God Of War

Daddy Kratos will see you (PS) Now

FORMAT PS4 / YEAR 2018 / PUB SONY / DEV SANTA MONICA STUDIO / ISSUE OPM #149 / SCORE 9/10

02For a series that became known for having a very angry and promiscuous main character, and for being so edgy it’d slice cleanly through Grecian marble, Kratos’ 2018 outing was certainly different. What if Sony made Kratos a dad now? And a quietly sad and brooding one at that? But by God (Of War), Santa Monica Studio did it. This reinvention of God Of War is the best in the series.

But just because Kratos is older and a bit more fleshed-out doesn’t mean he’s any less angry. If anything, the character development he’s had since his move from the Greek pantheon has only given him more to be angry about. There are epic Norse mythology pieces in play in this story, but its heart is personal. Ultimately it’s about Kratos’ journey with his son Atreus as they travel to spread the ashes of his dead partner and mother to his child.

MONSTER (S)MASHER

There are plenty of creatures to hack and tear at – most of which you do with the other star of the show, the Leviathan axe. Each swing has a delightful heft, and you can even throw it at enemies, after which you can recall it with a press of a button. The axe always feels like it’s a solid part of the world (and factors into some puzzles). Atreus helps out too, staying back with a bow, and is an integral part of the combat.

The central journey’s a real father/son bonding experience that tugs at the heart with the kind of slick precision Kratos usually displays when decapitating a wraith. Each new realm in the duo’s journey feels fresh and inventive, and the game never fails to surprise during its epic runtime. It’s the kind of memorable adventure that sticks with you, and the consistently high bar in quality throughout every aspect of its design raises the series to new heights.

On PS4 God Of War is essential. On PS Now it’s simply unmissable.