Summary
Santa Monica Studio is one of the most beloved developers in the single-player space, which is due in large part to the revival ofGod of Warand the bold decision to take Kratos somewhere new. The studio has experienced its fair share of hardships, but the success of the 2018 game catapulted it to a new height of popularity, andGod of War Ragnarokfinished the story in a way that satisfied fans both new and old. The pair of games set in Norse mythology are both innovative and faithful and do so well to take such a seasoned character and put him somewhere completely out of his comfort zone.
With a new over-the-shoulder perspective, a change to his arsenal, and a host of fresh faces to meet, Kratos' fate in the Norse realms is altogether a unique change of pace. It’s those personalities that surround him who are often the most intriguing element of the games, showing that the storytelling ofGod of Waris at its peak when focus is taken off the Ghost of Sparta and put on Aesir gods, Dwarven creators, and unassuming strangers.
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Kratos' Journey is Filled with Compelling Characters
While Kratos was always the central focus ofGod of Warin the past, it’s the people around him that shine brightest in Midgard. Freya is introduced as a kind and selfless soul but soon lets vengeance consume her entirely, Brok and Sindri are initially a comedy relief before the weight of their situation gets heavier, andAtreus' role in the sagaonly escalates as the games go on. The people at the close ofGod of WarRagnarokare a world away from who they were when Kratos and his son left their home to pursue their first adventure together.
Kratos' personal journeyis arguably the least compelling of all the main and side characters, perhaps because he isn’t as intricately woven into the fabric of the Norse world. He spends much of the story as the enabler, serving as a vessel to bring Atreus into the story, and so he typically doesn’t impose his will on the major events that unfold. Kratos and the player are on a scenic ride through a story that is littered with characters that are usually more interesting than the Spartan and have to carry most of the dialogue on their shoulders.
Kratos' Silence is Sometimes Useful
Giving Kratos a son in the 2018 game was a bold choice and one that had the potential to have a big impact on the way players see him. In previous games, he was a brooding, angry blank slate, whereas in Midgard andthe other Norse realms, there is more nuance to his grumblings, as he tries to connect to a son despite having none of the social skills needed to be a father. Through the new offerings, he can still be disappointingly closed-lipped, though, and while this can be seen as another layer to his complexity, it also means that he can come across as remarkably dull, even though this was a key concern from previous games.
However, this also means that Kratos can fade into the background ofGod of War’s story somewhat, letting other personalities carry it with their charm, charisma, or otherwise compelling presence. Kratos is spoken to more than he himself speaks to others, meaning that side characters can take charge of specific scenes. For example,Freya mourning the loss of her son at the end ofGod of Waris an awe-inspiring moment and one that Kratos is largely quiet during, allowing the game to show a new side to Freya as one the standouts of the entire series.
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