20 Best PS4 Exclusives - Ranked

God of War is the example of how to update a classic AAA franchise in a way that's reverent to what came before but also takes it in a bold new direction.

Shifting the original series' linear hack 'n slash gameplay to a more open-world style complete with RPG mechanics, God of War is exactly what all those generic collect-a-thon action-adventure games wish they were.

It isn't just the gloriously brutal combat which is now deeper, though: protagonist Kratos feels like far more of an actual person than a mere stylish ass-kicking avatar, and the "single take" visual style is staggering in its immersive powers.

With the game having released over two years ago, hopefully we'll end up with the inevitable sequel relatively early in the PS5's life cycle.