Look I’m gonna be honest, I am kind of dickrider for god of war and a huge glazer, but I do agree with your opinions but personally I was glad with the more shields and rages
@@Weekender987 haha fair enough! Thanks, look technically it’s not a problem and I actually would not have minded it as much had they not taken away my original shield and forced me to play with the others when I did not want too… It’s a fantastic game overall and I still highly recommend to my friends wanting to try it out for the first time! I am also a God of War fan and I really can’t wait for what is next!!
@@Trench-coat It should’ve been a trilogy and called gow Fimbulwinter. The third game should’ve been about Ragnarök instead of the 30 minute long cutscene with a free gameplay/qte section. They just spent like 60 hours building up a short and rushed ending
Someone said Ironwood is more bearable if skip all the cutscenes. I tried it and it's true. But it's a shame because I like the story aspect of Ironwood. I just hate how much time is dedicated to helping Angrboda run errands. It literally feels like traveling in a circle three time before you fighting Gryla.
I agree with everything except for the shields, they gave way for more different playstyles and builds. Like…how is that a bad thing? You’re telling me being able to tank guard-breaking hits, -counter attacking, and powering up a shield strike via parries isn’t cool? Come on now bruh 😭
Fair enough! It’s a very personal gripe and tons of people actually do like the shield change so I do understand that I might be alone on that haha 😂 thanks for watching though!!
I'll say I understand the complaint and then once it clicked to me that the shield actually work differently and aren't just different stats, it made my combat a lot more fluid (tutorial sections somehow confuse me with how much info I take in at a time while being astonished by the beauty of the game so I miss things)
I will say, I did find it very jarring at first that I had to try out some new shields, but they didn’t feel all that complicated in execution and I knew that the original shield would be restored. So while I did also use the original shield most often, I thought it was a fun way to introduce the idea of additional shields. Not to mention, you received an even better version of the original shield in Valhalla iirc.
Its the fact they completely remived the barehanded attacks which were super fun, GOW 2018’s combat will always be better, Ragnarok just has “flashier” moves.
@@pn5846 I don’t think Ragnarok’s combat doesn’t just have “flashier” moves, but better replacements for core weapon moves. Some runic attacks from 2018 can now be done with the simple button input, like the Axe’s held R1, or the new Hyperion Pull. Hell, even the bare handed sprinting R1 was changed which gave you I-frames like 2018’s (if I remember correctly) Let’s not forget about using different weapons in 2018 don’t add up to the same elemental buildup without getting it. But in Ragnarok, you can be using all three weapons and be able to build it up. Hell, the blades and axe even got brand new features, charging them up with triangle has been one of the best combat features in the entire game, you can look at many channels or videos (my favorite example is GameBreakerGod, where he uses the charged axe R1 to traverse in Valhalla) So, no. I heavily disagree that 2018 has a better combat system. It’s still a great game, don’t get me wrong. But Ragnarok is just overall a better game, which is how sequels should be done. (Although, I guess you can make an argument for it’s story pacing issues, lmao)
I think people forget God Of war Ragnarok was being developed during the biggest Pandemic in decades. They had to record almost everyone separately due to covid and people getting sick. For them to still make a great game threw the pandemic and win GOTY. I applaud them ❤🎉
@@absin8078 GOTY really wasn't my point tho. I was simply giving them credit for making a great game during one of the worst times in history. He overlooked all that just to complain it didn't win GOTY 😂 haters vibes for sure
@@lizflessert2427its a god of war game, that ironwood section had absolutely no bussiness being in a god of war game. But thats what a sweet baby inc collab gets you.
I beat it when it came out. My first impression was that it wasn't as good as 2018. I'm glad others seem to agree. Im simple. And for me it just felt like GOWR was trying to do too much. They had a lot of great ideas and none that were fully explored. GOW2018 was an Adventure game. A game that always makes me think of my dad and our rocky relationship over the years. I do like GOWR a lot and i do play it a lot. But narratively speaking it's a clear downgrade.
I really wish the Ragnorok section was better. I thought we were going to get a Lord of the Rings style battle with all the realms attacking Asgard. That’s where I think it could have been good as a PS5 exclusive, I think they could have pulled that off on a modern system but due to PS4 limitations they decided not too
That ending for me felt so rushed, like that conclusion didn’t feel property built up. But one thing that I can’t stop thinking about is how Atreus saves Kratos by pushing him out the way of the blast and and Atreus somehow not hurt. Even when walking up that mountain everyone talks to him like he’s some ghost. Then after a chat with his dad, he just dips? Just like that, you just walk out, no nothing? And Kratos being a worried father the whole game is like, “sure you can dip lil bro”
THANK YOU! Someone else understands my gripe with this… I spoke to so many friends and I was the only one that couldn’t agree with that… it didn’t make sense!!! 🤣
@@Trench-coatThis is the part I hated more than anything honestly, I can forgive a lot but after my second play through I realise , Atreus was literally caught in the blast. I was looking at it for literally the second time then suddenly when we wakes up, he’s walking all slow and he’s talking to everyone like he died in the battle and sharing his last words, it felt weird and ominous like I probably missed something. Then when he’s done speaking to Kratos and just climbs that hill, im like tf? Bro you literally dipping like that, no preparations nothing, just climb the hill and you offf?? You know what would’ve been a great time for him to leave, just after Broks, funeral. That would’ve been a great time.
I agree almost pinpoint with you here, but I think the new shields was one of the best additions to the combat. Perhaps it's just my parry-focused playstyle, but the new shields added a lot more fun and variety to the combat for me and rewarded me for parrying - Although, I do think they could have just had Brok instantly fix your old shield so you weren't forced to pick an unfamiliar one. They are magic dwarves, surely they are capable of fixing the shield faster than they do currently. My biggest gripe with Ragnarok's combat is the completely unnecessary removal of the bare fists skill tree and the Spartan Rage skill tree. Just feels so weird to remove something that was fully functional from the last game, and something I used a lot. I blame the new shields for this.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video! I try to mark a video when I think going into spoilers is necessary. In this case I felt it was possible to talk about it and not ruin the best moments in the game. Thanks for watching!
God of War Ragnarök is perfect to me, it is better to me than RDR2 and i thougt no game would ever be better than it. Let me tell you my side of the Story. When GOW3 released i saw it everywhere on social media, and in Newsletters. Every Shop where you can bought Technical stuff also had the Game somewhere, so i decided to buy it for 90 € and i didn't wanted to be disapointed. I played it on my PS4 but after i met Tyr in his Prison i stopped playing and deleted it. In Summer of 2023 tho, i bought a PS 5 just for the upcoming Spiderman Game. So i thougt, why don't give GOWR a final chance. Long story short, i grinded for the Platinum. The story, the graphic, the Mindset of Kratos and the Bosses were just Chefs Kiss! I grinded the Platinum and let it rest, then again... I remembered this Year in August that i didn't bought the PS 5 Version for this Game and i put another 10 € in the Game for the PS 5 Edition, just to Platinum it all over again and Grinded the Valhalla DLC. Overall, this Game has to be perfect for me just to 100% it two times and get teary eyes in deep scenes.
What are you talking about with the UI? The numbers you zoom in and focus on are in both UIs. The only difference is that Ragnarok places them closer to the menu that you navigate rather than having them on the opposite side of the screen.
@@Trench-coat But it’s not worse. The numbers were already there in the first game and now that I could realize how much my gear impacted them I ended up trying to make specific builds instead of just trying to find whatever armor the side quests referred to as stronger like the legendary dwarven armor. Also the shields are a matter of preference as my favorite was the first thin and pointy one because it did a lot of stun damage.
@@JlopezocasioI don’t think GoW 2018’s UI looked great, but ragnarok’s looks clumsy, and claustrophobic. 2018’s actually looks pretty clean in comparison in my opinion.
@@chopsuey004 I understand that a menu like Ragnarok’s might make some feel claustrophobic but what about it seems clumsy? That doesn’t seem like a fitting word to describe a menu. I’m also not arguing that Ragnarok’s is better just not worse especially to be referred to as a low point along with Atreus’ sections. If you have gripes about it go right ahead but make sense while doing so and don’t blow it out of proportion because Atreus’ sections suck balls and all the problems those sections have will make anything you have to say about this menu sound like nitpicking.
@@JlopezocasioI’ve never really thought about it too much till your comment. I think clumsy as in the placement of all the icons and shapes. I don’t like it. I think there’s too much on screen. I like the text size and how it was arranged in the first game. It looked a lot neater I feel. Clumsy is and claustrophobic are what best describes how I feel about the menu. I do think it can be seen as a bit nitpicky when placed next to Atreus’ sections in “The downfalls” part, but I am glad it was mentioned as I had a similar gripe with the UI. If you think ragnarok’s is better, more power to you.
