God of War (2018) is the best of the greatest video games ever made. Most people in the gaming community accept this as fact rather than being up for debate. Video games usually feature reprehensible and misogynistic characters, but this one turns them into sad, introspective father figures. The gameplay measured up to that level of hardcore.
It has been nearly five years since Santa Monica Studio released its incredible vision. Now the studio is trying to follow up with the sequel, God of War Ragnarök. There is no doubt that creating a video game is difficult, but creating an exact replica of one of the most acclaimed games in history? Sisyphean, that's for sure. In spite of this, Ragnarok proves that lightning can strike twice in some circumstances.
Story
The events of God of War Ragnarok take place a few years after the events of God of War (2018). While Kratos and Atreus have survived as Kratos and Atreus dodge the merciless attacks of Freya and her grief-stricken companions, Midgard has frozen over, making the realm even more inhospitable.
Thus, GoWR is in many ways a direct sequel to the original. There is a rapid development of the story, with new characters, events, and goals introduced at an alarming rate. Several familiar faces are joined by a wide array of new characters from across the Norse mythos. It is admirable that GoWR gives each character some level of significance according to their unique roles.
There is a slight delay in getting started when it comes to the overall story. Ragnarok doesn't always seem to know the true direction it's heading in, unlike 2018's game. During the first half, many of the game's major plot beats are merely side stories that set up the next plot point for our protagonists. There are still a number of enjoyable moments in the story, but sometimes it meanders in a manner that muddies the overall narrative.
Although the story is less focused, the presentation is brilliant nonetheless. This novel is brimming with razor-sharp dialogue, ranging from witty aphorisms about the world to intense, emotional discourse concerning family and love. During the course of this game, it is impossible not to cry at least once.
There should be particular attention given to Chris Judge's performance as Kratos and Daniel Bisutti's writing as Freya, as both of them put every ounce of intent and emotion into their characters. I have experienced some of the most poignant conversations in any media, especially during their time in Vanaheim. With Santa Monica Studio's writers on board, Kratos is able to express himself with a powerful voice, and his evolution has been a long one since Ghost of Sparta.
Gameplay
The God of War (2018) series became more tight-knit and strategic due to a new combat style. While Ragnarok does not completely rework the formula, it adds some exciting new features to it by building on the new style's foundations. In order to upgrade the stats of the Leviathan Axe and unlock new skills, you must follow very similar upgrade paths.
Additionally, there are some new additions that enhance the combat experience while adding more customization options. A certain number of times that Kratos uses his skills, for example, unlocks special enhancements. Another new, highly customizable piece of equipment is also available.
All sets of armor can also be upgraded to their maximum rank. A Strength spec is also available if you want to focus entirely on it. It is also possible for armor sets to synergize with each other, granting special perks in battle when certain conditions are met. When I used Runic or Talisman abilities, I would gain a strength boost, and my cooldown timer would be lowered.
Customization enhances the feeling of directed combat. I could make my favorite attacks and abilities work in just about any situation, even though a single strategy might not be enough to deal with every enemy type. I felt more in control of the flow of combat than I did reacting to it, since I had a clear goal in mind.
Aside from its combat, Ragnarok contains puzzles, collectibles, and side quests that can easily extend the game beyond its 20+ hours. In spite of nearly 25 hours of play, I still feel like I am missing out on a lot of content. An evil Draugr makes an appearance, poems refer to familiar titles, and bosses that would even make the Valkyries weep make this a game you won't want to miss.
Even though I'm glad there's so much extra stuff, Ragnarok can sometimes feel like a video game. You also feel like you're playing a typical video game than even the 2018 release, thanks to the meta references, dialogue, and even Kratos navigating the world. In a way that Ragnarok's predecessor didn't, Ragnarok dips into the pool of video game fatigue.
Audio and Visual
Beautiful environments and sweeping vistas make this game truly breathtaking. In particular, the character models are phenomenal, and many of these characters appear to have improved significantly over the past four years.
There's no doubt that the animation team at Santa Monica Studio deserves some serious accolades for what they've accomplished here, particularly when it comes to Kratos. Especially in some of the later cutscenes, the way this man emotes is astonishing. The characters move in this way like I've never seen them in any video game before, and it makes the game feel like it's from the current generation.
Bear McCreary proves once again to be one of the finest composers living today as he returns as the composer for God of War Ragnarok. A perfect balance is struck between intensity and lightheartedness in the music. The arrangements in Ragnarok promise adventure and excitement with breezy trills that provide levity and brightness. Kratos' withering expressions are aptly matched by heavy bass and somber chords during moments of tension.
What Could Be Better
In all honesty, not much. Its first half lacks a clear direction for most of its first half, which is really the only criticism I have. Toward an amorphous goal, there are indirectly explained steps that are at best indirect and at worst unexplained. Even though the presentation is thrilling and the moments are fun, the purpose of the presentation is hazy. Things become much clearer and more interesting at a certain point in the game, but I wish it had happened earlier.
Verdict
One of the greatest video games ever made, God of War Ragnarok is an incredible sequel. A unique flavor is added to the mix while simultaneously capturing the magic of the first game. This story is a jaw-dropping rollercoaster of exhilaration and mayhem, though it lacks the intimacy of its predecessor. The 2018 release is undoubtedly one of Sony Santa Monica's most impressive accomplishments in gaming history, and God of War Ragnarok is no exception.
I hope you have enjoyed my review. Follow me for more game review and to watch my streams, follow me on Twitch (@Jokermessi11),
Enjoy the beauty of this awesome game.
AJ