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Every so often, a game emerges that defies expectations, pushing the boundaries of our beloved medium. In 2018, God of War accomplished this feat, and now, with God of War: Ragnarok, Sony Santa Monica and PlayStation have once again succeeded in breaking new ground.
While God of War: Ragnarok follows the template set by its predecessor, it elevates the storytelling to unparalleled heights, offering an emotional rollercoaster that had me laughing, crying, and gasping in awe within the first few hours of play. This is an experience that demands to be savored. Every aspect of God of War: Ragnarok is meticulously crafted, whether it's expanding the lore, developing characters, or revealing the intricacies of its enchanting world. Rushing through this game would be a disservice to its masterful narrative, which, on the surface, appears otherworldly but ultimately centers on the theme of family.
Set three years after the events of God of War (2018), Kratos and Atreus find themselves battling the full force of Fimbulwinter as they journey through the Nine Realms of Norse mythology to prepare for Ragnarok, the end of days. This narrative is riddled with unexpected twists and turns that keep players on the edge of their seats, culminating in a conclusion that may surprise but is immensely satisfying.
The game kicks off with breathtaking pacing. Moments into the story, a thrilling battle unfolds as Freya, the mother of the Aesir god Baldur, charges at our heroes through the snow-covered hills of Midgard. It's one of the most captivating first hours I've experienced in a video game. While the middle section of the game meanders a bit, I couldn't care less; I wanted to savor every moment of this gripping journey, particularly the poignant interactions between father and son as they learn from each other's mistakes.
Kratos is now a more open and evolved character, a far cry from the mindless monster that kicked off the franchise in 2005. He has learned to embrace his son in times of sorrow, leading to a profound transformation that enriches the character in ways we've never seen before. Kratos and Mimir, everyone's favorite traveling companion, have grown closer, even developing a brotherly bond. This is in stark contrast to the one-dimensional character we first met in 2005.
Mimir is available from the start this time, and his self-proclaimed title of "Smartest Man Alive" leads to some genuinely hilarious moments. His banter with Kratos, such as proposing stealthy approaches to battles only to be swiftly dismissed, had me in stitches. Mimir may very well be one of the finest side characters in gaming.
Brok and Sindri return with more integral roles, each forming a dynamic partnership with one of our protagonists. Sindri's obsession with cleanliness and Brok's foul-mouthed demeanor remains relatable, and we delve deeper into their backgrounds, adding depth to their characters. The same applies to Freya's character arc as she grieves her loss.
Speaking of characters, God of War: Ragnarok introduces a considerable cast, much larger than the first game's relatively small ensemble. Characters like Odin, Thor, Heimdall, Sif, Tyr, Angrboda, and more make appearances. Fortunately, each character receives adequate screen time to make a lasting impression. Odin is calculated and goal-oriented, while Thor is pompous, powerful, and as layered as Kratos. Although the newcomers may not quite measure up to the original cast, the Norse gods deliver on their promises.
Ragnarok's stakes are significantly higher, yet the game skillfully balances these epic events with the personal aspects that made the previous game a triumph. Director Eric Williams, succeeding Cory Barlog, concludes this story brilliantly, although some may find the ending divisive. Personally, I hope this is the last we see of Kratos and Atreus, but considering the franchise's allure, that seems like a wishful dream.
God of War: Ragnarok is a third-person action-adventure that builds on its predecessor's foundation with enhanced combat and additional upgrades, including multiple skill trees. Kratos still wields the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, or Guardian Shield to obliterate his foes, while Atreus provides support with his bow and arrow and summoning abilities, summoning packs of wolves or flocks of ravens. The gameplay is fast, fluid, and endlessly entertaining, intensifying when the challenge demands it, resulting in monumental confrontations.
Elemental abilities, including ice and fire, play a more significant role this time, introducing a puzzling element. Additional magic types are introduced, pushing the gameplay to the brink of complexity, yet it works flawlessly, demanding thought and strategy rather than relying on the hack-and-slash mechanics of the original trilogy.
Players control Atreus for extended periods during the game, and significant effort has gone into distinguishing his fighting style from Kratos's. Atreus employs a mix of ranged and hand-to-hand combat through his bow and arrow, making him a valuable addition to the story, even if he falls slightly short of Kratos in terms of enjoyment. Witnessing a 14-year-old embark on his adventure adds a profound layer to the narrative.
Sindri's impeccably clean house serves as a hub for Kratos and Atreus to plan and travel to the Nine Realms. Consequently, the levels may appear linear, but free-roam sections open up after visiting each realm. Midgard remains substantial, featuring a frozen lake that can be traversed with the help of wolves and a sled. Svartalfheim presents an ocean to navigate (yes, the boat is back) and a dwarf city to explore. Each realm feels distinct and offers a unique experience, even if some serve as brief stopovers.
The game is brimming with puzzles that break up the combat. One of my favorites involves Kratos throwing the Leviathan axe through multiple red orbs that immediately return if not all hit simultaneously, an element from the previous game that has been cleverly enhanced with a purple substance that alters the axe's trajectory. Additionally, boss fights demand a greater degree of strategy, leading to "aha" moments in battles.
Ragnarok's side missions are exceptional, each feeling substantial and meaningful. For instance, the task of freeing a massive, chained Lyngbakr, the size of a whale, was a captivating endeavor that I couldn't resist. Those who enjoyed Elden Ring will appreciate the challenging Berserker Gravestones, which make the Valkyries look like mere Hel-Walkers. Even the collectathon of eliminating Odin's ravens serves a more meaningful purpose.
God of War: Ragnarok offers numerous breathtaking vistas, underscoring the necessity of a PlayStation 5 to fully appreciate the graphical fidelity. The level of detail is stunning, from the lush greens of Vanaheim to the glistening yellows of Jötunheim and the crisp desert sands of Alfheim. Even the interplay of sunlight and shadows is a sight to behold. The game boasts some of the most varied and detailed creature designs, with Aesir, Elves, Hel-Walkers, Midgardians, Primordials, Selor, and many more populating the Bestiary Index. Some sub-species remain undiscovered, promising more surprises. It's unfortunate that the photo mode isn't available at launch.
Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic as Kratos and Atreus deliver top-notch performances. Their work elevates the facial animations produced through motion capture to a new level. Ryan Hurst shines as Thor, and the entire cast excels in their respective roles.
The game's music sets the atmosphere but lacks standout tracks beyond the main God of War theme. However, it's the silence during quieter moments that leaves a lasting impact. While I won't be listening to the soundtrack on Spotify for days on end, the absence of sound in those moments drives home the game's emotional depth.
God of War: Ragnarok is a remarkable conclusion to the Norse saga, taking Kratos and Atreus to new storytelling heights that few games can match. Every character is exceptionally well-written, delivering moments of humor one minute and deep emotion the next. The Nine Realms are a joy to explore, boasting an exceptional level of detail, diverse enemy designs, and compelling side missions that should not be overlooked. Sony Santa Monica has arguably delivered one of the greatest one-two punches in video game history.
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