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God of War III
PlayStation 3
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: Mature

All God of War III Content

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What kind of game is it?

God of War III is the final chapter (but not necessarily final game) of a mythological revenge story featuring Kratos, the son of Zeus, battling against his father and the gods of Mt. Olympus. It is also a 3D action game where things die. A lot.

Who's the developer?

Sony's Santa Monica studio is where God of War was born. The first two games were directed by David Jaffe and Cory Barlog, respectively, who have both since moved on to new opportunities -- though they've both had some sort of input or consultation on the story's finale. The third game is directed by Stig Asmussen.

What's the story?

We pick up right after the conclusion of God of War II, with Kratos fighting alongside (or on, rather) the Titan Gaia as she and the other Titans attempt to ascend Mt. Olympus and finish off the meddlesome gods for good. Kratos is still hell-bent on revenge against Zeus for the murder of his wife, and is hoping to tie up that little loose end.

What’s new?

Kratos retains the golden fleece and Icarus wings he inherited in God of War II, and adds a few new helpful items. One of these is the Cestus: a pair of lion-headed gauntlets that have short range but greater melee power. The other is the head of the god Helios, which emits powerful beams of light that reveal secrets and stun enemies.

The most significant "new" thing is that it runs on the PS3, and boy, did Santa Monica really take advantage of the leap of power. This is evident in the game's opening scenes, as Kratos actually fights on the surface of the climbing Titans as if they themselves were the actual levels. The sense of scale is truly impressive.

What'd we say?

G4's Editor-in-Chief Adam Sessler passed judgement on God of War III, and awarded it with a 5/5 score:

"The delicious fun in the game’s design gives it a thrust that has little equal out there.  While it’s sizeable -- and demands to be played more than once -- time flew by as I found myself trapped in one of the most satisfying feedback loops of visceral pleasure that videogames have to offer. GOW III is an achievement on all levels. It immediately becomes the standard-bearer for the genre and a monumental conclusion to the series."

See it in action: