God of War Review

It’s not too often that a game comes out and is more or less universally praised, but with the release of God of War, that is exactly what happened. This review is a little late to the party, I obviously don’t get review copies, so had to wait for the actual release.

Since playing the game I have been singing it’s praises and telling everyone that can buy it, to buy it ASAP – I haven’t done that it a while.

I tell my friends to “just play the beginning and you’ll know if you’ll like it or not” because some of the opening sections are just stunning to look at and experience. The fight that leaves the ground cracked was an epic introduction to just how much attention to detail went into this game. Little things you may well miss, such as clumps of snow falling from distant trees as you smash an enemy into the ground, or the one solitary fish that jumps from the water in the distance.

But it’s not just the living breathing world around us that makes this game so immersive, it is also the leading characters themselves. The way Atreus (your in-game son) walks over the campfires and starts warming himself, while you carry on trying to figure out that puzzle. You will likely have to beckon him in your classic, loving way – “Boy”.

 

What is everyone else saying?

This game is getting a lot of recognition, and it is totally deserved in my opinion. Here we list a few quotes from reviews we agree with.

 

IGN: 10/10 [link to ign]

I expected great action from God of War, and it delivers that handily. But I didn’t expect it to be a thrilling journey in which every aspect of it complements the others to form what is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s a game in which Kratos, a previously one-note character, becomes a complex father, warrior, and monster, embattled both on the field and within his own heart about how to treat his son; one in which the world opens up and shifts, offering rewards in both gameplay and knowledge of its lore that I treasured with each accomplishment. The obvious care that went into crafting its world, characters, and gameplay delivers by far the most stirring and memorable game in the series.

 

Gamspot: 9/10 [link to Gamespot]

• Impeccable presentation
• The father-son dynamic enhances combat and makes Kratos surprisingly relatable
• Convincing writing that humanizes the extraordinary supporting cast
• Kratos’ agility and deep repertoire of techniques make him more fun to control than ever
• Midgard is fantastic to look at and filled with worthwhile side quests
• Expertly transforms and builds upon the series’ established gameplay

 

Polygon: 10/10 [link to Polygon]

GOD OF WAR BORROWS FROM THE BEST, THEN BLENDS THE INGREDIENTS INTO SOMETHING NEW

THE SINGLE CAMERA TAKE IS A TECHNICAL MARVEL