Why God of War’s Next Saga May Inevitably Be Jarring

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In 2018, the soft reboot of God of War stands out as one of the most daring and triumphant risks in contemporary gaming. By substantially aging Kratos, a character iconic not just for PlayStation but for gaming in general, and giving him a son, the creators made brave creative choices. However, God of War didn’t stop there – it sent Kratos to the Norse realms, effectively distancing him from his violent past in Greece. The gameplay, pace, and structure were also completely revamped, making this comeback all the more surprising.

Indeed, the gamble proved worthwhile, as God of War (2018) is frequently recognized as one of the top games from the past decade. The innovative combat system and deliberate narrative style struck a chord with players who had become accustomed to mature storylines in games such as The Last of Us, and strategic combat in Dark Souls. Surprisingly, the success of the Nordic setting was notable, given its stark contrast to what made God of War’s original setting distinctive. However, this shift coincided with numerous other significant changes to the series’ formula, including a gap of eight years since the last mainline entry. Consequently, this evolution in the God of War narrative was more palatable; it signified a new era in the God of War saga.

If God of War Changes Pantheons Again, It Won’t Be the Same

God of War May Not Manage a Clean Break from the Norse Realms

2018’s “God of War” significantly departs from its previous installments in storytelling. Despite Kratos still being the central figure, his backstory is not delved into regarding how he ended up so far away from Greece initially. Essentially, the 2018 game discards the Greek saga much like one would discard an old shawl, as there are no tangible links to those earlier games in terms of plot progression.

It’s been speculated that the God of War series may blend other mythologies in future installments, given hints in the last two games. However, such a transition might not be as smooth this time around. The series has become deeply rooted in Norse folklore with Kratos and Atreus playing significant roles, making it challenging to move away from these realms due to their strong connections. Essentially, there’s twice the backstory to consider now.

In 2018, when the God of War character moved to the Norse pantheon, it wasn’t necessary to elaborate on how these two distinct mythologies could coexist. Essentially, it marked a new beginning for a series that had been inactive. However, if the God of War series doesn’t take an extended break, its narrative will require explanation to maintain consistency as it continues to explore different mythologies.

God of War might find it challenging to reinvent itself yet again by changing its gameplay mechanics and shifting mythology, as the 2018 gameplay overhaul was necessary due to the previous formula feeling repetitive, while the current one remains satisfying for many gamers.

It might seem unusual to encounter Atreus, Kratos, and possibly their companions in another mythological setting since they’ve become deeply associated with Norse mythology rather than Greek mythology where Kratos originated. However, this change could result in a compelling and intriguing narrative, rather than leading to confusion or disorder.

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2025-01-08 23:33