This review contains spoilers
This is cinema.
Easily the best game I've played this year so far. The intro with Thor and Odin coming to Kratos's house and the fight that occurs is cold af. What this game really nailed was the character development. I do still think the story (and intro) in the first game were superior but similar to Mass Effect 2 were the story was better in the first and characters in the second, this game develops the shit out of everybody. Kratos changes so much from the first game and is one hell of a father figure. Freya, Mimir, Atreus, Thor, Odin, Brok, Sindri, Tyr, all these characters feel real and I actually cared or was interested in them. This game also splits up who you play as a few times, so there's sections were you play as Atreus instead of Kratos. Normally, I'm not a fan of this kinda thing, like in Spiderman how you would play as Mary Jane or Miles Morales, it just wasn't fun and actually would become tiresome. In this game; however, I really didn't mind, Atreus was super smooth and quick to control the story was always still there too. The combat and graphics of course are very much upgraded and feels next gen, some areas looked truly beautiful on my big TV.
A few complaints I have is that the game doesn't change a whole lot from the first. Of course it's a continuation of the story but there wasn't much added other than a new weapon, new armor, skill tree, all that generic stuff. The weapon is cool and all but I was expecting a bit more innovation. Collectibles are also pretty much the same. The only character I didn't like was Thor's daughter. There was a very out of place scene near the end with Thor being in a bar drinking and her daughter getting emotional asking him to change his habits, it was made very serious but it wasn't emotional at all but quite cringe. I was surprised why they threw that in there it doesn't serve much purpose. Also the armor menus were a little confusing to navigate, it took me a decent amount of time to get used to unlike the first.
Both were also fun to platinum with this one being less tedious but taking more time. After finishing both of these games I can confidently say that imo Kratos is the greatest video game protagonist that has ever been created.
Easily the best game I've played this year so far. The intro with Thor and Odin coming to Kratos's house and the fight that occurs is cold af. What this game really nailed was the character development. I do still think the story (and intro) in the first game were superior but similar to Mass Effect 2 were the story was better in the first and characters in the second, this game develops the shit out of everybody. Kratos changes so much from the first game and is one hell of a father figure. Freya, Mimir, Atreus, Thor, Odin, Brok, Sindri, Tyr, all these characters feel real and I actually cared or was interested in them. This game also splits up who you play as a few times, so there's sections were you play as Atreus instead of Kratos. Normally, I'm not a fan of this kinda thing, like in Spiderman how you would play as Mary Jane or Miles Morales, it just wasn't fun and actually would become tiresome. In this game; however, I really didn't mind, Atreus was super smooth and quick to control the story was always still there too. The combat and graphics of course are very much upgraded and feels next gen, some areas looked truly beautiful on my big TV.
A few complaints I have is that the game doesn't change a whole lot from the first. Of course it's a continuation of the story but there wasn't much added other than a new weapon, new armor, skill tree, all that generic stuff. The weapon is cool and all but I was expecting a bit more innovation. Collectibles are also pretty much the same. The only character I didn't like was Thor's daughter. There was a very out of place scene near the end with Thor being in a bar drinking and her daughter getting emotional asking him to change his habits, it was made very serious but it wasn't emotional at all but quite cringe. I was surprised why they threw that in there it doesn't serve much purpose. Also the armor menus were a little confusing to navigate, it took me a decent amount of time to get used to unlike the first.
Both were also fun to platinum with this one being less tedious but taking more time. After finishing both of these games I can confidently say that imo Kratos is the greatest video game protagonist that has ever been created.
Ta wapo
Continuation of one of the best modern gaming series. Kratos and Atreus relationship is told beautifully, especially if you are a dad.
Where the previous game was a Meta Story about Kratos (this ones still a lil meta) Ragnarok focuses more upon the people Kratos affects. Its a game about Manipulation, About Family, About Love about Friendship and if that all sounds pretentious Believe me the story and ganeplay do it far more justice.
