 Although presented in two @-@ dimensional side @-@ scrolling format , the game retains the action @-@ oriented approach of its predecessors , with the player controlling the character Kratos in the same combination of combat , platforming , and puzzle game elements . Platforming elements include jumping across chasms , climbing ladders , and swinging on ropes . Some puzzles require Kratos to move a box on top of a switch ( thus activating it ) , or moving a box to use it as a jumping @-@ off point to reach a pathway unreachable with normal jumping . Game length is approximately two to four hours , and it consists of ten levels . 
