Should I play God of War 1 or 2 first?

Should I Play God of War 1 or 2 First? A Comprehensive Guide

The eternal debate among gamers: is it better to start the God of War series with the original games or bypass them and dive straight into the 2018 PlayStation exclusive? As a wise gamer, you’re contemplating the best approach to acquaint yourself with Kratos’s legendary saga. Fear not, for this article delves into the intricacies of the God of War series, providing you with a comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect starting point.

Direct Answer: The Verdict

I recommend playing God of War 1 and 2 in order. By doing so, you’ll experience the full narrative unfolding, with each game build upon the previous one to create a rich and intense story. The key takeaway is that God of War 2 is directly connected to God of War 1, with seamless storytelling and a continuation of Kratos’s journey. Ignoring the original series may result in a partial understanding of the game, as God of War (2018) builds heavily upon the events of Ghost of Sparta and Kingdom of the Gods.

Understanding the God of War Series Timeline

Before starting your journey, it’s essential to grasp the rough outline of the God of War series timeline:

• God of War: The original game (PS2, 2005)
• God of War: Chains of Olympus: The first spin-off (PS2, PSP, 2008) and prequel to GoW 1
• God of War 2: The direct continuation of GoW 1 (PS2, PSP, 2007)
• God of War: Ghost of Sparta: The second spin-off (PSP, 2010) serving as a prequel between GoW 1 and 2
• God of War 3: The final chapter before the 2018 Soft Reboot (PS3, 2010)

The Importance of Kratos’s Character Development

Kratos’s back story is crucial to fully appreciating his character. God of War (2018) assumes significant knowledge of Kratos’s past, including his redemption arc, which is fully explored in God of War 1 and 2. Missing these installments will leave you somewhat disconnected from Kratos’s emotional journey.

Key events in God of War 1 and 2 shape Kratos’s experiences, leading to his decision to raise his son at the beginning of the soft reboot. Understanding his emotions, motivations, and tragic past will enrich your entire God of War experience. You’ll gain emotional investment in Kratos’s struggles and appreciate the father-son dynamic more profoundly.

God of War Game Mechanics and Improvement

While God of War (2018) is a vastly more refined game than its predecessors, the combat mechanics have gradually evolved over the series’ history. Fighting mechanics and boss battles enhance with each installment, meaning you’ll be more knowledgeable about Kratos’s legendary combat skills and tactics through the original games.

Additional improvements, such as storytelling, character development, and visuals, have been notable throughout the series. For instance, God of War 2’s combat underwent significant changes, introducing chain-based attacks and improved physics.

In Conclusion, Should I Play God of War 1 or 2 First?

Pursuing the original two games in order will furnish you with a more wholesome experience. You’ll fully comprehend Kratos’s trajectory, witness his character transformation, and appreciate the meticulous attention to detail in its narrative and gameplay mechanics. Bypassing or skipping the original games at your own peril, knowing that God of War’s essence lies in its chronology.

By playing God of War 1 and 2 first, you’ll:

• Appreciate the series’s chronology and narrative pacing
• Develop a better understanding of Kratos’ character
• Witness substantial improvements in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and visuals between the original games and GoW (2018)