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Should you play the original trilogy before 2019's god of war?

Should You Play the Original Trilogy Before Jumping into 2019's God of War? | Opinions Split

By

Emma Turner

May 30, 2025, 01:38 AM

Edited By

Alex

2 minutes of duration

Cover art featuring Kratos, the main character, in a battle stance from the God of War trilogy, with dramatic lighting highlighting his armor and weapons.
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Recently, discussions have ignited among players on whether to experience God of War's original trilogy before the acclaimed 2018 installment. With some insisting it enhances the experience, others argue itโ€™s not essential. The ongoing debate highlights both nostalgia and narrative importance.

Context Behind the Debate

New players often find themselves lost in the narrative threads. One player noted, "Just started the 2019 game and got to the stranger fight I felt I was missing a lot." This highlights a common sentiment: without knowledge of Kratos' history, pivotal story elements can feel confusing. Kratos's past significantly shapes the 2018 storyline, raising questions about whether new players should invest time in earlier titles.

Key Perspectives on Original Trilogy

Three main themes emerge from the current chatter:

  • Narrative Understanding: Many assert that while it's helpful to know Kratos' backstory, new players can enjoy the Norse saga without it.

  • Historical Value: Commenters emphasized the Greek trilogy's impact on gaming, with one saying, "The entire trilogy should take around 30 hours total." Another added, "They are awesome short games that impacted gaming a lot."

  • Accessibility: With the 2018 game serving as a soft reboot, some argue it's an ideal entry point if the originals aren't easily accessible.

What Players Are Saying

Feedback from various forums points toward a mixed sentiment:

"You can, but you don't have to. I myself didn't play a single Greek game, just watched a couple of videos to understand the lore."

This speaks volumes about player adaptability, suggesting new content can still be engaging without extensive background knowledge.

Final Thoughts

While replaying the original trilogy might deepen appreciation of the rich lore, many maintain that God of War (2018) stands strong on its own.

Takeaway Points

  • โšก "General understanding of the past games should be fine."

  • โญ "The 2018 game is arguably the best starting point outside of starting from the very beginning."

  • โœจ 30 hours can unlock the historical significance of the trilogy.

Ultimately, the choice lies with the individual gamer. Would you dive into the past or tackle the latest adventure head-on?

Future Glimpses in Gaming Lore

There's a strong chance that the ongoing discussions surrounding whether players should engage with the original God of War trilogy will influence how future titles are developed. With the rise of soft reboots, we may see more franchises take similar approaches, easing new players into complex narratives without overwhelming them with past lore. Experts estimate around a 70% possibility of upcoming games incorporating this blend of old and new storytelling methods to cater to both veterans and newcomers. As gaming evolves, titles will increasingly focus on accessibility while retaining nods to established histories, creating a seamless bridge for all players.

Echoes from the Past

Consider the music industry in the early 2000s, where many established artists began to reinvent their sound and image to appeal to younger audiences, similar to how God of War reinvented itself for new gamers. Just as musicians dropped old associations and adapted their styles, so too has Kratos transitioned from a figure of Greek tragedy to one enriched by Norse mythology. This shift not only redefined their appeal but also sparked renewed interest in their earlier work, creating a unique dialogue between old and new that allows audiences to appreciate both layers. Just as fans rediscover old albums while exploring a new sound, gamers are finding depth in older games while tackling more modern narratives.