Kratos climbs back out of the Underworld to go beat up the gods, and the PS2 is still shaking.

God of War II's profile is solid everywhere, with one obvious peak. The feel with a controller in hand puts it ahead of 89% of titles, on few votes, but the direction is clear: the combat, the chains, the blades, it all responds. Desert island follows, ahead of 77%. Then everything tightens into a good midfield: soundtrack and art style ahead of 64%, the wish to rediscover it ahead of 61%, attachment ahead of 54%, fun near the middle. No violent tension here, just a clear statement: people love this game for what it does, not for what it makes them feel.

Which fits the pure action beat 'em up. God of War II isn't after nuance, it's after impact. Against adventure games that build attachment over time, it bets on the excess of Greek mythology turned into a sensation machine.

So, who's it for? For you if you want an action game that hits hard, oversized bosses and a pace that never lets up. Much less so if you're after an intimate bond with a character or a contemplative experience.