Uzo pretty boy, then?
By Paul Sumner
When you were a kid, if ‘Jason And The Argonauts’ wasn’t your favourite film, there was clearly something wrong with you. Epic tales of heroism, the power of the ancient Gods, the incredible beasts… All excellent fuel for the healthy young imagination. Strange then, that there haven’t been too many videogames based on Greek mythology.
God of War puts that right. It casts you as a real ancient arse-kicker smack in the middle of the Greatest Hits of the Greek myths. When Kratos runs up the steps to Athens, and the whole city is running the other way in terror as Athens crumbles, you’ll feel like you’re part of one of the greatest stories ever told.
“But Zeus, without Aloe Vera conditioner I’ll be no match for Medusa!”
This is an epic, savage tale, and no quarter is spared in telling it in all its bloodthirsty glory. It’s cause for celebration that the programmers haven’t compromised their vision in the slightest. Blood is spilled, violence is graphic and women don’t cover themselves with bedsheets. Both the subject matter and the gamer are treated with the respect they deserve.
You’ll have hours of gory fun, wiping out all manner of legendary creatures in many different but always satisfying ways. You could bludgeon the Harpies to death, but why take that route when you can simply rip off their wings? And what’s the point of slicing up Gorgons when you can pull their heads off – using the weapons of the Gods, or your own rage and brute strength? There are puzzles too. All generally well thought out and involving more than the usual pull-the-lever-and-the-door-opens business. They really do feel like trials of the Gods.
“Look, I’m dying for a shit, and your neck is the only place I can go.”
Yet for all its epic magnificence, I can’t help feeling that God Of War shoots its load too early. The first level, despite not being incredibly difficult, is an awe-inspiring thing. Very early on, you’ll find yourself taking on the mighty Hydra, and it’s as impressive a scene as you’ll play anywhere else. When the main head opens its mouth and screams, you can practically smell the decaying flesh of previously consumed victims. It’s an awesome spectacle, among the finest set pieces in gaming history.
“Hmmmm… yes… I think we’ll need to pull the wisdom tooth. Sorry.”
But then… there’s nothing that quite matches it throughout the rest of the game. It’s all very good, yet it feels just a touch disappointing in that regard. If there were more of the massive, iconic creatures – like, say, the Kraken – then the balance would be perfect. But maybe those battles are for another day…
God Of War is a sumptuous action feast, but it falls just short of being a full-on banquet. The actual game is just a bit too short (although the customary slew of unlockables helps), and there really should be a few more of those outstanding boss battles. Still, while it lasts, it’s got some of the best action you can find on the PS2, and will nicely pass a bit more time while you’re waiting for the release of Resident Evil 4.
June 2005
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