God of War III is an action/adventure game in the God of War series based in Greek mythology.
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Story & Themes
Continuing where the second game left off, Kratos and the Titans launch an attack on Mount Olympus. After falling from the seat of the gods into the River Styx, Kratos encounters Athena who, in sacrificing herself to save Zeus, has ascended into a higher state of being. She recognizes Zeus as a tyrant, and urges Kratos to once and for all put an end to his reign. In order to successfully defeat Zeus, Kratos learns that he must once again acquire Pandora's Box, and he needs Pandora's help to access the object. Kratos fights numerous gods on route to her, and as a side effect destroys all plant life and plunges the world into constant darkness.
Eventually, Kratos is able to reach Pandora, but she sacrifices herself to open the box when Zeus and Gaia arrive. After opening it, Kratos finds Pandora's Box to be empty. He then fights Zeus and Gaia, killing both. However, Zeus's spirit continues to attack him, and Kratos only finds the strength to keep fighting after entering his unconscious psyche and finally attaining self-absolution for his past sins. Zeus is eventually destroyed, and the Olympic gods no longer maintain power over the world.
In the final segment of the game, Athena confronts Kratos, demanding that he return the hope he unintentionally absorbed from Pandora's Box. But Kratos chooses instead to impale himself, releasing the hope into the world for everyone to have.
Save Points
God of War III has periodic save points throughout.
Difficulty
God of War III is considered a fairly easy game to play. The four difficulty levels should accommodate players with a range of ability and desired challenge level.
Heads Up!
Violence God of War III is graphically gory and borderline disturbing, though unlike the first game, it does not feature the killing of innocent people. Regardless, the game's violence is nothing to scoff at. Enemies heads can be ripped off or caved in, and some of these enemies are human or have human forms. Discretion is advised.
Sex & Nudity Like the second game, God of War III has several depictions of topless women as well as a sex minigame in which Kratos brings multiple women to orgasm. The actual scene occurs off camera, but suggestive moaning can be heard.
Strong Language Strong language featured in the game includes "b*tch" and "hell."
Discrimination Women in God of War III play a problematic role. Most of them are blatantly objectified and/or portrayed as sexual objects. Even women in positions of power are a part of this trend, and it serves to undercut their agency and personhood.
Conversation Starters
- Kratos is a viciously violent and ruthless character. Do you think there's any justification for his actions? Does he deserve forgiveness or atonement?
- What do you think of Kratos' character arc? Did you like the ending to his story?
- Is Kratos a likable protagonist? Is he meant to be? Are the antagonists more likable?
- What do you think of the way in which the game portrays/interprets Greek mythology? Is it anything like what you learned in school?
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