A new God of War ‘side-story project’ set in Greece is coming this year, it’s claimed - Video Games Chronicle
Sentiment: The sentiment is overwhelmingly **positive**. The phrases "buzzing with anticipation" and "rumored for this year" strongly suggest excitement and positive expectations regarding a new God of War game set in Greece. Even though "gutted" is used in the linked article, in this context it refers to fans being *excited*, rather than upset.
Summary
A new God of War "side-story project" set in Greece is rumored to be in development for release this year, according to Video Games Chronicle. This smaller-scale game would bridge the gap between the Greek and Norse sagas, exploring untapped potential within Greek mythology. It could refine combat mechanics by blending the old and new styles, while having a shorter development cycle allowing the studio to experiment. Potential story scenarios include Kratos's penance, the rise of new gods, or a prequel tale before he became the God of War. This news excites fans who yearn for a return to the franchise's origins.
Full Article
## A Return to Olympus? New God of War ‘Side-Story Project’ Set in Greece Rumored for This Year
The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation following a report from Video Games Chronicle (VGC) hinting at a new **God of War** experience. The report suggests a **side-story project**, potentially smaller in scope than the recent Norse saga, is currently in development and **set** to be released this year. Most tantalizingly, the rumored **project** will reportedly take us back to the land of myths and legends that started it all: Greece.
For fans yearning for the brutal, sun-drenched landscapes and iconic mythology of the original **God of War** trilogy, this news is nothing short of electrifying. Could this be a chance to revisit familiar locales, face off against classic enemies, and delve deeper into the complex tapestry of Greek deities and monsters? Let’s break down the rumors, explore the possibilities, and speculate on what this potential **side-story** could mean for the future of the **God of War** franchise.
**The Whispers from VGC: What We Know (So Far)**
The initial report from VGC, a reputable source for gaming news and leaks, provides a tantalizingly vague outline. It points to a new **God of War project** that is smaller in scale compared to the recent games, *God of War* (2018) and *God of War Ragnarök*. It emphasizes that this isn't a full-fledged sequel but more of a **side-story**, expanding on the existing lore. The most significant detail, however, is the claim that the **project** is **set** in the Greek era of Kratos’s life.
This single piece of information has ignited the imaginations of fans. While the Norse saga has been critically acclaimed and commercially successful, many players still hold a special place in their hearts for the original trilogy’s visceral combat, epic scale, and the sheer brutality of Kratos’s journey for revenge. The prospect of returning to that world, even in a smaller capacity, is undeniably appealing.
**Why a Side-Story Makes Perfect Sense**
While a full-fledged Greek reboot or sequel might be a massive undertaking, a **side-story** presents several compelling advantages for Sony Santa Monica Studio:
* **Bridging the Gap:** It could serve as a bridge between the Greek and Norse eras, providing more context to Kratos's motivations and experiences that led him to Midgard. We know snippets of his life after the fall of Olympus, but a dedicated experience could flesh out this crucial period.
* **Exploring Untapped Potential:** The Greek mythology is incredibly rich and diverse. A **side-story** could focus on lesser-known myths and legends, introducing new characters, locations, and challenges that weren't explored in the original trilogy. Imagine battling creatures and gods relegated to the sidelines in the main narrative, giving them the spotlight they deserve.
* **Refining Combat Mechanics:** The Norse games significantly evolved the combat system, shifting to a more over-the-shoulder perspective and incorporating RPG elements. A Greek **side-story** could allow the developers to experiment with different combat styles, perhaps blending the brutal spectacle of the original trilogy with the strategic depth of the Norse games. It could even be an opportunity to test out new enemy types and combat scenarios before potentially integrating them into a future full-fledged **God of War** title.
* **Smaller Development Time:** A **side-story**, by its nature, would likely require a shorter development cycle than a mainline installment. This allows Sony Santa Monica to keep the **God of War** momentum going while potentially working on a larger, more ambitious project behind the scenes. It keeps the franchise fresh in the minds of players and generates hype for future releases.
* **Testing the Waters:** The success (or lack thereof) of a Greek **side-story** could provide valuable data and feedback to the developers, helping them gauge fan interest in a potential return to the Greek setting for a future, larger-scale **project**.
**Potential Story Scenarios: Where Could This Side-Story Be Set?**
The possibilities for a Greek **side-story** are virtually endless. Here are a few potential scenarios that would excite fans:
* **Kratos's Penance:** After the devastating events of *God of War III*, Kratos sought to atone for his sins. A **side-story** could delve into this period of his life, showing him attempting to help mortals and battling remnants of the Greek pantheon who still seek revenge.
* **The Rise of New Gods:** With the old **God**s overthrown, the power vacuum in Olympus would inevitably attract new contenders. The **project** could focus on Kratos battling these emerging threats, either to protect the innocent or to prevent another devastating war.
* **A Journey to the Underworld:** Perhaps Kratos is forced to return to the Underworld, either to retrieve something or to confront unfinished business. This could be a visually stunning and narratively compelling experience, offering a chance to revisit iconic locations and characters from the original trilogy.
* **The Search for Peace:** Kratos's search for peace and redemption is a recurring theme throughout the series. A **side-story** could focus on his struggles to find inner peace in a world that constantly demands violence. This could involve him confronting his past traumas and learning to control his rage.
* **A Prequel Tale: Before the God of War:** A more daring approach would be to explore Kratos’s life *before* he became the **God** of **War**, showcasing his Spartan training, his relationship with his family, and the events that led him down the path of vengeance. This could offer a fresh perspective on the character and provide valuable context for his later actions.
**What Kind of Gameplay Can We Expect?**
While the story possibilities are exciting, the gameplay implications are equally intriguing. Will Sony Santa Monica revert to the more frenetic, combo-heavy combat of the original trilogy, or will they retain the more strategic, weighty feel of the Norse games?
* **Classic Combat Enhanced:** A blend of the old and new would likely be the most appealing option. Imagine the brutal finishing moves and acrobatic combos of the original games, enhanced with the tactical depth and RPG elements of the Norse titles.
* **New Weapons and Abilities:** The Greek mythology is ripe with possibilities for new weapons and abilities. Perhaps Kratos could wield the Trident of Poseidon, control the winds with the Harpy's Talons, or summon mythical creatures to aid him in battle.
* **Exploration and Puzzle Solving:** The original **God of War** games were known for their intricate level design and challenging puzzles. Hopefully, a **side-story** would retain this element, offering players opportunities to explore ancient ruins and decipher cryptic clues.
* **Boss Battles of Epic Proportions:** The boss battles against Greek **God**s and monsters were a highlight of the original trilogy. A new **side-story** would need to deliver similarly epic encounters, pushing players to their limits and showcasing the sheer scale of the Greek mythology.
**Why This News Matters to God of War Fans**
The potential for a Greek **God of War side-story** is more than just a rumor; it’s a sign that Sony Santa Monica recognizes the enduring appeal of the franchise’s origins. It’s a promise that the studio is willing to explore different avenues and experiment with new ideas while staying true to the core essence of the **God of War** experience.
Whether this rumored **project** turns out to be a downloadable expansion, a standalone game, or something else entirely, the prospect of returning to the Greek world, even briefly, is enough to ignite the passions of fans worldwide. The wait for official confirmation will be agonizing, but the potential reward – a brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable return to the land of the **God**s – is well worth the anticipation.
Ultimately, this **side-story project, set** to return us to the familiar shores of Greece, could be the perfect way to whet our appetites for the future of **God of War**, wherever that future may lead. The **war** isn't over, and Kratos's story is far from finished. This **god** is ready for another round.