God of War: Ascension the seventh instalment in the God of War series acts as a prequel to the preceding games. The narrative revolves around Kratos the protagonist from earlier instalments who was once a loyal servant of the God of War Ares. Tricked by Ares into unknowingly murdering his own family Kratos breaks the blood oath binding him to Ares and abandons his former master. Subsequently Kratos finds himself imprisoned and must navigate a path to freedom severing the bond between him and Ares.The game retains the familiar hack-and-slash combat system of its predecessors featuring Kratos wielding the Blades of Chaos. However a new addition the World Weapon system allows Kratos to wield various weapons. Additionally Kratos can now acquire up to four magical disciplines—Fires of Ares Ice of Poseidon Lightning of Zeus and Soul of Hades—each bestowing unique abilities and imbuing his weapon with magic. For instance the Ice of Poseidon enables underwater breathing. Rage a recurring feature undergoes modifications; it accumulates through attacks and when the bar is full it automatically unleashes until the player ceases attacking or sustains damage. Three new relics provide Kratos with the ability to manipulate time create a "shadow" self and dispel illusions crafted by his guardians.Notably God of War: Ascension introduces online multiplayer to the series. Players before engaging in multiplayer battles align with one of four gods—Ares Hades Zeus or Poseidon—each offering a distinct set of abilities. As players accumulate experience and level up their warriors they unlock magical abilities armour weapons relics and other treasures. The game features four distinct multiplayer modes: Team Favor of the Gods Match of Champions Trial of the Gods and Capture the Flag