'The character went through many stages of development, with his final design being chosen due to his Greek and brutal characteristics. Kratos uses a distinctive main weapon in all of the God of War games. The chain blades (...).
The character has received a mostly positive critical reception, being described by reviewers as a sympathetic antihero, while his gameplay was perceived as a nightmare to his enemies, but a dream to control. His role in the first game's plot received a similar reaction, particularly his tragic fall and brutal ascension to the peaks of Mount Olympus.
The main idea when creating Kratos was to design someone that looked brutal, while separating its appearance from what is considered the traditional Greek hero. The character's look was supposed to feel violent and impulsive.
Throughout the series, Kratos acts as an anti-hero, often making immoral decisions to further his goal; sacrificing unprotected humans for example. Prior to the start of the series, he served as the captain of Sparta's army and was only interested in increasing his power by conquering his opponents. His personality changes when he becomes a servant to Ares, after which he faithfully followed the god's orders. After he stopped serving Ares, Kratos continues to serve the gods in order to receive forgiveness, but shows a defiant stance against them. In the first game, Kratos' main motive is revenge. The Olympic gods turn against him and he is humbled, being sent to Hell by Zeus. However, when he is saved he shows a mighty ambition to kill Zeus, it's most likely not because of the Titan's plea, but because he again wants revenge on a god.'
