When Does God of War (2018) Get Good?
While fans were initially nervous about the relaunch of the God of War game, most will tell a new player it didn’t take long for fears to subside. God of War (2018 version) starts off strong and delivers one of Playstation’s best exclusive experiences. While the first hour might feel slow for experienced gamers, the story builds first, then the action gets cracking and doesn’t let up throughout the story.
What Fans Say
Fans of God of War (2018) praise its reinvention of a beloved franchise, noting the depth of its story, character development, and emotional weight. The shift from Greek to Norse mythology has been widely celebrated as a fresh and engaging narrative direction. Players admire Kratos’ transformation from a rage-fueled anti-hero to a more nuanced, complex character grappling with fatherhood and past regrets. The dynamic between Kratos and his son, Atreus, adds a compelling emotional layer, enhancing the storytelling experience. Additionally, the combat system, with its strategic and visceral nature, along with the introduction of the Leviathan Axe, has received acclaim for its satisfying mechanics and depth.
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What Haters Say
Critics of God of War (2018) argue that the game’s pacing can feel slow, particularly due to backtracking and puzzle-solving segments that some players find tedious. A subset of players miss the chaotic, fast-paced action of the original trilogy, feeling that the new combat system, while strategic, sacrifices the frenetic energy of the older games. Others critique the limited enemy variety and repetitiveness in certain boss encounters. There are also detractors who feel the shift to a more mature, story-driven focus, complete with a more constrained, over-the-shoulder camera, distances it from the franchise’s hack-and-slash roots.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics have lauded God of War (2018) for its masterful storytelling, rich world-building, and technical prowess. The game’s narrative is often highlighted as a standout feature, with praise for its exploration of themes like parenthood, legacy, and redemption. The seamless, single-shot camera technique has been described as groundbreaking, enhancing immersion and emotional impact. Visuals, voice acting, and the orchestral score have received universal acclaim. While the slower pace and puzzle elements have divided opinions, many critics commend them for adding depth and variety to the gameplay. Overall, God of War (2018) is frequently cited as a landmark in narrative-driven action games.
Overview
Released in 2018, God of War serves as both a reboot and a continuation of the iconic action-adventure series. Developed by Santa Monica Studio and directed by Cory Barlog, the game shifts from Greek to Norse mythology, introducing a more mature and introspective narrative. Players follow Kratos, now living in Midgard, as he embarks on a journey with his son, Atreus, to fulfill the dying wish of his wife, Faye, by scattering her ashes from the highest peak in all the realms.
The core of the story revolves around the evolving relationship between Kratos and Atreus. The father-son dynamic drives much of the emotional weight, with Kratos’s struggle to connect with his son forming a poignant counterpoint to the action-packed sequences. The Leviathan Axe, a versatile new weapon with elemental and recall abilities, replaces the iconic Blades of Chaos as the primary tool for combat and puzzle-solving.
Gameplay emphasizes strategic, close-quarters combat that blends melee attacks, magical abilities, and Atreus’s bow skills. Exploration and puzzle-solving are integral, with richly detailed environments offering hidden lore, treasures, and side quests. The game’s single-shot cinematic presentation—without cuts or loading screens—creates a seamless experience that enhances immersion. God of War (2018) reimagines the franchise with a mature narrative and modernized gameplay while respecting its roots, earning critical and commercial success.
Similar Games
- The Last of Us – A story-driven action-adventure game that also explores deep emotional bonds between its lead characters.
- Horizon Zero Dawn – An action RPG with strategic combat and a rich narrative centered on a strong protagonist.
- Dark Souls III – Known for its challenging combat and intricate world design.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – A narrative-rich action RPG with expansive exploration and moral complexity.
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice – A deeply emotional journey with immersive combat and puzzle-solving.
If You Like These, You’ll Like This Game
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – Combines cinematic storytelling, action, and exploration.
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – A blend of Norse mythology and action RPG elements.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider – Offers puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat in a richly detailed world.
- Ghost of Tsushima – A narrative-driven action-adventure with a focus on samurai combat and beautiful environments.