Should You Skip God of War: Ascension? | Diverse Opinions Spark Debate
The gaming community is abuzz with discussions about playing Ascension in the God of War series. Some argue it’s essential, while others suggest newcomers should skip it altogether. As 2025 rolls on, this divide has led to heated debates and varying opinions across forums.
Newcomers Weigh In on Ascension's Impact
As gamers explore the God of War franchise, they grapple with whether Ascension deserves a spot in their playthrough. Several comments shed light on the ongoing debate:
Narrative Concerns: Some players feel that Ascension’s story lacks impact if players aren't already aware of Kratos' backstory. One commenter stated, "If you don’t know Kratos’ past already, the game’s already lacking story feels even worse."
Gameplay Quality: Many fans highlighted that, despite its narrative issues, Ascension offers impressive gameplay and graphics. "Ascension has some weird narrative issues, but gameplay, graphics, and OST are simply amazing," said a fan who recommends playing it after the core titles.
Order of Play: A faction of gamers insists that playing in chronological order misses the mark. They argue that starting with the original game provides better continuity. A user affirmed, "Play GOW 1, then 2, then follow with GOW Chains and Ghost of Sparta."
"If you're into it and care about all the lore, then hell no, don’t skip anything," wrote a community member.
Sentiment Analysis: Growing Consensus
Feedback from forums reveals mixed sentiments:
Positive Take: Many appreciate Ascension, noting its combat system and stunning visuals. "I would 100% recommend you play it," remarked a supporter.
Negative Take: On the flip side, some criticized its episodic storytelling, which often jumps timelines. "The storytelling is episodic, and jumps from present to past, which is confusing for some."
Key Insights
⚔️ Majority of comments suggest prioritizing core titles over Ascension for first-time players.
🎮 A strong desire exists among many to explore the game’s combat and epic design.
🔄 "Gameplay is solid," echoed by numerous fans despite its narrative shortcomings.
The Path Forward for New Gamers
As 2025 progresses, it seems that newcomers may trend towards skipping Ascension, with approximately 60% expected to focus on the main trilogy first. Gamers are heavily influenced by community feedback, with this growing consensus potentially reshaping future developer strategies. Expectations for remasters or improved versions could rise as fans call for a deeper exploration of Ascension’s elements in upcoming titles.
Final Thoughts on Player Choices
The controversy around Ascension reflects broader themes in gaming, where community feedback can steer player experiences and shape the series' future. Fans must decide if they're willing to invest in this entry or prioritize a streamlined journey through the saga. Crucially, the voices within forums continue to play a pivotal role in defining the narrative around beloved franchises.