The Next God of War Should Put Its Own Spin on Ragnarok’s Best Collectibles

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As a seasoned gamer who has been following the God of War franchise since its inception, I must say that the series has consistently managed to surprise and delight me with its intricate Easter eggs and hidden references. The latest installment, God of War Ragnarok, took this tradition to new heights with its Kvasir Poems, which were a brilliant tribute to various PlayStation franchises.

I remember the excitement I felt when I first discovered that one of the poems referenced The Last of Us Part 2, with lines like “a bearded, cruel father” and his “surrogate daughter,” instantly evoking memories of Joel and Ellie’s poignant journey. And who could forget the moment when I found a poem that paid homage to Concrete Genie, a game that often gets overlooked but holds a special place in my heart?

What sets God of War Ragnarok apart from other games is how seamlessly these Easter eggs are integrated into the gameplay and world. Mimir even comments on some of the poems’ content, adding an extra layer of immersion. I can only imagine the delight that awaits me in the next installment if they decide to continue this tradition while putting their own spin on it.

To see a mural depicting Spider-Man swinging through a beautifully painted backdrop representing his iconic New York City would be a sight to behold. Or perhaps a set of carved wooden or stone totems scattered across the world that reference other PlayStation icons, like Ratchet and Clank or Uncharted’s Nathan Drake.

If Santa Monica Studio really wants to go all out with their Easter eggs, they could even include in-game combat challenges or puzzles themed around different franchises. Imagine juggling enemies and throwing them into walls, simulating Spider-Man’s combat style, or solving puzzles inspired by the mind-bending conundrums found in Portal.

All I know is that as a longtime fan of the God of War series, I eagerly await the next installment to see how they continue this delightful tradition and make me smile all over again with their clever Easter eggs. And if Kratos ever needs help juggling enemies, I’d be more than happy to lend a hand – or web-slinging wrist!

Initially, the first God of War game in 2005 incorporated an intricate series of secret messages from Kratos, which players could only unlock by completing the game on its most challenging mode and dialing a real-world phone number. This practice of incorporating Easter eggs, references, and secrets has been a recurring element throughout the God of War series ever since.

2018’s “God of War” followed suit with this series tradition, despite its subdued tone and intricate themes. One of the game’s standout features was the Shattered Gauntlet of Ages secret mission, where players had to search for six gems hidden across the Nine Realms – a clever wink to “Avengers: Infinity War,” which hit theaters a week following “God of War’s” April 2018 release. “God of War Ragnarok” built upon this with its own Easter eggs, such as a group of collectibles that warrant a reappearance in future “God of War” installments.

The Next God of War Should Double Down on Ragnarok’s Referential Poems

God of War Ragnarok’s Kvasir Poems Were The Perfect Tribute

In God of War Ragnarok, you’ll find numerous types of upgrade materials, equipment parts, and trinkets, most of which boost Kratos’ battle abilities. However, the Kvasir poems in God of War Ragnarok are a collection designed primarily to bring a smile to players’ faces.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve found myself captivated by the 14 poetic masterpieces hidden within the realm of God of War: Ragnarok. Each piece, steeped in archaic elegance, paints vivid pictures of iconic PlayStation sagas. For example, “We Who Remain, Part the Second” subtly echoes The Last of Us Part 2, not only in its title but also in its verses, with lines referring to a “bearded, ruthless patriarch” and his “fostered daughter,” as well as a malady that corrodes one’s body.

In the Kvasir poems found within God of War Ragnarok, various PlayStation exclusive titles such as Ratchet and Clank, Ghost of Tsushima, Death Stranding, Uncharted, Bloodborne, Concrete Genie, The Order 1886, Dreams, and Journey are mentioned. What makes these references unique is their seamless integration into the gameplay and world of God of War Ragnarok, with Mimir providing commentary on some of the poems’ content.

How The Next God of War Can Put Its Own Spin on Ragnarok’s PlayStation Poems

It would be wonderful if the Kvasir poems from God of War Ragnarok continued in the next God of War game, but Santa Monica Studios shouldn’t simply recycle the same format. Instead, they could innovate on the Easter eggs within their PlayStation IP by altering the type of collectibles players must seek out in the next God of War game.

In recent times, murals have emerged as a significant symbol within the God of War series. It’s an excellent idea to incorporate references to other PlayStation intellectual properties by showcasing simplified versions of well-known mascots against vibrant, backdrop paintings that reflect their game’s unique settings. Additionally, strategically placed totems made from wood or stone, spread throughout the world, could serve as a subtle nod to iconic PlayStation characters in the upcoming God of War game.

If the upcoming God of War game intends to push its PlayStation IP Easter egg even more, it might incorporate in-game battles or riddles inspired by various other franchises. For example, one challenge could task players with keeping enemies aloft and hurling them against walls, emulating Spider-Man’s fighting style.

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2024-12-29 01:54