Replaying iron wood is definitely a bit tough but I try to think of it as a quiet part of a film where you get to enjoy the story rather than focusing on gameplay
to be honest, I love that the pacing is all over the place, it has moments of cool and steady gameplay, and then those epic battles. I feel like I wouldn't be able to appreciate the legendary moments without those slower ones. I felt the game was dragging only a few times, and that was just before an epic battle, or an emotional moment in the game, so it kind of sets you up for a great time. And for the gameplay/graphics itself, SO COOL. I did feel a bit overwhelmed at times, as for a regular gamer, to beat the game at give me no mercy difficulty, I had to learn/unlock a few attacks/movements, which was another challenge in itself as there are so many!
and for atreus gameplay, I think it is a matter of preference, as I loved jumping around the battlefield and doing headshots mid jump, made me feel cool, and atreus moments don't take up so much time, so it didn't get old for me (at some time I even liked it more, Couse it was just a simple jump and shoot character, not as complex in terms of combos/weapons, so i got a little break from that) UI was a bit all over the place, and it was mixed up a bit, but you don't spent that much time in it, so I never complained that much (accept when I changed atreus shoot mode to burst, and never got to change that again, I just lost the setting which was quite unfortunate) i just chose one shield (the first one you get i think, the quick time light parry one), and stuck to it to the end of the game, and it was fun for the story, I often don't pay that much attention to it, but in this game i did, and still never truly understood it fully (i think i am at about 80% understanding), but i didn't need to, as the main thing, is getting to know the characters, and in my opinion that was done perfectly.
The big difference between GOW 2018 and Ragnarok is the abundance of simplicity in the new game, through Mimir’s storytelling in 2018 we were always fascinated and interested about the lore of the game, one of the biggest examples is who blew the horn? 2018 had such an incredible amount of depth. Although you never see or interact with anything related to Thor and Odin, but through storytelling you always felt their presence in the first game. The feeling of them being behind the scenes always existed. For a 100gb game over 2018’s 50Gb, I expected to be lots more to explore. I expected Nidavillir to be a big player hub full of dwarves, I expected it to feel alive and thriving. But the moment you enter the city it just remains dead. I expected Muspelheim to be the realm where we would have to make an epic journey to find Surtr, and actually explore the realm like an open world similarly to Midgard but nope they recycled it. Alfheim was a disappointment, one of the biggest theories in 2018 was how we chose the wrong side after killing the dark elf, how a war would ensue in Alfheim, none of it was explored, Alfheim is literally just a sandpit with 3 ends. I expected the rest of the small realms from the first game to atleast be like Vanaheim. Asgard was slightly disappointing, Tyr’s temple by itself is a more impressive structure than anything in Asgard which is surprising because Mimir told us plenty about how Odin has a materialistic taste in interior design. I expected something grander like a palace but Asgard ended up as a Midgard village 😂 there was such attention to detail in 2018 but alot of the storylines and plots were scrapped to squeeze in everything. Here’s another question, what the fuck happened to Sleipnir? Odin’s 8 legged horse who we saw in multiple murals? I would expect the boss fight with the king of the gods Odin to be grander and more epic instead of fighting him in a fucking basement? Couldn’t they have made us fight Odin in Valhalla while he was on his horse and actually using his legendary spear Gungnir? No, instead we fought a bootleg doctor strange who felt like a secondary boss more than anything else. Thor hitting Jormungandr so hard it threw him back in time? Oh sorry we won’t expand on it even though it sounded so fucking badass in the first game, let’s just make it happen in the background. Why the hell did they decide not to allow us to use Thor’s hammer?? They said it was expected which is why they wouldn’t do it like?? OF COURSE ITS EXPECTED BECAUSE IT WOULD BE BADASS, IF GOD OF WAR RAGNAROK WAS A MOVIE THEN KRATOS HOLDING MJOLNIR IS THE MONEY SHOT BUT NOOOO they gave us a spear that I bet is the least used weapon among all players in Ragnarok. And don’t get me started on the lame ass fucking berserker boss fights my god, the valkyries were so much more intimidating and notorious than those idiots, I don’t even remember a single Berserker’s name and I still remember most of the valkyries. Ragnarok is a good game yes, but I’ve replayed 2018 5 times and I have tried to replay Ragnarok once and lost interest after the Thor fight. My expectations were actually so high for this game, after platting it I realized how disappointing it truly was for someone who was obsessed with 2018’s lore and plot. I said to myself “that’s it?”
Wholeheartedly agree brother, GOWR is a good game but I absolutely resent that there’s an obvious writing shift regarding the narrative between the two. So many setups just wasted or left unanswered.
I personally actually really enjoyed playing as Atreus. While the scope of his arsenal was far exceeded by Kratos and he still is definitely the better out of the two to play, I found myself really invested in the Atreus segments to see how he would further develop and where his rebellious tendencies would lead him next. The scenarios you found yourself in as him were simply ones that wouldn’t exist in Kratos’ presence. As for the gameplay, while the Bow itself wasn’t anything too special, I did enjoy getting to actually use a ranged weapon for once (before I got to the point with the Spear) and it gave his fights whole new vibe. You weren’t this absolute unit who could mow down anything you threw at him, this is some shimpy ass kid who can only use his magic arrows or briefly turn into a wolf, and you still have to deal with the same hordes of enemies as you would with Kratos (to a lesser degree ofc). His spells also spiced things up pretty well. Overall, I think I was equally invested between the two, but I understand why some may not feel the same way. I suppose I simply don’t mind the slower pace of these segments as much as others did.
It's a masterpiece. The things you complain about really aren't an issue. I liked the shields. I used the one you can charge up. Pretty cool. Story was great. Never felt rushed or bloated.
Thank you! When I see a 1hr and 20min video essay, I just know this person is wasting my time. Thats why I started this channel - I want video essays that gives you what you came for in 20mins or less!
One disappointment i have regarding the story in this game is that it was never high stakes. Like i get its the telling of Kratos and Atreus personal story more than an epic fantasy like how GOW 3 was for Kratos Greek saga conclusion but it always felt kind of like they just exist. Odin was cool but kinda eh yk? the norse Gods seemed much weaker that didnt help with feeling grand as well. Faye could have played a much important role in Kratos flashbacks but she was there just to edge him. I truly wish they explored more of the cycle of violence, sons killing fathers more. Atreus becoming completely brainwashed by Odin but eventually comes to his senses. Hell i wouldnt have Odin as the main villain. Have Thor go crazy in his depression and kill Odin in a rage of fit sort of mirroring Kratos relationship with his father, Zeus. There are a lot of things that could have been done better. But it was over all a very safe entry to the series.
if it weren't for Faye Kratos he wouldn't have understood how to change his destiny, all the advice she gave him in the past was also said taking into account the future that awaited Kratos, advice that Kratos himself begins to take into account now after 3 years of his wife's death during the WHOLE game, all to change the fate that she already knew could happen to him, which was to die at the hands of Thor, Kratos himself at the beginning of the game told Mimir that it seems that Faye is trying to tell him something during her dreams, well, that something was this. in addition, the cycle of violence is still present, just as Zeus killed kratos in the past, the same case occurs here with Odin and Thor. That cycle is not only of children killing their parents, but also the other way around. And rest assured that your idea would be labeled a typical Marvel cliché or something like that with Thor at the last minute allying with us to finish off Odin or directly kill him, the cliché of the villain redeeming himself at the last moment to do something right at the end.
You wouldn't have Odin as the main villain?, that's like having Zeus as not the main villain in god of war 3. I think you just want things to happen without understanding the prior set pieces and the ramifications behind it. You set yourself up for disappointment ngl.
You are describing a worse story to be honest. Ragnarok's focus on destiny and trust is fucking excellent, to have Atreus just being brainwashed by Odin instead of showing that Atreus can handle himself (even though he makes mistakes) is just a shittier story. Yeah it is more of a greek tragedy like the old games but thowing that there for shock value wouldnt make it better.
I agree, there were no risks taken at all. Tyr being odin? Like cmon, it was honestly just disappointing. Odin didn't even feel like a real villain. The game had no reason to go after.
Very well said! I myself did like the variety that the Atreus sections provided, and the story was gripping enough that I was engaged the whole way through, but I do agree that the first game is much more concise a package and better paced, especially because it's half as long as Ragnarok. If I ever replay one, I will probably replay the first.
