God of War returned after a five-year break with a fresh look at the classic franchise, including a new protagonist, Norse mythology setting, and gameplay mechanics. Kratos and his son Atreus set out on a journey to spread Atreus’ mother’s ashes, encountering new gods, monsters, and characters en route. The reworked combat system is more strategic and focused on positioning and timing, while the character and world-building make for an emotionally engaging story. The game was a commercial and critical success and a sequel is already in the works along with possibilities for exploring other mythologies.
God of War: A New Era for the Classic Franchise
After a five year hiatus, the God of War franchise returned in 2018 with a new game that reimagines the series in exciting and unexpected ways. With a new protagonist, new gameplay mechanics, and a new Norse mythology setting, God of War is a fresh start for a franchise that had become stale and predictable. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the new God of War stand out and why it’s been so successful.
The Story
One of the most notable changes in the new God of War is the shift in focus from Greek mythology to Norse mythology. This means a whole new pantheon of gods and creatures for players to encounter, as well as a new protagonist. Kratos, the original series protagonist, is still around, but he’s older and wiser now, and has settled in the land of the Norse gods with his son, Atreus.
The story of God of War revolves around Kratos and Atreus’ journey to spread Atreus’ mother’s ashes on the highest peak in the land. Along the way, they encounter gods, monsters, and other beings who want to stop them. While the basic plot may seem simple, the characters and world-building are rich and compelling, making for an emotionally resonant story.
The Gameplay
The God of War series has always been known for its flashy, over-the-top combat, and the new game is no exception. However, the combat has been reworked to be more strategic and weighty. Kratos now wields an axe instead of his signature blades, and the game has a much heavier emphasis on timing and positioning. Players can also upgrade Kratos’ abilities and equipment as they progress through the game.
One of the biggest additions to the gameplay is Atreus. He’s not just a sidekick or a placeholder character – he’s an essential part of the game. Players can command Atreus to attack enemies, distract them, or provide support with his bow and arrow. He also plays a significant role in the story, both narratively and gameplay-wise.
The Graphics and Sound
God of War is one of the most visually stunning games available on the PlayStation 4. The game takes place in a lush and detailed Norse world, with varied environments that are a treat to explore. The character models and animations are top-notch, with Kratos and Atreus both looking and moving like real people.
The soundtrack is also a standout feature of God of War. The music, composed by Bear McCreary, combines orchestral and Nordic elements to create a unique and epic score. The voice acting is also excellent, with Christopher Judge giving a standout performance as Kratos.
The Reception
God of War was a critical and commercial success, receiving numerous awards and nominations. Critics praised the game’s story, characters, gameplay, graphics, and sound, with many calling it a masterpiece. The game also sold over five million copies within the first month of its release, making it one of the best-selling PlayStation 4 games of all time.
The Future
Given the success of the new God of War, it’s not surprising that a sequel is already in the works. While details about the next game are scarce, it’s likely that it will continue the story of Kratos and Atreus in the Norse world. Sony Santa Monica, the studio behind the game, has also teased that they’re interested in exploring other mythologies in future games, which could mean that Kratos might visit new worlds and encounter new gods.
Conclusion
God of War represents a new era for the classic franchise. It takes what worked in the previous games – the combat, the spectacle, the epic scale – and adds in new elements that make it feel fresh and exciting. With its rich story, compelling characters, and innovative gameplay, God of War is a true masterpiece that will be remembered as one of the best games of the PlayStation 4 generation.