Video Game Review: God of War II
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this extremely violent and gory
fighting game with sex and nudity goes a few steps beyond many
M-rated games. This game earns a high star rating as a
well-made product, but it also earns our rare "Off" rating for
17+ for its adults-only content. Starring a bloodthirsty Greek
god with incredible powers, it shows body dismemberment and
lots of blood splatters. It also features nudity and sexual
themes, including a Mini game that involves pushing buttons to
make topless women in a hot tub moan and reach their climax.
Families can talk about how this game uses Greek mythology as a
setting. Is this how you would imagine the world of Greek gods
to be? Is violence in a fantasy world such as this less
disturbing than in games that mimic the real world? What
interests you more in this game: the combat system or the
storyline?
In GOD OF WAR II, you assume the role of Kratos, a Spartan warrior who achieved the status of a god after defeating the powerful Ares. But sitting upon the throne of Olympus did not quell Kratos' appetite for destruction -- until the goddess Athena reminds him she was the one responsible for his position as the new god of war and punishes him by reducing him to the size of a human. Now, back on Earth, in the ancient Greek city of Rhodes, Kratos must prove he still has the goods to stay alive by fighting mythological creatures. In the first major battle, against Colossus, you must dodge his giant fists, catapult boulders (and even yourself) to launch attacks against his huge head, and use the twin blades chained to your wrists to fight off his minions.
God of War II not only offers highly detailed and smoothly animated creatures to fight, but provides impressive art direction with enormous environments that vary greatly between locations (unlike in the first game), along with cinematic camera angles and a clever use of lighting and shadows. The non-interactive cut-scene sequences are also stunning. Unlockable content ranges from bonus games, including an arena-fighting mode and Mini game challenges, to extra Kratos outfits to behind-the-scenes media to complement the second disc, which is already packed with documentary videos, photos, music, interviews, and more. One of the Mini games is a sex game that takes place in a hot tub with topless women.
God of War II is a highly intense, cinematic, and gratifying action-adventure hybrid for mature players -- and it proves there's still some life left in your PS2 after all.
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