I would say that if you want to play only the story, the 2018 version is more enjoyable, but if you are a completionist who appreciates that both the main and optional content is up to what you paid for, Ragnarok, and with this I am not saying that the secondary content of the first game is bad, but I think that the improvement in the sequel in that section is outstanding, plus it has the DLC which is free.
Its not weird its the right opinion. Ragnarok has better story. 2018 felt disconected from the norse mythology. So many characters you hear about but never see. 2018s story is actually pathetic in comparison. The final act is literally about baldur having mommy issues.
@@johnpantag472 I mean I wouldn’t say pathetic but I do agree how disconnected it felt from Norse mythology. I think where it shines is the development kratos and Atreus have throughout the story and you watch him learn to open up to his son and embrace him which was the main focus I enjoyed that. Ragnorok story is still great and kratos taking a back seat was intentional they want to phase him out so Atreus can be the main man of the franchise
@@johnpantag472 alright, you might be right about the disconnection (it gave the game a great feel of mysticism imo tho) but the writing is ten times better in 2018. Almost every line is memorable while ragnarok feels long, and the journey feels empty and boring.
Atreus sections could be remedied by making Atreus scale along with Kratos. Those sections aren't necessarily boring, but it's also because Atreus seems to fall behind in terms of strength. Based on the developers' decision to be intentional with the ironwood section. They understood it would slow down the pace.
The two Norse games are easily some of my favorite games ever. I hope we get another entry in this series in the near future, it was like playing through two masterclass movies!
Think you hit the nail directly on the head with the Atreus story issue. I only wanted to get back to Kratos every time. The emotional moments from Kratos in this game were high enough to make me forget those issues though.
The Atreus part I did enjoy because you need to not focus on the gameplay but rather on the story and narrative and seeing where Atreus is going to and what his mission is. When replaying it is a bit tough because you already know the story and you just need to get past the gameplay but I’d probably rather watch the Atreus moments happen instead of playing it if I’m replaying the game
Fellow Saffa lekker bro! Thank so much. Yeah gaming is all subjective so it’s always just my personal opinion and your opinion may differ - which makes for great discussions! Thanks for watching.
My whole issue with the game boils down to 1: Atreus sections aren't the best and 2: Atreus sections are necessary. Honestly I think i would find this game to be a 10/10 in my mind if the ironwood section was reduced to about 30 mins at most, the midgard/early part of the Asgard intro mission was cut or reduced and the cool af flying sword we get wasn't relegated to being a terrible companion character but an actual fun melee/ranged hybrid proper weapon with it's own skill tree akin to the Leviathan Axe, i'm just thinking of the different ways they could have gone with it. Put the hour or so from the Ironwood section into the end of the game instead. That's really the only upgrade he needs
Can't speak for everyone but for me if they: cut down Ironwood section by at least half, cut down on the Atreus/Freya dialogue "helping" the player every 5 seconds and made the Asgard final battle a bit grander in scope and you have imo an undoubted masterpiece for the ages
Right on. I wish this had been three games so much I'm still strongly considering making a channel just to address it, but you've hit most of the points that bug me personally. I honestly like the Dauntless shield, and it's nice to have options, but I basically only use the Dauntless. Maybe the different shields could have been optional shield relics? Should have gotten to use the hammer. There are nice things about the spear, but we should have gotten to use the hammer. I digress for now, great vid 🍻
I totally agree! The storytelling and visuals were stunning, and it would have been great to explore more of that world. The pacing in the third act definitely caught me off guard.
idk how you're getting so many people who disagree about the shields. Like, they nerfed the melee combat severely and straight up put most of the regular melee moves from 2018 then seperated and limited them to only certain gear. I miss dash punch cancelling for movement.
I 100% agree with you. The story having no direct narrative and the pacing being all over the place ruined it for me. After so much hype and lore we got from 2018 I was expecting a masterpiece of story telling, especially from Cory. All the theories about Tyr and the giants and we literally got nothing. Except two hours in ironwood and half an hour of ragnarok. You fight Thor in front of a lodg for the final battle, like come one. PS3 GOW3 boss battles do numbers on PS5 boss battles. Even with Odin, he is the allfather but it didn't feel grand scale at all. It didn't feel god of war esc. I can't even replay this game bcus of the shit story.
@@Trench-coat *too, also nobody is forcing you to use any of the new shields, it's just an addition for people who wanna try new playstyles, it shouldn't be a negative in any case
personally every atreus section in asgard was amazing, i LOVED learning about the norse gods from the perspective OF the norse gods in their own home, it was great. his combat is alright, but the asgard story was easily my favourite part of the game, especially with heimdall and thrud - those two stood out for me. the only atreus section that was bad was of course.. ironwood. waste of time, beautiful area but complete waste of time.
Wow, i totally agree with you on every single aspect! I‘ve always wondered why all the big review channels never talked about these massive flaws of the game. Your critique is just spot on! While God of War 2018 was a clear 10/10 for me, Ragnarök was about an 8/10.
When it came to the shield, I felt like it was less of an unnecessary change and more of an attempt at variety. I found myself using the dauntless shield (smaller one) over the original. I tested each shield out and I can say with confidence they completely shifted my play style. This became even more apparent when I entered the DLC and switched around the weapons, and equipped items for the bonuses.
13:34 I don’t think the Ui is terrible but definitely complicated and hard to learn took me a very long time to get used to (which low key makes it bad lol) But i liked one of the shields that charge with parrying hits
Spoilers I do think the pacing was my biggest issue, like we spent 2 hrs with angraboda and her issues with her grand mum but like 30 minutes with thor who's one of the most important characters in the story. A more personal issue i have is Atreus? Like I feel like his depiction in this second games makes perfect sense where he's older more impulsive and wants to make his own decisions which he does and has a whole section grieving on his mistakes which then a third game he would have his Return of the jedi moments of showing his growth. But then it just kind of rushes to him being a developed adult and hero whose learned from his mistakes and single handedly saves the day and then ends on him standing on a cliff ready for his adventure to save the giants and I just didn't feel convinced? But hey that's my opinion many felt it was earned and I definitely wouldn't want to doom the developers into another 5 years of game development when they truly felt they could do it in one. So in the end I'm satisfied with what we got
The enemies are all so spongy, it's like attacking and taking 1% of their health with each hit. Also they should've increased the effectiveness of spartan rage's fury, it's does way less damage. However I like how you can use valor to heal, that was a really welcome change to the game for me. I just finished the main story without doing every side quests or starting ng+. But let's see what Valhalla mode and Ng+ provides.
the ui is literally the exact same you showed 2 completely different menus. The shop menu in the first game is basically the exact same as ragnarok, ragnarok does have some more to it because it’s a more in depth and advanced game but it’s pretty much the same
100% agree with the video and some of the comments here. 2018 was simple, but had depth. While the mechanics absolutely improve, many stotytelling and setting decisions feel forced. So many questions that remain unanswered, and so many moments that cheapen the original. 2018 is Kratos in form. Ragnarok is Thor.
My favourite game. I even enjoy the Atreus sections, they're pretty chill and relaxing. I enjoyed the gameplay changes, safe from some moves (backstep attack of BoC, or Ice Rake). Overall, the hype lived up for me. 10/10 in my opinion
Couldn’t agree more about the Atreus sections. At first it was cool but the more and more we got I just really wanted to get back to Kratos. I much prefer 2018, but Ragnarok was still great
Must say that being a father and having strong history with my own made this game resonate with me. That and the fact that Iv’e played Avery GoW game since the 1 and just love the saga. But they really nailed the storytelling. Especially in Ragnarok I think. Ragnarok is alike Dune part 2 for me in terms of pacing. More contemplative but so much deep
The simplest way they could’ve made Atreus’s parts more fun is making him actually use the sword as a melee weapon constantly with the bow as the ranged lol I really don’t get why they didn’t do that especially as he’s basically fighting like freya who does uses swords in melee
I loved playing as Atreus sometimes even more than as Kratos. To me who plays FPS most of the time, bow based combat is amazing and more engaging. Plus it’s fantastic to see the warrior Atreus turns out to be after the first game 😮
I think the game is 10/10, enjoyed the Ironwood sections, even though they did break the pacing a bit my investment in the characters/story never faltered. What i love about the new style is the GoW games is that they know how to build up the stakes and the looming inevitable threat in the end. The whole game I kept saying to myself “BRO HOW IS THIS SH*T GOING TO END😱?!” The game has flaws but doesn’t everything? It’s definitely better than the first one which was still a 9.5/10 for me 😂.
