I think the first one is my favourite. The story was awesome and Kratos was just badass enough. The final battle, the sword bridge being used, I loved it.
I couldn't get into the 2nd one so easily because I played them straight and the controls changed slightly.. so for the first bit of the game I hesitated every time I tried to open a door or chest or whatever. I didn't like Kratos so much, he had those little catchphrases he would spurt out. " I ammm the God of Warrr". Had some good levels though.
I haven't finished GOW3 yet. But I didn't find the need to play it as urgent as the first one, or even the second, which is what I'm basing my choice on. I was so immersed in the first one, I was playng it until I couldn't stay awake anymore, then dreaming about it. The graphics in 3 are impressive, though it just feels like "meh, more of the same".
As a franchise though, its overall one of my favourites.
