More impressions like this, please. I need to get the hype back.
There is definitely some good in this game. There aren't as many varied locations as there are in every other GOW game, but the ones in Ascension are really breathtaking and huge.
The game is beautiful no doubt.
That's really the only major pros though. The rest of the game feels very empty with barely any story going on, sound that is pretty atrocious (out of sync sound effects, either no music for most of the game, nor during "epic" battles. And if there is music, it's way too low.), and bosses that are really not memorable and very far between.
I really don't like the combat, it just doesn't fit. Most of the enemies hardly recoil, especially if they are carrying a weapon. Weapon enemies take like 2 hits from you then ignore the rest and just lunge at you constantly. From all directions.
I'm down for a harder GOW game, but Kratos' arsenal and moveset is still too slow and sluggish to handle these new enemies. You are basically getting one or two hits in and then blocking. The parry system really sucks and offers little benefit, and most of the time the counter misses the enemy. I found little use for 2 (borderline 3) of the elemental attacks. I maxed all of them out, and the first one is basically the best and all you really need.
The special powers you obtain later take too long to come out especially when you are in the middle of a big fight and need them quick. The Trial of Archimedes really showcases all of this.
It really COULD have been one of the best entries because it does some different stuff, but it doesn't mesh well. I'd place is above Chains of Olympus. With Chains of Olympus being the worst.
edit: Another PRO - Good puzzles. They actually make you think.
