Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
God of War III (Essentials) for the PS3, developed by Santa Monica Studio and released in 2010, is a stunning conclusion to the original God of War trilogy. The "Essentials" edition re-releases the game at a budget-friendly price, making it a must-have for action-adventure fans. Heres a detailed review:
Story
The game picks up immediately where God of War II left off, with Kratos ascending Mount Olympus alongside the Titans to seek revenge on the gods of Olympus, especially Zeus. The narrative is fueled by themes of vengeance, betrayal, and the destructive consequences of rage.
Pros:
- Epic Scale: The story is grandiose, featuring larger-than-life moments and dramatic confrontations with iconic Greek gods and creatures.
- Satisfying Conclusion: Kratos arc reaches a powerful and emotional resolution, offering closure to his journey.
- Rich Mythology: The game blends Greek mythology with its own lore seamlessly, making every encounter feel significant.
Cons:
- Kratos One-Dimensional Motivation: While his rage is iconic, some players may find his relentless anger repetitive and lacking nuance.
Gameplay
God of War III refines the series signature hack-and-slash combat while introducing new mechanics and tools to keep things fresh.
Pros:
- Fluid Combat: The fast-paced, brutal combat feels incredibly satisfying, with a wide array of weapons and abilities.
- Weapons Variety: Beyond the iconic Blades of Exile, new weapons like the Claws of Hades and Nemesis Whip offer diverse playstyles.
- Epic Boss Battles: Encounters with gods like Poseidon, Hades, and Zeus are unforgettable, combining intricate mechanics with jaw-dropping scale.
- Puzzle-Solving and Exploration: Smartly designed puzzles and platforming sequences break up the action, adding variety.
- Magic and Upgrades: Players can enhance weapons and abilities, encouraging experimentation and progression.
Cons:
- Fixed Camera Angles: While cinematic, the fixed camera can sometimes obscure enemies or hinder navigation.
- Linear Design: The games structure is highly linear, offering little in terms of open-world exploration.
Graphics and Sound
Graphics:
- For its time, God of War III is a visual masterpiece. The level of detail in character models, environments, and animations is astounding for the PS3 era.
- The scale of the game is particularly impressive, with massive set pieces and dynamic transitions between scenes.
Sound:
- The orchestral soundtrack is epic and perfectly complements the intensity of the gameplay and narrative.
- Voice acting is top-notch, with Terrence C. Carson delivering a commanding performance as Kratos.
Replayability and Extras
Pros:
- Challenge of Olympus: Additional challenges unlock after completing the story, testing players' combat skills.
- Unlockable Costumes: Special costumes and items provide incentives for multiple playthroughs.
- Trophy Support: The game includes a range of trophies for completionists to chase.
Cons:
- Once the main story is completed, replayability hinges on personal enjoyment of the combat and additional challenges, as theres no new game plus mode.
Verdict
God of War III (Essentials) on the PS3 delivers a near-flawless action-adventure experience, combining stunning visuals, thrilling combat, and a gripping story. As the conclusion to Kratos vengeance-fueled journey, it stands as one of the most memorable entries in gaming history.
Overall Rating:
- Story: 9/10
- Gameplay: 9.5/10
- Graphics: 10/10
- Sound: 9/10
- Replayability: 8/10
- Overall: 9.5/10
This game is a must-play for action fans and a definitive example of the PS3s capabilities, making the Essentials version an excellent way to experience this classic.
