God of War: Ascension and now Gears of War: Judgment bombed in review scores. The lower sales clearly reflected that GoW:A sold less than half the first week total of God of War 3. True sequels of popular franchises sell much better than mediocre cash in spin off games. FFXIII-2 and Metal Gear: Revengeance were deservedly well down on the sales of FFXIII and Metal Gear Solid 4 respectively. Spin off sequels are more deserving of being $30 DLC than a $60 full priced game.

Now, something interesting:

http://www.honestgamers.com/11865/xbox-360/gears-of-war-judgment/review.html

A 5/10 from Honestgamers. Pretty much the lowest review up to now.

I dont think anyone expected Gears or God of War Ascension to be GOTY material but great games by themselves (and they both are). Last of Us, Bioshock, GTA, Assassins Creed 4 (Only if they learned from part 3) and possibly a few others are the only reasonable choices for GOTY this year until E3.

No offense to your logic, but GOW Ascension gives way more as a total package than GOW 3 ever gave. Can't say the same for any of the other games you mentioned versus the main games.

Would you care to elaborate?

The multiplayer is deep and satisfying with a powerstone, mortal Kombat-esque feel. The games single player is harder than GOW3 and way more interactive (also a longer campaign). The character skins and models for the game are also varied very well. This game was all about level design and how the levels and puzzles interact with the player for a more satisfying progression. Kratos isnt as strong as he was in the other GOW games either. Reviewers also embellished upon how little extra there was for Kratos to do (obviously showing how much they really dont mix it up while playing GOW) in terms of magic. I have unlocked the magic for all of the elements in my weapons from Zeus, Ares, Poseidon and Hades and each have more than enough varied power attacks to go around. So far I have the Amulet of Uroborus (suspects opponents in time, and either decays or heals breakable levels) and the Oath Stone of Orkos (Creates an altered version of yourself that either attacks, fools opponents so you can get away momentarily or stays still to help with level puzzles.

I have to get back to the multiplayer eventually, but I should be almost finished with Ascension soon.

Wouldnt content also be part of the total package? Well if so then Judgment gives you more, but not by much.

I guess this all,but confirms that GoW:A is the better prequel.

no it doesnt

I honestly don't know what people are complaining about. The campaign is better than the first Gears of War. The declasified challenges are a great addition to the series. I can't say it's better than Gears of War 2, but it's at least as good as Gears of War 3.