God of war (+ Ragnarok) was I think the only time in the last 10 years where I've been heavily invested in the story of the game. Not like only interested in the story but god damn IMMERSED in it
Yes and No is the only accurate answer I can give. Without going into excessive detail on why. Yes and No is the only answer I can give. Concerning whether or not the game lived up to the hype it had.
The Atreus segments didn't bother me on the first go around, but subsequent playthroughs drag because I know the story. Except for Ironwood. Ironwood can take a long spacewalk out of a short airlock.
I wanna speak my mind a little bit more than in my previous comment. Overall, great video! Really enjoyed it; well written, good editing, great job! I do agree with how the games looks. It is beautiful. One of the few games where I actually pull up the photo mode and keep making photos, because the Draupnir flows so beautifully, the Chains on the Blades look menacing, the Leviathan even looks like raw strength... Yeah. Bonkers. I do disagree on the pacing, though I very much understand your point. For me the pacing was perfect, there were rises and falls, action mixed with character drama, and then moments of peace and gameplay... For me, the big flaw in pacing was the end battle. I wish it was longer, and grander. That's really my biggest complaint. As for Atreus sections... I don't know. I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I do see your point and kind of agree, but on the other hand, I still have fun playing as Atreus. Kratos' sections are large enough, plus you now have Valhalla, and Atreus really feels like a cool addition. I don't mind Ironwood, because it's there for story reasons, and it's there to get to know Atreus. I don't mind it. I'm not saying he's better than Kratos or that he's as good to play as his father, but he is pretty cool nontheless. I enjoyed how he interacted with the world differently than Kratos, and with that being said... I have my full trust in SMS if Atreus is to be the next star of the God of [something[. Kratos' story is concluded in the Valhalla DLC beautifully. I had tears when he realized he was "More than that.". Such a masterful way to send off his character, and to this very day when I replay these games (rather frequently), I'm in awe of this duology. As I said, it is my favourite game of all time. I feel like Kratos got a perfect ending to his character, and I wish only the best for SMS on their next God of... And if it turns out Atreus is the main character, I've no problem with that, because I trust them.
I don't even know why some people bother with a "no spoilers" tag if they don't follow it, especially for a video you wouldn't look at if you did care. Edit: Also, if you play with the Stone Wall Shield, you really don't get the right to complain about shields, cause you literally chose the one for players without good reaction times, the one without the features of the classic shield, over the virtually identical Dauntless Shield. And the menus can be more tricky to navigate, but they literally are displaying the same stat types from 2018... And there are other, more grave issues with the story (at least if you cared enough about the one in 2018) than those mentioned, though it would require a more in-depth analysis.
@@Trench-coat Fair enough. I haven't watched the latest trailers, since I played it when it originally came out. I guess it would be "no spoilers*", with an asterisk, then.
Playing as atreus once or twice would've been fine. But some of his missions take so long, and there's like 6 different times you have to play as him. Also RIP agile strike
Hey I like your channel. I was wondering, how do you deal with days where you don’t feel like writing the script, or booting up that editing program. Starting out a channel of my own, I’m facing my own shortcomings in trying to make my own channel and wondered if you had any advice. I’d also ask, do you follow a structure when writing your scripts? Or freeflow? Thank you.
My only issues with the Atreus sections were that I wish we spent more time in Asgard, because it felt so different there. And there were characters I wanted him to spend more time with. but we only had access to like 3 rooms, and were sent away on missions. So I would've let us spend more time getting engrained in that world. The other thing, is i would have made the Ironwood sections more on rails. I don't mind the length because i LOVED all the lore we were getting and the character of Angraboda was wonderful. But i would've preferred if she controlled the animals we rode, and we could just sit back and watch during those sections. I think it would've felt smoother and faster if it was more on rails, and we took over control much less. Funnily enough, I don't know if his combat is meant to be easier, but i sure felt like i was a much better fighter while i was playing as Atreus as well. I can't put my finger on it, but i felt so much more efficient with him and took less hits. I am shocked to hear that this game was originally going to be 2 games but were combined. I was honestly very impressed with the pacing, as, when i got about 7 hours in, i was worried i was nearing the end of the game, and was delighted to find i wasn't even 1/3 of the way through. I think my biggest gripes overall.... I really love that we go with Freya to break her curse, and recover her marriage items... i found everything involving her brother to be kind of a drag... and i think it's mostly down to his character. i found him to be annoying and unlikable in this story. I like the rest of his gang, but he missed for me. I would've greatly shortened how much time we spent in his realm. i particularly hated the entire time we spent in the north section of Vanaheim. I was so tired of this realm by the end of the game, i ended up skipping quite a few side quests so i could finish the main story because it just felt like too much. Speaking of.... while i admit the side quests are FAR better in this game than in the first game... i still think there are too many. i wish they would've dropped half of them at least... keep the important character side quests, but get rid of the ones where you need to collect toy pieces, or find this treasure for the father and son... They don't have any payoff, and just make my quest journal feel bloated. Along the same lines, i felt like there was far too much loot in this game... I would've preferred a more straightforward system without so much choice. i like upgrading things, but there are so many items, i wish i didn't have to sift through. Overall, i still think it's one of my favorite games I've ever played, even though i have some gripes. I am very excited to see where it goes, and there are so many characters i want to spend more time with, both with Kratos and Atreus.
I totally agree with your point on spending more time on Asgard, I love the lore and wanted to know more but it felt so limited. Do you enjoy Atreus's combat enough for it to be it's own game?
@@Trench-coat his combat, yes. Especially if he got a sword or something. But as a character I don’t think I’d want him to lead a whole game the same size as this one. Maybe a shorter one. Like 10 hours. But I don’t think he has the character strength to lead a whole game like that.
I complained about the atreus parts too, i wish they forced some sort of scene where he got hit some amnesia spell but momentarily has to regain his abilities. That way you can gain a bigger arsenal early on to make his gameplay cool for the remainder of the game
i have finished ragnarok like 5 times and did all the quests and everything, i dont get the hate on atreus "missions" even when i have played ironwood i still enjoy it, i enjoy the world and the story, one thing that pissed me off is the low damage you deal to enemies when you are as atreus especially on ng+ on give me god of war it was bad, other than that, i feel like the gameplay pacing was a bit slow sometimes, still for me it is one of the best games in the god of war series, and sorry if you get mad this is much better than the old gw series, i like the depth and the emotion and the story the most
Me personally I think Ragnarok is better than 2018 in every way. Sure the pacing wasnt great in some points. But to me it became my favorite in the series
The only complaint I have is iron wood and thor's and odin's final fight( I wanted it to be more harder). Atreus was a fun characther to play and the combat was smooth. The Ui of gowr I appreciated more as I could really customize all my stats for builds. The shields I loved, the dauntless shield was a parry haven and iron wall was a great stun, the only thing I felt actually lacking was the original shield maybe because I was already used to it and found it boring. Other than final thor's and odin's fight which I felt they could have added more moves for thor and made odin have more combos and hit harder, I dont have much complaints except iron wood.
The plot twist where Groa just lied about the prophecy and that all the realms and main characters could be saved and Asgard/Odin would be destroyed was so lazy. The narrative just kinda fell apart for me at that point. Why even care about the stakes if you know no one important will die and everyone has a happy ending? Just seemed they wrote themselves in a corner with the Kratos dies mural that they had to write a cheap way out of it. Like the prophecy that both games heavily foreshadow was just Groa lying to Odin, the smartest, most well prepared God in the verse. That’s just dumb.
NO no that part is fine, Kratos mural and the prophecy chaging base on the actions of Kratos the problem is the BUILDING : Kratos changes his mind like 2 times from nothing without good reasons even 3 LOL is hilarious and they didnt build this "you can change speech" like quite literally Thor only does one thing "not drink" yet he does, tries to kill Atreus and then the game pulls out this card out of nowhere to say "yeah . .. killing is bad Thor" and he changes his view even if his WORLD IS FUCKING ATTACK BY ARMIES AND A GIANT theres like 20 hs of mistakes in the plot but to summary . .. the tone is a joke, they did a lot of jokes besides the dwarves and the game looks like Disney Channel meets the Avengers
I absolutely love GOW 2018 AND GOWR. I love the additional Atreus gameplay, but i have to admit that the ironwood section is too damn long for a gameplay that.... boring. It basically felt like we, as players and watchers, are just chaperoning Atreus to his first date 😭 But every plot line involving Kratos? *chef kiss The plot in GOWR is great, but in Valhalla........ God DAMN it was fantastic. Ngl his monolog at the end of Valhalla? Absolute Cinema. All in all, for me personally, despite the lackluster ironwood section, GOW provides one of the best writings in gaming, especially when it comes to Kratos.
