Why God of War OG Remakes Could Be a Backstep If True

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Why God of War OG Remakes Could Be a Backstep If True

Highlights

  • PlayStation’s first-party franchises like Horizon, Spider-Man, Last of Us, and God of War define the brand’s identity.
  • God of War’s evolution from hack-and-slash to emotional storytelling sets a new standard in gaming for the series.
  • Remastering earlier God of War games may not be beneficial, as the Norse saga showcases a more complex protagonist.

As a long-time PlayStation enthusiast who’s witnessed the evolution of gaming since the days of the original PlayStation, I can confidently say that Sony’s first-party franchises have truly defined the brand’s identity over the past decade. However, among these esteemed titles, God of War stands out as a true game-changer.

As a dedicated gamer, I can attest to the fact that Sony’s PlayStation has been leaning on some fantastic first-party franchises to move hardware and keep gamers hooked in recent times. Games like Horizon, Spider-Man, The Last of Us, and God of War have become the backbone of Sony’s gaming empire, shaping the brand’s identity over the past decade. Each of these games carries a unique charm, but it’s the God of War series that has truly struck a chord with players. Its impact is undeniable.

As a devoted fan looking back over the years, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible journey of God of War, a saga that commenced three console generations ago. From its frenetic hack-and-slash origins to its matured narrative delving into the intricacies of family, duty, and fate, it has evolved significantly over time. In 2024, this series stands transformed, and while remastering the early installments might initially seem appealing, the stark contrasts between then and now make me wonder if such a move could potentially cause more harm than good.

Kratos is a Changed Man in the Norse God of War Saga

In the epic tales of the God of War video game series, each instalment built upon the Greek mythology narrative is crucial to developing Kratos as a multi-dimensional, well-rounded character. Transforming from an unyielding, vengeful figure, Kratos’ peaceful existence in Midgard suggests that he has made significant strides towards healing and self-improvement. His reluctance when called upon to resume his god-slaying duties implies a shift from seeking retribution towards events occurring by chance rather than personal vendetta. Indeed, the Norse phase of Kratos’ life adds a layer of intrigue that was previously absent.

2018’s God of War was detailed in the 2019 documentary titled Raising Kratos, which was made available on the PlayStation YouTube channel.

Reflecting on the fact that character development was a key factor in the emotional resonance of the 2018 “God of War” and its sequel, “God of War: Ragnarok.” For those who played earlier versions, it was striking to witness Kratos’ transformation from his past self. However, revisiting Kratos’ earlier years in Greece by remaking the original trilogy or its PSP spin-offs might bring back memories of a less complex and more brutal version of Kratos. On the PlayStation 2 and 3, he was not as captivating a protagonist, and direct remakes could serve as a reminder of his previous flaws.

God of War Set a New Standard on PlayStation 4

The initial trilogy of the game, featuring fixed-camera hack-and-slash gameplay, effectively maintained fun and captivating gameplay throughout its run and held its own against prominent titles such as Bayonetta and Devil May Cry. However, God of War: Ascension’s release was underwhelming, signaling that the format had reached its expiration date. The shift in God of War to Norse mythology introduced an over-the-shoulder perspective typical of modern third-person AAA games, yet it remarkably retained the essence of hack-and-slash genre through weapons and attacks that felt swift, deliberate, and impactful.

In 2013, I found myself eagerly awaiting the latest installment in the God of War series: Ascension. To my surprise, despite the high anticipation, it sold around 570,000 units within its first month on shelves – a far cry from God of War 3’s sales three years prior.

In recent times, God of War has proven to be a gold mine in terms of its philosophy, making it likely that developer Sony Santa Monica will continue in this vein. Redoing or upgrading the older God of War games might only highlight their age and distract players from a combat system that’s both polished and brimming with potential for further improvements. When the first game was launched on the PlayStation 2, God of War made quite an impact, but it was the 2018 title that rescued it from oblivion. Given the promising future ahead, revisiting and remaking the past could seem like a misuse of resources.

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2024-08-04 14:04