Ep.134 – Opening Pandora's Box: The Story of David Jaffe and God of War
A Trip Down Memory Card Lane · David Kassin and Robert Kassin
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Show Notes
In 2005, Santa Monica Studio and David Jaffe unleashed God of War, a brutal mythological action game that redefined cinematic storytelling on the PlayStation 2. This week, we explore how Jaffe’s inspiration from Onimusha and Clash of the Titans led to a fusion of Greek mythology, adult themes, and fluid combat built on the Kinetica engine. Our conversation traces Kratos’ bloody journey of vengeance against Ares, how the game’s lore diverged from real mythology, and the creative team’s drive to make players feel powerful. We discuss the game’s critical reception, Santa Monica’s evolution into a modern powerhouse, and Jaffe’s later ventures beyond Sony. Join us as we open Pandora’s Box and revisit the origins of God of War on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.