Image: Santa Monica Studio
The God of War franchise has been a mainstay in the world of gaming since its inception in 2005. The series' comeback installment, simply titled God of War, takes our beloved protagonist, Kratos, on a journey through the realm of Norse mythology. Developed by Santa Monica Studio, this PlayStation 4 exclusive brings the action-adventure series to new heights. I have thoroughly explored this new world, fought countless battles, and am ready to share my review of God of War.
Story (9.5/10) Kratos returns as the central character, but this time he's accompanied by his son, Atreus. The story revolves around their journey to scatter the ashes of Kratos' late wife and Atreus' mother at the highest peak of the nine realms. Along the way, they must face an array of foes from Norse mythology, while Kratos also struggles to come to terms with his past and his role as a father. The narrative is expertly woven, with superb pacing, emotionally resonant moments, and well-crafted characters. The father-son dynamic adds depth and humanity to Kratos, offering a fresh perspective on the once one-dimensional character.
Gameplay (9/10) God of War introduces a new, over-the-shoulder camera angle, departing from the fixed-camera perspective of previous entries. This change adds intimacy to the combat, making each encounter feel more personal and visceral. Kratos' new weapon, the Leviathan Axe, is a joy to wield, with its satisfying weight and versatile moveset. Atreus plays a significant role in combat as well, assisting Kratos with a bow that can be upgraded and customized. The game's RPG elements, including skill trees and gear upgrades, are well-implemented and encourage experimentation.
The puzzles and exploration aspects of the game also shine. The semi-open world is filled with hidden treasures, optional side quests, and challenging puzzles that test the player's wit and skill. The game strikes a fine balance between combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving.
Graphics and Sound (10/10) The presentation in God of War is nothing short of breathtaking. The game's world is meticulously crafted, with awe-inspiring vistas, detailed character models, and seamless transitions between cutscenes and gameplay. The dynamic lighting and weather effects further enhance the game's visual appeal. The sound design is equally impressive, with impactful sound effects that make each axe swing and enemy strike feel powerful. Bear McCreary's musical score is a standout, complementing the game's narrative and atmosphere perfectly.
Replayability (8.5/10) God of War offers a healthy amount of content, with the main story taking around 25-30 hours to complete. Players can also spend many hours completing side quests, hunting for collectibles, and tackling the challenging optional realm of Niflheim. While there isn't a traditional New Game+ mode, the game's post-launch updates have added one, allowing players to restart the story with their current gear and upgrades.
Conclusion God of War is a triumph in storytelling, gameplay, and presentation. It successfully reinvents the franchise while remaining true to its roots. The emotional narrative, immersive combat, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. Santa Monica Studio has crafted an unforgettable experience that sets a new benchmark for action-adventure games.
Overall Score: 9.3/10