58.4 hours played
Written 14 days ago
FATHER AND SON
God of War - Review
After years of vengeful rampages across Greek mythology, God of War marks not just a return, but a complete reimagining of one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises. With a bold shift to Norse mythology, a deeper emotional narrative, and a refined gameplay structure, Santa Monica Studio has crafted something both new and deeply familiar. The result is one of the most ambitious and rewarding single-player experiences of the generation. Kratos is no longer just the Ghost of Sparta — he’s a father, a mentor, and a man burdened by regret. Accompanied by his young son Atreus, he embarks on a deeply personal journey that explores grief, legacy, and the complicated burden of divinity.
GAMEPLAY (9.5/10):
The combat shifts from over-the-top combos to a tighter, grounded third-person system. The Leviathan Axe stands out—heavy, brutal, and immensely satisfying to throw and recall like a frosty boomerang. Alongside a shield and bare-knuckle strikes, Kratos’ toolkit demands smart resource management, spacing, and precise timing. Combat revolves around reading opponents, dodging, blocking, and punishing mistakes with well-timed parries and chaining runic abilities into combos. Midway through, the iconic Blades of Chaos return, offering faster, sweeping attacks that contrast the axe’s heft and expand combat variety, especially against groups of enemies. Atreus is an active, evolving partner—his arrows disrupt enemies, extend combos, and help solve puzzles. Enemy variety is solid, from Draugr and corrupted elves to Revenants and trolls, each requiring different tactics. Boss fights are fewer but intense and memorable. The Valkyries provide brutal optional endgame challenges, with Sigrun, the Valkyrie Queen, standing as one of the toughest modern gaming encounters. A light RPG layer—gear upgrades, enchantments, and skill trees—adds meaningful customization without being overwhelming. Though initially complex, the interface becomes intuitive over time. The main flaw is backtracking, as some areas and chests unlock only after later upgrades, which can disrupt pacing. Some enemy reskinning, particularly troll mini-bosses, causes minor repetition. Still, these issues are minor in an otherwise expertly crafted combat system that stays engaging and satisfying throughout.
GRAPHICS AND ATMOSPHERE (10/10):
Bleak, beautiful, and steeped in myth, the world feels like it’s been shaped by centuries of forgotten stories. Snow-laden forests, crumbling ruins, and otherworldly realms aren’t just visually striking—they carry weight, sorrow, and memory. Every environment feels purposeful, not just designed but remembered. Each realm offers a distinct mood: Midgard is cold and grounded, Alfheim shimmers with eerie light, Helheim radiates dread. These shifts reflect the emotional beats of the journey, making the world feel alive and reactive to Kratos and Atreus’ evolving bond. Lighting and atmosphere elevate the experience. Fog drifts, sunlight breaks through trees, and runes glow with quiet intensity. The seamless single-shot camera deepens immersion, drawing you into the story without ever breaking the spell. Character models are deeply expressive—Kratos’ worn features, Atreus’ youthful growth, and the brutal elegance of enemy designs all reinforce the game's tone. The atmosphere never overwhelms, instead allowing the world to breathe with ambient sound, stillness, and subtle cues. It’s not just beautiful—it’s mythic, immersive, and emotionally resonant in every frame.
SOUND AND MUSIC (9/10):
From the clash of steel to the quiet moments between battles, God of War’s sound design immerses you fully in its world. Combat impacts feel visceral—shields clang, enemies scream, and the axe lands with a satisfying crunch. Beyond battle, subtle ambient sounds like distant thunder, rustling leaves, and creaking ruins enrich the world without overwhelming it. Bear McCreary’s score masterfully blends Norse chants with emotional strings, perfectly capturing the journey’s weight and themes of fatherhood, loss, and mythic grandeur. The main theme lingers long after the credits, echoing both sorrow and strength. Voice acting shines, too. Christopher Judge’s deep, measured Kratos conveys unexpected emotional depth, while Sunny Suljic brings Atreus to life as a curious, vulnerable child growing into his role. Supporting characters like Mimir and Freya are also voiced with care, adding layers to the narrative’s emotional impact. However, some audio cues can feel repetitive during long combat sequences, and on rare occasions, important dialogue lines are slightly drowned out by background music or effects. The dynamic soundtrack, while generally excellent, sometimes swells at moments where a quieter tone would better suit the scene. These minor flaws don’t detract much but are noticeable to attentive players.
STORY AND CHARACTERS (10/10):
This is where God of War truly excels. The story is one of the strongest aspects of the game—easily the most emotionally resonant narrative in the series. Kratos, once defined by rage and vengeance, is now a father teaching his son how to survive, how to fight, how to control his emotions, and how to understand the consequences of his divine heritage. The relationship between Kratos and Atreus evolves naturally over the course of the game. There are moments of conflict, warmth, and growth—never rushed, never forced. You genuinely feel the bond forming as they face gods, monsters, and their own inner demons. Supporting characters such as Mimir, the wise and enigmatic talking head brimming with Norse wisdom, the irreverent and skilled dwarf brothers Brok and Sindri, masters of crafting and bickering alike, and the powerful yet conflicted goddess Freya, each contribute rich layers of depth and color to the vibrant world they inhabit. Each character is distinct, memorable, and well-written. The narrative’s exploration of fate, responsibility, and legacy is thematically rich without becoming heavy-handed.
GAME LENGTH AND COMPLETION TIME (9/10):
With a critical path that takes around 20-25 hours, God of War offers a meaty campaign. But for players like myself who aim for 100% completion—including all side quests, collectibles, Valkyries, and realm challenges—the playtime easily extends to around 50-60 hours. I personally spent 58 hours to get all achievements, and at no point did the game feel like a drag. Every side activity, from helping wayward spirits to exploring the hidden corners of the Lake of Nine, felt meaningful and rewarding. Optional areas like Niflheim and Muspelheim provide unique gameplay loops—roguelike mist runs and arena-style combat trials, respectively—that are fun diversions from the main story while offering valuable upgrades and gear.
CONCLUSION AND SCORE:
God of War is more than just a bold reinvention of a classic franchise—it’s a deeply human story wrapped in myth, violence, and quiet reflection. It trades youthful rage for emotional weight, pushing Kratos into unfamiliar, vulnerable territory as a father, a mentor, and a man seeking redemption. The result is a game that strikes a near-perfect balance between cinematic storytelling and deeply satisfying gameplay. Its combat is tight, deliberate, and rewarding, evolving far beyond the button-mashing of the past. The world is meticulously crafted, the music unforgettable, and the performances heartfelt. Even the most punishing encounters—like the Valkyries—never feel unfair, only demanding, rewarding patience and mastery. Yes, some backtracking and minor repetition slow the pace at times. But they’re small blemishes on an otherwise masterful journey. Across 58 hours of exploration, challenge, and awe, it never felt like a chore—only a privilege. This is a game about gods, monsters, and legends—but at its heart, it’s about a father and son learning to face the world, and themselves.
9.5/10