, high-octane narrative and intense story of revenge and justice, the original trilogy isn't required for players to get the full impact of the God of War reboot. Most players of the 2018 game likely knew the original trilogy's story due to its reputation and status in pop culture. Moments like when Kratos picked up the Blades of Chaos feel more mythic than simply serving as an Easter egg for longtime fans. For those who haven't played the original games, the callbacks have added to the mystery of a character that many have only heard stories of -- much like how Kratos' son viewed him.
As the release of God of War: Ragnarok draws nearer, players will find that the original God of War games are still enjoyable, and they enhance and inform the larger narrative, should they choose to play them. However, these games are by no means a requirement for players to enjoy the rebooted series' narrative and gameplay to the fullest extent.