Where's The God Of War: Ascension Hype?

Maybe it's just me, but have you noticed less hype and anticipation than expected for a new God of War title?

It just seems that ever since Ascension was announced, there has been sort of a lukewarm response to the game, almost to the point where I believe the game could be overlooked when it launches in March.

It's weird because typically, a new GoW is one of the most hotly anticipated titles of any given year, and there's plenty of discussion about it. But I hear very little about Ascension and really, we're only three months away...by now, it should be a common topic of conversation among gamers everywhere. That hasn't really happened, though. I suppose it hasn't helped that we haven't seen too many headlines focused on the game in question; it was briefly in the news when Sony announced the multiplayer aspects but beyond that, not much in the way of consistent coverage, you know?

I just get the feeling that a lot of people are looking at this as more of a spinoff or an afterthought rather than a full-fledged sequel. That could be due to the fact that it isn't called "God of War IV." It could also be that some feel Sony rushed this project so they could drop another GoW title into this generation; after all, the developers had said they wanted to take a break after GoWIII and nobody really expected a fresh GoW so soon. I can't believe the lack of hype is due to a lackluster gameplay presentation or something; everything we've seen from this game has been awesome, has it not? I've been suitably impressed.

I keep waiting for the hype train to get rolling on this one but at this rate, it may never really get started.

1/4/2013 Ben Dutka

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Comments (48 posts)

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Cabalavatar1
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 10:13:20 PM
Reply

It's funny to read this article in a way, at least for me, because this and The Last of Us are probably the only two games that I'll pre-order--and not for any bonuses. I'm pre-ordering them just because I can't wait to play them! Indeed, if it weren't for all of the hype around TLoU and the fact that Naughty Dog is developing it, GoW: Ascension would be my most anticipated title of this year. (But of course I should mention that's partly because I don't care about GTA V.)

1 up, 1 down

Temjin001
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 10:52:07 PM

No Ni No Kuni for you, mr jrpg guy?

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 10:22:38 PM
Reply

I think a part of it has to do with the promoting of it. There seems to have been a lot of multi-player exposure but very little of anything else. Remember how cool the early GoW3 trailers were? Those were something worth getting really hyped about. It just doesn't seem we've seen a lot to get the hype machine rolling.

6 up, 0 down

Killa Tequilla
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 3:54:12 AM

I think it has to do with the new developers and it having multiplayer. There are games out there that just don't need multiplayer.

5 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 10:35:07 PM
Reply

It's probably because it IS an afterthought, and an unnecessary prequel at that. We know it's a vehicle for Multiplayer. If you want hype you have to make a game people are champing at the bit to play, not some cash-in job at the expense of both an iconic character and a loyal fanbase who probably feel like they love these games so it's a must buy, however pulling a Star Wars with GOW doesn't really befit the legacy.

5 up, 2 down

Excelsior1
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 11:17:05 PM

I think World just nailed it and I don't think Ben is wrong at all in thinking there is little hype for this game. Threads on the major gaming sites aren't very active at all for this game and the few who do post reflect a lot of the sentiments World expressed. It's an unnecessary prequel and many seemed turned off by the MP.

A lot of gamers seem to think it's not going to be a real GOW game and will be weak in the story department. I have also read comments along the lines of the story has played out,..Kratos killed all the gods and there have been enough prequels already. Since Kratos killed all the gods and got his revenge it won't be an epic game like the other GOW games narritively.

To sum it up there seems to be a consensus this game doesn't need mp at all and the game will suffer for it and the series has played out.

3 up, 1 down

bigrailer19
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 11:29:46 PM

Excelsior1-

The series isnt played out. But I believe you are right, that the mp is having an adverse affect on this game in particular.

Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/4/2013 11:30:31 PM

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 1:23:18 AM

Only time will tell. I know this will be the first GOW game with MP, but don't think low expectations.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 1/5/2013 1:24:47 AM

2 up, 0 down

Excelsior1
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 2:16:40 AM

I'm not saying the series is played out but I've read a lot of comments along those lines. Maybe a more accurate way to put it is some think Kratos story is over and there's been enough prequels already. Basically like some feel Kratos got his revenge and so who is he going to kill now. All the gods are dead and the titans too. It was on this very site that I read a comment like that just the other day in that "what anticipated game has the most potential to dissapoint" thread. I have read many comments like that. That's why I think some are treating it as a spin off instead of GOW 4.

Gripes about including MP are probably the biggest reason why some are cynical. That and the oh another prequel...this is just a vehicle for the MP. Followed by some expecting a weak narriative because the epic part of the story has already been told. I just call them the who is Kratos going to kill now crowd.

OXVIALS comment below reflects exactly what I am talking about. Note he doesn't expect an epic game because the story has played out. He hiys on the MP too.

If I were Sony I would market this game on the epicness of SP campign and start doing it soon.

Last edited by Excelsior1 on 1/5/2013 2:40:30 AM

1 up, 0 down

___________
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 2:18:47 AM

hows it unnecessary?
you dont want to know kratos origin story, had how he went from mere mortal to god slayer?
theres a massive gap left from where kratos first pledges to the god of war, and the events of GOW1 so of course its necessary to tell those events.

4 up, 0 down

MartyRules
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 2:59:27 AM

Afterthoght? SM aren't done telling the store, so after though it is not and also there's been two GOW games on each console it has made an appearance on, it's only fitting ps3 has two also

1 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 5:31:44 AM

Excel-

Theres also people commenting here and in forums elsewhere just waiting as patient as can be for this game. Im one of them.

It is what it is at this point. I just wish mp was never mentioned. But who knows it might be great, it looks promising if anything.

As far as it being a prequel, well im upset as anyone they went backwards in the story, but for right now, the way 3 ended and with yet another new game director I think its acceptable.

Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/5/2013 5:35:18 AM

0 up, 0 down

xenris
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 11:27:38 AM

It is an afterthought. The two PSP games explored his Origins, and this doesn't even seem to go that far back. He is still the Ghost of Sparta in this game, how much more fleshing out can we get? I mean I love Kratos but he is NOT a deep character. We have seen why he is pissed, but how much more can we be shown to try and relate more to him?

Now if this took place BEFORE he pledged to Ares I would be more interested in the story. Surprisingly the Multiplayer is the only aspect that I am actually excited for this time around.

2 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 1:42:43 PM

yeah his story is told, there's no massive gap in it either. We have a solid timeline for all important events. Finishing a story and then doing a prequel is now and has always been a cop out. I'm sure the game will be great, but how amped are you to go into an experience knowing the end already?

1 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 1:45:30 PM

How can u tell if he is still the Ghost of Sparta in this game, Ascension is not even out yet, like I said only time will tell when we get it.

2 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 2:00:57 PM

Pretty amped up to be honest. I cant wait to play it. We know the story sure, now we get to play it and im sure there will be plenty of surprises along the way.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 3:11:25 PM

I meant that last question in a more general sense, since this isn't about the quality of the game and about the hype I felt one reason for the lack of hype is that people tend not to be super amped when they already know how things turn out. That's been my experience in life at least.

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 3:54:24 PM

Oh, yea I absolutely agree with that. Thats part of the problem. Biggest issue as a fan is all the mp they are showing.

0 up, 0 down

karneli lll
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 10:38:57 PM
Reply

Its Sony's marketing strategy, come release time we'll see a few trailers that confuses people because it will appear to be an ad for a CGI movie (something as messed up as the battle royale trailer with Kratos). The fact that these games sell with so little marketing support shows hype is not needed for PlayStation exclusives.

Last edited by karneli lll on 1/4/2013 10:40:25 PM

4 up, 0 down

Deano34249
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 10:51:16 PM
Reply

My hype train is rolling for sure, give me some of that collectors edition please.

