20 PS2 Games That Still Hold Up

Based on the way God of War has drastically reinvented itself over the years, you'd think the original would seem primitive looking back.

On the contrary, it’s understandable why the OG God of War is still deemed a landmark. Players were immediately invested in the Ancient Greek world, since every confrontation and battle was staged with intensity, spectacle, and cinematic flair.

At a time when action games stuck to repetitive formulas, the mythical hack-and-slasher distinguished itself with imaginative mechanics, like the chain-blade combat system that offered fluidity, style, and accessibility. The seamless integration of gameplay and narrative moments kept the pacing tight and the immersion unbroken, while quick-time events added an interactive layer to boss battles.

Despite a heavy focus on glorified violence, God of War never neglects to emphasise the ensemble’s personal conflicts. This decision created an enriching experience since players were urged to complete tasks and vanquish colossal monsters, not just so Kratos could exact his revenge, but to redeem himself for his sins.

Sure, it lacks the complexity of the reboot, but 2005’s God of War is still worth a revisit, especially if you're curious to see how the renowned franchise started.