Another Dad Who Games

From beginning to end, God of War Ragnarok grips you by the heart strings and pulls you through an epic story that will have you laughing, crying and perched on the edge of the sofa wondering how on earth they can top the last big set piece.

If I could sum up the latest entry in the acclaimed God of War series in one word I’d have to go with life affirming (I’m fully aware that’s two words but this is my blog so shoot me). If there’s one thing I’d like to achieve with this writing project it’s that gaming is just as relevant to people my age (40+ and that’s all your getting) and that even though we have kids who are infinitely better at games than we are, sometimes we do know best. God of War Ragnarok will affirm these beliefs in the way Kratos and his now teenage son interact, but it also serves as a lesson that our kids do know what’s best for them sometimes and that we should trust their instincts as much as our own. The story follows years after the events of 2018s God of War as we rejoin Kratos and Atreus in the midst of fimbulwinter. Immediately we are thrown into a tale that brings together the pantheon of norse mythologies main players as we set off on an adventure that takes us to many of the different realms associated with the stories of the norse gods.

The first thing I noticed was how familiar Ragnarok felt, not that this is in any way a slight at the game, in fact it was nice to start a sequel that didn’t feel the need to arbitrarily take away all our powers in the first instant. Instead the game acts as a continuation of the original albeit with some improvements to combat and traversal that are welcome. The levelling up system is much improved and seems much simpler to understand than the previous game. Familiar characters are also welcomed back including Brok and Sindri, the helpful blacksmith duo who play a much bigger part in this game, including providing the player and companions with a home hub. Of course some returning characters are more welcoming than others.

As far as gameplay actually goes it’s very much business as usual, although it’s very much a refined version of what was offered in the previous game. Side missions are a lot more cohesive and interesting, traversal around the world feels more fluid and the world’s themselves whilst quite linear offer a much more open feel. Boss battles are genuinely challenging in places and enemy variety is much improved. Pacing was never really an issue either as the game feels like it moves along nicely, with no chapter out staying its welcome. I did find a few parts frustrating, the camera would sometimes not quite point where I wanted it to, and there were moments where it seems like Kratos is more than capable of climbing over / smashing through an obstacle that turns out to be a game boundary or invisible wall.

Graphically on PS5 the game looks outstanding and in performance mode runs at a very smooth 60fps with no noticeable drops in frame rate. The different realms all conjure up wild and breathtaking vistas and the variety in environments on offer is extremely diverse, without spoiling too much however one of the destinations the player is sent to is quite underwhelming considering the build up to it and could have done with a bit more variety and things to do. That’s not to detract from whats on offer in the other realms however as some of the moments are truly breathtaking.

To try to summarise this game almost does it an injustice, its easily the best Sony published game in a long time and it does everything you would want a sequel to one of the best games of the last ten years to do. There are minor issues with the game but they are definitely not enough to take the wind out of its sails. The writing, soundscape, combat and exploration are unrivalled on PS5 and its a no brained to recommend this game. To end on a Dad note, this game will make you look at the relationship you have with your kids and I guarantee if you let them play it (which is probably not the best idea, what with all the decapitation etc) they will have a better understanding of the sacrifices being a parent entails. A truly cross generational thunder force of a game, if you haven’t played it yet rectify that at your earliest convenience. 10/10