God of War: Ascension brings a number of changes to one of Sony’s most beloved franchises. Though most of what’s new in the game is still housed in the god’s secret chambers, the one detail getting the most discussion is the inclusion of multiplayer. With God of War being a series that has made its name on intense single player - third person action, it may be hard for some (as it was for me) to envision how multiplayer and God of War could come together. Well, after seeing the mode in action, there are a number of things Sony Santa Monica Studios is doing to make sure multiplayer is nothing like what you’ve seen in other games, while still offering everything you never knew you wanted. One of the more interesting decision they made was not to include Kratos in multiplayer, something that didn’t sound all that great at first. After seeing and hearing more about how the game uses the Greek god’s as it’s class system, and promotes player leveling, God of War online without Kratos suddenly sounds like a blessing, and not a curse. The lack of Kratos also makes things less cheesy, seeing a Kratos of every color running around the map screaming and tearing of heads, would not be the modes best feature. Instead of being a tacked on arena mode, it looks like Sony has put a lot thought behind the concept for multiplayer in God of War. The mode is said to feature a number of maps and player upgrades, along with some objective based game types and a diverse set of game modes. The combat looks impressive, and highlights a new assassination system.

If you are like me, then theirs a chance you are wonder, how far could a melee base multiplayer really go? Well, few games have taken a chance on it because typically players like to shoot stuff, however, if the satisfying brutality of God of War’s single player combat can be effectively carried over into a polished multiplayer mode, God of War online could become a huge community of blood thirsty, rage filled , Spartans and Titans. Sony definitely has my attention, hopefully the gods approve of this new direction for the series. Throw in an addictive perks/upgrade system, along with some cool maps, and you’ve got something players just might get interested in. To read our full coverage on God of War: Ascension, check out the next issue of Gameheadz The Digital Magazine. Currently, there’s no official release date for God of War: Ascension, but we will be sure to keep the content flowing as it emerges.