Though it feels generally un-epic compared to the single player game, Ascension's multiplayer aspects have room for growth.
Plus, the fact that Kratos isn't involved – similar to Lara's excusing from the multiplayer mode of Tomb Raider – makes it feel a bit impersonal. These warriors you take control of are capable of kicking some ass, but buying a God of War game to play as someone else just feels out of place. That said, if more modes are added in the future – like the "Kill the Kratos" mode I suggested at the press event last year – we might really be getting somewhere.
Despite the lack of true engagement in multiplayer, Sony Santa Monica is getting off on the right foot here, and it doesn't entirely collapse upon the weight of expectation. Being able to finish off a large, bulky beast at the finale of the match has some excitement to it, and being able to level up and customize your soldiers is a nice touch. It sets the pace for what could be a more fleshed-out multiplayer mode in the next God of War…and you know it's coming.
As for Trial of the Gods, it fares better, mainly because you do away with strategizing in multiplayer and instead pummel away on enemies with your chosen Warriors, waiting for the next round to begin after you execute some slick moves. Maybe it's because of the unpredictability of who you're facing, but this was a lot more fun than the skirmishes against buddies in the other mode. Still, without Kratos really involved, again, it's a bit distant from the single player stuff. But, again, this mode could easily grow in future games.
Score: 7 / 10
