God of War (2005) Score Reassessment: Franchise Origins
When discussing the legacy of the God of War franchise, much attention is rightly paid to the narrative depth and musical grandeur of the 2018 soft reboot and its sequel, Ragnarök. However, to fully appreciate the evolution of the series, one must return to its origins—the 2005 debut title that established its foundational identity. The original God of War’s score, composed by Gerard Marino, Mike Reagan, Ron Fish, Cris Velasco, and Winifred Phillips, is often overshadowed by Bear McCreary’s later contributions. Yet, a reassessment reveals that this early work not only defined the tone of the franchise but also laid the groundwork for its auditory soul.
The 2005 game introduced players to Kratos, the Spartan warrior consumed by rage and guilt, serving the Gods of Olympus in a bid to escape his nightmares. The score mirrors his inner turmoil and the brutal world he inhabits. Unlike the melancholic, Norse-inspired themes of the later games, the original soundtrack is a visceral, adrenaline-fueled homage to Greek myth—a blend of orchestral might, choral chants, and primal rhythms. Tracks like "The Vengeful Spartan" and "Athena's Theme" are emblematic of this approach, leveraging brass sections, pounding percussion, and haunting vocalizations to evoke both grandeur and savagery.
One of the most striking aspects of the score is its use of leitmotifs. While less complex than McCreary’s layered themes, these musical ideas are powerfully effective. The main theme, often associated with Kratos, is a relentless, driving force—a sonic representation of his unstoppable rage. By contrast, themes for deities like Athena or Ares carry a more ethereal, yet imposing quality, highlighting the dichotomy between mortal and divine. This interplay underscores the game’s central conflict: a man challenging the gods, fueled by pain and fury.
The compositional style draws heavily from classical and epic film traditions, reminiscent of works like Gladiator or Ben-Hur, but with a darker, more aggressive edge. The use of ancient Greek instruments, such as the lyre and aulos, alongside a full symphony orchestra and choir, creates a unique soundscape that feels both timeless and mythic. Tracks like "The Temple of Pandora" immerse players in a world of mystery and danger, while battle themes such as "Battle with the Hydra" escalate the tension with frenetic strings and percussive intensity.
Yet, the score’s true brilliance lies in its emotional range. While often remembered for its bombast, it also conveys moments of sorrow and introspection. "The Summit of Sacrifice" and "Kratos' Sadness" offer glimpses into the protagonist’s torment, using softer, more melodic arrangements to humanize a character otherwise defined by brutality. These moments are critical—they provide the emotional stakes that make Kratos’ journey compelling rather than one-dimensional.
In comparison to later installments, the 2005 score is undeniably less nuanced. McCreary’s work for the Norse saga incorporates regional folk instruments, deeper character themes, and a more subtle approach to storytelling through music. However, the original score’s raw power and unapologetic intensity remain unmatched in their ability to capture the essence of the early games. It is a product of its time—a bold, unrestrained expression of mythic violence that perfectly served the gameplay and narrative.
Revisiting this soundtrack today, one can hear the seeds of what the franchise would become. The thematic depth, though simpler, established a template for future development. The composers understood that Kratos’ story was not just about action but about tragedy—a concept McCreary would later expand upon with masterful subtlety. The 2005 score is the genesis of that vision, a crucial chapter in the series’ auditory identity.
Ultimately, the music of God of War (2005) deserves recognition not merely as a nostalgic artifact but as a foundational piece of video game composition. It set a high bar for epic storytelling in the medium and remains a benchmark for how music can enhance immersive experiences. As the franchise continues to evolve, its origins remind us that every legend has a beginning—and in this case, it began with a symphony of rage, sorrow, and divine retribution.