What did you think of God of War Ragnarök? Let me know down in the comments!
The story was good until the last act it felt rushed in the end
100% agree
Look I’m gonna be honest, I am kind of dickrider for god of war and a huge glazer, but I do agree with your opinions but personally I was glad with the more shields and rages
@@Weekender987 haha fair enough! Thanks, look technically it’s not a problem and I actually would not have minded it as much had they not taken away my original shield and forced me to play with the others when I did not want too… It’s a fantastic game overall and I still highly recommend to my friends wanting to try it out for the first time! I am also a God of War fan and I really can’t wait for what is next!!
@@Trench-coat It should’ve been a trilogy and called gow Fimbulwinter. The third game should’ve been about Ragnarök instead of the 30 minute long cutscene with a free gameplay/qte section. They just spent like 60 hours building up a short and rushed ending
“Careful brother! You’re covered in Bifröst!” -Mimir every two fucking seconds
so true lmao
Yes bro 😂
Sounds like you should stop getting covered in bifrost every two seconds brother.....
You're on fire kratos, It will pass.
Maybe try not getting covered in Bifröst then?
I didn’t mind Atreus sections but Ironwood is so fucking bad
Bruh Ironwood was tough 😂
I hope they've learned from that, so they don't have a section like that in whatever game they're making now.
Dude ironwood (I was still surprised with playing Atreus and liked his gameplay)
@@myherobeaste7 I don't dislike the story in that part, but gameplay-wise it's very boring for me, except for certain parts.
Someone said Ironwood is more bearable if skip all the cutscenes. I tried it and it's true. But it's a shame because I like the story aspect of Ironwood. I just hate how much time is dedicated to helping Angrboda run errands. It literally feels like traveling in a circle three time before you fighting Gryla.
Every time I had to play as Atreus I just thanked the gods I wasn’t playing as Mary Jane.
LMAO
I agree with everything except for the shields, they gave way for more different playstyles and builds. Like…how is that a bad thing? You’re telling me being able to tank guard-breaking hits, -counter attacking, and powering up a shield strike via parries isn’t cool? Come on now bruh 😭
Fair enough! It’s a very personal gripe and tons of people actually do like the shield change so I do understand that I might be alone on that haha 😂 thanks for watching though!!
I'll say I understand the complaint and then once it clicked to me that the shield actually work differently and aren't just different stats, it made my combat a lot more fluid (tutorial sections somehow confuse me with how much info I take in at a time while being astonished by the beauty of the game so I miss things)
I will say, I did find it very jarring at first that I had to try out some new shields, but they didn’t feel all that complicated in execution and I knew that the original shield would be restored. So while I did also use the original shield most often, I thought it was a fun way to introduce the idea of additional shields. Not to mention, you received an even better version of the original shield in Valhalla iirc.
Its the fact they completely remived the barehanded attacks which were super fun, GOW 2018’s combat will always be better, Ragnarok just has “flashier” moves.
@@pn5846 I don’t think Ragnarok’s combat doesn’t just have “flashier” moves, but better replacements for core weapon moves. Some runic attacks from 2018 can now be done with the simple button input, like the Axe’s held R1, or the new Hyperion Pull. Hell, even the bare handed sprinting R1 was changed which gave you I-frames like 2018’s (if I remember correctly)
Let’s not forget about using different weapons in 2018 don’t add up to the same elemental buildup without getting it. But in Ragnarok, you can be using all three weapons and be able to build it up.
Hell, the blades and axe even got brand new features, charging them up with triangle has been one of the best combat features in the entire game, you can look at many channels or videos (my favorite example is GameBreakerGod, where he uses the charged axe R1 to traverse in Valhalla)
So, no. I heavily disagree that 2018 has a better combat system. It’s still a great game, don’t get me wrong. But Ragnarok is just overall a better game, which is how sequels should be done. (Although, I guess you can make an argument for it’s story pacing issues, lmao)
GOW Ragnarok being released the same year as Elden Ring was just a death sentence in terms of winning GOTY awards.
100% Elden Ring totally deserved it!
Elden Ring is extremely overrated, a very bland game, Ragnarok was good but also not perfect by any means. 2023 was a far better year
@@Themarch001 either you never played elden ring or you played it and then died to the big golden guy at the start lol
@@thalassaphobicseaturtle6442 Played, Finished it, bland overrated game.
@@Themarch001 Overrated? Sure. But it's anything but bland. Like i don't think you know what the word means.
I just want to know who blew that god damned horn back in 2018
Fr lol
Astrobot answers this😂
@@dammyoyesanya4656who did it then?
yea who did it
Simple answer , who was chasing them the whole game ?
I think people forget God Of war Ragnarok was being developed during the biggest Pandemic in decades. They had to record almost everyone separately due to covid and people getting sick. For them to still make a great game threw the pandemic and win GOTY. I applaud them ❤🎉
Yeah the game is still really fantastic!
Who's gonna tell him chat lmao
blud they def did not win game of the year...
@@d3adchannel they still won many awards that night regardless lol you juss a hater 😂
@@kendrickknight23I see no hate he’s simply just correcting you. Elden ring won goty
@@absin8078 GOTY really wasn't my point tho. I was simply giving them credit for making a great game during one of the worst times in history. He overlooked all that just to complain it didn't win GOTY 😂 haters vibes for sure
I wish they had given us long and big fight in the end instead of a long boring Atreus section of Ironwood
Lol yeah
I can definitely agree with this.😂
I actually liked ironwood but yeah I agree with this, it was definitely too long.
@@lizflessert2427its a god of war game, that ironwood section had absolutely no bussiness being in a god of war game.
But thats what a sweet baby inc collab gets you.
it is still essential tho. Imo it would be better if we saw all the armies together instead of just kratos fighting by himself.
the last fight was surely rushed
Definitely
Was it yes. But i have never played a game with a better conclusion. Just imagine what they would've done without covid.
Yeah the Odin fight is pretty rushed. I wished it to feel more grand.
@@stevenlk totally!
@@johnpantag472 story wise it was good..
This game has one of the best depictions of Thor I’ve ever seen. Its super accurate to the actual mythology
Yeah Thor was incredible!
I beat it when it came out. My first impression was that it wasn't as good as 2018. I'm glad others seem to agree. Im simple. And for me it just felt like GOWR was trying to do too much. They had a lot of great ideas and none that were fully explored. GOW2018 was an Adventure game. A game that always makes me think of my dad and our rocky relationship over the years. I do like GOWR a lot and i do play it a lot. But narratively speaking it's a clear downgrade.
Agreed!!
I thought this game was so much better
I really wish the Ragnorok section was better. I thought we were going to get a Lord of the Rings style battle with all the realms attacking Asgard. That’s where I think it could have been good as a PS5 exclusive, I think they could have pulled that off on a modern system but due to PS4 limitations they decided not too
That ending for me felt so rushed, like that conclusion didn’t feel property built up. But one thing that I can’t stop thinking about is how Atreus saves Kratos by pushing him out the way of the blast and and Atreus somehow not hurt. Even when walking up that mountain everyone talks to him like he’s some ghost. Then after a chat with his dad, he just dips? Just like that, you just walk out, no nothing? And Kratos being a worried father the whole game is like, “sure you can dip lil bro”
THANK YOU! Someone else understands my gripe with this… I spoke to so many friends and I was the only one that couldn’t agree with that… it didn’t make sense!!! 🤣
@@Trench-coatThis is the part I hated more than anything honestly, I can forgive a lot but after my second play through I realise , Atreus was literally caught in the blast. I was looking at it for literally the second time then suddenly when we wakes up, he’s walking all slow and he’s talking to everyone like he died in the battle and sharing his last words, it felt weird and ominous like I probably missed something. Then when he’s done speaking to Kratos and just climbs that hill, im like tf? Bro you literally dipping like that, no preparations nothing, just climb the hill and you offf?? You know what would’ve been a great time for him to leave, just after Broks, funeral. That would’ve been a great time.
I agree almost pinpoint with you here, but I think the new shields was one of the best additions to the combat. Perhaps it's just my parry-focused playstyle, but the new shields added a lot more fun and variety to the combat for me and rewarded me for parrying - Although, I do think they could have just had Brok instantly fix your old shield so you weren't forced to pick an unfamiliar one. They are magic dwarves, surely they are capable of fixing the shield faster than they do currently.
My biggest gripe with Ragnarok's combat is the completely unnecessary removal of the bare fists skill tree and the Spartan Rage skill tree. Just feels so weird to remove something that was fully functional from the last game, and something I used a lot. I blame the new shields for this.
