The PlayStation 2 is recognized as a pivotal game console, being the birthplace of the current triple-A gaming landscape. Renowned third-party titles such as “Resident Evil” and “Monster Hunter” found their footing during this era, and the console’s first-party lineup established its creators as leading names in the industry.
An example of such first-party success is the original “God of War,” which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Developed by Sony Santa Monica, this hack-and-slash game impressed players with an engaging demo that immediately immersed them in action-packed gameplay. The experience involved wielding blades and combating mythological creatures in increasingly dramatic scenarios. At that time, “Devil May Cry” was the PS2’s standout action game, but “God of War” appealed to a slightly different audience, though both offered a similarly stylish experience.
The appeal of “God of War” led to the birth of a franchise. Sony Santa Monica continued to develop mainline entries such as “God of War III,” which marked its 15th anniversary in March, along with the more recent Norse saga. Meanwhile, the now-defunct Ready at Dawn developed spin-offs like “Chains of Olympus” and “Ghost of Sparta,” which explored Kratos’ life before and between the initial games. Despite consistently high quality, there came a point when the franchise seemed to be stretched thin, a notion that was perhaps reinforced by the failure of a movie adaptation effort. By the release of “Ascension” in 2013, it appeared that Kratos’ character had been exhausted, despite “III’s” ending suggesting further adventures.
However, Kratos did make a return in 2018 with a soft reboot of “God of War” that introduced his son, a new weapon, and a different mythological setting. This installment also provided Kratos with opportunities to reflect on his past and the violent exploits of his Greek era. The transformation was initially difficult to accept, given Kratos’ notorious past actions, yet it resonated with both fans and newcomers. Much of this success was due to the compelling performances of Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic.
Over its 20-year legacy, the “God of War” series has been synonymous with grand spectacle. Kratos is portrayed as an unstoppable force, whose presence leads to significant destruction. While PlayStation’s first-party games often emphasize cinematic quality, this series particularly excels in delivering that experience. From battles against titans and dragons to intense one-on-one fights against deities, these games are a series of thrilling events. Although other action games, such as “Bayonetta,” “Darksiders,” and “Dante’s Inferno,” have sought to match its scale and combat, Sony Santa Monica has a unique formula that ensures its longevity across console generations.
A television adaptation of “God of War” is currently in progress, showcasing the lasting appeal of Kratos’ mythological battles. There is speculation that the franchise may eventually explore additional mythologies, similar to “Assassin’s Creed” or “Call of Duty,” though likely with less frequency due to the extensive effort involved in developing the Norse installments. Alternatively, Sony Santa Monica might apply its expertise to new ventures, much like other successful studios such as Naughty Dog or Insomniac. A former developer hinted at such possibilities in a 2024 LinkedIn post, suggesting that the studio may pause Kratos’ story for a few years. When the time comes for his return, it aims to make an impact as significant as the franchise reboot did upon its first announcement.
