God of War: Ragnarök Review: A Triumph of Mythic Proportions

Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Genre: Action-Adventure, Narrative-driven RPG
Release Date: November 9, 2022

Score: 10/10

Introduction

God of War: Ragnarök is the crowning achievement of Santa Monica Studio, a game that not only builds upon the success of its predecessor but elevates it to new heights. With a deeper narrative, refined game-play, and a richly detailed Norse world on the brink of destruction, Ragnarök cements itself as one of the finest AAA games of its generation. It’s a game that delivers on its immense promise, offering a jaw-dropping conclusion to Kratos and Atreus’s Norse saga.

Story: A Mythic Finale

Set three years after the events of God of War (2018), Ragnarök follows Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the looming apocalyptic prophecy of Ragnarök. Atreus, now older and wrestling with his identity as Loki, seeks answers about his place in the Nine Realms, while Kratos struggles with his role as a father and the possibility of repeating his violent past.

The story is a masterpiece of character-driven drama. Kratos’s evolution from a vengeful god to a protective father is further explored with heart-wrenching depth, while Atreus’s journey balances teenage defiance with a genuine quest for purpose. The relationship between father and son is the emotional core of the game, and it’s handled with remarkable nuance.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. Freya, once an ally, now seeks revenge for the death of her son Baldur, while new characters like the enigmatic Tyr, the Norse god of war, and Angrboda, a key figure in Atreus’s prophecy, bring fresh dimensions to the narrative. The game also introduces Thor and Odin as primary antagonists, and both are complex, layered characters rather than caricatures. Odin, in particular, stands out as a manipulative, calculating presence who drives much of the tension.

The pacing is exceptional, balancing intimate character moments with epic set pieces. The story grapples with themes of destiny, free will, and the cost of revenge, culminating in an emotional and satisfying finale that ties together years of storytelling.

Gameplay: Refined and Expansive

Ragnarök retains the core mechanics of its predecessor while expanding and refining them in meaningful ways. The result is game-play that feels both familiar and refreshingly dynamic.

Combat in Ragnarök is a symphony of brutality and precision. Kratos’s Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos return, now complemented by new abilities and combos. Each weapon has a distinct feel, and switching between them mid-combat allows for fluid, strategic engagements. Atreus, now more independent, can be directly controlled during specific sequences, adding variety and a sense of growth to his character.

Enemy variety has been significantly improved, addressing one of the criticisms of the 2018 game. From undead warriors and trolls to towering dragons and the terrifying Einherjar, battles are consistently challenging and visually spectacular. Boss fights, particularly against Thor and other key figures, are some of the most memorable moments in gaming history.

Exploration is more expansive than ever. The Nine Realms, now fully explorable, are breathtakingly detailed and filled with secrets, side quests, and lore. Each realm feels distinct, from the icy plains of Midgard to the fiery forges of Svartalfheim. These environments are not just backdrops but living, breathing worlds teeming with life and danger.

Puzzles and Side Content are expertly designed. The game’s optional content, such as treasure hunts, legendary challenges, and lore-driven quests, often rivals the quality of the main storyline. Side quests, particularly those involving NPCs like Freya or Brok and Sindri, are emotionally rich and often contain game-play surprises.

Graphics and Performance: A Technical Masterpiece

Ragnarök is a visual marvel. On the PlayStation 5, the game delivers jaw-dropping graphics, with stunningly detailed character models, realistic lighting, and fluid animations. The realms are gorgeously rendered, with an incredible sense of scale and attention to detail that brings the Norse mythos to life.

Performance is rock-solid, with consistent frame rates and quick load times. The seamless transitions between game-play and cutscenes create a cinematic experience, immersing players fully in the story. On the PlayStation 4, the game still performs admirably, though some graphical sacrifices are noticeable.

Sound Design and Music: A Mythic Soundscape

Bear McCreary’s score for Ragnarök is nothing short of extraordinary. The orchestral soundtrack captures the grandeur, tension, and emotion of the game, blending Norse-inspired themes with sweeping melodies. Standout tracks accompany key moments, enhancing the narrative’s impact.

The sound design is equally impressive. Every swing of the Leviathan Axe, roar of a frost giant, and crackle of fire from the Blades of Chaos is impeccably crafted. The voice acting is top-tier, with Christopher Judge delivering a powerhouse performance as Kratos and Sunny Suljic bringing depth to Atreus. Supporting actors, including Ryan Hurst as Thor and Richard Schiff as Odin, deliver equally compelling performances.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Deep, emotional storytelling with complex characters.
Engaging, refined combat system with meaningful progression.
Expansive, beautifully designed realms full of secrets and side quests.
Stellar voice acting, music, and sound design.
Satisfying conclusion to Kratos and Atreus’s Norse saga.

Cons:

Some minor pacing issues in the middle act.
Limited innovation in core game-play compared to the 2018 reboot (though the refinements more than make up for this).

Source:

https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/god-of-war-ragnarok/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

What is God of War: Ragnarök?

God of War: Ragnarök is an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It continues the story of Kratos and Atreus as they navigate Norse mythology and face the events leading to Ragnarök.

On which platforms is God of War: Ragnarök available?

The game is available on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. It was released on November 9, 2022, and features enhanced performance and visuals on PS5.

Is God of War: Ragnarök an open-world game?

While not fully open-world, the game offers large, interconnected regions that can be explored at your own pace, featuring side quests, collectibles, and hidden challenges.

Can I play God of War: Ragnarök without playing the previous game?

While it’s possible to enjoy the game without playing the 2018 God of War, it is highly recommended to play the previous installment to understand the story and character development.

Does God of War: Ragnarök have a New Game Plus mode?

Yes, the game includes a New Game Plus mode, allowing players to replay the story with previously unlocked upgrades, gear, and challenges for a more difficult experience.

Verdict

God of War: Ragnarök is a masterpiece, a game that takes the foundation laid by its predecessor and elevates it to unparalleled heights. With its emotionally resonant story, refined gameplay, and breathtaking world design, it is a shining example of what AAA games can achieve. Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or a newcomer, Ragnarök is a must-play experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Final Score: 10/10

– DGP Corner