In the first God of War game, released in 2005, Kratos is introduced as a brutal and vengeful god who serves Ares, the Greek god of war. Kratos' backstory is marked by tragedy, having killed his own family in a fit of rage under Ares' influence. This event sets Kratos on a path of revenge against the gods, particularly Ares. Throughout the early games, Kratos is portrayed as a one-dimensional character driven solely by his desire for revenge. His brutal and violent nature is on full display as he battles his way through hordes of monsters and gods.