Rhodes, its skyline dominated by the massive statue, the Colossus of Rhodes, is a war-torn city under assault by Kratos, the God of War, and his Spartan army. After evading traps and defeating more enemies, Kratos encounters an unseen foe, revealed to be a loyal Spartan soldier also in search of the Sisters. Learn more about van Gogh’s approach to painting Corn Fields and Poppies. We the Subscribers say, that the General Assembly of this Commonwealth have no such authority: And that no effort may be omitted on our part against so dangerous an usurpation, we oppose to it, this remonstrance; earnestly praying, as we are in duty bound, that the Supreme Lawgiver of the Universe, by illuminating those to whom it is addressed, may on the one hand, turn their Councils from every act which would affront his holy prerogative, or violate the trust committed to them: and on the other, guide them into every measure which may be worthy of his blessing, may redound to their own praise, and may establish more firmly the liberties, the prosperity and the happiness of the Commonwealth.

The eagle reveals itself to have been Zeus all along, who states he was forced to intervene as Athena refused to do so. Before she dies, Athena reveals that Kratos is actually Zeus’ son, which the latter vehemently denies. Athena intervenes and implores Kratos to stop, as by killing Zeus, he will destroy Olympus. He returns with the Titans to the present, and the gods watch as their former foes climb Mount Olympus. The gods Hades and Poseidon appear in flashbacks of the Great War, and in the final cutscene alongside Zeus, Helios, and Hermes on Olympus. While battling the statue, Zeus offers Kratos the Blade of Olympus, a mighty sword that Zeus had forged and wielded to end the Great War, requiring Kratos to infuse the blade with the remainder of his godly power. As the game progresses, Kratos acquires new weapons-the Barbarian Hammer, the Spear of Destiny, and periodically, the Blade of Olympus-offering alternative combat options. God games are classified as a subgenre of artificial life game because players tend to a population of simulated people that they control only indirectly. A new mode, called Arena of the Fates, allows players to set difficulty levels and choose their own opponents to improve their skills.

This game’s challenge mode is called the Challenge of the Titans (seven trials), and requires players to complete a series of specific tasks (e.g., kill all enemies without being attacked). As with previous games, Kratos learns to use up to four magical abilities, such as Typhon’s Bane that acts as a bow and arrow for distant targets, giving him a variety of ways to attack and kill enemies. The Golden Fleece deflects enemy projectiles back at the enemies (used to solve certain puzzles). After Kratos reveals that he has become Zeus’ enemy and explains his intent, Atlas reveals that Gaia and the other Titans also seek revenge on Zeus for their defeat in the Great War. She instructs Kratos to find the Sisters of Fate, who can alter time, prevent his death, and allow him his revenge on Zeus. As he dies, Kratos swears revenge on Zeus for betraying him and killing his army. Atlas also reveals that the Blade of Olympus is the key to defeating Zeus and helps Kratos to reach the Palace of the Fates. Enraged by his defiance, Zeus kills him with the blade and destroys the Spartan army.

Just before reaching the island, Kratos fights and kills Theseus to awaken the gigantic stone Steeds of Time-a gift to the Sisters of Fate from Cronos in an attempt to change his own fate-which grants Kratos access to the island. During this, the Sisters try to change the outcome of Kratos’ battle with Ares, but Kratos kills them both, then confronts the remaining Sister, Clotho. The Island of Creation is a vast island located at the edge of the world and home to the Sisters of Fate. Outraged, Kratos defeats the Kraken and frees a phoenix, riding the creature to the Sisters’ stronghold where he confronts two, Lakhesis and Atropos. Although mortal once again, Kratos defeats the Colossus but is severely weakened after its hand crushes him while falling. For example, the Amulet of the Fates slows time, but this does not affect Kratos and allows puzzle-solving that can not be achieved in normal game time. Although Kratos begins the game with Athena’s Blades and the magic ability Poseidon’s Rage (both at maximum power), the blades’ power is reduced and the magic is relinquished after an encounter with Zeus (Poseidon’s Rage can be regained by obtaining a certain urn).