Oh that’s a fantastic point… now I am upset for a whole different reason lol 😂 thanks for the comment!
Even worse because it is satisfying af to beat the whole game without using a single weapon lol
Great video. I love how you barely spoil the story while talking about the game in detail.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video! I try to mark a video when I think going into spoilers is necessary. In this case I felt it was possible to talk about it and not ruin the best moments in the game. Thanks for watching!
Didn't see the video yet, but I wanted to say that your thumbnail is amazing! It drew me to this instantly!
Thank you!
God of War Ragnarök is perfect to me, it is better to me than RDR2 and i thougt no game would ever be better than it. Let me tell you my side of the Story.
When GOW3 released i saw it everywhere on social media, and in Newsletters. Every Shop where you can bought Technical stuff also had the Game somewhere, so i decided to buy it for 90 € and i didn't wanted to be disapointed. I played it on my PS4 but after i met Tyr in his Prison i stopped playing and deleted it. In Summer of 2023 tho, i bought a PS 5 just for the upcoming Spiderman Game. So i thougt, why don't give GOWR a final chance. Long story short, i grinded for the Platinum. The story, the graphic, the Mindset of Kratos and the Bosses were just Chefs Kiss! I grinded the Platinum and let it rest, then again... I remembered this Year in August that i didn't bought the PS 5 Version for this Game and i put another 10 € in the Game for the PS 5 Edition, just to Platinum it all over again and Grinded the Valhalla DLC.
Overall, this Game has to be perfect for me just to 100% it two times and get teary eyes in deep scenes.
What are you talking about with the UI? The numbers you zoom in and focus on are in both UIs. The only difference is that Ragnarok places them closer to the menu that you navigate rather than having them on the opposite side of the screen.
My point is that they changed things unnecessarily often making them worse than better.
@@Trench-coat But it’s not worse. The numbers were already there in the first game and now that I could realize how much my gear impacted them I ended up trying to make specific builds instead of just trying to find whatever armor the side quests referred to as stronger like the legendary dwarven armor. Also the shields are a matter of preference as my favorite was the first thin and pointy one because it did a lot of stun damage.
@@JlopezocasioI don’t think GoW 2018’s UI looked great, but ragnarok’s looks clumsy, and claustrophobic. 2018’s actually looks pretty clean in comparison in my opinion.
@@chopsuey004 I understand that a menu like Ragnarok’s might make some feel claustrophobic but what about it seems clumsy? That doesn’t seem like a fitting word to describe a menu. I’m also not arguing that Ragnarok’s is better just not worse especially to be referred to as a low point along with Atreus’ sections. If you have gripes about it go right ahead but make sense while doing so and don’t blow it out of proportion because Atreus’ sections suck balls and all the problems those sections have will make anything you have to say about this menu sound like nitpicking.
@@JlopezocasioI’ve never really thought about it too much till your comment. I think clumsy as in the placement of all the icons and shapes. I don’t like it. I think there’s too much on screen. I like the text size and how it was arranged in the first game. It looked a lot neater I feel. Clumsy is and claustrophobic are what best describes how I feel about the menu.
I do think it can be seen as a bit nitpicky when placed next to Atreus’ sections in “The downfalls” part, but I am glad it was mentioned as I had a similar gripe with the UI.
If you think ragnarok’s is better, more power to you.
ARTEUS chapters gave me PTSD😢
Lol 🤣
I understand ironwood, but why would any other chapter give you ptsd? They where good
@@Stephen1873the asgard ones were indeed
the asgard ones were the best chapters of the game why did they give you PTSD? i agree with ironwood though
I cannot stand ironwood. It's so boring. It honestly puts me off replaying after the 3rd time
Yeah such a major pacing blunder and it really hurts replays.
Replaying iron wood is definitely a bit tough but I try to think of it as a quiet part of a film where you get to enjoy the story rather than focusing on gameplay
to be honest, I love that the pacing is all over the place, it has moments of cool and steady gameplay, and then those epic battles. I feel like I wouldn't be able to appreciate the legendary moments without those slower ones. I felt the game was dragging only a few times, and that was just before an epic battle, or an emotional moment in the game, so it kind of sets you up for a great time. And for the gameplay/graphics itself, SO COOL. I did feel a bit overwhelmed at times, as for a regular gamer, to beat the game at give me no mercy difficulty, I had to learn/unlock a few attacks/movements, which was another challenge in itself as there are so many!
and for atreus gameplay, I think it is a matter of preference, as I loved jumping around the battlefield and doing headshots mid jump, made me feel cool, and atreus moments don't take up so much time, so it didn't get old for me (at some time I even liked it more, Couse it was just a simple jump and shoot character, not as complex in terms of combos/weapons, so i got a little break from that)
UI was a bit all over the place, and it was mixed up a bit, but you don't spent that much time in it, so I never complained that much (accept when I changed atreus shoot mode to burst, and never got to change that again, I just lost the setting which was quite unfortunate)
i just chose one shield (the first one you get i think, the quick time light parry one), and stuck to it to the end of the game, and it was fun
for the story, I often don't pay that much attention to it, but in this game i did, and still never truly understood it fully (i think i am at about 80% understanding), but i didn't need to, as the main thing, is getting to know the characters, and in my opinion that was done perfectly.
The big difference between GOW 2018 and Ragnarok is the abundance of simplicity in the new game, through Mimir’s storytelling in 2018 we were always fascinated and interested about the lore of the game, one of the biggest examples is who blew the horn? 2018 had such an incredible amount of depth. Although you never see or interact with anything related to Thor and Odin, but through storytelling you always felt their presence in the first game. The feeling of them being behind the scenes always existed. For a 100gb game over 2018’s 50Gb, I expected to be lots more to explore. I expected Nidavillir to be a big player hub full of dwarves, I expected it to feel alive and thriving. But the moment you enter the city it just remains dead. I expected Muspelheim to be the realm where we would have to make an epic journey to find Surtr, and actually explore the realm like an open world similarly to Midgard but nope they recycled it. Alfheim was a disappointment, one of the biggest theories in 2018 was how we chose the wrong side after killing the dark elf, how a war would ensue in Alfheim, none of it was explored, Alfheim is literally just a sandpit with 3 ends. I expected the rest of the small realms from the first game to atleast be like Vanaheim. Asgard was slightly disappointing, Tyr’s temple by itself is a more impressive structure than anything in Asgard which is surprising because Mimir told us plenty about how Odin has a materialistic taste in interior design. I expected something grander like a palace but Asgard ended up as a Midgard village 😂 there was such attention to detail in 2018 but alot of the storylines and plots were scrapped to squeeze in everything. Here’s another question, what the fuck happened to Sleipnir? Odin’s 8 legged horse who we saw in multiple murals? I would expect the boss fight with the king of the gods Odin to be grander and more epic instead of fighting him in a fucking basement? Couldn’t they have made us fight Odin in Valhalla while he was on his horse and actually using his legendary spear Gungnir? No, instead we fought a bootleg doctor strange who felt like a secondary boss more than anything else. Thor hitting Jormungandr so hard it threw him back in time? Oh sorry we won’t expand on it even though it sounded so fucking badass in the first game, let’s just make it happen in the background. Why the hell did they decide not to allow us to use Thor’s hammer?? They said it was expected which is why they wouldn’t do it like?? OF COURSE ITS EXPECTED BECAUSE IT WOULD BE BADASS, IF GOD OF WAR RAGNAROK WAS A MOVIE THEN KRATOS HOLDING MJOLNIR IS THE MONEY SHOT BUT NOOOO they gave us a spear that I bet is the least used weapon among all players in Ragnarok. And don’t get me started on the lame ass fucking berserker boss fights my god, the valkyries were so much more intimidating and notorious than those idiots, I don’t even remember a single Berserker’s name and I still remember most of the valkyries. Ragnarok is a good game yes, but I’ve replayed 2018 5 times and I have tried to replay Ragnarok once and lost interest after the Thor fight. My expectations were actually so high for this game, after platting it I realized how disappointing it truly was for someone who was obsessed with 2018’s lore and plot. I said to myself “that’s it?”
I share the exact thoughts brother
i was reading your comment until i clicked on `read more`
@@khaledhamlil984 its worth hahahaha just a few true statements
@@khaledhamlil984 thanks for the information?
Wholeheartedly agree brother, GOWR is a good game but I absolutely resent that there’s an obvious writing shift regarding the narrative between the two. So many setups just wasted or left unanswered.