Sadly it ends on a cliffhanger of SORTS with Three particular characters and unless we get a followup...ill be mad.
Sadly it ends on a cliffhanger of SORTS with Three particular characters and unless we get a followup...ill be mad.
God of War Ragnarök builds masterfully on its predecessor's epic narrative and refined combat mechanics, delivering a deeply emotional story and breathtaking visuals that solidify its legacy as a landmark in gaming.
+ Fun, satisfying gameplay with lots of distinct combat and gear options, as well as enemy variety
+ Looks and sounds great
+ Occasional fantastic story beats and character moments, mostly between Kratos and Atreus
+ Lots of content and map to explore...
- ...Unfortunately a lot of it is pretty bland
- Narratively kind of a mess
- Significantly worse, almost Marvel movie-esque, writing for nearly all new and returning characters - ended up being very distracting with how much emphasis the game places on its narrative and characters. It was kind of impressive introducing this many new characters and having basically none of them land for me
- Pacing issues throughout main story and side quests (many insignificant main story chapters that felt like filler, noticeable amount of dead time walking around with no dialogue or interesting environments between areas or even within certain puzzles, fast travel a bit too sparse before postgame, etc.)
Difficulty: Started on "Give Me Balance" but I thought the enemies felt a bit too damage-spongey. Changed to "Give Me Grace" about 15-20% in and the moment-to-moment combat felt a lot more satisfying to play. Completed on recommended difficulty for Valhalla DLC.
Completion: Finished main story and free Valhalla DLC, beat all the endgame optional side bosses, ~80-95% completion for each realm.
+ Looks and sounds great
+ Occasional fantastic story beats and character moments, mostly between Kratos and Atreus
+ Lots of content and map to explore...
- ...Unfortunately a lot of it is pretty bland
- Narratively kind of a mess
- Significantly worse, almost Marvel movie-esque, writing for nearly all new and returning characters - ended up being very distracting with how much emphasis the game places on its narrative and characters. It was kind of impressive introducing this many new characters and having basically none of them land for me
- Pacing issues throughout main story and side quests (many insignificant main story chapters that felt like filler, noticeable amount of dead time walking around with no dialogue or interesting environments between areas or even within certain puzzles, fast travel a bit too sparse before postgame, etc.)
Difficulty: Started on "Give Me Balance" but I thought the enemies felt a bit too damage-spongey. Changed to "Give Me Grace" about 15-20% in and the moment-to-moment combat felt a lot more satisfying to play. Completed on recommended difficulty for Valhalla DLC.
Completion: Finished main story and free Valhalla DLC, beat all the endgame optional side bosses, ~80-95% completion for each realm.
A very good game, however not as strong as God of War 2018. Some pacing issues in this one.
A little less conversation and a little more axein'.
God of War Ragnarök is an epic follow-up to the 2018 masterpiece. Kratos and his son Atreus are back, this time with even higher stakes as Fimbulwinter rolls in and Ragnarök, the end of days, looms. The story is brutal, emotional, and absolutely gripping, and the combat is even more satisfying, with tons of new weapons and abilities to master. Sure, the pacing can be a bit slow at times, and the puzzles aren't the most mind-blowing, but Ragnarök delivers a powerful and unforgettable Norse adventure. If you loved the last game, you won't be disappointed.
Really, really good. Then the main event of Ragnarok happens, and it's lame as fuck. Isn't it meant to be the end of the world? It feels like a minor skirmish at best. Lame as hell to be honest, should have been a trilogy of games rather than a duology.
Not bad, it was good fun.
God of War: Ragnarök is not a perfect game. There are small frustrations, little ways it probably could have been tweaked or adjusted. Small excesses here and sparsenesses there. But it did something one of these games hasn't done for me in a really long time. It surprised me. Over and over again.
