| Feature | God of War (2005) Icon | God of War II Icon | | --- | --- | --- | | Expression | Grim, focused, forward stare. | Open-mouthed, roaring, upward/forward gaze. | | Mood | “I am a weapon.” | “I am a storm coming for Olympus.” | | Lighting | Flat, even, high contrast. | Dramatic chiaroscuro, half in shadow. | | Hand/Weapon | Often holding Blades of Chaos low. | Gripping Blade of Olympus high, ready to swing. |
The first game’s Kratos is a soldier on a mission. The second game’s Kratos is a demigod scorned, already in motion. The 2005 icon asks, “Who is this monster?” The 2006 icon answers, “The one who will kill Zeus.” Beyond art, the icon serves a functional, emotional role. Every time you save your game in God of War II , you see that snarling face on the save file. Every time you boot up your PS2 (or the remaster), that icon stares from the browser. god of war 2 icon