WORSHIP THE OLD GODS

AS THE GOD OF WAR SERIES TURNS 20, WE LOOK BACK AT ITS HIGH POINTS

- CHERYL MULLIN

THIS year sees some big gaming franchises marking significant anniversaries.

It's also a big year for Sony, as it marks not only the 25th anniversary of the PS2, but the fifth anniversary of the PS5 and all eyes are on the latest console the gaming giant has in development.

While it's easy to see just how important the PlayStation was to the world of gaming, the PS2's impact on the industry can't be ignored.

This month marks 25 years since the console was first released in Japan, hitting the European market in November 2000.

The PS2 had many things going for it, but its success can ultimately be boiled down to a number of factors. First was its relative affordability, priced at around £299 at launch. Then there was the fact it doubled as a DVD player, and boasted a vast game library, that led to the creation of many iconic franchises.

One of its most popular was God of War, developed by Sony's Santa Monica Studio.

Like VHS nasties of the 1980s, it was the box artwork that first caught my eye, a heavily tattooed warrior brandishing two wicked looking swords.

Ultra violent and ultra slick, it followed Kratos, an angry, womanising Spartan, hell-bent on wreaking vengeance on the gods.

God of War has gone on to become a flagship series for the PlayStation with nine games now in its stable.

So as Kratos marks his 20th year, we take a look at three of the best God of War games money can buy.

GOD OF WAR

(PEGI 18) PS2, PS3 Released: March 2005

The original remains one of the best games I've ever played.