As one of the more popular series in PlayStation's exclusive catalog, the God Of War franchise has seen quite the resurgence, especially following the massive success of its most recent release. For years now, fans have followed Kratos on his very emotional and rather graphic journey, taking down all kinds of Gods in the process.
However, not every game in the God Of War franchise has been a smashing success, with some games being so bad that they're completely forgotten. Looking at every game in the series so far, here is our list of the God Of War games, ranked.
9 God Of War: Betrayal
While some games manage to really thrive on mobile platforms, God Of War just didn't measure up to others. With that in mind, God Of War: Betrayal was released in 2007, at a time when phones weren't nearly capable of the things they are today.
Though it does seem unfair to judge the game in this manner, it doesn't change the fact that it suffers from poor controls and very repetitive combat. Though it was only capable of so much to begin with, it is easy to see why many have forgotten about God Of War: Betrayal.
8 God Of War: A Call From The Wilds
Serving as a prequel to the newest console installment in the franchise, God Of War: A Call From The Wilds is arguably the most unique God Of War game yet made. However, the game itself is a text-based game that released on Facebook, of all platforms, also making it a more limited and frankly strange installment in the series.
Granted, it was interesting to see certain moments in Atreus' life before the events of the PS4 game, helping it to feel more as though it belongs in the franchise than God Of War: Betrayal. With very little else to offer though, this shorter game is definitely not the most entertaining one around.
7 God Of War: Chains of Olympus
Given the incredible power of the PSP in relation to phones at the time, fans were much more hopeful for God Of War: Chains Of Olympus as the second handheld installment of the franchise. Fortunately, this game proved to be a significant improvement from the one that had come a year before, keeping fairly close to the format of the first 2 games.
Unfortunately, though, Chains Of Olympus didn't quite measure up to the quality of the first two titles, with many complaining about its very shallow story and character development. Story aside, the game still offered a breath of fresh air for fans who had been missing the series, making it a significant step up from the games before it on this list.
6 God of War: Ghost of Sparta
Though some rank God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta a bit higher than others, it is really only a minor improvement from Chains Of Olympus in terms of gameplay and combat. However, the story is definitely far more intriguing, measuring up to similar aspects from the console games.
By focusing on a more personal journey for Kratos, this game definitely helped keep players interested in the franchise, especially following God of War III. Though it still had a few things holding it back, it is easy to see why Ghost Of Sparta ranks higher than other games in the franchise.
5 God Of War: Ascension
When it initially released, God Of War: Ascension ended up being a bit disappointing for many. However, while the story suffered in ways, the game itself wasn't actually that bad. Though the story was predictable and even boring at times, Ascension still managed to do some unique things when it came to the gameplay, especially by changing up Kratos' fighting style.
Likewise, the multiplayer mechanics were still intriguing and unique, even if it wasn't the most fine-tuned game element around. While it is certainly not without its flaws, God Of War: Ascension is still better than many give it credit for.
4 God Of War III
Serving as the epic "conclusion" to Kratos' story, God Of War III had the massive task of wrapping everything up for the character. Fortunately, things paid off in a rather epic way, seeing Kratos finally come face-to-face with some of the biggest Greek Gods around.
While some players weren't huge fans of the ending, most of the game up to that point was still a very epic thrill-ride that made it a very memorable action game. Though it still isn't the best in the entire series, God Of War III is worthy of its place above others in the series.
3 God Of War
As the game that started it all, it only makes sense for the original God Of War to rank so high. Given the massive success of this game alone, it would be very hard for it to find itself out of the top 3 in the entire franchise.
With a bunch of violence and unique spin on Greek Mythology, it is easy to see why so many were drawn to this game to begin with. Though the graphics are certainly lacking in today's world, there are still many things to appreciate about this PlayStation classic.
2 God Of War II
For how great the first game was, it is a bit surprising that God Of War II actually managed to top it. Not only did the game amp up all the action and violence from before, but it also continued the story in a very interesting way, hooking players in once again.
In fact, even after all these years, some players still consider God Of War II to be the best in the entire franchise. Likewise, with little to complain about in this game, it is easy to see why it is held in such high regard.
1 God Of War (2018)
While newer doesn't always mean better, the relaunch of the God Of War franchise is an absolute home run in every way. Not only is the game a beautiful masterpiece in terms of design, but the story also gave the series a breath of fresh air that it desperately needed.
By transitioning to Norse Mythology, Kratos' story can not only continue but evolve in a much more emotional way as well. With great combat, graphics, and callbacks to the originals, God Of War (2018) remains unrivaled in every way, at least for the time being.