Summary
God of Warcreator David Jaffe expressed his disappointment with the direction that the series' main character, Kratos, has been taken in during recent games. While theGod of Warprotagonist started out as a vengeful, kill-happy warrior in 2005, he has since evolved into a more complicated character.
Although allGod of Wargames have been developed by Santa Monica Studio, the franchise has seen a significant amount of turnover, naturally due to its nearly 20-year lifespan. During that period, the series has seen plenty of unique design choices and narrative ideas.2018’sGod of Warreboot found Kratosliving a quiet, isolated life with his son Atreus. Throughout the game’s story, it becomes clear that Kratos has evolved emotionally, and sometimes uses his all-powerful abilities with restraint. The subsequentGod of War Ragnarokcontinued this trend, as Kratos struggled with his place in the world and with his relationship with his son. Jaffe, who departed Santa Monica Studio in 2007, is not a fan of every new change to Kratos' personality.
In a video uploaded to Jaffe’s YouTube, the originalGod of Warcreator explained that Kratos has become too personal of a character for his liking. He details that the new games' writers are imparting their own personal issues onto Kratos, leading the Greek demigod to become a weaker version of what he’s supposed to represent. He compares Kratos' evolution to Indiana Jones, another character that has seen reshaping in recent titles, and unnecessarily so in Jaffe’s opinion.
Jaffe also explains that he would have no problem with new characters being added in to the game who have complex or relatable emotional issues. His problem lies with the significant departure fromKratos' original portrayal.
In contrast to Jaffe’s opinion,Kratos' touching moments in recentGod of Wargameshave largely been a hit with the franchise’s player base. Many fans believe that the character’s evolution is a natural progression for someone who has experienced Kratos' life. The new games have been beloved by critics as well, with 2018’sGod of WarandGod of War Ragnarokboth sitting at a highly impressive score of 94 on Metacritic.
It looks likeSanta Monica Studio isn’t done telling Kratos' story, thanks to aGod of Warwriter hinting thatGod of War Valhalla’s recent DLC is not the end of the franchise’s current narrative. However, this could also mean that Atreus might take on the mantle of beingGod of War’s protagonist.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