My experience with most games on the scale of God of War: Ragnarök — which is to say massive, first-party tentpoles built over half-decades by massive teams — has most frequently been one of exhaustion. There's a sacrifice that comes with their kind of exacting, focus-tested vastness: a lack of interesting friction, a lack of intimacy with their characters, a lack of texture to their worlds, and a lack of the creative strangeness that would otherwise make them memorable. More often than not, they end up being empty spectacle, body without soul. But not this one.
Ragnarök is an exceedingly well-written game. It expands on the foundation laid by 2018's God of War, the prototypical Sad Dad Game, and spins a series of threads about parenthood, grief, and loss — no longer just Kratos and Atreus, but other fathers and mothers and daughters and sons, all caught in a web of one particular antagonist's insatiable quest for knowledge. Every criticism levied at GOW 2018 for being myopic, for Kratos's redemption arc being forced, or especially for the way it treated its women characters, is not just addressed here, but addressed so fully that it almost recasts those absences as setup. There's a surprising amount of courage in the way Ragnarök paces its plot reveals; it's a slow-burn at parts, but never one I found to slow to enjoy, and when its characters have their schisms and reconciliations, they always feel fully earned. This is mature storytelling, put to work in a way recent games like The Last of Us II have tried and failed to grasp. And beyond that, Ragnarök takes advantage of its source material — the cold, melancholic Icelandic Sagas, built around petty familial tragedies and hauntings — better than I ever expected it to. It may not be the highest bar, but it really is the best that writing in a game like this has ever been.
Beyond that, every other element works in concert with the story to weave a consistently engaging, often thrilling and joyful experience. The combat here is just as good as God of War 2018's was, with some additions that add a satisfying level of depth and complexity to the late game. The world design is immaculate, fusing together open-world games, metroidvanias, and soulslikes into a spellbinding and often stunningly beautiful rendition of the Nine Realms. Its controls are weighty and rewarding. Its soundtrack is a perfect blend of environmental ambiance and appropriate bombast. Its voice acting is stellar, with Christopher Judge and Co. putting in incredible work. It is, all around, a testament to what a game like this can be — even if they rarely ever are.
My experience with most games on the scale of God of War: Ragnarök — which is to say massive, first-party tentpoles built over half-decades by massive teams — has most frequently been one of exhaustion. There's a sacrifice that comes with their kind of exacting, focus-tested vastness: a lack of interesting friction, a lack of intimacy with their characters, a lack of texture to their worlds, and a lack of the creative strangeness that would otherwise make them memorable. More often than not, they end up being empty spectacle, body without soul. But not this one.
Ragnarök is an exceedingly well-written game. It expands on the foundation laid by 2018's God of War, the prototypical Sad Dad Game, and spins a series of threads about parenthood, grief, and loss — no longer just Kratos and Atreus, but other fathers and mothers and daughters and sons, all caught in a web of one particular antagonist's insatiable quest for knowledge. Every criticism levied at GOW 2018 for being myopic, for Kratos's redemption arc being forced, or especially for the way it treated its women characters, is not just addressed here, but addressed so fully that it almost recasts those absences as setup. There's a surprising amount of courage in the way Ragnarök paces its plot reveals; it's a slow-burn at parts, but never one I found to slow to enjoy, and when its characters have their schisms and reconciliations, they always feel fully earned. This is mature storytelling, put to work in a way recent games like The Last of Us II have tried and failed to grasp. And beyond that, Ragnarök takes advantage of its source material — the cold, melancholic Icelandic Sagas, built around petty familial tragedies and hauntings — better than I ever expected it to. It may not be the highest bar, but it really is the best that writing in a game like this has ever been.
Beyond that, every other element works in concert with the story to weave a consistently engaging, often thrilling and joyful experience. The combat here is just as good as God of War 2018's was, with some additions that add a satisfying level of depth and complexity to the late game. The world design is immaculate, fusing together open-world games, metroidvanias, and soulslikes into a spellbinding and often stunningly beautiful rendition of the Nine Realms. Its controls are weighty and rewarding. Its soundtrack is a perfect blend of environmental ambiance and appropriate bombast. Its voice acting is stellar, with Christopher Judge and Co. putting in incredible work. It is, all around, a testament to what a game like this can be — even if they rarely ever are.
