What is the story of God of War: Ascension?
God of War: Ascension is the eighth main installment in the God of War series, developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio. Released in 2013, Ascension is a prequel to the previous games in the series, serving as a reboot of the franchise. The story is a significant departure from the previous games, with a new narrative that explores Kratos’ past and his inner struggles.
The Story of Kratos’ Descent
Ascension takes place after the events of God of War III, with Kratos, the former God of War, still grappling with the consequences of his actions. Kratos’ sanity is slowly unraveling, and he begins to experience vivid hallucinations and voices in his head. He becomes consumed by his own guilt and grief, particularly over the death of his wife, Lysandra, and their daughters.
Kratos’ primary goal is to break his curse, which was placed upon him by the gods for his betrayal of the Olympian gods. The curse forces Kratos to remain in the Underworld, stuck in a never-ending cycle of suffering, where he is tormented by the Furies, a group of goddesses responsible for punishing those who break their oaths.
The Quest for Salvation
Kratos sets out on a quest to break the curse and find salvation. He seeks out the Oracle of the Underworld, who reveals that the only way to break the curse is to find his own redemption. This involves confronting the gods and making amends for his past mistakes.
As Kratos navigates the Underworld, he encounters various characters, including:
- Orion: A demigod and Kratos’ half-brother, who was also cursed by the gods.
- The Furies: A group of goddesses who serve as Kratos’ tormentors and guides throughout his journey.
- The Olympian gods: Kratos’ former allies and enemies, who play a significant role in his quest for salvation.
The Battle for Redemption
Throughout his journey, Kratos confronts his past and makes amends for his mistakes. He engages in epic battles with various mythological creatures, including Medusa, Cerberus, and Hephaestus. He also meets new gods, such as Ares, Poseidon, and Hades, who offer insight into his past and the nature of the curse.
The Climax of the Story
As Kratos delves deeper into the Underworld, he reaches the Chamber of the Olympian Gods, where he faces his greatest challenge yet: confronting his own mortality. In a pivotal moment, Kratos grapples with the consequences of his actions, and makes a choice that changes the course of his life.
The Legacy of God of War: Ascension
God of War: Ascension received mixed reviews from critics and fans, with some praising its narrative direction and others criticizing its gameplay mechanics. However, the game’s story has received widespread acclaim, with many regarding it as a bold and necessary departure from the series’ formula.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is God of War: Ascension a continuation of the series?
A: No, God of War: Ascension is a prequel to the previous games in the series, serving as a reboot of the franchise.
Q: How does the story of God of War: Ascension differ from the previous games?
A: The story of God of War: Ascension focuses on Kratos’ past and his inner struggles, exploring themes of guilt, grief, and redemption.
Q: Are the gods in God of War: Ascension the same as the ones in the previous games?
A: While some of the gods appear, the story of God of War: Ascension introduces new gods and mythological creatures, offering a fresh take on the series’ mythology.
Q: How does the gameplay of God of War: Ascension differ from the previous games?
A: God of War: Ascension features a new multiplayer mode and tweaks to the combat mechanics, but the gameplay remains largely similar to the previous games.
Q: Is God of War: Ascension a necessary game in the series?
A: While God of War: Ascension is not essential to the understanding of the series, it offers a compelling narrative that explores Kratos’ past and his inner struggles.
Q: Does God of War: Ascension include any DLC?
A: Yes, God of War: Ascension features several DLC packs, including new game modes, characters, and storylines.
Q: Is God of War: Ascension available on PC?
A: No, God of War: Ascension is available exclusively on the PlayStation 3.
Q: Can I play God of War: Ascension without playing the previous games in the series?
A: While it’s not necessary to play the previous games, some knowledge of the series’ lore and characters may enhance the gameplay experience.
Table: Key Features of God of War: Ascension
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Story | A prequel to the previous games, exploring Kratos’ past and his inner struggles |
| Gameplay | Fast-paced combat, new multiplayer mode, and tweaks to the combat mechanics |
| Plot | Kratos’ quest to break the curse and find salvation, confronting his past and the gods |
| Characters | Kratos, Oracle of the Underworld, Orion, the Furies, and various mythological creatures |
| Multiplayer | Compete against other players in a separate multiplayer mode |
Conclusion
God of War: Ascension is a critically acclaimed game that offers a fresh take on the series’ narrative. While its gameplay mechanics may not have been entirely innovative, the story of Kratos’ descent into madness and his subsequent quest for redemption is a compelling exploration of the character’s psyche.