God of War: Ragnarök - Review

"War does not measure the strength of a man" – A review of God of War: Ragnarök. 

God of War was a genuinely exceptional game. The story was brilliant, the gameplay was solid, it was immersive and it was memorable. With any sequel, the risk is always that it won't live up to the original – so, did it?

I'm thrilled to confirm that it did.

God of War: Ragnarök is one of the most highly anticipated releases of recent years, arriving as a direct sequel to the 2018 reboot that revived the long-running franchise. Building upon the previous game's success, Ragnarök weaves a tale of myth, family, and fate, all while delivering brilliant and refined gameplay.

Set in the icy, war-torn realms of Norse mythology, God of War: Ragnarök resumes the journey of Kratos and his son Atreus as they deal with the consequences of the previous game's revelations. The story unfolds in the shadow of the prophesied end times, Ragnarök, plunging the pair into conflict with gods and monsters alike. The story combines themes of parental responsibility, destiny, and the struggle to break devastating cycles of violence. Character arcs are handled with nuance, especially when it comes to Kratos's ongoing battle with his own past and Atreus's quest for identity. The plot balances an epic scale with truly intimate moments, meaning spectacle is balanced with emotion.

God of War was fantastic, and the sequel refined and expanded on it. The world is even bigger and more diverse, with all Nine Realms being yours to explore, and each having its own secrets and distinct environments. There are new characters including gods and allies, more depth to the Norse lore, new weapons, new abilities, companion options and generally just a bigger variety of combat and exploration to enjoy. The pacing is better too, with the story feeling seamlessly incorporated into the gameplay.

Ragnarök's gameplay is as satisfying as the first game, but it's introduced several new aspects. You get enhanced shield mechanics and new special attacks, and Atreus gets in the way less during battle, actually contributing now. Each encounter offers a new challenge, the puzzles are more intricate, and exploration rewards the curious. The word for this game is polished; everything feels refined and intuitive.

As with the first game, Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic deliver great voice acting, and the music once again heightens emotional stakes and tension. This game isn't just a success, it's a triumph – an emotional, rewarding experience which I'm sure will delight fans of the first game.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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