God of War II (PS2)

One of the best action games in recent memory.
1/29/2008 12:00 AM | 0 Comments | Page 2 of 2

Regarding presentation, God of War II looks, sounds and feels like a PlayStation 3 game, save only that it is not in HD (480p widescreen is supported, however). The lighting is gorgeous. You'll see dust particles move in sunlight like amoebas and Kratos' varied shadow move across thick, colorful marble floors. The audio narrative is equally exceptional, with the moody narration by Linda Hunt making a return, and the soundtrack -- with the exception of flying levels, which sound generic -- would make Hans Zimmer from "The Gladiator" proud, as it is both fitting and forceful.

In terms of atmosphere, a smart camera and cinematic cut scenes are handled with great dexterity, as if a seasoned movie professional directed them. While you can't control the camera, I never felt at a disadvantage in solving a puzzle or meeting an objective by having it controlled for me. Often times, I found myself doubling back just to see how skillfully the camera handled my surroundings. The effect strikingly adds to the gameplay with an unmatched level of sophistication.

As with any game, there are some flaws. Players will regularly notice screen tearing as the seven-year-old PlayStation 2 does its best to manage large-scale levels without loading screens. It's hardly a deal-breaker, but it's there. Also, I grew slightly annoyed with having to hold R1 for three to five seconds just to open power-up crates, and the path to success is glaringly linear (open-world enthusiasts: proceed with caution).

God of War II will take 12 to 15 hours to complete. If that doesn't sate your gamer appetite, Sony was kind enough to include additional features to enhance replayability, like a combo system, four difficulty levels and unlockable challenge modes. A bonus disc of behind-the-scenes video, photos and music is also included.

Despite a lack of innovation, God of War II is so beautifully executed and well-produced that it feels new again, all while retaining the familiar enjoyment of classic hack and slash. The entire package takes some of the best that videogames have to offer (namely action, platforming, puzzles, boss fights and a rare interactive story), and rolls them into one, superlative experience. It's one of the greatest games of a generation, and easily one of the most memorable action titles in recent memory. Just reviewing it makes me want to play again.

This review was based on a retail copy of the game purchased by Crispy Gamer.