Can I Just Play God of War 1 & 3? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether you can jump straight into God of War 3 after experiencing only the first game in the series is a common one, particularly for newcomers to the franchise or those looking to revisit the classics. The short answer is: yes, you can, but it’s not necessarily the ideal experience. While each game in the original trilogy can be enjoyed on its own, doing so without playing God of War II will undoubtedly leave you with a less comprehensive understanding of the overall narrative, character development, and the escalating stakes that define Kratos’ journey.
Understanding the God of War Narrative
The original God of War trilogy is a tightly woven saga that follows Kratos’ descent from a Spartan warrior to a god-slaying force of nature. God of War 1 sets the stage, introducing Kratos’ tragic past and his servitude to the Olympian gods. God of War II builds upon this, expanding the scope of the narrative and pitting Kratos against the very gods he once served. Finally, God of War III serves as the explosive climax, delivering a final confrontation on a scale rarely seen in video games.
Skipping God of War II means missing a crucial chapter in Kratos’ story. This includes critical character development, key plot points, and significant changes in the world around him. You’ll miss out on the introduction of major characters, the escalating conflict with the gods, and the build-up to the final showdown. While you’ll still be able to follow the general plot of God of War III, the impact and emotional resonance will be greatly diminished.
Impact on Gameplay and Mechanics
Beyond the narrative, playing the games in order allows for a more natural progression of gameplay mechanics. While each game refines and adds to the combat system, experiencing them sequentially allows you to gradually adjust to new abilities and enemy types. Jumping directly into God of War III might feel a little overwhelming if you haven’t mastered the fundamental mechanics introduced in the previous titles.
The Recommendation
While technically you can play only God of War 1 and God of War 3, it is highly recommended to play God of War II in between to fully understand the story, appreciate Kratos’ evolution, and maximize the overall gaming experience. If you’re short on time or resources, prioritize playing God of War 1 and 2 before jumping into God of War 3. You won’t regret the extra time spent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing the original God of War trilogy, designed to give you the most comprehensive understanding.
1. How Can I Play God of War 1-3?
The original God of War 1, 2, and 3 are available through several avenues. The first two games were initially on PS2, while God of War III was on the PS3. You can access them through PlayStation Plus Premium which allows streaming them on both PS4 and PS5. God of War 3 also has a remastered version available for purchase digitally and physically on the PS4.
2. Is there a difference between the original and remastered versions?
Yes, God of War III received a remastered version for the PS4, which offers enhanced visuals (higher resolution and frame rate) compared to the original PS3 release. While the gameplay remains mostly unchanged, the visual upgrade makes it more enjoyable on modern consoles. There are no remastered versions of God of War 1 and 2.
3. Can I Play the God of War Series on PC?
Yes, you can play most God of War games on PC through emulators, such as RPCS3 for the PS3 titles. The 2018 God of War and Ragnarok are available on PC. Note that you will require a powerful PC for emulation to work smoothly, especially for God of War 3.
4. Do I Need to Play All the God of War Games in Order?
For the classic Greek era games, playing the trilogy (God of War 1, 2, and 3) in order is highly recommended to follow the core story. While each game can be experienced independently, playing them sequentially ensures a better understanding of Kratos’ journey. For the newer games (2018 and beyond), knowledge of the originals adds depth but isn’t strictly necessary.
5. Is it okay to skip the PSP God of War games?
While Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta (originally for PSP) add context to Kratos’ background, they’re not essential to understanding the main trilogy (1, 2, and 3). They are recommended for fans wanting the full experience of Kratos’ backstory.
6. How does God of War: Ascension fit in?
God of War: Ascension is a prequel that explores Kratos’ life before the original game. It’s good for lore but isn’t crucial for understanding the main trilogy. It will enhance a fan’s appreciation but can be skipped without hindering the experience of God of War 1-3.
7. Do I need to play the original trilogy before playing God of War (2018)?
No, the 2018 God of War is a soft reboot and tells a new story in a different setting, though there are callbacks to the original series. Playing the classic games will give more context but isn’t required to enjoy the 2018 game.
8. Can PS3 discs work on PS5?
No, PS3 game discs are not backward compatible with PS5. You cannot insert PS3 discs directly into a PS5 and play them.
9. Is God of War 1 available on PS5?
The original God of War 1 is not available as a standalone purchase on PS5. However, you can play it through streaming with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.
10. How long does it take to beat God of War 1?
On average, God of War 1 takes around 9 hours to complete the main story, with completionists spending around 13 hours.
11. Is God of War 3 only on PS3?
The original God of War 3 was released exclusively for PS3. It was later remastered for PS4 and is playable on PS5 via backwards compatibility.
12. How does God of War Ragnarok connect to the original trilogy?
God of War Ragnarok is a direct sequel to the 2018 game and is not directly connected to the original Greek trilogy in terms of plot. However, themes and character development from the original trilogy are reflected in the newer games.
13. Do I need to play God of War 3 before Ragnarok?
No, but it is highly recommended to play the 2018 God of War before playing Ragnarok. It’s a direct sequel and assumes you’re familiar with the story and character changes.
14. Why is Kratos sometimes called John?
The name “John Kratos” originated as an internet joke, but it gained such popularity that it was eventually recognized by PlayStation as a kind of in-joke.
15. Is it better to play the God of War games in release order?
Yes, generally playing them in release order offers the most seamless progression through the story, from a narrative and gameplay perspective. It’s the ideal way to experience the evolution of Kratos and the series as a whole.
By understanding these aspects, you can make an informed decision on how best to experience the legendary God of War series. While jumping straight into God of War III after the first game is possible, experiencing the entire journey will undoubtedly provide a more rewarding and complete narrative experience.