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 10:58:34 PM
Reply

I know I'll be pre-ordering this game and aside from the Last of Us its my most anticipated game of 2013. But I believe the answer is because all they are talking about is the mp. They are making.a huge mistake in that regards. No one cares about the mp, it is just a bonus.

Its not because its a prequel, though. Weve seen how those turned out on the psp and the collection.

Ill defend it all day because I believe the game will be great. But when all they talk about is the mp it makes it hard. They need to start talking about and showing off what made the games so amazing and popular to begin with.

Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/4/2013 11:02:08 PM

6 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 11:40:58 PM
Reply

For me GoW3 was my more hyped GoW game because I wanted to put Zeus on his place so bad after the ending of GoW2, now well I don't feel the epicness also is like if the SP campaign of the game doesn't even exist! I just get pure MP news and GoW was never about that.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, January 04, 2013 @ 11:57:22 PM
Reply

Yeah, it's funny that we've seen next to no hype for it. Especially when you consider that GoW is one of the highest rated action franchises going and it will have been two and a half years since we last saw Kratos in fresh action (three if you discount Ghost of Sparta). You'd think that Sony would have a massive marketing spiel going already to get people excited about what's happening in the story, but they've just had a few features introducing the enemies on the PS Blog and a showing at E3 that gave us no story detail, but did reveal a few gameplay tweaks.

Even when it comes to the MP I've seen sweet bugger all. I hope beyond hope that they're just waiting until February to suddenly let loose, but it's kind of telling that TLoU is getting more exposure, even though it's not coming out until two months after Ascension. Maybe Sony just don't see it as being as big of a draw? Maybe it implies that they'll be phasing the series out as we head into the next generation in favour of a new action IP. Maybe they just think that it'll sell on brand name alone (and that's possible, considering 3 outsold it's predecessors). Strange indeed.

0 up, 0 down

firesoul453
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 1:16:06 AM
Reply

I know some people that think sony is milking the game.
I however, do not agree.

I have a few friends who are excited but I haven't hear much.

When I mention is, a lot of people told me they'd rather spend their money on the new Gears of War

0 up, 0 down

___________
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 2:29:42 AM
Reply

2 simple reasons.
1 $ony does not have a flying clue what the ^%$# their audience wants!
they seem to be in the dreamland where playstation fans want A crappy kids games, cough eyepet, and B stupid multiplayer games.
thats why this has gotten such little hype, because they went out and showed off one of their most beloved franchises, and showed nothing but multiplayer for months!
thats like ferrari saying hey heres our new car, but no you cant look at its body, engine, interior, nope heres the sexy luggage it comes with.
yup, thats what ferrari customers totally care about!
sigh.
then when they finally did show the campaign, at E3, they have been showing the same god dam thing for 7 months now!
every time they show off the game its the exact same demo!
hell the demo that comes with total recall, and will eventually be on PSN, is the exact same demo from E3!
how about showing off more $ony?
also they havent been showing it off much at all, GOW3 had quite a few press events so there were multiple previews of it.
i havent seen a GOWA story on the blog, or IGN, or wherever since gamescom!
and that was discussing the same demo as E3.

theres no hype train for this because $ony are f*cking clueless!
they cant market their games.
where are the previews?
where are the adds?
where are the developer interviews?
where are the dev diaries?
they dont show off the game, than when they do they show off the wrong stuff, be it multiplayer which no one gives a sh*t about, or the same campaign level they have shown 8970000000 times!

so of course theres going to be no hype train for it!
which is sad, because the developers have tweaked and improved SOOOOOOOO much for this!
theres FAR more puzzles, YAY!
wider enemy variety, massive gameplay changes for instance your blades now are on fire so every time you strike a enemy or surface it catches fire as well.
feels so much smoother too, the animations of your moves just feel so much slicker and faster paced than GOW3.
defiantly running at 60FPS.
its sad $ony is so pathetic at marketing, because this is the game GOW3 should of been!
this deserves all the attention and sales it can get, but sadly thats not going to happen.
i hope this does not effect $onys confidence in the series, we NEED GOWIV!
as a psIV launch title, that would be SWEET!
and invaluable, if i had a nickel for every time i heard someone say i bought a ps3 just for GOW id be a multibillionaire by now!
i think $ony seriously underestimates how popular and beloved this franchise is!

