God of War
" Engaging action-adventure RPG with strategic combat and rich storytelling but grindy side content "
God of War Review
God of War (2018) is widely celebrated as a masterful reinvention of the franchise, transitioning from Greek to Norse mythology while delivering a deeply emotional father-son narrative. The game combines cinematic storytelling with satisfying, strategic combat centered around the Leviathan Axe and later the Blades of Chaos, supported by a robust RPG system. Players praise the richly detailed world design, atmospheric visuals, and a haunting soundtrack that complements the themes of grief, legacy, and redemption.
While the pacing and backtracking occasionally disrupt flow, and some side content can feel repetitive, these are minor blemishes in an otherwise expertly crafted experience. The character development, voice acting, and world-building are standout elements, making it a compelling journey. The PC port is well-executed, running smoothly even on mid-range hardware. Overall, it’s a must-play title that balances accessibility with depth, appealing to both newcomers and longtime fans.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the game's engaging and strategic combat mechanics, especially the Leviathan Axe and the dynamic addition of the Blades of Chaos. The stunning graphics and immersive world design bring Norse mythology to life with handcrafted environments, atmospheric lighting, and expressive character models. The storyline and character development—particularly the evolving relationship between Kratos and Atreus—are lauded for emotional depth and natural progression. The soundtrack and voice acting enhance the experience, creating a cinematic and memorable journey.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include repetitive side quests and optional content, such as Valkyrie fights and realm challenges, which some players find grindy. Backtracking and forced revisits to earlier areas occasionally disrupt pacing and immersion. A few players note that the combat can become less challenging late-game due to player power scaling. Some find the crafting and upgrade systems cluttered or unintuitive. Minor technical issues like occasional frame drops or lock-on frustrations are reported but are not widespread.
Pros
- • Engaging and strategic combat with satisfying weapon mechanics and combos.
- • Stunning, handcrafted environments that vividly depict Norse mythology.
- • Emotionally resonant storyline centered on father-son relationship.
- • High-quality voice acting and a memorable, fitting soundtrack.
- • Well-balanced RPG elements that add depth without overwhelming complexity.
- • Smooth and well-optimized PC port with excellent performance.
- • Varied enemy types requiring different combat tactics.
Cons
- • Repetitive side content and optional challenges can feel grindy.
- • Backtracking and revisits sometimes disrupt game pacing.
- • Crafting and upgrade UI can be cluttered and unintuitive.
- • Late-game combat can become easier due to player power scaling.
- • Limited enemy variety leads to some combat repetition.
- • Some players find the story pacing uneven at times.
- • Minor technical issues like occasional frame drops reported.
Rating Criteria
His vengeance against the Gods of Olympus years behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the realm of Norse Gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive… and teach his son to do the same.
