God of War, the popular video game franchise, has evolved from Greek mythology to Norse legends. The first game was released in 2005 and featured a Spartan warrior named Kratos seeking revenge after being tricked into killing his family by the Greek God of War. The franchise continued exploring this mythology through different games and consoles until 2018 when the series underwent a soft reboot in the form of God of War (2018), set in Norse mythology with a more mature storyline, fresh gameplay mechanics, and stunning graphics. The game won numerous Game of the Year awards and confirmed the successful evolution of the series.
The Evolution of God of War: From Greek Mythology to Norse Legends
Introduction
In 2005, the gaming world was introduced to a new character named Kratos, a Spartan warrior with a personal vendetta against the Greek Gods. The franchise began with God of War, which was based on Greek mythology and featured an angry Kratos on a quest for revenge. Fast forward to 2018, and the series has transformed, with Kratos now found in the icy landscapes of Scandinavian folklore in God of War (2018). This article takes a closer look at the evolution of God of War, from Greek mythology to Norse Legends.
God of War
The first God of War game was released in 2005, and it followed the story of Kratos, who was once a loyal Spartan warrior. Kratos was tricked into killing his family by Ares, the Greek God of War, in exchange for victory in battle. The game followed Kratos on his mission for revenge against the Greek Gods, particularly Zeus, who he believed to be responsible for his suffering. The game was known for its hack-and-slash gameplay and its graphic violence, as Kratos battled mythical creatures and the Gods themselves.
God of War II
God of War II was released in 2007, and it picked up right where God of War left off. The game saw Kratos ascend to the throne of the Gods, only to be betrayed once again by Zeus. The plot was more complex than its predecessor, and the game allowed for more exploration and puzzle-solving. The game also introduced new weapons and special abilities for Kratos.
God of War III
God of War III was released in 2010, and it was the first game in the series to be released on the PlayStation 3. The game was the conclusion of the trilogy and saw Kratos taking on the Gods on Mount Olympus. The game was known for its impressive visuals and epic boss battles, and it featured a more emotional storyline. The game received critical acclaim and remains one of the highest-rated games in the series.
God of War: Ascension
God of War: Ascension was released in 2013, and it was a prequel to the first God of War game. The game showed Kratos before he became a servant of the Greek Gods, and it explored his relationship with his family. The game was more focused on multiplayer gameplay, although it still featured the signature God of War combat.
God of War (2018)
God of War (2018) is a soft reboot of the series, and it takes place in the mythical world of Norse mythology. The game picks up years after the events of God of War III, with Kratos now in hiding in a remote corner of Scandinavia with his son Atreus. The game is known for its open-world design, and it features a more mature and character-driven story. The game was praised for its stunning graphics, emotive storytelling, and fresh gameplay mechanics. It won numerous Game of the Year awards, proving that the series had successfully evolved.
Conclusion
The God of War series has come a long way since its debut in 2005. After exploring the Greek pantheon and concluding Kratos’ story, the franchise rejuvenated itself with a shift to Nordic mythology. The change in setting allowed for a fresh take on the series, and it provided a new direction for the games to follow. God of War (2018) proved that the series had matured, and it remains one of the standout games of the PlayStation 4 generation. As of now, there isn’t an announcement for a new God of War game, but fans eagerly await what’s next for Kratos and Atreus.