God of War Ragnarök Review Round Up – Can it Live Up to the Legacy?
God of War is one of the few franchises that has succeeded in impressing their fans with a plot based on Greek mythology, as it is uncommon for video games to attract such a committed fanbase with stories like this.
The Storyline
Few video game franchises have been able to shock their fans with plots based on Greek legends, and even fewer have attracted such a devoted following. By shifting the series’ focus from Greek to Norse mythology in 2018, Santa Monica Studio began a new chapter in the long-running God of War franchise. The game was a huge success, the number of fans skyrocketed, and the title’s prospect for the future was bright.
However, on the other hand, in comparison to its predecessor, God of War: Ragnarok is not as much of a game that completely reinvents the God of War series. Rather than the storyline that came before it, this chapter is a departure from the norm in terms of both focus and mechanics.
It was speculated before its release that Ragnarok would have a hard time living up to the legacy of its predecessor and that it would require more than just a strong plot to satisfy the series’ devoted following. And rightly so, the game delivered. The direction, writing, and storyline, as well as the overall experience that this game provides, have all received top ratings from reviewers.
According to the Washington Post “God of War Ragnarok” by Santa Monica Studio is the best told story in a video game in 2022. When it comes to gameplay, it is an iterative sequel to the 2018 PlayStation 4 smash hit, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. In fact, the whole story is full of surprises, with as many whimsical delights as gory fights”
Another thing that most critics highlighted was how the game was an emotional roller coaster. It is one of a kind where you don’t actually feel something until after it happens, and the next scene takes place. A big reason for this is that the game uplifts its prequel’s storyline and starts from where it left before.
A big reason for this is that Ragnarok is an era in Scandinavian mythology in which many gods are said to have died, countless tragedies struck the planet, and the Earth was finally cleansed by a worldwide flood. Inspired by Ragnarök’s central idea but shifting the focus on Kratos and his son Atreus‘s efforts to avert it, the title focuses on their struggle.
As the Verge reports: “It’s been a long time since a game’s story knocked the wind out of me like God of War Ragnarök has.”
Gameplay & Graphics
Ragnarok’s gameplay is similar to that of its predecessor in terms of its combat mechanics. This time, Kratos has returned with his Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos. As a result of the changes made to the weapons, players now have a wider variety of strategies to choose from.
However, instead of controlling a single character this time, we can now control his son Atreus, who is now in his teens. He uses his Talon Bow in combat by either hurling arrows at his enemies or swinging at them with it like a sword.
Additionally, Kratos receives a new and improved Sheild, allowing you to switch between blocking and parrying attacks. The game adds variety to the opponents you’ll face, and the fights themselves are more interesting.
Ina addition to this, the game features multiple graphic modes for both, PS4 and PS5, as Sony has elaborated upon the VRR. Learn more about these changes here.
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that God of War: Ragnarok will end an era on a high note. The gameplay ranges between 35-40 hours. What is certain is that spending even an hour will be worth it and this game is something that should be in every PlayStation owner’s list. It exemplifies why it is considered among the greatest of its kind. The reviews for God of War: Ragnarok confirm that Santa Monica’s story team is among the best in the industry.
Review Round-Up
- VGC: 5/5
- IGN: 5/5
- Forbes: 4.5/5
- Game Informer: 4.75/5
- Screen Rant: 4.5/5
- GameSpot: 4.5/5
- Siliconera: 5/5
- Destructoid: 4.5/5
These reviews accurately reflect what the game has to offer. And as far as God of War’s legacy goes, well, judging on the reviews and what the reviewers have to say, it seems like the franchise is in good hands.
