God of War 2 on Playstation 2
Fast-Paced Action in Sequel to Blockbuster Video Game for PS2
Mar 27, 2007
Rating: 97/100
God of War II, sequel to the blockbuster original, picks up right where its predecessor left off and never misses a beat. The developer’s decision to release this game on the Playstation 2 turned out to be an excellent call as God of War II takes everything that made the original great and improves on it. God of War II is exactly what the PS2’s reign needed to end on.
God of War II continues the story of Kratos, once known as ‘The Ghost of Sparta’ and Champion of Ares, now the new God of War. Despite being endowed with the power of a god Kratos remains the angst-ridden hero we remember. This time around Kratos directs his wrath towards all who reside on Mount Olympus. Apparently, during the off time between the original and God of War II, Kratos has led his worshippers to make unceasing war on all of Greece. Ignoring the pleas of Athena, Kratos sends himself plummeting to the city of Rhodes. Kratos is quickly betrayed by Zeus and has his power stolen from him. Seemingly killed and sent to Hades, Kratos is rescued by Gaia, mother of Titans and grandmother to Zeus. Gaia recruits Kratos and sends him out his quest to gain vengeance on the Olympians, both for himself and for the titans.
The graphics seen in GOW II are some of the best seen on the PS2. While the artistic style has not vastly changed from the original, everything has been made smoother and brighter making it much easier to see the fine details put into the game. In fact, GOW II’s graphics look so good in some areas that you could almost be pardoned for mistaking it for a next-gen game. The music in the game matches environment well enough, but spend too much time in a single area and it can get a bit repetitive. Overall the musical score and voice-acting is well done, even if Kratos does seem to yell for no reason at all.
The original God of War was made into an instant classic with its over-the-top violence and God of War II does not disappoint. While Kratos’ initial weapon, Blades of Athena, have not changed much from the original, everything else in the godslayer’s arsenal has been expanded and improved. Three new weapons, four new spells, and an assortment of other mythological items (such as the Golden Fleece), all upgradeable, combine to make Kratos into the avatar of carnage we have come to love. The unique kill moves from the original make a return as well, and they are bloodier than ever. While some of the returning enemies have the same kill animations from the original, but there are enough new enemies with new kill animations to keep even the most bloodthirsty gamer entertained.
God of War II delivers a fast-paced action game that absolutely crushes its current competition. Whether it’s the minor tweaks, the improved combat and storyline, or the unending action and puzzles God of War II has everything the action-game starved gamer needs. As the era of the PS2 comes to a close it’s good to see one last game released that reminds us of the greatness that was the PS2.