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 3:31:14 AM
Reply

I've only played one GoW in my life, on the PSP, but that was enough for me to determine that this franchise is not for me.

0 up, 1 down

Killa Tequilla
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 3:57:33 AM

You need to play God of War

5 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 4:15:36 AM

While it'd be good to hear your reactions on the series as a whole, you don't need to play them. Yeah, they're extremely high quality games, but you wouldn't be too far off the mark to say that if you've played one you've pretty much played them all. Moderately paced action, mildly difficult puzzles and sometimes frustrating platform wrapped up in a decent, angry narrative void of pretty much any deeper themes or meaning and linear. Good games, but you're right in your assumption.

1 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 5:24:35 AM

It might be more of the same (as is the case with most any games in a franchise) but he really needs to play GoW to make a proper determination. If it was the combat or gameplay that turned him off so be it. But what David Jaffe did is set the bar for these types of action games. Obviously the second improved on just about everything thus making it all the more necessary to play. And I proceed to say you'll be pretty wrapped up in what the conclusion will be that GoW3 becomes a must play.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 5:41:26 AM

Well, I do judge the entire series based on just the PSP game, and that is probably unfair to the series.

But to me there was little conceptual difference between GoW and, say, Uncharted - and these types of action games is simply not for me. Can't stand'em, makes me feel like a mindless puppet on a string following orders, blinded by eye candy.

I know you love these kinda games Big, but I'm sorry, I don't want to spend more time on those kinda games. It's just not for me. :)

Last edited by Beamboom on 1/5/2013 5:48:26 AM

0 up, 0 down

xenris
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 11:29:11 AM

Beam play the Original, it is the best of all of them I think in terms of narrative and gameplay variety.

I think you can download the original on the PSN. While the PSP versions are well done and I liked them, they hold nothing to the console versions.

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 2:06:14 PM

Thats ok if u dont want to play them. Im just saying in general before anything give the first a chance if for some reason you want to play one ever. I think part of the problem is you oicked up the psp iteration first which sre rather toned down, I guess is a way to put it.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 2:16:32 PM

Thanks guys, I'll keep that in mind. I don't like passing judgement *too* soon and I do feel it's not fair to do so after having only played the PSP game (Chains Of Olympus) so yeah, maybe someday I'll try the first game. :)

Still, it *is* why I am not hyped at all for this release (to reel it back on topic again. :D)

Last edited by Beamboom on 1/5/2013 2:17:25 PM

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 3:55:16 PM

For sure. I know what youre saying.

1 up, 0 down

Nlayer
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 4:14:18 PM

I know what you mean, Beamboom. I'm the opposite though, I can never seem to get into games like Skyrim that are too massive with too much to do. Which really bugs me since the idea of those games sound so refreshing if only I could play them. But we're all different and have different tastes. :)

As for GoW, I actually really didn't like the first one at all. Somehow the second installment won me over, but it was probably more for the narrative above all else. Which is why I really have low expectations for Ascension since I never had much interest in what happened in the timeline of story that installment is set in. I do find it interesting how the hype does seem small, but I wouldn't be one to judge since I usually ignore the news pertaining to the game. That's just me, though.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Sunday, January 06, 2013 @ 2:59:18 AM

Nlayer, I've never understood why Skyrim is so huge.
Don't get me wrong, I *love* those kind of RPGs but they are so darn hardcore roleplay and far off the more mainstream, linear way of delivering an experience that I really don't understand why they are so popular. I *totally* understand why you're not into them. You have to want to LIVE them, not just play them.

