Before I begin my diary, I want to give a warm welcome to all the GUSsacks who have recently joined. I am happy to see that our support community is growing by leaps and bounds. I hope that every new GUS member that has joined will find the support and most importantly friendship that he or she needs in quitting this addictive habit. Welcome new GUS members. Thank you for taking the time to read this humble diary that yours truly has posted. As for the rest of the GUSsacks, thank you for your continued support, friendship, and laughs since joining this community. I hope that all of you also enjoy this diary. I want to give a special shout out to Gooderservice, who has been feeling down lately. I hope you feel better sweetie. This diary is dedicated to all of you. One last note, Happy 9 months to GUS!
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As most of you know by now, I am a big fan of video games. If any GUSsack has not read my diary from last week, please find it here. In this diary, I chronicled the origin of the Final Fantasy series, explained what an RPG is, gave technical information on certain Final Fantasy games, and told the story of Final Fantasy X. Well, today I delve into the world of video games once again in order to discuss another Playstation 3 release. This new video game is not an RPG, but an action game that promises to give the player a rush of adrenaline. Today, March 16, 2010, sees the release of Sony's Playstation 3 exclusive of "God of War III". Here is a trailer for this game:
The God of War series differs in various aspects to the Final Fantasy series. The most obvious of the differences is in the genres of both games. Final Fantasy games are role playing games meaning you assume the role of the main character. God of War is an action game meaning that where ever the main character goes there will be enemies to fight, puzzles to solve, and bosses to defeat in your quest. Battles do not take place in a fixed setting rather you fight in an open environment. You do not have the ability to cast magic in order to restore health. The magic you use in God of War is to attack enemies and bosses. In all, the God of War games are about fast paced playing, intricate puzzle solving, and bloodthirsty killing. Here is sample of what game-play is like in God of War. This particular trailer is for the today's release of God of War 3.
There is one contribution that God of war is known for having introduced into the video game world. That contribution is the button mash mini game with sub-bosses and bosses. What is a button mash mini game? It simply means that when a sub-boss and boss takes enough damage a button prompt will appear above the enemy. You then approach the enemy and start the mini game. The goal is to press the appropriate controller button or right joystick that appears on your screen. The Playsation controller has the following buttons on the right; square, triangle, circle, and X. Images of the PS3 controller are here and here. If you fail to complete the sequence, then you have to start all over again. Each time you fail, you lose a little health as the enemy will throw you to the ground. If you are successful in completing the button mash mini-game, then your enemy will fall. The fallen enemy will also give the player red orbs, green mana orbs, or blue mana orbs. I will explain each of these in detail a bit later on. However, here is an example of the button mash video game. The mini game happens right at the end of the video. This particular battle is from God of War II and you battle Perseus.
In God of War, you do not fight with a group of party members as in Final Fantasy. Rather you play alone as the main character named "Kratos." Kratos is the main and only playable character in God of War. Image of Kratos is here. He does not have to level up by moving to the next numerical level nor does he have to power up in order to obtain magic. There are no sphere grids or license boards that are needed to build Kratos. All of this is done differently and in a much simpler way. In order to level up, Kratos must find Gorgon eyes to extend his health bar. After you find six Gorgon Eyes, Kratos' health meter extends further giving you more health meter. Kratos takes on enemy damage when he fights and that is an inevitable part of combat., Each time Kratos gets hit his health bar empties a little. When the health bar is completely empty, Kratos dies. In order to fill up your health bar, it is important to find green orb mana chests. When you open these chests, Kratos' health bar will fill up with life.
In order to power up, you are bestowed magical abilities by allies in the game after you have defeated a certain boss or sub-boss. As with the health bar, you have to extend the magic bar by finding phoenix feathers. Therefore, it is very important that you explore each area of the game for hidden chests that contain these Phoenix feathers. The use of magic is quite different in God of war. The main use of magic is to attack your enemy or enemies at strategic times. There are no magic points to worry about. Instead, Kratos has a blue magic bar that empties when he uses magic. The way to fill up the magic bar is to find and open blue magic mana chests throughout the game.