I personally actually really enjoyed playing as Atreus. While the scope of his arsenal was far exceeded by Kratos and he still is definitely the better out of the two to play, I found myself really invested in the Atreus segments to see how he would further develop and where his rebellious tendencies would lead him next. The scenarios you found yourself in as him were simply ones that wouldn’t exist in Kratos’ presence. As for the gameplay, while the Bow itself wasn’t anything too special, I did enjoy getting to actually use a ranged weapon for once (before I got to the point with the Spear) and it gave his fights whole new vibe. You weren’t this absolute unit who could mow down anything you threw at him, this is some shimpy ass kid who can only use his magic arrows or briefly turn into a wolf, and you still have to deal with the same hordes of enemies as you would with Kratos (to a lesser degree ofc). His spells also spiced things up pretty well. Overall, I think I was equally invested between the two, but I understand why some may not feel the same way. I suppose I simply don’t mind the slower pace of these segments as much as others did.
Think you explained why you enjoyed it personally quite well! Glad you had a good time with those sections.
It's a masterpiece. The things you complain about really aren't an issue. I liked the shields. I used the one you can charge up. Pretty cool. Story was great. Never felt rushed or bloated.
Fantastic video. To the point with your gripes and praises, avoiding the usual bloated vacuous content of prominent video essays.
Thank you! When I see a 1hr and 20min video essay, I just know this person is wasting my time. Thats why I started this channel - I want video essays that gives you what you came for in 20mins or less!
Absolutely amazing video brother❤
Appreciate it bro!
One disappointment i have regarding the story in this game is that it was never high stakes. Like i get its the telling of Kratos and Atreus personal story more than an epic fantasy like how GOW 3 was for Kratos Greek saga conclusion but it always felt kind of like they just exist. Odin was cool but kinda eh yk? the norse Gods seemed much weaker that didnt help with feeling grand as well. Faye could have played a much important role in Kratos flashbacks but she was there just to edge him. I truly wish they explored more of the cycle of violence, sons killing fathers more. Atreus becoming completely brainwashed by Odin but eventually comes to his senses. Hell i wouldnt have Odin as the main villain. Have Thor go crazy in his depression and kill Odin in a rage of fit sort of mirroring Kratos relationship with his father, Zeus. There are a lot of things that could have been done better. But it was over all a very safe entry to the series.
It’s definitely a more toned down version of Kratos, totally agree that everyone is a little to toned down in terms of violence and grandeur.
if it weren't for Faye Kratos he wouldn't have understood how to change his destiny, all the advice she gave him in the past was also said taking into account the future that awaited Kratos, advice that Kratos himself begins to take into account now after 3 years of his wife's death during the WHOLE game, all to change the fate that she already knew could happen to him, which was to die at the hands of Thor, Kratos himself at the beginning of the game told Mimir that it seems that Faye is trying to tell him something during her dreams, well, that something was this. in addition, the cycle of violence is still present, just as Zeus killed kratos in the past, the same case occurs here with Odin and Thor. That cycle is not only of children killing their parents, but also the other way around. And rest assured that your idea would be labeled a typical Marvel cliché or something like that with Thor at the last minute allying with us to finish off Odin or directly kill him, the cliché of the villain redeeming himself at the last moment to do something right at the end.
You wouldn't have Odin as the main villain?, that's like having Zeus as not the main villain in god of war 3. I think you just want things to happen without understanding the prior set pieces and the ramifications behind it. You set yourself up for disappointment ngl.
You are describing a worse story to be honest. Ragnarok's focus on destiny and trust is fucking excellent, to have Atreus just being brainwashed by Odin instead of showing that Atreus can handle himself (even though he makes mistakes) is just a shittier story. Yeah it is more of a greek tragedy like the old games but thowing that there for shock value wouldnt make it better.
I agree, there were no risks taken at all. Tyr being odin? Like cmon, it was honestly just disappointing. Odin didn't even feel like a real villain. The game had no reason to go after.
Very well said! I myself did like the variety that the Atreus sections provided, and the story was gripping enough that I was engaged the whole way through, but I do agree that the first game is much more concise a package and better paced, especially because it's half as long as Ragnarok. If I ever replay one, I will probably replay the first.
@@CitrusArchitect Thanks for the comment! Ragnarok is still a fantastic game but the first was just on another level. Thanks for watching.
I would say that if you want to play only the story, the 2018 version is more enjoyable, but if you are a completionist who appreciates that both the main and optional content is up to what you paid for, Ragnarok, and with this I am not saying that the secondary content of the first game is bad, but I think that the improvement in the sequel in that section is outstanding, plus it has the DLC which is free.
@@martinc8965 Totally agree! There is way more “game” in Ragnarök! The optional content is really fantastic.
L opinion really. The first one is so boring. Ragnarok made so many QoL changes 2018 feels like a downgrade in almost every way
Just finished it and it's a top 5 of ALL time. Game was absolutely fantastic.
It’s weird how I still see ragnorok as the superior in all aspects apart from story
Its not weird its the right opinion. Ragnarok has better story. 2018 felt disconected from the norse mythology. So many characters you hear about but never see. 2018s story is actually pathetic in comparison. The final act is literally about baldur having mommy issues.
@@johnpantag472 I mean I wouldn’t say pathetic but I do agree how disconnected it felt from Norse mythology. I think where it shines is the development kratos and Atreus have throughout the story and you watch him learn to open up to his son and embrace him which was the main focus I enjoyed that. Ragnorok story is still great and kratos taking a back seat was intentional they want to phase him out so Atreus can be the main man of the franchise
It’s not a wrong opinion! It’s basically the story that’s really the only inferior thing…
@@johnpantag472 alright, you might be right about the disconnection (it gave the game a great feel of mysticism imo tho) but the writing is ten times better in 2018. Almost every line is memorable while ragnarok feels long, and the journey feels empty and boring.
@@johnpantag472 going by your logic god of war 2 + 3 is just kratos having daddy issues
Atreus sections could be remedied by making Atreus scale along with Kratos. Those sections aren't necessarily boring, but it's also because Atreus seems to fall behind in terms of strength.
Based on the developers' decision to be intentional with the ironwood section. They understood it would slow down the pace.
I literally took a week off from work to play this game! Watching that countdown was the best thing of my life!
Taking work off to play a game just hits different. Last game I did that for was spiderman 2
Your intro is awesome!
Thank you!!!
As imperfect as Ragnarök is ....i love it. Genuinely.
I SOB every time Brok meets his end. And i mean EVERY time, without fail.
Ugh man gets me every time.
The Ironwood section was a real slog to get through.
Unfortunately i still haven't replayed this game solely because of the Atreus sections
Same 😂
What about the dlc
Samee
The two Norse games are easily some of my favorite games ever. I hope we get another entry in this series in the near future, it was like playing through two masterclass movies!
Hoping we get a third!
Think you hit the nail directly on the head with the Atreus story issue. I only wanted to get back to Kratos every time. The emotional moments from Kratos in this game were high enough to make me forget those issues though.
Yeah overall the game is still really worth playing
The Atreus part I did enjoy because you need to not focus on the gameplay but rather on the story and narrative and seeing where Atreus is going to and what his mission is. When replaying it is a bit tough because you already know the story and you just need to get past the gameplay but I’d probably rather watch the Atreus moments happen instead of playing it if I’m replaying the game
Dude. Great presentation. I didn't agree here & there but really enjoyed the way your presented. I am a fan. Sending love, from a fellow Saffer
Fellow Saffa lekker bro! Thank so much. Yeah gaming is all subjective so it’s always just my personal opinion and your opinion may differ - which makes for great discussions! Thanks for watching.
Great review, agreed with most points 👍🏼
Thanks so much!
My whole issue with the game boils down to 1: Atreus sections aren't the best and 2: Atreus sections are necessary.
Honestly I think i would find this game to be a 10/10 in my mind if the ironwood section was reduced to about 30 mins at most, the midgard/early part of the Asgard intro mission was cut or reduced and the cool af flying sword we get wasn't relegated to being a terrible companion character but an actual fun melee/ranged hybrid proper weapon with it's own skill tree akin to the Leviathan Axe, i'm just thinking of the different ways they could have gone with it. Put the hour or so from the Ironwood section into the end of the game instead. That's really the only upgrade he needs
Can't speak for everyone but for me if they: cut down Ironwood section by at least half, cut down on the Atreus/Freya dialogue "helping" the player every 5 seconds and made the Asgard final battle a bit grander in scope and you have imo an undoubted masterpiece for the ages
Seriously, I hated the atreus sections so bad that I downloaded safe files from nexus mods and only played the kratos' sections.
lol that's actually a great idea
earlier this year i started to replay the game on ng+ and i was absolutely dreading the Atreus parts ESPECIALLY ironwood
Right on. I wish this had been three games so much I'm still strongly considering making a channel just to address it, but you've hit most of the points that bug me personally.