Muy buen cierre y más aún con el DLC de Valhalla.
Lo único es que con el título "Ragnarök" me esperaba algo más parecido a GOW 3, pero es normal que sea diferente debido al crecimiento personal que ha tenido Kratos.
Esperando ver cómo continúa todo.
Lo único es que con el título "Ragnarök" me esperaba algo más parecido a GOW 3, pero es normal que sea diferente debido al crecimiento personal que ha tenido Kratos.
Esperando ver cómo continúa todo.
Teve altos e baixos, mas quando o jogo engrena pra valer ele não para mais e só melhora, melhora e melhora! Gostei e me emocionei mais com o
God Of War, mas esse não fica para trás.
É incrível como da para aprender com a historia desses jogos.
God Of War, mas esse não fica para trás.
É incrível como da para aprender com a historia desses jogos.
Söylenecek laf yok gene akıcı bir hikaye gene harika bir oynanış zenginliği baba king (Ahmet Baran' a selam olsun onun PS4'ünde oynadım)
Very good narrative, really dives deep into Kratos's attempt to deal with his kid getting older.
The game is overall excellent in terms of story and gameplay, which feels tight.
The only reason why I took off the star is due to the fact the there is too much padding. The game is quite long and sometimes it feels they could have shaved a few hours to make it more impactful.
The game is overall excellent in terms of story and gameplay, which feels tight.
The only reason why I took off the star is due to the fact the there is too much padding. The game is quite long and sometimes it feels they could have shaved a few hours to make it more impactful.
Tremendo juego
This is an incredible game, but unfortunately, the feeling that it could be much more never goes away.
Esse jogo é um dos pontos mais baixos da franquia. Isso quer dizer que ele é ruim? Definitivamente não, mas ele em toda a jornada promete muito e entrega pouco
This review contains spoilers
Platinum: 163
Spoilers: A fuck tonne. Holy crap don't read this if you haven't finished it. No post game spoilers since that's special but yeah. I SPOIL THE ENDING SO DON'T READ BRUH.
God of War is a series that I have loved since I was younger. A young boy hacking and slashing through gods and doing off screen sex minigames.....
Anyways that's besides the point. It's a series I've loved forever and now we come to the sequel to the reboot that has given the franchise a new life.
Does Ragnarök stand up to the first game for me?
Let's find out!
Gameplay:
When I think of God of War, my mind always goes to the feeling of destroying enemies with insane combos and this game hits it so well. With the Levithan Axe and Blades of Chaos still in tow, Kratos feels better than ever. Both weapons have a sense of weight from heavy to light respectively. The combos feel better than ever, you can easily sling from one weapon combo to the next and with the skill tree, you're really able to have so much fun with the variety.
Of course, the third weapon of the game is the Spear and god do I love the spear. It's exactly what was needed to really bring out the rest of this games potential in terms of how the combat feels. Also a ring that turns into infinite spears is fucking awesome?!
Not only is Kratos a badass in this but we get to play as our BOY. Our Atreus. I was not expecting to play as him and all of his segments were fantastic. They not only breathed new story into the game but his combat didn't feel like a letdown like so many other side characters this year (Looking at you Bayonetta 3)
He plays really well and I adore every part of his combat. Especially when paired alongside the numerous companions we have in the game. The game feels so much bigger in just the gameplay scope of having two main controlled characters and at least 4+ companions.
It all combines to make the gameplay really shine.
Story:
Look, I was a little hesitant at first. Kratos and Atreus though contrast to the first reboot, it still felt like the start of the game was rehashing the events similar to it's predacessor. It felt TOO the same. However it quickly changes all of that and ultimately does just a representation of the changes the world has gone through and showing you just how much we fucked up in the first game killing Baldur.
