God of War II review

God of War II is the best pure action game on the PS2. Sony's launch release describes Kratos, now the God of War, fighting across Greek mythology to change his fate, with new combat moves and magic added to weapons and skills from the first game. Boss fights include Colossus, Cyclops, Cerberus and the Flying Gryphon, and the story mixes in puzzles and mini-games. Sony reported a 96% rating on GameRankings and more than one million retail orders before the March 13, 2007 launch at $49.99. The two-disc set adds a bonus DVD with over two hours of behind-the-scenes material, which is a plus for collectors. DKOldies lists it at $34.99 used, so it costs more than San Andreas or Final Fantasy X. It is rated M for gory violence and assumes you know the first game's story. For fast, focused action, it is the pick.

Who it is for

Action players who want big boss fights and a game they can finish over a few weekends.

Price

Used PS2 disc from $34.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $34.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Kratos returns with new combat moves and magic plus weapons from the first game
• Battles against Colossus, Cyclops, Cerberus, the Flying Gryphon and more
• Puzzles and mini-games woven into the story
• Bonus DVD with over two hours of behind-the-scenes content
• Soundtrack recorded with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra String Players and Choir

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Sony cited a 96% GameRankings average at launch
• Strength: Combat is quick to learn and the campaign is focused
• Strength: Two-disc set includes the bonus content DVD
• Weakness: Rated M for Mature 17+ with gory violence
• Weakness: Costs $34.99 used, more than the first game
• Weakness: Story picks up from God of War, so newcomers miss context

Key facts

• Developer: SCEA Santa Monica Studio
• Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
• North American release: March 13, 2007
• Launch price: $49.99
• ESRB: Mature 17+

Where it ranks

God of War II is No. 3 in our Best PS2 Games of All Time verdict.