Comparing God of War (2018) to God of War Ragnarok

As a longtime fan of the God of War series, I must confess that the 2018 soft-reboot truly stole my heart. While the narrative of God of War: Ragnarok is undeniably captivating and shares the story more equally between Kratos and Atreus, it’s the 2018 title that left a deeper impression on me.

The God of War series has evolved significantly from its origins as the vengeful Ghost of Sparta, brandishing his Blades of Chaos against any Greek deity he encountered. Now, the character has transitioned into a new mythological realm. Over two games, God of War has delved into Norse mythology, offering a stark departure from the gameplay mechanics of earlier God of War titles. The Norse iterations of God of War have set a high benchmark for themselves.

There’s an abundance of affection for God of War (2018) and its sequel, God of War: Ragnarok. It’s delightful to witness a follow-up meeting the high standards set by its predecessor, but the question remains: which game is superior? Both games are remarkable instances of triple-A productions, offering thrilling battles, stunning visuals, and impactful performances. However, each game has its unique advantages and disadvantages.

Atmosphere

An Introduction to Mysteries of Norse Mythology

Comparing God of War (2018) to God of War Ragnarok

Moving past the unique narrative of Norse Mythology, the God of War series embarked on a significant journey filled with extensive research and affection for crafting a fresh tale. Yet, it was a challenge they masterfully overcame. God of War (2018) gradually immerses players into this captivating world, showcasing the lived-in essence and enigmas of the gods and creatures’ mythology, while hinting at the future that may unfold for Kratos and Atreus as they delve deeper into the Aesir, a group that Kratos harbors fear.

In the game God of War Ragnarok, the representation of mythology is more straightforward, featuring well-known deities such as Thor, Odin, and Heimdal. The pantheon presented is impressive, and each character stands out with their unique godly traits and personalities. However, what made God of War (2018) stand out in terms of atmosphere was the experience it offered. The introduction of the World Serpent, hints at the Aesir gods, and encounters with various beasts during your initial playthrough were truly awe-inspiring.

Combat

Stellar Combat That is Refined With More Weapons in the Sequel

Comparing God of War (2018) to God of War Ragnarok

In earlier God of War games, there was plenty of sword-wielding carnage with the Blades of Chaos. But when you start out as Kratos in 2018’s God of War, you’ll immediately notice a change in gameplay style. Instead of the traditional hack-and-slash approach, combat is now viewed from an over-the-shoulder perspective. The Leviathan Axe serves as your main weapon, allowing for more tactical and close-quarter battles. You can dodge, block, parry, and even use strategic juggling moves to defeat enemies with impressive power combos.

In God of War: Ragnarok, the combat has advanced significantly from God of War 4. From the start, players can wield the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos. These weapons exude raw power in Ragnarok, offering numerous innovative attack options that make combat feel like a captivating dance of war. The fighting in Ragnarok has been polished to perfection, and introduces a fresh element with the Draupnir Spear.

Iconic Moments

Gigantic Set Pieces Worthy of Replaying

Stepping back into Kratos’ world was a monumental event in the gaming community, marking the return of the character fans know as the one who wiped out the Greek pantheon. The God of War series offers a series of unforgettable moments – from the initial clash with The Stranger to the epic showdown against Freya and Baldur. The return of Kratos brings back many iconic scenes, some filled with raw power and others deeply moving. With such a legacy, future God of War installments have big shoes to fill.

In God of War 5, there are some amazing action sequences, such as Kratos fighting during Ragnarok and his epic battles against Thor in particular. But compared to the legendary moments in God of War: Ragnarok, those found in the original 2018 version feel less impactful because certain scenes don’t fully capture the awe-inspiring presence of Kratos as a god.

Expectations

A Return of a Violent God With Deserving Change

2018’s God of War was highly anticipated, as it had been a while since a new title in the series was released. The risky decision to mature the character of Kratos proved successful, resonating strongly with fans. In contrast to previous games, 2018’s God of War presented an entirely fresh narrative and gameplay experience, which felt novel for the franchise. The game delivered on all fronts, surpassing many fans’ expectations as they eagerly watched Kratos face off against the Norse Pantheon.

Approaching God of War: Ragnarok, there was a great deal of anticipation following the immense popularity of its predecessor. The game promised many things, such as the face-off between Odin and Thor, and the revelation of Tyr’s mysteries. However, God of War (2018) was something of a risk that surpassed expectations, serving as an evolution for Kratos and the series. This doesn’t imply that God of War: Ragnarok failed to meet the hype; instead, it hit all the right notes and then some.