What are the weapons of Kratos in the God of War series? His signature and most important weapon is that of the chained blades. In the original God of War, Kratos used the Blades of Chaos, which were seared onto his arms. In God of War II, Kratos uses the Blades of Athena, which were given to him by the goddess Athena at the end of of God of War. These blades can be leveled up all the way to level five by using red orbs. Red orbs are giving by all enemies that you kill and can be found in chests throughout the game. Each time you level the blades, they become stronger and Kratos learns new fight moves that will aid him in battle. Here are some pictures of both the Blades of Chaos and the Blades of Athena. Having leveled up blades basically means that Kratos has combo fighting moves. These combo fighting moves are powerful and are activated by pressing certain buttons on the Playstation controller. Even though these combo attacks are powerful and repeating, they leave Kratos open to enemy attacks. Here is a list of combo attacks from God of War II:
L1 + circle (Rampage of the Furies)
L1 + square (Cyclone of Chaos)
Triangle + triangle + triangle (Spirit of Hercules)
Triangle + triangle + square (Valor of Hercules)
L1 + triangle (Tartarus Rage)
Again, you can use this combo attacks during the game, however, make sure you when to use them. These attacks leave Kratos vulnerable to enemies attacks as he can't defend against numerous enemies. It is recommended that you attack enemies with a powerful attack that is not a combination.
The attack is:
square + square + triangle (Plume of Prometheus)
This attack is you bread and butter and will deliver massive damage to the enemy.
There are other weapons that Kratos acquires throughout the games God of War and God of War II. These weapons are bigger and heavier and thus slower to attack. You can also level up this weapons by using red orbs. When leveled up, these weapons provide Kratos with unique combo attacks. In the original God of war, Kratos is given the Blade of Artemis at the Temple of Pandora. In God of war II, Kratos acquires the Barbarian Hammer after defeating the Barbarian King. Later in God of War II, Kratos comes upon the Spear of Destiny. The are powerful weapons, but very slow to attack. The good news is that for all the combat you will mostly use your chained blades. They are fast and strong when leveled up.
There is an item that Kratos acquires in God of War II that is not a weapon. Rather it is a type of shield that helps deflect enemy attacks. This item is the Golden Fleece of Jason and the Argonauts. Kratos fights Cerberus at one point in the game and ends up besting the beast. Not only does Kratos avenge Jason's death, but he retrieves an item that will help them in his quest. To me, the Golden Fleece is the best of all accessories for Kratos. You can deflect an attack or projectile by pressing the L1 button right at the moment of impact. If timed right, Kratos will then throw the projectile back at the enemy who shot it. It takes practice to get the timing, but once you do it is the best defense you can have. The Golden Fleece will make an appearance in God of War III. Here is an image of the Golden Fleece on Kratos' right arm.
The God of War games take place in ancient Greece. Therefore, the use of Greek mythology is present from the magics used to the mythical enemies like minotaurs, centaurs, and harpies that Kratos fights. The gods of Olympus make appearances in God of War and God of War II. The Titans also make cameos in the second game as they are part of the main story. In God of War II, the Sisters of Fate form the main part of the story as Kratos wants to change his fate. The most important thing to remember is that Kratos is a fictional character created for these games. This fictional character is then inserted into the mythology of ancient Greece. I guess you can call this "fictional mythology."
As with my last diary, the music of God of War is epic and just magnificent. I do not know too much about the soundtrack composers. All I know is that there are a few soundtrack composers for both games: Mike Reagan, Ron Fish, Gerard Marino, and Cris Velasco. The soundtrack of God of War boasts the use of a full symphony orchestra and full-fledged choir in order to add to the epic depth that is God of War. I have said this before and i say it now, video games are today's form of classical music and God of War is proof. Here are is a sample of my favorite tracks:
Without a doubt, this is my favorite track and it plays in God of War II during the Perseus and Zeus battles. I think flumptytail has listened to it already and says it is very dramatic. Please take a listen.
This track is the opening song to the beginning of God of War II.
In this track we here the choir sing the word, "mira," which is Greek for fate. This is very fitting in that Kratos travels to an island to meet the Sisters of Fate in order to change his own fate.
