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The Reinvention of God of War - 5 Years Later (Retrospective)

LazerzZ・127 minutes read

God of War 2018 was a revolutionary game praised for its deep storytelling and innovative gameplay mechanics, setting it apart from its predecessors. The game follows Kratos and Atreus on an emotional journey of self-discovery, culminating in a poignant moment of growth and transformation that sets the stage for future sequels.

Insights

The original God of War games were praised for their intricate combat, engaging story, and respectful treatment of players' intelligence, establishing the franchise as a Sony icon.
God of War 2018 underwent significant changes while retaining core elements, introducing a new Kratos focused on introspection and depth, appealing to both new players and veterans.
The game masterfully balances history and innovation, offering a rich and evolving experience through meticulously crafted world design, core gameplay mechanics, and emotional storytelling.
Characters like Atreus, Boulder, and Freya mirror Kratos, exploring themes of family, godhood, and relationships in a well-written narrative that delves deep into their psyches.
Atreus' journey of self-discovery and Kratos' transformation symbolize growth and redemption, culminating in a poignant moment of trust and belief in each other, setting the stage for future events in the sequel God of War Ragnarok.

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Recent questions

What is the storyline of God of War 2018?
A journey of self-discovery and redemption.
What are the key gameplay mechanics in God of War 2018?
Meticulously crafted combat and exploration.
Who are the main characters in God of War 2018?
Kratos, Atreus, and supporting cast.
What are the themes explored in God of War 2018?
Family, redemption, and identity.
What sets God of War 2018 apart from its predecessors?
A new direction with familiar elements.

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Summary

00:00

God of War 2018: Revolutionizing a PlayStation Icon

God of War 2018 was a revolutionary game in 2018, receiving both adoration and criticism for straying from its roots.
The original God of War released in 2005 garnered critical acclaim and established Kratos as a PlayStation icon.
The combat in the original God of War games was intricate, offering new challenges, abilities, and weapons to keep gameplay fresh.
The story in the original games was deep, engaging, and respectful of the player's intelligence, enhancing the overall experience.
God of War's original trilogy maintained consistent quality, depth, and fan reception, solidifying its position as one of Sony's best franchises.
God of War 2018 underwent significant changes while retaining core gameplay and storytelling elements, unlike other franchises that altered their identity.
The opening of God of War 2018 introduces a new Kratos, emphasizing introspection and depth over rage and revenge, setting a different tone.
The game balances history and innovation, appealing to both new players and veterans, offering different experiences while maintaining emotional impact.
The game's world design and core gameplay mechanics, including navigation and combat, are meticulously crafted to provide a rich and evolving experience.
While the game features repeated boss encounters with trolls, which may feel repetitive, it also includes memorable and unique boss battles that add depth to the gameplay experience.

15:12

"Kratos and Atreus navigate emotional turmoil"

Atreus experiences emotional turmoil after his first kill, showcasing his compassionate nature that contrasts with Kratos' understanding.
Kratos sees in Atreus a reflection of his own past anger and rage, leading to a sense of shame and fear about perpetuating a cycle of death and betrayal.
Kratos, struggling with fatherhood, sends Atreus inside the house, revealing his loneliness and uncertainty without Faye.
The encounter with Boulder, who mistakes Kratos for someone else, showcases the game's depth in storytelling and character development.
The fight with Boulder, though not mechanically complex, is a cinematic showcase of game design, emphasizing Kratos' strength and history.
Kratos taps into his Greek godhood to protect Atreus, revealing his love for his son and his struggle with showing it due to his past.
Boulder's revelation of feeling nothing during the fight adds a chilling element and sparks interest in Norse mythology.
Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey to scatter Faye's ashes, with Kratos briefly considering the Blades of Chaos but ultimately moving forward.
The game expands with optional parts, puzzles, and upgrades, allowing players to customize Kratos' abilities and gear through the skill tree and blacksmiths.
Characters like Brock, Sindri, Freya, and Boulder mirror Kratos and Atreus, exploring themes of family, godhood, and relationships in a masterfully written narrative.