Overall, I adore the plot. I love every character to bits. I fell in love with Thor and Odin more than I ever thought I would. They are two of the biggest highlights of the game. Which made the story so much more striking when facing the "enemies" of our adventure.
Ragnarök as a game has a lot more wide spread scope. It isn't as focused on blood relationships as the first. It's a story about found family, not having to chain yourself to the blood of your actual family.
It's a really beautiful underling tale in this game. Literal dinner table family moments galore and I think that makes the wide spread scope still feel localised to our band of misfit gods and dwarves.
The only one problem I found myself having was the lacklustre feeling of the ending. However the post game content changed all of that and also gave me time to reflect.
PLAY. THE. POST. GAME.
Do it. If you're reading this and you've beaten Odin. Play the post game. Ragnarök has a fantastic end game content that changes every single thought I had and adds so much more.
The first credits ain't the last 😉
Side notes:
This games music is insanely good. I honestly can't believe how good it is. There are some bangers, emotional set pieces and Hozier slaps out a final song that I listen to on repeat already.
Another point I'd like to make is how damn good all the actors are. The performence in this game is the best I have ever seen. I have never seen media this good. The mocap and the voice acting make for some of the most human and gut wrenching scenes I've ever watched.
Christoper Judge (Kratos) especially. His scenes where Atreus goes to Asgard for the first time and stares at the bag on the bed is THE scene for me.
As well as his reaction to when he realises at the end that Faye knew he'd win at Ragnarök.
ALSO did I mention Odin?!
Fuck. Talk about a villian who doesn't seem threating due to his low soft tone. He is the most intimidating bastard ever. He is someone you trust and then slits your throat ( 🙁 )
Overall thoughts:
I had a lost of issues with the game at first but doing the post game, it all clarified for me and left me feeling that every single ounce of this game is done perfectly and in so many fantastic ways.
I loved all 41 hours of this game and I god hope we get DLC. The post game leaves so much open and it's the only parts I won't spoil as they are vital.
Spoilers: A fuck tonne. Holy crap don't read this if you haven't finished it. No post game spoilers since that's special but yeah. I SPOIL THE ENDING SO DON'T READ BRUH.
God of War is a series that I have loved since I was younger. A young boy hacking and slashing through gods and doing off screen sex minigames.....
Anyways that's besides the point. It's a series I've loved forever and now we come to the sequel to the reboot that has given the franchise a new life.
Does Ragnarök stand up to the first game for me?
Let's find out!
Gameplay:
When I think of God of War, my mind always goes to the feeling of destroying enemies with insane combos and this game hits it so well. With the Levithan Axe and Blades of Chaos still in tow, Kratos feels better than ever. Both weapons have a sense of weight from heavy to light respectively. The combos feel better than ever, you can easily sling from one weapon combo to the next and with the skill tree, you're really able to have so much fun with the variety.
Of course, the third weapon of the game is the Spear and god do I love the spear. It's exactly what was needed to really bring out the rest of this games potential in terms of how the combat feels. Also a ring that turns into infinite spears is fucking awesome?!
Not only is Kratos a badass in this but we get to play as our BOY. Our Atreus. I was not expecting to play as him and all of his segments were fantastic. They not only breathed new story into the game but his combat didn't feel like a letdown like so many other side characters this year (Looking at you Bayonetta 3)
He plays really well and I adore every part of his combat. Especially when paired alongside the numerous companions we have in the game. The game feels so much bigger in just the gameplay scope of having two main controlled characters and at least 4+ companions.
It all combines to make the gameplay really shine.
Story:
Look, I was a little hesitant at first. Kratos and Atreus though contrast to the first reboot, it still felt like the start of the game was rehashing the events similar to it's predacessor. It felt TOO the same. However it quickly changes all of that and ultimately does just a representation of the changes the world has gone through and showing you just how much we fucked up in the first game killing Baldur.
