God of War: Ascension

'God Of War: Ascension (2013)' is a prequel to its main series, the only console game in the franchise to be so. It feels like filler, ostensibly, because it is. However, its still a decently entertaining hack 'n' slash adventure. It adds some new elements to its gameplay, changing up its magic and weaponry while also introducing a ranged grapple. Sadly, the title has a fair few glitches and generally doesn't feel too refined. At its best, it's visceral and engaging; at its worst, it's frustrating. The story focuses on Kratos' time in a type of living jail, shortly before he sets out on the quest for vengeance seen in in the series' main entries. It's relatively pacy and it has all the brutality you'd expect. In fact, it's perhaps the most brutal in its franchise. While that does make for some painful combat, it doesn't really add anything to the story. The game is relatively straightforward, really. It's fun filler but it doesn't live up to the rest of the series (at least, those on consoles). 7/10.