29:46

"Alfheim: Light, Enemies, Bosses, and Exploration"

Exploring areas allows for mental notes to be made for future reference, enhancing navigation and familiarity with the surroundings.
New abilities enable revisiting previously inaccessible places to solve puzzles or obtain rare loot, adding depth to exploration.
Tears Temple at the center of the lake houses the realm travel room, introducing unexpected elements and expanding the game's scope.
Alfheim's goal is to gather pure light to overcome obstacles like the black breath, offering linear exploration with hidden areas to be unlocked later.
Alfheim introduces new enemy types like dark elves, requiring altered combat strategies and new puzzles involving precise ax throws.
The realm features unique boss fights, including the dark elf boss Swathfur, and the first encounter with an ancient.
Kratos stepping into the light of Alfheim marks a significant narrative moment, delving into his psyche and building emotional connections with Atreus.
Time flows differently within the light, allowing for new abilities like special light arrows to navigate and access previously blocked areas.
Defeating the dragon in a grand scale battle involves using shatter crystals and electric magic, showcasing a mix of combat mechanics and puzzle-solving.
Atreus gains mistletoe arrows and electric arrows, crucial for combat and exploration, while progressing through the mountain reveals minor tension-building moments like surprise enemy encounters from loot chests.

43:05

Kratos and Atreus embark on quest

Kratos fixes Atreus's quiver strap with the mistletoe Arrow at the mountain peak.
They enjoy a stunning view of snow-peaked mountains during a walk along the Mountain Ridge.
A new character, Mimir, joins Kratos and Atreus, providing crucial information about their quest.
Mimir reveals the true peak they seek is in Jotenheim, leading to a new quest for them.
Tension builds around Atreus's godhood, hinting at future revelations and conflicts.
Exploring the Lake of the Nine is essential for story development, gear upgrades, and leveling up.
The game offers a rich Norse lore experience through puzzles, locations, and imprisoned dragons.
Combat evolves with realm tears, light and heavy runic attacks, and Atreus's summon abilities.
The skill tree allows for diverse combat strategies and upgrades, enhancing gameplay depth.
Kratos, Atreus, and Mimir embark on a quest to retrieve the chisel and face formidable enemies.

55:42

Kratos and Atreus face past, embrace truth.

Kratos uses headphones to locate the source of a sound, blocking attacks at the right time to return to the regular Arena.
A glitch in the game involving Atreus acting aggressively is encountered, leading to a confrontation with Modi and Magni.
Atreus falls ill, reflecting the original trilogy, and Kratos rushes him to Freya for help.
Freya reveals the true nature of Atreus and the need for a rare ingredient from Helheim to cure him.
Kratos confronts his past, retrieves the Blades of Chaos, and embraces his ability to change and save his son.
The Blades of Chaos offer new combat possibilities, including fire damage and versatility against different enemies.
Kratos travels to Helheim, defeats the Keeper, and acquires the heart needed to save Atreus.
Kratos confronts illusions of Zeus and Athena, accepting his past and preparing to reveal the truth to Atreus.
Freya shares her own struggles and the consequences of hiding the truth from her son, mirroring Kratos' journey.
Kratos finally reveals the truth of their godhood to Atreus, who responds with innocence and acceptance, leading to a new chapter in their relationship.

01:11:44

Atreus's Journey: Truth, Challenges, and Growth

Kratos no longer needs to worry about Atreus not knowing the truth, leading to a new journey for Atreus.
The Blades of Chaos offer a new skill tree, secondary stances, heavy attacks, runic attacks, and upgraded stats through chaos flames and different pommels.
Valkyries are scattered throughout the world, offering challenging battles post-main story.
Side stories in God of War complement the main narrative, enhancing character development.
The quest involving Fafnir's storeroom highlights broken family dynamics and connections to the main story.
Muspelheim and Niflheim realms offer combat challenges and roguelike arenas, providing unique gameplay experiences.
The optional realms could have been integrated better to enhance world-building and immersion in the game.
Returning to Tyr's Vault, Atreus grapples with newfound godhood, leading to a shift in his mindset and actions.
Atreus's confusion deepens as he struggles with his identity and moral compass, culminating in a confrontation with Modi.
Kratos's teachings on killing gods reflect his own growth and attempt to guide Atreus on the right path, emphasizing the consequences of their actions.

