Upon release, God of War: Ascension was criticized for a lackluster story. Many claimed it was the worst narrative in the series. But a decade later, a reassessment is warranted.
The Ascension script is flawed, but it is also brave. It attempted to deconstruct Kratos before "deconstructing Kratos" became the entire premise of the Norse reboot. It asked: What happens when a man driven by revenge tries to stop? What happens when the gods won’t let him?
Moreover, the script introduced the concept of trauma as a physical prison. The Furies are not just monsters; they are manifestations of guilt. Every illusion they cast is a memory Kratos refuses to confront. In this way, Ascension is a proto-God of War (2018)—it plants the seeds of the introspective Kratos we would meet years later.
The dialogue may be uneven, and the middle act may drag, but the core idea—that breaking an oath is as violent as breaking a bone—is genuinely original for a video game. god of war ascension script
This is the critical plot point of the script. Kratos returns to the moment he swore the oath. The dialogue highlights Ares' manipulation.
ARES: "Your enemies are my enemies. Your victories are my victories. Swear your life to me... and you will be a god among men. You will have power... unlimited power."
KRATOS: "And what must I do?"
ARES: "Serve me. Without question. Without hesitation. I will give you the blade to strike down your enemies... and the strength to conquer nations."
(Note the script emphasizes Kratos' desperation here—he is a Spartan General losing a war, making the deal out of pride, not malice.)
By: Mythos & Mechanism Staff
When God of War: Ascension launched in 2013, it arrived as a paradox. As a prequel to the entire Greek saga, it had the unenviable task of showing us a Kratos before he became the Ghost of Sparta we knew—yet still had to deliver the visceral, mythological carnage the series demanded. While many praised its technical prowess and multiplayer innovation, the script of Ascension remains the most underrated and misunderstood element of the entire franchise.
Let’s break down the narrative blueprint, the key emotional beats, and the raw text that tried to give a monster his first moment of tragic silence.
The game opens with a somber, haunting tone. This sets the stage for Kratos' mental state—he is not yet the full God of War, but a tortured servant trying to sever his ties. Upon release, God of War: Ascension was criticized
LYSANDRA (Ghost of Kratos' Wife): "The beast you have become... the innocent blood on your hands... can it be washed away? Do you seek redemption, Kratos? Or merely an end to your suffering? There is no redemption for what you have done. But there is an end. Look at what you have become. A monster. A slave to the gods. But you were not always this way. Once, you were a man."