4. New Abilities
Though Ascension scales back a lot of Kratos' abilities and outfittings - such that he isn't more over-powered than in the "later" games - his trusty Blades of Chaos can now become bestowed with the powers of the Gods. Kratos can now deliver fire, ice, lightning and even
soul damage; though I didn't find myself switching between them very often - fire seems to be the most potent - it does provide some nice variety for players who want to experiment. There's a sure satisfaction to delivering a blistering combo to enemies that simultaneously brutalises them and douses them in fire; this has to be one of the better additions to the franchise at this point, and one I hope they include in future titles. Also added to the game are a number of intermittent weapons you can pick up through the environment, such as spears and hammers, which add a spontaneity to play though are ultimately pretty throwaway (and you can literally throw them at enemies!).