01:26:09

"God of War: Family Reconciliation Amid Chaos"

Atreus is emotionally torn, confused, and filled with rage, uncertain of his identity.
Kratos and Atreus are interrupted by Boulder at the top of the mountain while carving a Rune at the gate to Yotenheim.
Boulder threatens to take Atreus, leading Kratos to destroy the gate, blocking their path to Yotenheim.
Atreus fires on Kratos in anger, allowing Boulder to take him, initiating an epic chase sequence.
Kratos lands on Boulder's Dragon during the chase, engaging in a fierce battle with fluctuating power dynamics.
Kratos thwarts Boulder's plan to open the doors to Asgard by redirecting the realm travel to Helheim.
The sequence in Helheim marks the beginning of the final act of the game, testing Kratos and Atreus's relationship.
Atreus, upon learning he is a God, struggles with his actions, leading to a deeper exploration of his identity.
Freya's revelation as Boulder's mother sheds light on his motivations and sets the stage for a confrontation.
Kratos and Atreus, with the help of dwarves, restore their bond, emphasizing the theme of family reconciliation.

01:41:39

"Gods' battle ends with newfound understanding."

Inside the snake, various items are found, including loot and a mini puzzle.
Mamiya's eye is restored inside the snake's stomach, allowing progress to Yotenheim.
The World Serpent is knocked out after the protagonists are thrown from its mouth.
Atreus seems unharmed after the fall, hinting at his godhood abilities.
Freya appears, seeking her son, and seems to have a change of heart towards him.
Boulder reappears, intending harm, leading to a final confrontation with Kratos.
The battle with Boulder escalates through different phases, utilizing various attacks.
Atreus plays a crucial role in the battle, showcasing his growth and abilities.
Boulder is ultimately defeated with the help of Atreus and the World Serpent.
Kratos reveals his past to Atreus, emphasizing the need for them to be better gods.

01:56:25

Kratos and Atreus' transformative journey unfolds.

Kratos believes in his son and together they aim to be better gods, avoiding the mistakes of the past.
Freya's emotional moment with her dead son is juxtaposed with a humorous touch, adding a unique element to the narrative.
The essence of "God of War" lies in the journey, not just the destination, emphasizing character growth and development.
Kratos undergoes a significant transformation, shedding his past burdens and embracing his true self, symbolized by removing his bandages.
Kratos learns to believe in his ability to change, culminating in a poignant moment where he entrusts Atreus with his mother's ashes.
Atreus' journey of self-discovery is completed as he carries his mother's remains to the peak of the Yotenheim mountains, symbolizing growth.
Faye's mysterious intentions are revealed through magical murals depicting the journey, hinting at a deeper purpose behind their quest.
The revelation that Baldur was tracking Faye, not Kratos, reshapes the characters' understanding of their journey and raises questions about Odin's motives.
The mural depicting a potential future event raises questions about Faye's intentions and hints at a deeper connection between Kratos and Atreus.
Atreus' true identity as Loki is unveiled, adding a new layer of complexity to the narrative and setting the stage for future events in the sequel.

02:12:05

God of War Ragnarok: Thor Confrontation Sequel

God of War Ragnarok sets up a sequel with a confrontation with Thor after years have passed.
The marketing for God of War Ragnarok has been secretive, with Sony being cautious about revealing the story.
Ragnarok is meant to conclude the Norse Saga without the need for a trilogy, allowing for a more condensed and focused narrative.
The game is designed with the knowledge of a sequel, incorporating hints and pointers towards future developments.
God of War is praised for its artistry, utilizing single-camera shots, deep gameplay mechanics, and meaningful exploration to create a unique experience.
The narrative of God of War is considered a masterpiece, combining familiar tropes in new ways to craft a deeply engaging story.

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