| Platform | OVERALL |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 3 | 8.00 |
| Overall | 8.00 |
|
You know the point in a game series where the formula has just been done too many times so the game just feels bland even though it is mostly the same game you loved. That is God of War Ascension for the most part. It seems very unnecessary and adds practically nothing to the mythos or the gameplay. There is multiplayer but I didn't even get to try it so this is a single player only review. While the gameplay is practically the same as past Gow games I would argue the combat system took a big step back. GoW3 was easily the most advanced form of the GoW combat system, this game does away with all those improvements and tries to create a magic system that simply doesn't work well. There is only one weapon in the whole game, your standard blades. These are imbued with elemental powers, now you think these powers will have different effects on different enemies, nope. They have minor differences in the attacks that come out when you do a combo, some are more wider in range, some more focused and stronger. The combat is tied to a rage meter that fills up as long as you are constantly attacking enemies and not getting hit. Until the rage meter is filled you dont get to do your best combos, yes your combos are locked away. So basically you are forced to spam basic combos in a hope to unlock the good combos which disappear quickly cause trying to keep that meter full is a huge pain. Also having the meter full allows you to do a big spell move but that instantly removes the bar, meaning you have to choose between combos are a super spell. The biggest issue is that this game doesn't give you a fair chance at defense. Parrying is a complete joke now that you have to press X while blocking and if you time it wrong you are left totally vulnerable for over a second. The risk versus reward is totally out of wack, you might as well never parry. Dodge works but it has too much of a cooldown window. In battles where there are multiple enemies trying to stay unhit is practically impossible, meaning you cant get your rage meter up meaning you can't access your best moves. The best strategy becomes spamming magic and hoping for QTE kills. I wont say the combat is totally broken cause in smaller battles it really does make you focus in a way past GoW games didn't. Square square triangle isn't as effective as it once was meaning you will have to make do with better skills. When you can manage the rage meter it does feel like a nice reward, but again on the most hectic battles you might as throw it out the window. I do think most battles fall into the manageable range allowing the combat system to shine a bit but it is easily the worst of the series since the first. GoW isn't all about action though, what makes these games so great is how epic the adventure you undertake, the locations you visit and the puzzles you solve. You still visit stunning locations though the pacing seems worse than past GoW games as there is too much down time between HOLY SHIT moments. The enemies are all reskinned versions of other enemies so don't expect anything new. There aren't many bosses but the ones it does have range from good to OMG THE MOST INCREDIBLE BATTLE IN GAME HISTORY. Seriously the final battle is legendary, left me totally lost as to why the game couldn't have more moments like that. Surprisingly the puzzles maybe the best part of Ascension. There are some new items that are pretty damn sweet, almost Zelda like. More than a few times I actually had to stop and think a bit, it really makes me wish this series would just go the Zelda route with its dungeons. It already has the puzzles and items, give us some freedom in exploration too. The game is at its best when you are going from battle to puzzle to battle to puzzle, such a great mix to keep your game skills and mind active throughout. The story is paper thin, Kratos has the least dialogue he has ever had. The graphics are amazing except in a few areas where some bad effects stand out. I must mention the sound cause it is atrocious, seriously what the hell happened. The sound balance is all off with music being too loud, sound effects being muffled. Worst are all the out of sync effects that occur and random sound drops as well. Many parts of this game don't feel as polished as past GoW games. There is little replay value to the single player, not even a trial of the gods mode. Multiplayer is meant to extend your play but again I have no interest in it. Am I disappointed in this game, sure and I have plenty of reason to be. It is the worst GoW console game. That said it is not a bad game at all. All my issues with the combat are valid but in the end it still has better combat than many games. Plus the formula of combat and puzzles is unmatched in the action genre, that still shines in this game. Though this franchise does need new ideas if it ever hopes to get back to the heights of its past games. |
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Posted by Dvader Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:10:58
Recently Spotted:
gamingeek (4m)
So PS4 God of War? Do you want more of the same with better graphics or a new approach?