2018’s God of War was nothing short of a masterpiece. It rewrote the book on a franchise that many thought was done for. When God of War Ragnarok was announced, expectations were through the roof, especially after the jaw-dropping conclusion of its predecessor. Fast forward four long years, and Ragnarok is here. So, did it live up to expectations? Let’s dive into the details with this God of War Ragnarok Review.
The Visuals that Blow You Away
Well, first of all, there are visuals. The God of War Ragnarok is probably one of the most beautiful-looking games I’ve ever played. They knocked it out of the park here at Sony Santa Monica. The character models, the environments, and all the animations look simply stunning in any resolution. Whether you play this on a PlayStation 4 or a PlayStation 5, it is just a visual treat.
Kratos looks more detailed than ever, and new faces, such as Thor and Odin, have impeccable design skills. Every wrinkle, scar, and every expression is so well fine-tuned. The level of detail is impressive, and this shines through from the grand realms, where you explore all the ways to fight monstrous enemies.
Gameplay – Familiar Yet Evolved
God of War Ragnarok combat takes the combat of 2018 and makes it much more refined and varied. Kratos now possesses even more options in his toolset. The Leviathan Axe remains as satisfying to wield as ever, while Blades of Chaos returns with much more vitality.
There is a big twist, though: you can play as Atreus, too. He’s matured from the previous game in personality and combat abilities. New elemental arrows and an expansive skill tree add a new element of complexity to him.
Still, while the combat is deeper and more complex, there’s a catch. Sometimes it feels like it’s too much. You have so many abilities, combos, and upgrades to manage that it can get overwhelming, especially when you want to jump into a fight without overthinking.
Story – A Complicated Father-Son Dynamic
Ragnarok was probably most hyped for the story of God of War. It’s a direct sequel to the 2018 game and starts years after Baldur’s death. Prophesying Ragnarök hangs over the story, with Kratos and Atreus finding themselves at the centre. As in the first, the strain on the relationship between Kratos and Atreus is even tenser this time, forming the emotional spine of the narrative.
Atreus has grown up to become a teenager, coming of age just like Loki, who does not hesitate to break all shackles thrown by his father. Kratos, the protector of his son, is bound by his violent past and comes up with various episodes of emotiveness. However, the series is not perfect.
The pace is a bit off. While the core story will draw you in, the game stretches out far too long on detours. There are far too many side quests and somewhat extraneous content like that to complete – sometimes it feels like it’s disrupting the flow, and one can’t help but wish the game would stick to the point and not pull one away for another side mission in some other realm.
A Little Too Good to Be True
If one thing is awful about God of War Ragnarok, it’s the pacing. The game is way too long. Yes, there are thousands of side quests, items to collect, and additional things to do, but does any of that need to be there? It always feels like the story stops to let the player do it.
I’ve reached such a point in the game that I couldn’t help but feel a little tired by the end. I want to see the end of that epic tale, but the game keeps throwing me off track. While I loved my time with Kratos and Atreus, the game sometimes took too long.
Is God of War Ragnarok Worth Playing?
Is God of War Ragnarok worth playing? Absolutely. Even if it stumbles slightly with its pacing, it is still fantastic. The story goes deep into Norse mythology; the characters are beautifully written, and the combat is exhilarating. If you loved 2018’s God of War, there’s plenty to enjoy here.
But if you consider it to overshadow its original, then it may disappoint you. Ragnarok is a great game, but it does not quite reach its predecessor’s heights. This is more of the same, but with unnecessary fat that could be trimmed back.
God of War Ragnarok is, at its core, an experience that keeps its promises but fails in a couple of gratuitous detours. So, if you’re a fan, this is one you cannot miss, albeit with a journey much longer than expected.
Summary
God of War Ragnarok is undoubtedly a visual powerhouse with deep gameplay mechanics and an emotionally charged narrative. However, its tendency to meander through side quests and extra content sometimes detracts from the sense of urgency displayed by its main story. If you can overlook that, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime with Kratos and Atreus again.
Will I recommend it? Absolutely. Just don’t go in with any expectation of a perfect game—this is a great experience that only gets a bit longer and more complicated than it needs to be.
Click here for more exciting reviews, game guides, tips & tricks and more!
