Fans of the brutal and mythologically rich action series are eagerly anticipating the remake of the original God of War trilogy, announced earlier this month by Santa Monica Studio. But alongside excitement for a modern reimagining of Kratos’s early adventures, a wave of nostalgia is prompting discussion about a particularly memorable, and often overlooked, secret ending from the first game. The question on many players’ minds: will PlayStation include this epic, unconventional finale in the upcoming remake of the 2005 title?
Released in March 2005 for the PlayStation 2, the original God of War quickly became a landmark title, captivating players with its visceral combat and reimagining of Greek mythology. The game follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior seeking vengeance against the gods who betrayed him. To defeat Ares, the God of War, Kratos sets out to harness the power of Pandora’s Box, held within a temple carried on the back of the Titan Cronos. While the main storyline culminates in a dramatic confrontation with Ares, a hidden ending offers a strikingly different, and surprisingly modern, conclusion.
This secret ending, accessible only to players who completed the game on the highest difficulty setting, presents a narrative twist delivered through the voice of Gaia, a Titan herself. Gaia recounts that Cronos continued to wander the earth for another 1,000 years, burdened by the temple on his back, ultimately perishing in a desolate plain, his skeletal remains exposed for all to see. But the truly unusual element of this ending lies in what follows: the implication that Kratos’s world exists within a realistic timeline, and that a modern military force would eventually discover and claim the treasures and mysteries hidden within the ancient ruins.
As reported by Game Informer, the idea of a contemporary military encountering the remnants of the ancient world was a “crazy” concept initially conceived by the development team, led by David Jaffe. It was more of a playful thought experiment than a serious plot point, stemming from a time when the future of the God of War franchise was uncertain. The game’s initial development didn’t envision a sprawling series, allowing for more unconventional ideas to surface.
The inclusion of this secret ending speaks to the creative freedom and willingness to experiment that characterized the early stages of the God of War franchise. It’s a moment that deviates sharply from the epic, mythological scope of the main narrative, offering a glimpse into a world where ancient legends collide with modern reality. The question now is whether Santa Monica Studio, while meticulously rebuilding the original trilogy, will choose to honor this quirky and memorable detail.
The announcement of the remake, alongside the release of God of War Sons of Sparta – a 2D action platformer expanding on Kratos’s backstory – has generated significant excitement within the gaming community. PlayStation’s blog confirmed the remake is in early development, with TC Carson reprising his role as Kratos’s voice. God of War Sons of Sparta, developed by Mega Cat Studios, offers a new perspective on Kratos’s youth, set during his training at the Agoge alongside his brother Deimos.
As fans anticipate further details about the remake, the hope remains that Santa Monica Studio will acknowledge and potentially include this unique secret ending. It’s a small detail, perhaps, but one that encapsulates the playful spirit and creative ambition of the original God of War. Whether it manifests as a direct recreation of the scene or a subtle nod to the concept, its inclusion would undoubtedly be a welcome surprise for longtime fans of the series.
Santa Monica Studio has not yet provided a timeline for the release of the God of War trilogy remake. Updates will be shared as development progresses, according to the studio. Players interested in experiencing the latest installment in the series can now play God of War Sons of Sparta, available now.
What are your thoughts on the potential inclusion of the secret ending in the God of War remake? Share your opinions and memories of the original game in the comments below.
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