Years after destroying the Greek pantheon, Kratos lives in the wilds of Midgard with a new family. When his wife Faye dies, her last wish is that her ashes be scattered from the highest peak in all the realms. Kratos sets out with their son Atreus, a boy he barely knows how to talk to.
A different kind of god
Directed by Cory Barlog, the 2018 God of War is a soft reboot. Kratos is still terrifying, but now he is restrained, weary and trying hard not to pass his rage on to his son. Their relationship — awkward, tense and slowly warming — is the emotional spine of the game.
One continuous shot
The entire adventure is presented without a single camera cut, from the opening scene to the credits. It sounds like a technical gimmick, but it makes the journey feel unbroken and intimate.
The Leviathan Axe
Combat is heavier and closer than in the old games. The frost-infused axe can be thrown and recalled with a satisfying thunk, Atreus fires arrows on command, and the encounters against draugr, trolls and Valkyries are some of the best-feeling fights on any platform.
Norse mythology, reimagined
Along the way you meet a talkative severed head named Mimir, the witch Freya, the World Serpent Jörmungandr and a mysterious stranger who cannot feel pain. The game won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2018, came to PC in 2022 with excellent ultrawide support, and its sequel Ragnarök continues the story.