Overall, I adore the plot. I love every character to bits. I fell in love with Thor and Odin more than I ever thought I would. They are two of the biggest highlights of the game. Which made the story so much more striking when facing the "enemies" of our adventure.
Ragnarök as a game has a lot more wide spread scope. It isn't as focused on blood relationships as the first. It's a story about found family, not having to chain yourself to the blood of your actual family.
It's a really beautiful underling tale in this game. Literal dinner table family moments galore and I think that makes the wide spread scope still feel localised to our band of misfit gods and dwarves.
The only one problem I found myself having was the lacklustre feeling of the ending. However the post game content changed all of that and also gave me time to reflect.
PLAY. THE. POST. GAME.
Do it. If you're reading this and you've beaten Odin. Play the post game. Ragnarök has a fantastic end game content that changes every single thought I had and adds so much more.
The first credits ain't the last 😉
Side notes:
This games music is insanely good. I honestly can't believe how good it is. There are some bangers, emotional set pieces and Hozier slaps out a final song that I listen to on repeat already.
Another point I'd like to make is how damn good all the actors are. The performence in this game is the best I have ever seen. I have never seen media this good. The mocap and the voice acting make for some of the most human and gut wrenching scenes I've ever watched.
Christoper Judge (Kratos) especially. His scenes where Atreus goes to Asgard for the first time and stares at the bag on the bed is THE scene for me.
As well as his reaction to when he realises at the end that Faye knew he'd win at Ragnarök.
ALSO did I mention Odin?!
Fuck. Talk about a villian who doesn't seem threating due to his low soft tone. He is the most intimidating bastard ever. He is someone you trust and then slits your throat ( 🙁 )
Overall thoughts:
I had a lost of issues with the game at first but doing the post game, it all clarified for me and left me feeling that every single ounce of this game is done perfectly and in so many fantastic ways.
I loved all 41 hours of this game and I god hope we get DLC. The post game leaves so much open and it's the only parts I won't spoil as they are vital.
A very good continuation of the series reactivated in 2018. The new installment concludes its story already in the second part. Ragnarok is bigger, more elaborate, and mechanically better than the first GoW. However, narrative devices somewhat cast a shadow on the general quality. Overall, I consider the previous installment to be a more cohesive experience, but Ragnarok is still a great game.
Polish review
Bardzo dobra kontynuacja cyklu reaktywowanego w 2018 roku. Nowe otwarcie kończy swoją historię już po drugiej części. Ragnarok jest większy, bardziej rozbudowany, mechanicznie lepszy niż pierwszy GoW. Jednak zabiegi fabularne trochę kładą się cieniem na ogólnej jakości. W ogólnym odczuciu uważam poprzednią część za bardziej spójne doświadczenie, ale Ragnarok to wciąż świetna gra.
fechei o jogo, lembro de pouca coisa :D
Dovrebbero fermarsi a questo.
God of War Ragnarök is slop for gluttonous consumer pigs.
The game treats you like a child that can't think for itself to ensure the widest possible audience and maximum profits.
The story features well known characters and elements from mythology, so you can clap your hands and point at the screen and go "Hey, I know that guy he's so cool and strong I have also seen him in one of my 50 mind-numbingly shallow marvel movies!!" To Sony, it must feel like jingling keys in front of a baby.
And to put the cherry on top of the most pop culture cake you have ever tasted, every filler dialogue has to be written in a quippy "well this is awkward he's right behind me isn't he? 😜😜" type of way, desperately trying to get you to chuckle, because god forbid a player doesn't have dopamine shooting through his brain for 30 seconds! He might engage with the media beyond the surface level then!
Or atleast that was what I thought my opinion about God Of War Ragnarök would be. Fortunately, this game owned my hating ass. Because even though the game truly does end up feeling somewhat patronizing in its effort to accomodate every possible gamer and non-gamer demographic, and the dialogue truly being quite cringy and forced sometimes, the things this game does really well more than make up for it. There are two elements that really stuck out for me.