This awesome music adorns the Rings of Pandora from God of War.
This music plays when you find Pandora's Box in the original God of War.
This music plays when you reach the Poseidon Challenge in the Temple of Pandora in the original God of War.
Both God of War games have excellent soundtracks and really add to the effect of playing. Besides game-play, storyline, and graphics, I think the music is the best part of the game. I will say that in my humble opinion God of War II has the better of the two soundtracks. I can only image what God of War III sounds like. I can't wait!
Who is Kratos? Well, I have said before that Kratos is the main protagonist of the story in both God of Wars. He is not necessarily the hero, but an anti-hero. He was a Captain in the Spartan army who thirsts for conquest and combat. He is a man who uses others in order to further his goals. In God of War and God of War II, he has became a bitter and hateful person driven by revenge. He dresses with a loin cloth, sandals, arm and shin guards, and of course his chained-blades on his back. In the games, he is known for being a strong man and for having a distinct way of combat. However, Kratos is also known for being voiced by the great actor T.C. Carson. His voice acting can be describe as over-the-top and flamboyant. Some may not like it, but I love it as it adds to the sheer epic quality of God of War. Here is a video of T.C. Carson.
Well, the next part will have many spoilers as I will try to briefly detail both God of War and God of War II. So, if you have not played and want to play God of War then stop reading. If you don't care and I have capture your attention thus far, then keep reading. Here we go:
God of War
The game begins as Kratos looks down a bluff to the Aegean Sea. He says, "The gods of Olympus have abandon me." He throws himself from the suicide bluff to his death. The game then shifts to explain how things were two weeks before. Kratos had been asked by the god Poseidon to kill the Hydra that has been terrorizing the seas. He kills the Hydra and is then told by the goddess Athena that he has one more task ahead of him in Athens. In doing all of these tasks, Kratos hopes to forget the horrible events of his past. So, he proceeds to Athens to find the oracle.
When he arrives in Athens, Kratos sees that the city is under attack by the god of war Ares. He looks on and he has a flashback and remembers what he used to be to Ares. Kratos had once done the bidding of Ares and became his servant. When Kratos was about to lose a war he called on Ares to help him in exchange for his soul. It was here that Kratos was given the Blades of Chaos and were seared onto his flesh. Kratos then went on conquest after conquest in the name of Ares and for the glory Sparta. However, this servitude was to end badly as the God of War tricked Kratos. During a conquest of a village, the oracle of that village told Kratos not to enter the temple for he would be cursed. Being the stubborn man that he was, Kratos went in and killed those who were in the temple. When the killing was done, Kratos realized too late that those killed were his beloved wife and daughter. He was cursed by the village oracle to wear the ashes of his loved ones on his skin. This turned Kratos to a pale white earning him the title of "Ghost of Sparta."
Kratos comes back from his flashback and makes his way to the oracle. He ends up rescuing the oracle and she tells Kratos to find Pandora's Box in the Temple of Pandora. He crossed the desert of lost souls and arrives at the temple, which is chained to the Titan Cronos. He climbs the temple for three days until he reaches the opening. He goes into the Rings of Pandora and completes the Challenges of Poseidon and Hades. He proceeds up the temple the puzzles become more difficult and deadly. Kratos finally reaches the box and claims it. However, Ares senses this and proceeds to kill Kratos and steals the box. Kratos descends into Hades, but fights his way out. He manages to escape from the clutches of Hades and proceeds to the oracle's temple again. There he takes back Pandora's Box and uses it. He receives the power to help him fight Ares. He fights Ares for a while and ends up killing the Olympian god.
After this last task is done, Kratos asks if the gods can erase his memories. Athena replies that he is forgiven for his past sins. Distraught, Kratos no longer has the will to live. He climbs the suicide bluffs, says, "The gods of Olympus have abandon me," and lunges himself to the bottom. However, before he hits the water, Athena rescues Kratos and says he cannot kill himself. Athena has decided to make Kratos the new God of war and gives him the Blades of Athena. Thus ends God of War.
