Kratos is back : This time with a beard and conscience
Taken by SIE Santa Monica Studio/Sony Interactive
Max Radó / April 28, 2020
Game: God of War (2018)
Platforms: Playstation 4
It was not so long ago since the new instalment of the God of War franchise celebrated its second birthday. When it was released in 2018, it took the whole gaming community by storm, evidence can be found in the reviews by well-known media outlets as well as all the awards the game won. This extraordinary franchise started in 2005 on the Playstation 2 console and was made by Santa Monica studio. It is often said that a great single-player game have rich stories, deep character-development process, and a jaw-dropping ending that brings the endless pit of despair, like a sidekick, once the game is finished. Gamers often wish that games, which fit this description, can be re-played while having no memory so that we get to experience this wonderful ride like the first time. The new God of War made me wish for such amnesia.
The God of War completely shifts the character of Kratos, from being personified rage and violence to a reserved old god-warrior with his rage subdued. He left Greece and settled down as a stranger in a land strange to him, a land riddled with entities from the Norse mythology. Kratos settled down and lived comfortably with his wife Fey and son, Atreus. Fey dies, leaving a final wish, to spread her ashes on the peek of the highest mountain. So Kratos and Atreus go on a journey to fulfil the last wish. This old tale of an unexpected parent-like figure and a child has been used in many movies and video-games, like the previously reviewed Last of Us or The Witcher 3, a theme which seems capable to draw crowds. What the studio accomplished, is a total reinvention of a beloved character Kratos which turned out to be better than anyone could have expected. When it comes to our main characters, the relationship between Kratos and his son Atreus is way more intriguing and distinctive than in other titles. They are so different that it is more believable that they are complete strangers rather than family, which is something relatable that can be found in our individual lives. It is truly gratifying to see how the story evolves and how it shapes the characters which pushes them to form a bond which they never had previously.
Taken by SIE Santa Monica Studio/Sony Interactive
If there is anyone in your surroundings who thinks of video games as a form of pointless entertainment with no real value attached to it, show them this game. The combination of visuals, music and camera are, in my opinion, on par with some of the greatest movies of all time. The game’s open-world is beautiful, there is no doubt about it. The textures are vivid and feel genuinely real, from the photorealistic sky to Kratos’ beard. The camera makes sure that the game looks like one continuous shot with smooth transitions to and from cutscenes with clever mechanics, such as hidden loading screens. The striking sceneries and scenarios which the game provides in combination with the music composed by Bear McCreary are simply indescribable.
Taken by SIE Santa Monica Studio/Sony Interactive
The new God of War continues its tradition of being a so-called “hack&slash” video game and it does so very well. For those who are here for some good old action will not be unsatisfied because there is plenty of combat. The diversity of enemies, each with their strengths and weaknesses, force the player to learn and adapt to every situation. Kratos, not wielding his Blades of Chaos, has a new weapon called Leviathan Axe. For those familiar with Marvel’s Thor, the axe has the same behaviour as Thor’s hammer, where it can be thrown at a target and it returns back to character’s hand this results in a fun mechanic which will never bore the player. Atreus, who was taught how to hunt by his mother, will be a useful sidekick for the journey, damaging enemies and interrupting their attacks with his bow. To enrich the combat experience, the player can use multiple special attacks, which all have various and distinct effects so that every player can combine them to his or her preference.
There is a lot to be said about the newest God of War, however, I believe with this title it is best to keep a bit vague so that everyone will enjoy it themselves. There are should-play video games, there are must-play video games, and then there are titles which are art and should be experienced by everyone, no matter the age or previous experience with video games. God of War is one of these titles. If you have some expectations about the game, it will shatter them, believe me.