The first one is the gameplay, which is sick as hell. There are 3 and a half weapons with dozens of combos and special attacks aswell as - of course - parrying, blocking and dodging, and you'll have to employ all of these mechanics in attunement to a large and diverse cast of enemies. It took some time to get used to all of this complexity, but once I did, fighting turned into an action-packed and well-tuned remix of various offensive and defensive moves that felt incredibly satisfying when I pulled it off smoothly.
There are also two bossfights here that are on par with the best FromSoft-Bosses, which is a compliment I certainly do not give lightly.
The second is Kratos & Atreus's relationship. It is ironic that I likened people being entertained by well-known pop culture characters appearing to jingling keys infront of a baby, when I apparently can't help but get my shit rocked emotionally by every parent-child dynamic I see. For me, Kratos & Atreus's dynamic specifically excels in being quite relateable, with Kratos being a harsh and cold father figure who, while wanting the best for his child and truly loving it, is completely unable or unwilling to ever communicate that feeling. It made me think a lot about my own father and about the father I want to be.
The overarching story meanwhile is engaging from beginning to end, although the plot sometimes moves too fast for the characters to keep up with it, leading to questionable character decisions and some moments not really having the payoff they probably should have.
Lastly, the Valhalla DLC is a pretty cool addition to the game. The fact that it's free gets a fat wholesome updoot from me
The game treats you like a child that can't think for itself to ensure the widest possible audience and maximum profits.
The story features well known characters and elements from mythology, so you can clap your hands and point at the screen and go "Hey, I know that guy he's so cool and strong I have also seen him in one of my 50 mind-numbingly shallow marvel movies!!" To Sony, it must feel like jingling keys in front of a baby.
And to put the cherry on top of the most pop culture cake you have ever tasted, every filler dialogue has to be written in a quippy "well this is awkward he's right behind me isn't he? 😜😜" type of way, desperately trying to get you to chuckle, because god forbid a player doesn't have dopamine shooting through his brain for 30 seconds! He might engage with the media beyond the surface level then!
Or atleast that was what I thought my opinion about God Of War Ragnarök would be. Fortunately, this game owned my hating ass. Because even though the game truly does end up feeling somewhat patronizing in its effort to accomodate every possible gamer and non-gamer demographic, and the dialogue truly being quite cringy and forced sometimes, the things this game does really well more than make up for it. There are two elements that really stuck out for me.
The first one is the gameplay, which is sick as hell. There are 3 and a half weapons with dozens of combos and special attacks aswell as - of course - parrying, blocking and dodging, and you'll have to employ all of these mechanics in attunement to a large and diverse cast of enemies. It took some time to get used to all of this complexity, but once I did, fighting turned into an action-packed and well-tuned remix of various offensive and defensive moves that felt incredibly satisfying when I pulled it off smoothly.
There are also two bossfights here that are on par with the best FromSoft-Bosses, which is a compliment I certainly do not give lightly.
The second is Kratos & Atreus's relationship. It is ironic that I likened people being entertained by well-known pop culture characters appearing to jingling keys infront of a baby, when I apparently can't help but get my shit rocked emotionally by every parent-child dynamic I see. For me, Kratos & Atreus's dynamic specifically excels in being quite relateable, with Kratos being a harsh and cold father figure who, while wanting the best for his child and truly loving it, is completely unable or unwilling to ever communicate that feeling. It made me think a lot about my own father and about the father I want to be.
The overarching story meanwhile is engaging from beginning to end, although the plot sometimes moves too fast for the characters to keep up with it, leading to questionable character decisions and some moments not really having the payoff they probably should have.
Lastly, the Valhalla DLC is a pretty cool addition to the game. The fact that it's free gets a fat wholesome updoot from me
Looks amazing, plays great. Did not like playing as Atreus but overall a great game.