By Dean Moses
Game: God of War Ragnarök
Platform: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
Rating: M for Mature
Cost: $69.99
God of War Ragnarök, the most anticipated game for 2022, finally hit store shelves this month and it already has been lauded by gamers and critics alike. Developer Santa Monica Studio created what many are calling one of the most visually and emotionally stunning gaming experiences in years. It has garnered ten nominations including the coveted Game of the Year Award, Best Performance, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and more.
Story
The very first God of War game was released in the United States on March 22, 2005. The first tale followed Spartan solider Kratos as he served the Olympian gods and his desent into destroying them. After several sequels the game was rebooted in 2018 for the PlayStation 4 as simply God of War, focusing on Norse mythology and raised the bar on action-adventure gaming. This latest iteration focuses on Kratos’ son, Atreus, and the vast realm of the Norse gods. Right off the bat the story kicks off with a battle that ends with a heartbreaking cutscene on the frozen world, Midgard, setting the tone for the narrative and the impending doom of Ragnarök.
GamePlay
The God of War sequel showcases numerous visually stunning Norse realms as well as well-known gods, such as Odin and Thor. The battles are not just all serious action, there are hilarious jabs and banter between enemies as well as Kratos and Atreus. The Norse apocalyptic myth of Ragnarök is a prophecy that states Loki will bring about the end of the world, obviously the games version has taken narrative liberties on the tale, but overall, it delves into the belief in prophesies, fate, and whether the characters allow the foreshadowing to define them and their choices. In the last game, Kratos and Areus kill Baldur; however, in doing so this was said to begin the motions for Ragnarök. Players are thrust into constant battle due to the consequences of this killing. When battling and solving puzzles, Kratos’ axe continues to play a useful role as he flings in the direction of his enemy or obstacle and it will return, spiraling right back into his hand. You can even direct Atreus to fire his arrows at enemies as you try to overcome areas.
Conclusion
God of War Ragnarök’s narrative is sensational with poignant pieces that underscore the relationship between a father and son, while also exploring the ideas behind destiny and whether prophesies should dictate decisions. All together the gameplay, graphics, and voice acting create a perfect recipe for a phenomenal gaming experience.
