Using a combo system of light and heavy blows it’s about prioritising threats and managing space with dodges and parries around ever-closing enemies. Kratos’ chained blades have been replaced by the Leviathan Axe, a more focused and drawn in weapon. There is plenty of fighting though, so don’t worry - brutal, bloody, ‘can’t unsee what you just did to that man’s face’ fighting, with a system that’s spectacularly physical and flexible. You’ve probably noticed I haven’t even touched on the combat yet, mainly because there’s so much going on with characters, world and story. This has some of the best storytelling and cast in a game for a long time It’s not hard to read more into the God of War’s attempts to be a good man as the series reinvents itself for a new generation, minus the sex mini-games and exposed breasts of before.Įvery person you meet is expertly realised, written and performed. This is wisely done without ever ignoring what went before - Kratos never denies or excuses his history, just a desire to ensure he doesn’t pass it on. Hoping to make both the boy and his future a better place as a result. Trying, as he so often repeats to Atreus, to “be better” while gruffly and inexpertly attempting to pass on what he’s learned the long way round to prevent his son repeating his mistakes. Now, he’s wiser: aware of, and unhappy with, his past. He was just a spiteful, cruel man full of rage and with almost no redeeming qualities. The original PS2 games’ vicious edge and misogyny got somewhat of a pass from its cartoonish sheen and sheer outlandishness but, as things got more realistic on PS3, the Ghost of Sparta became increasingly harder to enjoy. Perhaps God of War’s greatest achievement in all this is making Kratos a likable character. God of War won't stop with Norse mythology - prepare for ancient Egyptian and Mayan locations too Mainly by being grumpy about stuff and hitting it with an axe. I’ll steer clear of any spoilers but, safe to say, some things happen, and you set off into the world to do something about it. He’s older, beardier and a very changed man, mourning a wife not long dead and with a son, Atreus, to raise. The new (old) world Kratos now roams the Norse realm of Midgard. There are call outs that will mean more to some than others, but nothing to alienate a newcomer. These changes mean this God of War works whether it's your first time with Kratos or you know the man well. Perhaps God of War’s greatest achievement is making Kratos a likeable character For a series more traditionally built on a carefully controlled theme park ride of excitement and set pieces, this newfound freedom is just as much a rush as any building-sized monster with oh-so-gougeable eyes. Now, however, you can control when to mainline the plot, or just wander off in a canoe and explore. It’s beautifully rhythmic and perfectly paced as it ebbs and flows through violently crashing narrative crescendos and quieter, expositional lulls. Don’t worry, though, there’s still a tightly woven tale here.
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