The 94 Metacritic Action-Adventure Game with the Best Narrative Since 2018 (& It’s Not Red Dead Redemption 2)

The Game Awards have concluded, and with them, a new group of video game winners have been recognized. This year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 really stood out, winning most of the awards it was up for. While there were many excellent games and tough competition – reminding me of the particularly competitive year of 2018 – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the show.

In 2018, God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2 were the biggest contenders for game of the year. While God of War ultimately won the overall Game of the Year award, Red Dead Redemption 2 was recognized for its outstanding story. Both were incredible games, but many believe God of War actually had the stronger narrative.

Spoilers ahead for God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2.

2018’s God of War Introduced a Bold New Direction for Kratos, Making Him Feel More Human Than Godlike

The newest God of War immediately feels different from previous games. The opening scene shows Kratos kneeling before a tree, looking pained, as he begins to chop it down. It’s revealed he and his son, Atreus, are burying his wife, Faye. This is a significant change from the angry, violent Kratos players remember, and it quickly establishes that this game will be a more emotional and character-driven story than just a quest for revenge.

The Introduction of Atreus and Kratos’ Struggle With Fatherhood

In God of War, Kratos is more controlled and thoughtful than before, though he still gets frustrated with his son, Atreus. They frequently clash, and Kratos often becomes angry with Atreus because of his impulsive actions and occasional arrogance. While Kratos is trying to escape his violent past and become a better person, Atreus’s behavior sometimes brings out Kratos’s old anger, making it even harder for him to be the father and man he wants to be.

Image via Santa Monica Studio

Red Dead Redemption 2’s Arthur is a Brilliant Protagonist, But He’s Also Less Layered

Arthur Morgan is a hugely popular video game character, and deservedly so. However, Kratos is arguably a more complex character. Arthur’s story centers on adapting to a changing America and questioning his allegiance to his gang. Kratos, on the other hand, is grappling with his own past while also learning to accept the darker side he sees mirrored in his son.

Everything God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2 Won at The Game Awards 2018

God of War	Red Dead Redemption 2
Game of the Year Best Game Direction Best Action/Adventure Game	Best Narrative Best Performance Best Score/Music Best Audio Design

Kratos’ Story is as Much About the Struggle of Self-Acceptance as it is About Fatherhood

Kratos tries to conceal his divine heritage and suppress his anger, but he comes to understand that he can’t outrun his past. As his son, Atreus, matures, his own godly powers become increasingly obvious. Kratos realizes he must accept his full identity, not just the parts he likes, and finally reveals the truth to Atreus. However, this creates new challenges, as Atreus starts to display pride in his divine nature, leading Kratos to fear that his son is repeating his own mistakes.

Arthur’s Journey in RDR2 is Also Filled With Personal Struggle, But God of War Takes This a Step Further

As Dutch’s leadership crumbles and he becomes more erratic, Arthur finds himself at a turning point. Facing Dutch’s increasingly poor choices and a tuberculosis diagnosis, Arthur is forced to re-evaluate his life. The game offers a compelling look at his character – a man who desperately wants to be good, but is trapped in a life that makes it nearly impossible. While Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts one of the greatest stories in gaming, God of War‘s narrative is even more impactful because it explores Kratos’ internal struggle through both his own experiences and his relationship with his son, offering a more multifaceted perspective than Arthur’s solitary journey.

Kratos needs to come to terms with his past and who he is. Instead of trying to avoid it, he must accept all sides of himself, even the ones he doesn’t like.

Kratos and Arthur Morgan Share the Title of Being Some of the Best Gaming Protagonists of the 21st Century

Whether God of War or Red Dead Redemption 2 tells the better story is debatable, but both Kratos and Arthur Morgan represent the qualities of a truly compelling main character. While different in some ways, they share enough similarities that it’s difficult to definitively say which game is superior. Ultimately, God of War edges out slightly ahead due to its greater emotional depth and complexity.

What Kratos and Arthur Morgan Share in Common

Their journeys are framed around themes of redemption.
Loyal protectors
Aware of their flaws and working to fix them
Stoic personalities that mask deep, hidden emotions

Kratos and Arthur are similar characters in many respects, but the relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus, elevates God of War‘s story to a particularly powerful and moving level. While Red Dead Redemption 2 deservedly won Best Narrative, God of War presented an equally compelling story. Both games demonstrate how video games can deliver deeply thoughtful and emotionally rich experiences. Though both Kratos and Arthur are complex characters, Kratos’ challenging and honest journey with his son ultimately feels more impactful.

2025-12-19 14:05