Even during its quieter moments, there’s engaging and interesting chatter among the band of characters you’re following which only helps to grow your bond and fondness for them. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions, which had me genuinely laughing out loud in some moments, and forcing down a lump in my throat in others. I don’t want to dive too into the narrative for the sake of spoilers, but Ragnarok’s story is something rather special. It’s the evolution both characters wanted for the other, and getting to witness this through Ragnarok’s combination of cutscenes and traversal chatter only goes to elevate the entire experience. On the other hand, Atreus is more conscious of the dangers of the world, capable of handling himself in a fight without his father needing to bail him out all of the time. He develops into a man capable of feeling more than mere rage and anger, who doesn’t just grumble unintelligibly at anything and everything his counterparts say –and gets called out for it on the odd occasion he does– and is generally more trusting of those he hasn’t met. Kratos, on a personal level, becomes a better person. This relationship undergoes some huge development over the course of Rangarok’s storyline, seeing the pair endure the lowest lows but also soar to their highest highs over both games. With a more headstrong Atreus, more resilient to his father’s scorning words, however, the two often split paths, seeking out answers on their own with an AI counterpart filling the gap the other has left. One that, for one reason or another, the two refuse to accept.īoth are convinced they are right on what’s worth their time, what they should be doing regarding the Norse Gods, and where they should adventure next leads to multiple clashes. Still infuriated by the death of her son at the hands of Kratos and Atreus, Freya is still intent on ambushing them from almost the very beginning of the game, while Odin’s introduction brings with it a truce to Kratos and Atreus’ door. And the duo needs to be closer and more in-sync than ever before, too, given the impending dangers of the Norse Gods looming around every corner. Their relationship feels seasoned in moments when the two subtly glance knowing looks at one another: a hand on the shoulder, for example, that somehow resonates a pride of the God of War’s protégé and offspring. Kratos isn’t so commanding and full of instruction there’s a genuine companionship between the pair of them. Immediately, there’s a sense of closeness between Kratos and Atreus that feels different this time around. He’s more seasoned in combat, and more understanding of his father’s wishes, but, of course, grumpier and rebellious as teenagers tend to be. Atreus is now officially a teenager and with that has grown wiser and far less infuriating to adventure with. Fimbulwinter –great winter as a rough translation– has begun and signposts the impending start of Ragnarok. God of War Ragnarok takes place three years after the events of the first game –of which there’s a handy recap of its events to get you up to speed if you’ve forgotten the storyline over the past, eventful four years. This is far from some bloated mess of an open-world experience Ragnarok is measured, restrained, favoring quality over quantity, and the result is a title that will long live in the echelons of gaming history. Other times I’d put my controller down only to see a faint glimmer of a chest or side activity in the distance and just had to investigate it. And when you venture off the beaten path, there’s a smattering of side quests and collectibles to keep you roaming the Nine Realms for hours outside of the main story.Įvery time I thought I was ready to take a break, a lovable NPC would pop up with some mysterious-sounding quest and off I ventured to grab whatever item it was that they desired. It’s wrapped up in a level of cinematic style and artistic flourishes that make near-every frame something to be marveled at. From the gripping narrative right through to the challenging combat, Ragnarok demands your attention. Ragnarok doesn’t just replicate the success of the first game, it outdoes it in every possible way. Truth be told, I wasn’t even that enamored with the first game, but this second outing has totally captivated me. After 35 hours in which I could barely put the game down to rest, I can confirm it’s far exceeded any effort I could have imagined.
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