God of War vs. Spider-Man: Which PS4 Exclusive is Better
Graphics
As you’d expect from two AAA PS4 exclusives, the production value of both games is of an extremely high standard. They’re among the best-looking games on the entire system, in fact, rendering stunning environments with exceptional detail. When the action gets up close, the facial and motion capture in God of War and Spider-Man is equally superb. Both games will have you questioning whether cutscenes have actually ended, so seamless is the experience.
God of War is particularly cinematic with its unique camera, which never cuts throughout the entire experience. You’re always in close and personal with the characters, fully immersed in the action. Spider-Man, on the other hand, dazzles with breathtaking set-pieces and over-the-top action.
It’s hard to pick a winner here because, quite honestly, they’re both utterly stunning. But God of War’s fantasy world design, which takes players on a tour of Norse mythology’s ancient lands, is certainly more striking. The transition from snowy mountains to burning volcanoes and misty outdoor lakes to the alien technology of the realms of Asgard makes for a more impressive graphical spectacle.
God of War’s physics-based rendering makes hair, armor, and weapons move realistically. Everything is separately animated and has its own characteristics: weapons have a proper heft, environments are destructible, and snow deforms appropriately. In combination, volumetric lighting and staggering textures create a wonderful collision of startlingly realistic detail and fantasy environments. It’s realism with healthy doses of herbs and spices added for that extra magical effect.
Spider-Man is most impressive in its fluidity of motion. From swinging through the city to acrobatic combat, the game features an impressive range of animation. These animations aren’t just reserved for major characters, either, with even minor NPCs appearing very realistic. Lighting and textures are also sublime, and there’s a juxtaposition between Spidey’s shiny, reflective suits and the grainy, film-like textures of coats, jackets, and faces when in more relaxed scenes.
Still, we’re ultimately sticking with Kratos’ quest as the most visually striking of the two.
Winner: God of War
