10 Risky Sequels That Saved Dying Video Game Franchises

3. God Of War

God Of War Valkyrie
Sony

Despite being one of Sony's premier franchises during the PS2 and PS3 era, God of War - just like Killzone - looked ripe for the chopping block when the PS4 came around. While still selling well, other franchises had put them to shame, making them feeling a little shallow in an era where narrative was king.

Consequently, after middling spin-off Ascension released in 2013, the franchise was thought to be complete. Kratos' story had been told, and the developers couldn't possibly top the spectacle established so far. Plus, there was the feeling that gaming as a whole had moved past the character's one-dimensionality.

But, after taking some time off, Sony and Santa Monica decided on an approach that seemed destined to fail: transform God of War into a story-driven, character-centric experience. Swapping out the setting, the combat mechanics and most of the cast, the new reboot/sequel humanised Kratos and transformed him into a sympathetic character.

Many thought there'd be no way the devs would be able to tell a properly affecting story in this world, but they ended up eating their words when God of War became one of the best-reviewed games of the generation.

Advertisement
Contributor

Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.