God of War Trilogy Remake Sparks Content Debate
Sony is currently developing a remake of the initial God of War trilogy, a project already generating significant discussion amongst gamers. The original installments, steeped in Greek mythology and released on the PS2 and PS3, presented a markedly different tone compared to the more recent, critically acclaimed Norse saga. While the newer titles lean towards a more nuanced narrative, the earlier games were characterized by over-the-top violence and a somewhat cartoonish aesthetic.
The original games didn’t shy away from graphic depictions, most notably culminating in brutal moments within God of War 3, such as Kratos’s visceral act of decapitating Helios. Beyond the combat, the initial titles also featured optional, but rewarding, sex minigames. These offered players a substantial amount of red orbs – the in-game currency used for character upgrades – and now, their potential inclusion in the remakes is a central point of contention.
Examining the Controversial Minigames
The nature of these minigames, while never explicitly shown, was suggestive. The first God of War subtly alluded to activity with a wobbling pot, while God of War 3 featured interactions with figures representing Aphrodite. The question now facing Santa Monica Studio is whether to retain these elements in the remakes, and how closely they will adhere to the source material.
The development approach remains unclear; will the remakes be faithful recreations akin to Demon’s Souls and Dead Space, or more reimagined adaptations like Resident Evil 2? Many speculate the studio will lean towards a more faithful approach, preserving the original fixed camera angles and core gameplay mechanics with only minor adjustments.
Modern Sensibilities and Characterization
However, the inclusion of the sex minigames presents a unique challenge. These scenes, viewed through a contemporary lens, may appear juvenile and out of step with modern gaming sensibilities. Yet, their removal could also impact the portrayal of Kratos as a character.
The original trilogy deliberately established Kratos as a monstrous and ruthless figure, and these moments contributed to that depiction. This foundation ultimately enhances the impact of his character arc and subsequent redemption in the Norse games. Sammy Barker, Editor of Push Square, notes the potential for backlash regardless of the decision, as removing the minigames could upset purists, while retaining them risks appearing dated.
Where do you stand on this debate?
[source resetera.com]
Sammy Barker has over 15 years of experience analyzing the PlayStation ecosystem, spanning from the PS3 to the PS5, and currently serves as the Editor of Push Square. His expertise encompasses PS Studios developments, industry trends, and a passion for sports games, simulators, and RPGs.
