God of War’s Next Saga Needs a Similar Approach as Its 2018 Norse Start

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God of War's Next Saga Needs a Similar Approach as Its 2018 Norse Start

As a long-time follower of the God of War franchise, I must say that Santa Monica Studios truly outdid themselves with the 2018 masterpiece. The shift from Greek to Norse mythology, the introduction of fresh characters like Atreus and Mimir, and the daring decision to overhaul the gameplay mechanics have left an indelible mark on my gaming experience.

The epic Norse tale within the God of War series has significantly shaped its development. Kratos’ character evolution was substantial, and fresh characters such as Atreus, Angrboda, and Mimir were unforgettably introduced to gamers. Santa Monica Studios bravely deviated from the franchise’s established formula in God of War (2018), but their bold move has proven successful, as the game is both critically acclaimed and commercially thriving.

It appears that Kratos and Atreus’s story continues, leaving room for more from this franchise. Future installments should learn from God of War (2018) and not be afraid to innovate. This will keep the series fresh and avoid making it seem repetitive or formulaic.

God of War (2018) Switches Up the Franchise’s Formula

Ever since its debut in 2005, the God of War series has become a beloved favorite among PlayStation gamers. This is no surprise considering the games are bursting with thrilling action, captivating adventures, and rich mythological stories. The main character Kratos is undeniably intriguing, as he showcases a complex personality and grapples with numerous moral quandaries.

Prior to 2018, the God of War series was easily identifiable due to its consistent style. This included a fixed camera viewpoint that provided ample room for players to battle large groups of enemies. Additionally, these games had a highly cinematic feel and prominently featured Kratos wielding his flaming Blades of Chaos as his main weapon. The formula was successful for quite some time, but Santa Monica Studio opted to change things up in order to avoid the franchise becoming stale.

Differences Between God of War (2018) and Prior Games

In 2018, I was utterly blown away by the transformative changes in God of War. The developers abandoned the traditional fixed camera angle, opting instead for a dynamic third-person, over-the-shoulder viewpoint. This shift allowed me to focus more intently on the action, making each battle feel more personal and intense. For the majority of the game, Kratos is devoid of his iconic Blades of Chaos, instead wielding the frosty Leviathan Axe, which added a fresh layer of excitement to my gaming experience.

Perhaps the most interesting change is the transition from Greek mythology to Norse mythology. This allows players to interact with mythical figures such as Thor, Odin, and Freya. Joining Kratos on his journey is Atreus, his son. Atreus is vital for combat, as players can control him and Kratos simultaneously. The boy is also an important piece of the plot, as through Atreus, players witness a softer, less bloodthirsty side of Kratos.

The Next God of War Game Should Reinvent the Franchise Again

Santa Monica Studio wisely decided to revamp the storyline of God of War within its Norse mythology setting. This change keeps the series feeling new and exciting, as players are constantly on their toes. Additionally, this transformation enabled the franchise to align with the evolving expectations of the gaming industry for AAA titles, which now have a specific aesthetic that is sought after. In its current iteration, God of War fits seamlessly among other popular AAA action-adventure games designed for PlayStation.

Despite the significant imagination required to rejuvenate the God of War series, it’s essential for the team not to grow complacent with their innovations. To prevent stagnation in the upcoming God of War game, they might consider altering aspects once more. One potential change could be delving into a new mythology. There are numerous mythologies worldwide that could serve as intriguing settings, but whispers hint at Santa Monica Studio possibly focusing on Egypt. This was even considered as a setting for the 2018 game, but it didn’t make the final cut.

As a devoted fan, I’ve been pondering about potential transformations for this beloved game series. One idea is shifting the design from semi-open world to a linear format, similar to “The Last of Us.” This change could lead to a leaner, more focused game that might trim some of the excessive elements that have become common in the Norse saga games.

Santa Monica Studio has yet to unveil its strategy for the series, but fans can stay excited about God of War content. In the meantime, a live-action God of War television show will be available on Amazon Prime, and God of War Ragnarok is set for release on PC. No matter what path the studio chooses for the franchise, given its past successes, it’s safe to say that fans can anticipate more thrilling action and grand adventures in the future.

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2024-08-01 14:33