God of War
Action-adventure series spanning Greek and Norse eras.
God of War is an action-adventure video game series. The first game in the series was released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, and a later entry was released in 2018 for the PlayStation 4. The series has also inspired comic book series and novelizations.
- First release
- 2005
- Platform
- PlayStation 2
- Latest release
- 2018
- Latest platform
- PlayStation 4
- Genre
- action-adventure video game series
Lore & Background
The God of War franchise began with a 2005 video game for the PlayStation 2, which was the first in the series. A 2018 video game for the PlayStation 4 continued the series. The series has two distinct eras: a Greek era, which inspired a 2010–2011 limited six-issue comic book series published by WildStorm and DC Comics, and a Norse era, which inspired a 2018–2021 limited two-volume eight-issue comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics. Novelizations of both the 2005 and 2018 games have been published, written by Matthew Stover and Robert E. Vardeman for the 2005 game, and by James Barlog for the 2018 game. An upcoming live-action American TV series adaptation of the Norse mythology era is in development.
Reader's Guide
The God of War series is notable as a major action-adventure franchise that began in 2005 on the PlayStation 2 and continued with a 2018 entry on the PlayStation 4. Its significance is reflected in the multiple media adaptations it has spawned, including comic book series from both DC Comics (covering the Greek era) and Dark Horse Comics (covering the Norse era), as well as novelizations of both the 2005 and 2018 games. The series has also inspired a 2010 EP of heavy metal music titled 'God of War: Blood & Metal'. An upcoming live-action American TV series adaptation of the Norse era is in development, indicating the franchise's enduring cultural reach. The series' two distinct mythological eras—Greek and Norse—have each generated their own comic book lines and novelizations, demonstrating the franchise's ability to expand its narrative universe across different media.
Did You Know?
- The first God of War video game was released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2.
- A 2018 video game in the series was released for the PlayStation 4.
- The Greek era of the series inspired a 2010–2011 limited six-issue comic book series from WildStorm and DC Comics.
- The Norse era of the series inspired a 2018–2021 limited two-volume eight-issue comic book series from Dark Horse Comics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is God of War?
God of War is an action-adventure video game series that follows a warrior through mythological conflicts. The franchise debuted in 2005 on the PlayStation 2 and has since expanded across multiple platforms and media.
Who is the protagonist of God of War?
The series centers on Kratos, a Spartan warrior who becomes entangled in the affairs of gods across different pantheons. His journey spans from the Greek mythological world to the Norse realm.
What platforms can I play God of War on?
The original title launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2005, while the 2018 reboot appeared on the PlayStation 4. Subsequent entries have also been released on newer PlayStation hardware.
What mythological settings does God of War explore?
The franchise is divided into two major eras: the Greek saga and the Norse saga. Each era reimagines its respective pantheon with its own cast of deities and conflicts.
Has God of War expanded into other media?
Yes, the franchise has inspired both comic book series and novelizations that extend the story beyond the games. These tie-in publications allow fans to explore additional lore and character backstories.
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