Did God of War Change For The Better?

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Among the renowned gaming franchises sheltered by PlayStation, God of War stands out as one that has undergone significant transformations. In contrast to series such as Ratchet and Clank which have stayed relatively consistent, God of War has evolved from a character-action game into a role-playing game (RPG) with substantial open-world aspects.

It’s a shift that has sparked varying viewpoints among fans, and we find ourselves echoing their sentiments. Could it be that the series improved? Or has it started to resemble typical AAA titles instead?

The God of War series originally by Sony wasn’t responsible for creating character-action games, but it significantly boosted their popularity. Kratos, the main character in this action-packed franchise, demonstrated that overpowering foes using brute force and quick-time events could lead to triumph. Gathering red energy to enhance your Blades of Chaos for additional attacks was quite engaging, while the colossal boss battles were truly awe-inspiring.

Following the release of God of War 3 and Ascension on PS3, many fans believed the series had reached its peak and couldn’t be improved further. There was a general consensus that a shift in the narrative was necessary to keep Kratos engaging, as he remained a highly favored character. However, what followed took everyone by surprise, with some even suggesting the change could have been too dramatic.

Upon our reunion with Kratos, it was evident that he had grown a beard and was once more a father. His character has been transplanted to Midgard, introducing a shift in mythology as well as his physical appearance. Notably, the camera perspective, reminiscent of Sony’s over-the-shoulder style popularized in The Last of Us, is now in use with this character.

Sony had rebooted God of War. Not in its continuity, but its gameplay and tone.

Instead of persisting in his fury-filled rampage, Kratos transformed into a repentant colossus striving to be a father. The world also underwent a change, featuring characters who shared deeper bonds with both Kratos and his son, Atreus. Crucially, the gameplay became more deliberate, emphasizing exploration, while still preserving combat as a significant aspect of the adventure.

In theory, rebooting God of War by making Kratos more remorseful about his past actions aligns with logic and enhances the development of a more empathetic character. This emotional depth enriches the narrative, making it more relatable for players. Moreover, employing a “one-shot” camera style throughout the game significantly boosted its cinematic quality.

Supporters of the show contend that this alteration stripped it of its unique essence. Although the narrative improved, the themes of family and retribution made it overly similar to The Last of Us. The combat remained engaging, but it felt like a quicker adaptation of Dark Souls, despite retaining quick-time events. Moreover, grand boss battles were scarce, which diminished some of the show’s grandeur.

Transforming a game entirely isn’t necessarily a negative move, and the revamped God of War indeed managed to captivate numerous fans. Many appreciated both the gameplay experience and narrative delivery. However, the fact that it played similarly to most other big-budget games in the market was a letdown for some.

The speculations about a remastered version of the God of War series aligns quite well now, given the resurgence of character-action games. It’ll surely be intriguing to observe whether the response to this revival influences the direction Kratos’ next game may take.

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2025-04-19 19:12