I'm just happy so many do buy them only cause it's the kind of games I love above all, so it benefits me. I really can not wait for the next Fallout. :)

Last edited by Beamboom on 1/6/2013 3:01:19 AM

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 5:03:18 AM
Reply

Well, the only reasons I can think of is that GOW story is pretty much done after that cliffhanger in GOWIII.
And this is also a prequel, if it's GOWIV and set after that cliffhanger, then people might get more excited.
Besides, aside from multiplayer, nothing has really blown us away, not to mention the multiplayer ain't all that glorious.

GOWIII had a lot of hype because it was "supposed" to be the end of Kratos' story, and also being a video game marvel that boasted high quality graphic and other technical departments.

0 up, 0 down

Kiryu
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 8:24:14 AM

Snaaaake r u a MGS fan? I thought MGS1 was the end of the story then they came up with two more stories after that and the prequel MGS3 so dont tell me prequels are not good.

2 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 1:44:37 PM

MGS has a bigger plot than one man, GOW does not. It's different.

0 up, 0 down

Kiryu
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 8:11:30 AM
Reply

I've voted for God of war ascension for game of the year 2013.
Guys see the new screenshots which came 2 days back.

2 up, 1 down

CrusaderForever
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 9:26:05 AM
Reply

Oh I am hyped for GoWA!! I am hyped for the following games!

Ni No Kuni
Dead Space 3
The Last of Us
God of War Ascension
Soul Sacrifice

Amazing gaming days coming soon!

2 up, 0 down

slugga_status
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 12:22:00 PM
Reply

I'm waiting for it but can't say I'm hyped for it. All the focus on MP just isn't doing it for me. I'll try the beta out when it becomes available for Plus members this month. I'm more interested in the story for GoW and feel it's a game that doesn't need MP. Then they decide to make another prequel when I think we've pretty much seen and understood Kratos' rage and hate for the Gods.

0 up, 0 down

JustThatGamer
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 12:43:26 PM
Reply

Well one thing is for sure, the game will not be overlooked in March. It has the largest fanbase of any of Sony's IP's with the largest Facebook fan group has passing 4 million fans a couple of days ago.

There is a lack of hype but it's because they haven't shown enough of single player coverage, the game launched is just over 2 months and we still haven't had a story trailer. I hope Sony knows what they're doing in terms of marketing.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 1:43:07 PM
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We know what happens to him so it's hard to be interested.

1 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 2:19:27 PM
Reply

This reminds me, never played the psp games yet, so no big rush.

0 up, 0 down

DazeOfWar
Saturday, January 05, 2013 @ 9:44:53 PM
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No excitement coming from me. I enjoyed playing the last GOW games but this just feels like more of the same. I'll get this someday but not at full price. Maybe when it drops to $20 which could be within 3 months considering how fast games drop in price nowadays.

I'm really only excited for 3 games on the PS3 which 2 are exclusives. Last of Us, Beyond, and Bioshock Infinite. Bioshock I might buy for PC just not sure yet.

0 up, 0 down

I007spectre
Sunday, January 06, 2013 @ 9:02:43 AM
Reply

After initially playing the demo, I wasn't for sure about the game. But after some more time with it I am glad another GOW is on the way.

0 up, 0 down

Siris86
Sunday, January 06, 2013 @ 12:22:34 PM
Reply

I believe God of War III was largely overlooked as well. It is still arguably the best looking title available for the PS3, was a blast to play, and unfolded a truly "epic" finale to the Zeus feud, but hardly received any hype or accolade from the media. I think a part of it is it's exclusivity and that it makes one appear more informed and nuanced if you dismiss it as just an overly violent, mindless action game. I can't wait for Ascension; I recently played the demo that came with the Total Recall blu-ray, and it is fairly stunning what Santa Monica is accomplishing. It has unprecedented graphic fidelity and plays better than ever, so I don't see how fans could NOT be hyped about it.

0 up, 0 down

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