

Ascension was also the last game in the series to be based on Greek mythology as the franchise shifted to Norse mythology with 2018's God of War. From October 2012 to March 2013, a social experience was available online in the form of a graphic novel titled Rise of the Warrior, a prequel story that tied into the game's single-player and multiplayer modes. It also features a redesigned combat system, new gameplay mechanics, and downloadable content. Ascension is the only installment in the series to include multiplayer, which is online-only and features modes for both competitive and cooperative play. Four magical attacks and a power-enhancing ability can be used as alternative combat options, and the game features puzzles and platforming elements. It continues the use of quick time events and adds a new, promptless, free-form system. The gameplay is similar to previous installments, focusing on combo-based combat with the player's main weapon, the Blades of Chaos, and other weapons acquired by the new World Weapons mechanic.

Helped by the oath keeper, Orkos, Kratos escapes his imprisonment and confronts the Furies, aiming to free himself of his bond to Ares. Kratos was, therefore, imprisoned and tortured by the three Furies, guardians of honor and enforcers of punishment. In response to this tragedy, Kratos renounced Ares, breaking his blood oath to the god. The player controls the protagonist, Kratos, the former servant of the God of War Ares, who tricked Kratos into killing his wife and daughter. Loosely based on Greek mythology, it is set in ancient Greece with vengeance as its central motif. It is the seventh installment in the God of War series and a prequel to the entire series. The game was first released on March 12, 2013, for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) console. God of War: Ascension is an action-adventure hack and slash video game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE).