Characters

An Introduction to Characters and Further Exploration of Them is Commendable

As a gamer immersed in the world of God of War (2018), I’ve noticed that the narrative takes on a more personal approach, focusing primarily on the bond between Kratos and his son Atreus. While characters like Baldur, Freya, and Mimir leave lasting impressions and contribute significantly to the storyline, it’s clear that their moments shine brightest in their respective games, making this installment more about father-son dynamics.

Stepping back into the Nine Realms for God of War: Ragnarok, I’m blown away by the expanded cast. From familiar Norse gods like the Aesir and Vanir, to lesser-known mythological figures, each character gets their moment to shine and develop, enriching both old and new faces in the God of War universe for me as a player.

Boss Fights

An Incredible Pantheons of Boss Fights Across Both Games

In every installment of God of War, epic boss battles have been a key element of game design. These encounters empower the player and provide thrilling spectacles, particularly in the Norse series of God of War. The first Norse God of War offers impressive boss fights, but they may seem somewhat restrictive in terms of variety compared to others.

Santa Monica Studio drew valuable lessons from the 2018 release of God of War, leading to a greater assortment of challenging, interactive, and distinct boss battles in God of War: Ragnarok. These encounters with dragons, Berserkers, deities, and other formidable opponents make for truly remarkable boss fights in this sequel.

Content

Smaller Sandbox Areas Compared to the Entirety of the Nine Realms

In the 2018 game “God of War”, there’s a vast sandbox just begging to be discovered! You can roam through various regions across the realms, though some locations require more story advancement to fully delve into their secrets. Not every realm is accessible immediately, and some are smaller than others, such as Muspelheim and Niflheim, which serve as side areas for later stages in the game.

In God of War: Ragnarok, each of the Nine Realms plays a significant role in the narrative and exploration. As you journey through these realms, you’ll discover a wealth of side activities. Moreover, when you reach the end of God of War: Ragnarok, there’s an abundance of post-game content, offering players more activities than the previous game.

Story

A Grieving and Distant Father / A Father Afraid to Lose His Son to Prophecy

Following the passing of his wife Faye, Kratos is tasked with scattering her remains atop the tallest peak across all realms while nurturing their son Atreus. Initially distant and burdened by a painful past that breeds contempt for deities, even himself, Kratos’ transformation throughout the game God of War (2018) is nothing short of inspiring, offering an extraordinary tale worthy of admiration as it showcases just how far he has evolved.

As a gamer, I’m diving back into the world of God of War: Ragnarok, picking up where God of War (2018) left off. I’m Kratos, and though I’m gradually coming to terms with my past, my anger simmers as Atreus persists in uncovering Loki’s identity. While I strive to change destiny amid an impending war with Odin and the Aesir, God of War: Ragnarok expands its narrative, giving both Kratos and Atreus equal footing. Yet, God of War (2018) stands out with a more personal and impactful storyline. It’s a poignant exploration of my character and the continuation of my journey.

Endings

Both Games Feature Satisfying Endings With Room For Further Stories

A satisfying ending is an important aspect of any story, and both God of War titles do so wonderfully. With God of War (2018), the game had the responsibility to set up a sequel but still managed to satisfy players with Kratos’s earned acceptance of himself, and thus, the acceptance of his son and how together, they could break the cycle of patricide and be better. It’s a loving conclusion to Kratos’s long journey that ends in him loving his son despite his self-hatred, but will often be overshadowed by a remembrance of Thor arriving on Kratos’s doorstep.

In wrapping up Norse mythology’s epic saga, God of War Ragnarok skillfully resolved numerous plot points while keeping possibilities for future adventures alive. With both Kratos and Atreus surviving the tale, their emotional farewell to a cherished companion made the game feel fulfilling, even as it demanded sacrifices. The finale is nothing short of amazing, stirring curiosity about where Kratos’ journey might lead next as he ascends to deityhood as the God of Hope, and Atreus embarks on his own destiny in search of his fate, guided by love.

Conclusion: God Of War (2018)

The 2018 Soft-Reboot Wins

In no way should one assume that “God of War: Ragnarok” is a lesser game compared to its predecessor. On the contrary, it refines numerous aspects more effectively. The narrative of “God of War: Ragnarok” truly deserves the acclaim it receives, however, the original Norse “God of War” (2018) title stirs greater anticipation for what it introduced to the series as opposed to being the culmination of the Norse titles.

In terms of achieving success, both works are exceptional artistic accomplishments, but “God of War” (2018) surpassed expectations remarkably. The creative minds at Santa Monica Studio truly excelled with this fresh mythology, paving the way for “God of War: Ragnarok,” a sequel that matches its brilliance nearly perfectly.

2024-09-22 15:54