God of War II
God of War II opens with Kratos being unhappy with the gods of Olympus. Even though he is a god, the others don't accept him. He grows bitter at them and finds solace in the warriors of Sparta who are conquering many cities in Greece. Kratos looks down and see that Rhodes is the next to fall and decides to help with the conquest. He is warned by Athena not to defy the King of Olympus, Zeus. He just ignores her and goes to Rhodes.
Once at Rhodes, Kratos begins to attack but is partially stripped of his godly power by an eagle, who Kratos thinks is Athena. He fights through the city and battles the colossus of Rhodes. At one point, Zeus offers Kratos the Blade of Olympus to defeat the colossus. He drains all of his godly powers into the blade and defeats the colossus. However, as Kratos gloats at the gods, the colossus lands on him and mortally injures him. Since he is no longer a god, he needs the blade to recover his strength. He approaches the blade, but Zeus takes it away. Zeus betrayed Kratos in order to stop his destruction and save Olympus. Zeus kills Kratos and his soul is claimed by Hades.
As Kratos descends into the underworld, he is rescued by the Titan Gaia and healed of his wound. The Titan says to go to the Island of Time and find the Sisters of Fate to change his fate. He rides on Pegasus to the island, but first finds the cavern of the Titan Typhon in order to acquire his magic. Kratos arrives at the Island of Time and proceeds to the Steeds of Time. He reaches the steeds and fights Theseus and gets the keys to the steeds. Kratos whips the steeds and brings the Island of Time close to the Temple of Lahkesis and proceeds with his quest.
Kratos continues to solves the puzzles of the island and battles certain enemies. Kratos battles Perseus, who wants to see the sisters in order to bring back his beloved Andromeda. He finally makes it to the great chasm and runs into Icarus. He also wants to change his fate and will use his wings to reach the Palace of the Fates. They both battle and Kratos ends up taking Icarus' wings. However, he has fallen deep into the earth that Kratos must make his way to the top. When he reaches the top most part, the Titan Atlas wants to kill Kratos for chaining him, but ends helping him. At last Kratos reaches the Palace and solves the puzzles to wake the Phoenix. When the Phoenix is awakened, Kratos rides it to the Temple of the Fates. Kratos' first fight is with Lahkesis and then with Atropos. After a prolonged battle, Kratos kills both sisters and goes into the inner sanctum of the temple. He fights many enemies along the Loom Chamber and reaches Clotho which he ends up killing by impaling her on a huge pendulum blade.
Kratos looks for his thread and rewinds it to the moment Zeus betrayed him. He goes through the mirror and reaches the moment Zeus is about to drive the Blade of Olympus into him. Kratos stops this and Zeus is taken aback by what he sees. However, Zeus is angry and is determined to end Kratos' life. Kratos and Zeus battle on top of Mount Olympus until Kratos gives in. As Zeus prepares to deliver the final blow, Kratos dodges the blow and impales Zeus. Kratos is about to deliver his final blow when Athena intervenes giving Zeus time to escape. He goes after Zeus and accidentally kills Athena. Angry at himself, he remembers that he can use the Loom Chamber and mirror to find his thread again. He goes back and rewinds the thread all the way to the Great War between the Titans and the Gods. He goes into the mirror and arrives at that time and tells Gaia and the rest of the Titans to come back with him and fight the war in his time. Zeus and the Olympians prepare for war when their temple starts to shake. They run outside and look down the mountain side. They see the Titans climbing Mount Olympus and Kratos is holding onto the Titan Gaia. Kratos shouts, "Zeus! Your son has returned! I bring the destruction of Olympus!" The games ends with a ominous and prophetic phrase: "The end begins." What a cliffhanger!
God of War III
I do not know what happens. I will find out when I purchase the game and play it. I know that Kratos will bring the destruction of Olympus as prophesied in God of War II. One thing is for sure, I may end up with carpal tunnel syndrome by the end of the game. Or I may neglect my GUSsacks. ;-P
Well, I hope you liked this diary. It is not as extensive as the Final Fantasy diary from last week. However, that is to be expected in that the God of War franchise is a relatively new one. The first game came out in 2005 while the second one came out in 2007. As always, feedback is welcomed in the form of comments, constructive criticism, and questions. I hope to hear from all of you.