Should I Play God of War 1 to 3 Before 4? The Definitive Guide
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The burning question for any newcomer eyeing the critically acclaimed God of War (2018) – do you need to wade through the original trilogy (God of War 1, 2, and 3) first? The simple answer is: no, it is not strictly necessary. God of War (2018) serves as a soft reboot, transitioning Kratos from the realm of Greek mythology to the Norse lands, and introducing a new, more nuanced father-son dynamic. However, the best answer is more complex. While not required, experiencing the original trilogy will significantly enrich your understanding and appreciation of Kratos’s journey, his motivations, and the weight of his past.
Why You Don’t Need to Play the Originals
- A Fresh Start: God of War (2018) is designed to be accessible to new players. The narrative focuses on Kratos’s new life, his relationship with his son Atreus, and their journey to spread Faye’s ashes. The game explains the key elements needed to understand the present story.
- Gameplay Shift: The gameplay is drastically different. The fixed-camera, hack-and-slash style of the originals is replaced with an over-the-shoulder, action RPG perspective. You won’t be hindered by unfamiliarity with old mechanics.
- Focus on Character Development: God of War (2018) prioritizes character development, particularly Kratos’s evolution from a rage-fueled warrior to a more contemplative and protective father. This character arc stands independently, even without prior knowledge.
Why You Should Consider Playing the Originals
- Deeper Understanding of Kratos: While God of War (2018) presents a new side of Kratos, his past is integral to understanding his current struggles. The original trilogy reveals the events that shaped him, including his betrayals, his deicide, and the immense guilt he carries. Knowing this history provides a far richer context for his actions and relationships.
- Appreciating Easter Eggs and References: God of War (2018) is filled with subtle nods and overt references to the original trilogy. These moments are far more impactful if you recognize their significance. They add layers of depth and emotional resonance to the experience.
- Witnessing the Character Arc: While God of War (2018) showcases Kratos’s growth, witnessing his descent into rage and vengeance in the original trilogy makes his transformation even more compelling. It provides a stark contrast that highlights the changes he’s undergone.
- The Games are Fantastic: Let’s be honest, the original God of War games are exceptional examples of their genre. They’re epic, action-packed, and feature memorable boss battles. Experiencing them is a rewarding experience in itself. The Games Learning Society offers valuable insights into game design and the impact of narratives, which can further enhance your appreciation for the original trilogy. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you’re primarily interested in the new story and gameplay of God of War (2018), you can jump right in. However, if you desire a more complete and emotionally resonant experience, playing the original trilogy is highly recommended. Consider playing the first game to become familiar with Kratos before venturing into the soft reboot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the chronological order of the God of War games?
The chronological order is: God of War: Ascension, God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, God of War II, God of War III, God of War (2018), God of War Ragnarok.
2. Can I skip God of War 1 and 2 before playing God of War 3?
You can, but it’s not recommended. God of War III picks up directly after the events of God of War II. Skipping the first two games will leave you confused about the plot and character motivations. Watching cutscenes can help mitigate this.
3. Is God of War: Ascension important to the overall story?
God of War: Ascension provides some backstory on Kratos’s early life and his relationship with his family, but it’s not essential for understanding the main narrative. It is the least crucial title in the entire series.
4. Are the PSP God of War games (Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) worth playing?
Yes! Despite being on the PSP, these games are high-quality entries in the series with compelling stories and excellent gameplay. They offer further insights into Kratos’s past.
5. How long does it take to beat each God of War game?
- God of War: 9-13 hours
- God of War II: 10-15 hours
- God of War III: 10-20 hours
- God of War (2018): 25-50 hours
- God of War Ragnarok: 25-50 hours
The higher ranges represent completionist runs.
6. Are the original God of War games available on modern platforms?
Yes, most of the God of War games are available on PlayStation consoles through PlayStation Now or remasters. God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok are also available on PC.
7. What makes God of War (2018) different from the previous games?
The biggest differences are the over-the-shoulder camera, the focus on character development, and the shift from Greek to Norse mythology. The gameplay is also more deliberate and strategic than the fast-paced hack-and-slash combat of the originals.
8. Will playing the original games spoil the story of God of War (2018)?
No. While knowing Kratos’s history will enhance your understanding, it won’t spoil the new storyline. The game is designed to be enjoyed even without prior knowledge.
9. Is God of War Ragnarok a direct sequel to God of War (2018)?
Yes, God of War Ragnarok directly continues the story of Kratos and Atreus, exploring the events leading up to and during Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse.
10. If I only have time to play one of the original God of War games, which should I choose?
God of War III is often considered the pinnacle of the original trilogy in terms of gameplay and scale. It also directly sets the stage for Kratos’s emotional state in God of War (2018).
11. Is God of War 1-3 worth playing today in terms of gameplay?
Yes, despite being older, the original God of War games still offer satisfying and challenging gameplay. They are considered classics of the action-adventure genre.
12. Does the order of playing the prequels (Ascension, Chains of Olympus, Ghost of Sparta) matter?
Not significantly. While Ascension is chronologically first, it’s generally recommended to play it last due to its weaker story and gameplay. Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta can be played in either order.
13. What should I do after finishing God of War (2018)?
There’s plenty to do after beating the main story, including exploring new areas, completing side quests, tackling challenging Valkyrie battles, and experimenting with New Game+.
14. What is New Game+ in God of War (2018)?
New Game+ allows you to replay the game with all of your previous equipment and upgrades, providing a greater challenge and the opportunity to unlock new content.
15. How old is Kratos in God of War (2018)?
Estimates place Kratos at over 1000 years old in God of War (2018), considering the events of the original trilogy took place in ancient Greece.