Jul 2015
If you thought your dad had anger issues, wait until you meet Kratos! God of War III, remastered for those shiny new PS4's, takes you on a wild and blood-soaked ride filled with epic battles, gods who deserve a good smack, and puzzles that might make you scratch your head more than once. Armed with a thirst for vengeance and the Blades of Exile, Kratos is back to serve a generous helping of mythological mayhem. Spoiler alert: it's totally awesome!
The gameplay of God of War III Remastered is deliciously reminiscent of its PS3 predecessor. You have Kratos at your control (don't worry, he won't judge your living situation) as he slashes, jumps, and puzzles his way through hordes of Greek mythology's finest monsters. The combat system seems deceptively simple - until you try to take on that Cyclops and realize you might actually need to learn some combos. Enter the Blades of Exile, which are basically like if someone took your granny's meat cleaver and upgraded it with godly powers. You'll string together combo moves so seamlessly; you'll feel like a dance instructor at a demigod's debutante ball. In addition to the brutal hack-and-slash action, the remaster introduces quick-time events that inspire a fresh combination of joy and sheer panic. Let's just say when the icon prompts pop up, you better be on your game unless you want Kratos to end up clawing at a wall instead of a boss's face. What's the boss battle like? Imagine a night out at an all-you-can-eat buffet but with the stakes of survival, and you're on the menu. The puzzles! Oh, don't get me started. You'll enjoy obstacles that feel like something straight out of an escape room, with mechanics that involve not only brute strength but some unexpected brainpower. Clearing sections of the game will have you leaping around like a headless chicken, trying to figure out these contraptions. It's a great balance between mind and rage - you know, the duality we all have inside us!
Visually, God of War III Remastered looks like it's been hitting the gym. Sporting full 1080p resolution and a silky 60 fps, this game is buttery smooth. There are times when Kratos looks so good, you might mistake him for a Greek god rather than a furious demigod with a chip on his shoulder the size of Mount Olympus. The character models, backgrounds, and animations are updated to look remarkably crisp, putting lesser games into a premature retirement. The environments are vast and detail-rich - even the staircases look like they've had a spa day, bathed in stunning lighting effects. If you wanted to take some selfies, there's even a photo mode to capture Kratos in all his fury (but maybe leave out that gory scene of him ripping out a gorgon's eyes!).
If you're looking to dive into a world of mythological carnage with a side dish of Greek tragedy, then God of War III Remastered is your one-stop-shop. It's a nostalgic pump-up remix for fans and a perfect entry point for the uninitiated newcomers. Kratos will sweep you off your feet and throw you into some serious action. It's the romantic adventure you never knew you needed-with a ton of blood and a sprinkle of puzzles. Seize this chance to revisit an all-time classic while reminding yourself that every father has a bit of Kratos in them. Score: 9.5 out of 10, for having the chops to deliver both punchy action and jaw-dropping visuals. Just remember, when life throws a boss your way, remember the blades are always mightier than the pen!
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