God of War’s Next Saga Could Afford to Change Its Perspective

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God of War's Next Saga Could Afford to Change Its Perspective

Key Takeaways

  • The next God of War saga after the Norse saga remains uncertain, with rumors that it could focus on Atreus.
  • Shifting to a first-person perspective could introduce unique gameplay and narrative elements.
  • Recent examples like Assassin’s Creed and Horizon show that third-person franchises can excel in first-person.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that the gaming landscape has evolved significantly since the days of God of War’s 2005 debut. I remember vividly the raw intensity of the original trilogy, and the shift to a free camera in the reboot was nothing short of revolutionary. Now, the prospect of a first-person perspective in the next saga has piqued my interest.

Now that the Norse tale in the God of War series has ended with God of War Ragnarok and its additional Valhalla DLC, it’s uncertain where the story will head next. There are whispers hinting that future games might delve deeper into Atreus’ journey rather than Kratos’, given that Atreus departed from his father at the conclusion of God of War Ragnarok to pursue personal objectives. However, there’s still speculation that Kratos’ story isn’t completely finished, despite his character arc reaching a resolution in the Valhalla DLC. As the series moves forward, it seems poised to launch a fresh saga for father and son, potentially introducing players to new realms they haven’t explored before within God of War.

At this point, it’s uncertain where the upcoming “God of War” tale might lead Kratos and Atreus. Although the plot and setting have captured fans’ imaginations most, it could be intriguing to explore a fresh angle for the next story. One idea is to experiment with a radical change in perspective. The original “God of War” series and its reboot have been played from a third-person viewpoint, with only minor variations between them: the fixed camera in the original and the free camera in the remake. Given this, a “God of War” game or saga that can be played from a first-person perspective could introduce novelty to both gameplay mechanics and storytelling.

God of War’s Next Saga Could Make a First-Person Perspective Work

Other Third-Person Games Have Recently Been Given the First-Person Treatment

The idea of playing a God of War game with a first-person perspective might seem unusual, given that the series has been using a third-person view since it started back in 2005. However, if it were to make this change, it wouldn’t be the only third-person game to do so, as even newer franchises have made the switch. For instance, Assassin’s Creed, which debuted in 2007, introduced a first-person version of its gameplay quite recently, specifically in the VR game Assassin’s Creed Nexus, released in November 2023. There was initially significant doubt about whether a first-person Assassin’s Creed could be good quality, but the game managed to surpass expectations, despite receiving mixed reviews overall.

In a more casual and straightforward rewording: “Horizon Call of the Mountain,” like Assassin’s Creed Nexus before it, has been another recent venture aiming to transform a third-person series into a first-person VR game. Much like its predecessor, there was initial doubt surrounding this title. However, much to everyone’s surprise, just as with Assassin’s Creed Nexus, Horizon Call of the Mountain surpassed expectations and garnered similar acclaim across the board. It’s worth noting that both Horizon Call of the Mountain and Assassin’s Creed Nexus are VR games, but this has sparked a conversation about whether third-person franchises can successfully transition into first-person experiences. God of War is one example that supports this notion.

God of War Played in First-Person Would Change the Gameplay and Narrative

It’s questionable whether the upcoming God of War saga should adopt a first-person viewpoint instead of the third-person angle it has used for close to two decades. However, transitioning to a first-person perspective could offer an unprecedented level of immersion that previous sagas might not have managed, while also enabling the story to be told in an innovative manner. The Norse saga of God of War hasn’t been devoid of engagement, as players can easily become captivated by Kratos and Atreus’ personal and external adventures. Yet, if the perspective is changed to first-person, players would find themselves stepping directly into the shoes of each game’s main character, living their journey instead of merely observing it.

Wherever the God of War series goes next

From a first-person viewpoint, alterations to the setting or gameplay could feasibly be justified, particularly if they are significant. Given that both Norse and Greek epics have reached their conclusion, substantial changes would likely be necessary, making a fresh perspective a strong possibility. However, transforming God of War into a first-person game might be asking too much.

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2024-09-15 16:33