Superb game from beginning to end!!
The story lifts off where the last ended, Kratos sitting a top his throne in Olympus as God of War after defeating the God who enslaved him, Ares. Then as a battle is fought out, his Spartan army calls for help and he goes to their aid to defeat their enemies, but is soon facing Zeus who then betrays him and sends him to the pits of Hell, however Gaia the Titan saves him and he begins on his trail of revenge. The story in God of War 2 is even more immersive and thrilling than the first. The vast amount of Greek Mythology blended with the pure great, action packed story, makes it exciting and interesting from the start, and is one you will soon not forget.
The gameplay in God of War 2 however is still utterly awesome from the first, even though there are only a few changes. The combat is still relatively the same with some of the same combos for the Blades of Athena existing from the first and also some of the same Brutal Kills are there, but hey who is complaining, it is still great. Still on combat, there are new weapons to explore and also new magic, and also a new addition of a way of blocking attacks, which I won't spoil for you if you haven't played the game. However if there is a flaw with combat, it is that there is still that hint of repetition there, but otherwis is still fun and exciting. There are also a range of new enemies thrown in amongst the old in God of War 2 which provide a new difficulty and also provide new killing methods and mini-games, which are always fun. The big improvement in gameplay and combat, is the amount of bosses you must face during your quest. The differences in the bosses is simply outstanding as there is a vast amount of them and every single one provides a different sort of challenge and are just a pure pleasure to fight against, especially some the modelling that goes into them. Right from the very start you will be impressed. Another gameplay difference is the problem solving thrown in. In the first God of War there weren't that many problems, but the creators are right on the ball with God of War 2 and when your not fighting off enemies, you'll be solving problems, which adds a thinking element to the game. There are also some little changes in gameplay you'll notice which are nice additions, but I'll leave you to find them out for yourself. The camera in God of War 2 is also brilliant and only a minor number times can you complain about it. The gameplay in God of War 2 still carries over some things from the first, but nice new additions make it more thrilling and better than ever.
The graphics in God of War 2 are just outstanding. The in game graphics are second to none, with not only the attention to detail on the characters, but the environments, which is where they truly stand out. You will certainly find yourself stopped, looking in awe at the immense detail and sheer beauty of the environments that surround Kratos which vary from beautiful and sparkling Palaces, to dark and damp forests. Where the graphics truly stand out however, are in the High Resolution cut-scenes. I mean just WOW! The graphics in these few cut-scenes just prove the power of the PS2 is still there and are a great aspect of the game. The graphics are just one of the many highlights experienced in God of War 2.
The sound also stands out in my books. The sound during battles, of the clashing of blade against blade, blade against armour and then blade against flesh, makes for a feeling of true satisfaction and excitement. No complaints there, in fact highly pleased with the sound.
Value is something very important with games, and in my eyes, God of War 2 is extremely valuable, as it provides for a lengthy story, many different difficulties to beat it on and also additions after the game such as Challenge of the Titans, which is truly a challenge and an accomplishment to beat. A definite buy and keeper. God of War 2 is a truly magnificent game, which will stick in the memories of many people. If you haven't played either of the two games in the series, you must as these games are ones which you cannot miss, as they do almost everything right to provide a fun, exciting and gory game. I'm sure God of War 3 will be just as, if not better than this game which will be hard to do.