A worthy sequel to the first game, God of War II was a PS2 exclusive that interestingly came out several months after the PS3 was already out. I think it might be the last really good exclusive title to the best-selling console of all time.
God of War II wastes no time at all getting going, throwing Kratos into a cinematic battle against the Colossus of Rhodes that serves as a lengthy and genuinely thrilling cold open. Like the first game, this sequel never lets up on the momentum, a constant sturdy blend of combat encounters and intuitive environmental puzzle-solving that gives the game a great flow and pace. I could see some players not enjoying the puzzles, but I think they're important for shaking up the gameplay since players would get battle fatigue if it was all just hacking and slashing. I will say that I wish the puzzles seemed a little more natural in the environment sometimes and not so gamey- with levers, blocks, and buttons feeling like they exist just for the sake of the puzzle rather than organically in the environment. Meanwhile, the platforming has been made less frustrating. Any part that requires some accuracy has a checkpoint nearby this time around so you won't get too frustrated with the traversal.
Not a lot has changed from the first game's sturdy combat foundation, though there are definitely some subtle improvements. For one, enemies aren't the frustrating damage sponges like in the first game. There was definitely some tedium in waiting forever for some of the enemies to go down, but that's definitely cut down some here. God of War II is a little less challenging as a result, but it makes for a more fun and less tedious experience.
Since the game is a bit less punishing this time out, I found myself experimenting with the different combos and magic abilities more and getting a pretty solid handle on the combat system. The game doesn't give you enough experience to level up too many of your abilities in one play-through, but the new combos I did unlock for my primary weapon were fun to try out. I also really liked the new timed counter move, which takes some getting used to but proves really powerful once you get to using it regularly and effectively.
This game also just moves along a little better overall, even though it follows the same progression system as the first game (and has that lame "stripped of your powers" trope that a lot of game sequels use). There are still a few frustrating moments- I'm probably not going to forget the damn skeleton elevator sequence late in the game anytime soon- but they are much fewer this time out. I always felt like I was visiting an exciting new vista, or facing off against a new powerful foe.
The story is still very basic and extremely cheesy, and honestly is even more shallow than the first game which at least tried a little with its tragic backstory for Kratos. It gets the job done but is definitely one area where the franchise could've been greater at this juncture, especially because its presentation is so cinematic. Despite that simplicity, it's still fun to take on another rage-fueled, blood-soaked journey for revenge with Kratos. The adventure builds to a cliffhanger that no doubt had fans chomping at the bit for the third and "final" chapter.
God of War II wastes no time at all getting going, throwing Kratos into a cinematic battle against the Colossus of Rhodes that serves as a lengthy and genuinely thrilling cold open. Like the first game, this sequel never lets up on the momentum, a constant sturdy blend of combat encounters and intuitive environmental puzzle-solving that gives the game a great flow and pace. I could see some players not enjoying the puzzles, but I think they're important for shaking up the gameplay since players would get battle fatigue if it was all just hacking and slashing. I will say that I wish the puzzles seemed a little more natural in the environment sometimes and not so gamey- with levers, blocks, and buttons feeling like they exist just for the sake of the puzzle rather than organically in the environment. Meanwhile, the platforming has been made less frustrating. Any part that requires some accuracy has a checkpoint nearby this time around so you won't get too frustrated with the traversal.
Not a lot has changed from the first game's sturdy combat foundation, though there are definitely some subtle improvements. For one, enemies aren't the frustrating damage sponges like in the first game. There was definitely some tedium in waiting forever for some of the enemies to go down, but that's definitely cut down some here. God of War II is a little less challenging as a result, but it makes for a more fun and less tedious experience.
Since the game is a bit less punishing this time out, I found myself experimenting with the different combos and magic abilities more and getting a pretty solid handle on the combat system. The game doesn't give you enough experience to level up too many of your abilities in one play-through, but the new combos I did unlock for my primary weapon were fun to try out. I also really liked the new timed counter move, which takes some getting used to but proves really powerful once you get to using it regularly and effectively.
This game also just moves along a little better overall, even though it follows the same progression system as the first game (and has that lame "stripped of your powers" trope that a lot of game sequels use). There are still a few frustrating moments- I'm probably not going to forget the damn skeleton elevator sequence late in the game anytime soon- but they are much fewer this time out. I always felt like I was visiting an exciting new vista, or facing off against a new powerful foe.
The story is still very basic and extremely cheesy, and honestly is even more shallow than the first game which at least tried a little with its tragic backstory for Kratos. It gets the job done but is definitely one area where the franchise could've been greater at this juncture, especially because its presentation is so cinematic. Despite that simplicity, it's still fun to take on another rage-fueled, blood-soaked journey for revenge with Kratos. The adventure builds to a cliffhanger that no doubt had fans chomping at the bit for the third and "final" chapter.