In the video game world, competition never ceases, and to remain a contender, each console manufacturer needs to maintain an identity among consumers and offer them something they can’t get on any other platform. This weekend, TGR will take an in-depth look at the games -- one key franchise for each company -- that make Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony what they are today.

Sony, game company since 1994, has seen its ups and downs in the console business. Sony first debuted the PlayStation in 1994 and the PlayStation 2 in 1999. Those two consoles have gone on to sell a total of more than 240 million units, with the PlayStation 2 selling 140 million alone. These first two consoles are among the most popular in gaming history, while gamers remain on the fence regarding the success of the PlayStation 3 and the PSP.

There have been many franchise games to come through Sony that have gone on to become very successful. On the PlayStation, Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, and Metal Gear Solid ruled the platform. Then the PlayStation 2 came out and called on Shadow of the Colossus, ICO, Jak and Daxter, and more Metal Gear to gain success, . The PlayStation 3 has had some good games as well including the Resistance series, Killzone, Uncharted, and one more MGS game. As great and successful as these games are, especially very close runner-up Metal Gear Solid series, one franchise has held its own and destroyed the competition.

He slashes. He dashes. He pretty much just destroys anything in his path. His name is Kratos, and the franchise Sony wouldn’t be the same without is the God of War franchise.  Some gamers may not like this decision, because God of War only hit the scene in 2005. But think about it, has any other game from Sony had as much influence in the gaming world as GoW? I don’t think so.

The first God of War was a fantastic “beat the crap out of you’re opponent” game. It had brilliant graphics, amazing gameplay, and an epic story. The game was destined to be noticed by gamers everywhere, and it was. GoW sold 3.21 million units worldwide, 2.48 million in the U.S.. The game won multiple awards including best PS2 game in 2005 by multiple gaming publications. That alone would make me consider it for Sony’s best franchise, but Sony released two more God of War games. Smart move.