Could Playable Angrboda Save or Sink the Future of God of War?

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The God of War series has always been characterized by a profound, personal narrative centered on Kratos’ brutal odyssey through mythologies. In 2018, Santa Monica Studios introduced a new chapter filled with fresh characters, bonds, and lore for the franchise. Building upon this foundation, God of War: Ragnarok continued to enlarge the world and brought what many consider a fitting conclusion to Kratos’ character journey in the Valhalla DLC.

In the primary storyline of “God of War: Ragnarok,” there was a greater focus on exploring Atreus’ lineage, which was effectively communicated through his increased importance in the game’s narrative. By making Atreus a playable character and suggesting a potential spinoff at the end, Santa Monica Studios has created numerous opportunities for future installments, one of which could feature a playable Angrboda. Yet, this prospect raises questions about whether introducing a main character who isn’t directly related to Kratos could lessen the unique appeal of the “God of War” series.

Angrboda’s Cornerstone Status in Ragnarok Puts Future God of War Sequels in a Tough Spot

Playing as Angrboda offers a fascinating narrative experience. Her debut in “God of War Ragnarok” transcended typical side character introductions, particularly when the storyline started to unfold. She was not just a friend or love interest for Atreus, but also a significant part of his lore, and her role in the game’s climactic battle further emphasized this.

As a devoted admirer, I’d put it this way: Among the few links Atreus has with his giant heritage, she stands out. Her extraordinary magical skills set her apart from both Kratos and Atreus, offering a unique gameplay experience. In an intriguing spinoff that follows Atreus on his quest to discover the last of the Giants, incorporating Angrboda as a temporarily or intermittently playable character could be a clever way to maintain pace and delve deeper into Norse mythology.

In a departure from the franchise’s usual focus (the God of War series has typically revolved solely around Kratos), Santa Monica Studios has paved the way for playable characters other than the main one, by introducing Kratos’ son Atreus as a playable character in God of War Ragnarok. Not only did Atreus have unique combat mechanics during his playable segment in Ragnarok, but his missions were also deeply emotional and tied into the larger narrative.

It would be great to see a young woman of color taking on a significant role in the game, serving as the main character. Already, the character Angrboda has increased diversity within God of War, and further developing her part is a logical step forward for Santa Monica Studio’s aim towards creating stories with greater inclusivity.

God Of War’s Interwoven Identity With Kratos Presents a Challenge for Santa Monica

Considering the possibility of playing Angrboda in God of War may seem feasible at first glance, but there are compelling reasons for caution. Throughout the series, Kratos has been deeply associated with his role as a god, his tumultuous past, family ties, and intense emotions that propel him on difficult journeys. This narrative revolves around themes of violence, legacy, and redemption, as depicted in Kratos’ struggles in the original trilogy, and more recently, Atreus’ growth. Although Angrboda plays a significant role in Atreus’ character evolution, she lacks the emotional weight and connection to the franchise’s central themes that have been established over time.

By including playable sections for Angrboda, there’s a possibility that it might weaken the central narrative. If her segments don’t align well with the primary character’s journey, it could throw off the rhythm and emotional flow of the storyline. While a comparable observation could be made about Atreus, who appears more relatable than his father, it applies even more to Angrboda because she isn’t linked to Kratos’ family line. The playable segments for Atreus in Ragnarok were effective due to the fact that he is Kratos’ son, and his development, which was a key part of the game’s main theme and directly tied to the resolution of his father’s story, was established from the start.

As a gamer, I’ve grown accustomed to the raw hack-and-slash combat in God of War, so any magical abilities that Angrboda might possess could potentially disrupt the immersion I’ve come to expect. It’s crucial for these gameplay sections to remain closely tied to the main storyline to avoid feeling like unnecessary filler. Santa Monica Studio has a challenging task ahead in striking a balance between engaging narrative and satisfying gameplay, as this change needs to resonate with fans to be successful.

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2025-05-03 06:07