God of War incorporates so many new, innovative ideas into one game world that it's absolutely mind-boggling.
You'll start off God of War with a CGI FMV of a bald, muscular man committing suicide. His reasons are reasonable, and you'll learn about it soon enough. Something unique about God of War's story is how it doesn't tell you everything in the beginning, it tells you why Kratos is as he is and how he became this way through later stages of the game. Though this may turn-off some gamers, I found it to be a great reason to continue my adventure. God of War uses CGI for most of it's movie sequences, similar to Final Fantasy X and Ninja Gaiden. The first stage of the game places you in the Aegean sea, quickly surrounded by a horde of undead warriors. You'll have a few options at your disposal, since you upgrade your arsenal of moves by killing, and collecting red orbs from it.
God of War starts off with a few weak enemies, though you'll quickly be suprprised by the first boss, the Hydra. This brings me to my next joy, the enemies of God of War. Absolutely top-notch and cunning. You'll come across legions of the undead, the cyclops horde, harpies, minotaurs, and even sirens, all provide a different and unique challenge. there is also different ways to deal with each enemy. Whereas Devil May cry 3 prompts you to simply strike your opponent, God of War gives you an innovative system called context-sensitive attacks. This is probably my favorite feature of God of War, because it makes the gameplay downright brutal. This works by prompting you to press a certain button that appears over the character's head, then once done unleashes a devastating move by Kratos. This can be applied both on the ground and in-air depending on the enemy. However, most impressive is that each enemy has their own ''fatality'' as I like to call them. The minoatur, once weakened, will have his head cleaved in two by Kratos once you initiate the context-senstive attack. The cyclops will have his one eye pierced after you soften him up. Buttons aren't the only initiators though, the analog also provides the option. Medusa, for instance, requires you to twirl the analog stick in a set pattern to decapitate her and gain blue orbs, which give you magic.
God of War isn't basically context-sensitive attacks of course, there is also a somewhat shallow combo system, which rewards you with more orbs the more hits you connect. Apart from context-sensitive attacks and combos, there is lastly magic. there are a total of 5 spells, Zeus's thunderbolts, Medusa's gaze, Poseidon's rage, Blade of Artemis, and Army of Hades. All are quite powerful and upgradeable.
God of War's game world is probably the best i've seen on the PlayStation 2. Huge statues, creative halls, and huge cliffs to explore, this definitly makes you feel like you're in an action movie, rather than a game. Throughout your adventures, you'll explore the ancient city of Athens, The Cliffs of Madness, and Pandora's Temple, all providing a great time for any explorer. Graphically, God of War is second-to-none. You'll see Kratos' refelction, the water shimmer, and the environment come to life as you do battle. It's absolutely top-notch and best i've ever seen, bar none.
God of War, to be fair, does have it's flaws. for one thing it's somewhat shallow. Button-mashing could get you through most of the game. It is also pretty short, 12 hours at the most is what you'll spend your first round, then once you've become experienced, expect no more than 5 ot 6 hours at most. lastly, it isn't the hardest or most challenging game ever conceived. The enemy A.I. is decent but somewhat lackluster. For instance, they respawn a few yards from you, but don't attack at first sight, they only attack once you come within range.
Overall, however, God Of War is a nearly perfect action/adventure title, brimming with excellent ideas and an enjoyable combat system. For anyone who enjoys Greek Mythology or just a simply fun brawling experience, pick-up God of War if you haven't already done so.