Recently there have been quite a few hack and slash games released all pretenders to the throne of top game of its type but they had better all take a bow now because the “real” king of the genre is back and believe me God of War III is well worth the hype and the wait. A lot of people have previously regarded the start to God of war II as one of the most spectacular openings to a video game but it has nothing compared to this one as you spectacularly battle against Poseidon and his minions whilst on the back of one of the giant titans and the action does not let up as you continue your way through the game. Without parallel this game is impressive in terms of graphics and scale with carnage everywhere and attention to detail second to none throughout. As the game progresses you will be equally impressed by the underworld and all the other locations that Kratos’ quest for vengeance and his sense of justice takes him. For the eight or nine hours that the game will take you to complete you will be glued to the screen watching all the action and detail that is on screen at any time. The action never really lets up as you are expertly moved from one set piece to the next, hacking and slashing your way through countless minions only really pausing to solve one of the many (If fewer that GOW2) puzzles that the game sets you. Combat wise at first you will think has not changed since the last game. Hack and slash the enemy until the various button presses appear for you to finish them off. However there are subtle differences such as the speed of the heavy attacks that you can deliver and the long range grab that has been added which is a splendid addition. There is also battering ram ability, which to be honest, is good, but not really essential (I got through the game with only using it once to be honest) and some new magic attacks for you to learn. Of course you collect orbs etc as you make your way round and these can be used to amplify and improve both your combat and your magical abilities. One of the most impressive attributes to the new game is the way it also pays homage to what has gone before. Several characters reappear and whilst it is not necessary that you have played the other two games (available now on the PS3 in a fabulous collection if you can find it) it does help. Several plot points left open in the first two games are all completed here and altogether it feels like the climax to the story that it is meant to be. (I won’t say is because I wouldn’t totally rule out a return to this world in the future) Graphically there is no better game on any machine either now or ever. There is a slight amount of slowdown present but strangely not where you would expect it but on the whole the experience simply takes your breath away. Sound wise the vocal acting is fantastic and the orchestral score and effects are all perfection. Overall this truly is a fabulous game and one that you will probably play through more than once just to experience it again and also experience it at a harder skill level. It is a game that has been created with care by the developers and repays in abundance. It is full of visual wonders and although Kratos is not the most loveable of characters around he is one that you fully find yourself involved and engrossed with. The best exclusive of the year so far and a game that everyone should rush out to buy a PS3 just so they can play. A total triumph that is completely unforgettable. | 
PS3 