I honestly like the Dauntless shield, and it's nice to have options, but I basically only use the Dauntless. Maybe the different shields could have been optional shield relics?
Should have gotten to use the hammer. There are nice things about the spear, but we should have gotten to use the hammer.
I digress for now, great vid 🍻
Veteran GOW player here, even tho I played this on PS4, this game was so beautiful and deserved to be wayy longer. Third act felt rushed.
I totally agree! The storytelling and visuals were stunning, and it would have been great to explore more of that world. The pacing in the third act definitely caught me off guard.
idk how you're getting so many people who disagree about the shields.
Like, they nerfed the melee combat severely and straight up put most of the regular melee moves from 2018 then seperated and limited them to only certain gear. I miss dash punch cancelling for movement.
Everyone is welcome to their opinion, mine is just that the shield are worse haha
The fact you only have like 800 subs is CRIMINAL!
I appreciate that, thank you!
yuss dude the ateus problem was for mee too and what u said was spot on what i was thinking abt story pacing really good vid keep it up
Good vid bro, keep going
Appreciate it bro!
I 100% agree with you. The story having no direct narrative and the pacing being all over the place ruined it for me. After so much hype and lore we got from 2018 I was expecting a masterpiece of story telling, especially from Cory. All the theories about Tyr and the giants and we literally got nothing. Except two hours in ironwood and half an hour of ragnarok. You fight Thor in front of a lodg for the final battle, like come one. PS3 GOW3 boss battles do numbers on PS5 boss battles. Even with Odin, he is the allfather but it didn't feel grand scale at all. It didn't feel god of war esc. I can't even replay this game bcus of the shit story.
The problem with story is that ir provides zero replayability, new game plus feels undoable.
I am actually a big fan of the shields
He is using the stone shield his opinion aint valid anyway.
lol someone is way to invested in the shield conversation...
@@Trench-coat *too, also nobody is forcing you to use any of the new shields, it's just an addition for people who wanna try new playstyles, it shouldn't be a negative in any case
personally every atreus section in asgard was amazing, i LOVED learning about the norse gods from the perspective OF the norse gods in their own home, it was great. his combat is alright, but the asgard story was easily my favourite part of the game, especially with heimdall and thrud - those two stood out for me. the only atreus section that was bad was of course.. ironwood. waste of time, beautiful area but complete waste of time.
Interesting! I thought that the new UI and the shields are great
Wow, i totally agree with you on every single aspect! I‘ve always wondered why all the big review channels never talked about these massive flaws of the game. Your critique is just spot on! While God of War 2018 was a clear 10/10 for me, Ragnarök was about an 8/10.
@@_Robin2004 Thank you much! I really appreciate that.
Still a great game but with flaws, sadly... I just that they learn from those mistakes
When it came to the shield, I felt like it was less of an unnecessary change and more of an attempt at variety. I found myself using the dauntless shield (smaller one) over the original. I tested each shield out and I can say with confidence they completely shifted my play style. This became even more apparent when I entered the DLC and switched around the weapons, and equipped items for the bonuses.
Well done 🙏
Welldone to you
13:34 I don’t think the Ui is terrible but definitely complicated and hard to learn took me a very long time to get used to (which low key makes it bad lol)
But i liked one of the shields that charge with parrying hits
Not all the shields were terrible maybe I was a bit too dramatic lol
Ragnarok in terms of variety of enemies it’s better and I like it .
@@j.felipe1823 totally
Spoilers
I do think the pacing was my biggest issue, like we spent 2 hrs with angraboda and her issues with her grand mum but like 30 minutes with thor who's one of the most important characters in the story.
A more personal issue i have is Atreus? Like I feel like his depiction in this second games makes perfect sense where he's older more impulsive and wants to make his own decisions which he does and has a whole section grieving on his mistakes which then a third game he would have his Return of the jedi moments of showing his growth.
But then it just kind of rushes to him being a developed adult and hero whose learned from his mistakes and single handedly saves the day and then ends on him standing on a cliff ready for his adventure to save the giants and I just didn't feel convinced?
But hey that's my opinion many felt it was earned and I definitely wouldn't want to doom the developers into another 5 years of game development when they truly felt they could do it in one. So in the end I'm satisfied with what we got
The enemies are all so spongy, it's like attacking and taking 1% of their health with each hit. Also they should've increased the effectiveness of spartan rage's fury, it's does way less damage. However I like how you can use valor to heal, that was a really welcome change to the game for me. I just finished the main story without doing every side quests or starting ng+. But let's see what Valhalla mode and Ng+ provides.
Also Sif is a 10/10 baddie
Side content in Ragnarok is great definitely worth checking out!
@@beetuscool ong
Perfect review. You describe everything that bothers me about the game. They redeemed with the dlc. Vahala is amazing
Thanks for the comment and for watching! Glad you found it useful.
the ui is literally the exact same you showed 2 completely different menus. The shop menu in the first game is basically the exact same as ragnarok, ragnarok does have some more to it because it’s a more in depth and advanced game but it’s pretty much the same
The game is great but after playing NG+ I just wish to skip the Atreus missions cause it honestly kills the game.
If they added the option to skip it… my opinion on the game would drastically change haha
"All I've ever wanted to do when I was playing as Atreus was get back to play as Kratos" TRUE WORDS HAVE NEVER BEEN SPOKEN
lol thanks man
100% agree with the video and some of the comments here. 2018 was simple, but had depth. While the mechanics absolutely improve, many stotytelling and setting decisions feel forced. So many questions that remain unanswered, and so many moments that cheapen the original.
2018 is Kratos in form.
Ragnarok is Thor.
Thanks for taking the time to watch!
My favourite game. I even enjoy the Atreus sections, they're pretty chill and relaxing. I enjoyed the gameplay changes, safe from some moves (backstep attack of BoC, or Ice Rake).
Overall, the hype lived up for me. 10/10 in my opinion
Awesome! Glad you loved it
I don’t ever wanna play as atreus again
lol
Couldn’t agree more about the Atreus sections. At first it was cool but the more and more we got I just really wanted to get back to Kratos. I much prefer 2018, but Ragnarok was still great
I prefer 2018 as well!
Must say that being a father and having strong history with my own made this game resonate with me. That and the fact that Iv’e played Avery GoW game since the 1 and just love the saga. But they really nailed the storytelling. Especially in Ragnarok I think.
Ragnarok is alike Dune part 2 for me in terms of pacing. More contemplative but so much deep
@@tanathosXX That’s awesome… congratulations on being a dad! Dad’s matter more than we think!
The simplest way they could’ve made Atreus’s parts more fun is making him actually use the sword as a melee weapon constantly with the bow as the ranged lol I really don’t get why they didn’t do that especially as he’s basically fighting like freya who does uses swords in melee
I loved playing as Atreus sometimes even more than as Kratos. To me who plays FPS most of the time, bow based combat is amazing and more engaging. Plus it’s fantastic to see the warrior Atreus turns out to be after the first game 😮
@@stevenlk glad you enjoyed it!
I think the game is 10/10, enjoyed the Ironwood sections, even though they did break the pacing a bit my investment in the characters/story never faltered. What i love about the new style is the GoW games is that they know how to build up the stakes and the looming inevitable threat in the end. The whole game I kept saying to myself “BRO HOW IS THIS SH*T GOING TO END😱?!” The game has flaws but doesn’t everything? It’s definitely better than the first one which was still a 9.5/10 for me 😂.
13:40 “this is not an rpg”
What do you think it is then 💀
You are so right about the shield tho
God of war (+ Ragnarok) was I think the only time in the last 10 years where I've been heavily invested in the story of the game. Not like only interested in the story but god damn IMMERSED in it
That’s awesome!!
I felt the same way about the Atreus sections
Yes and No is the only accurate answer I can give. Without going into excessive detail on why. Yes and No is the only answer I can give. Concerning whether or not the game lived up to the hype it had.
The Atreus segments didn't bother me on the first go around, but subsequent playthroughs drag because I know the story. Except for Ironwood. Ironwood can take a long spacewalk out of a short airlock.
Lol 🤣
I would of loved a miles Morales type game just in between 2018 to Ragnarok i think that even a 5 hour game wouldve done wonders for the pacing
I wanna speak my mind a little bit more than in my previous comment.
Overall, great video! Really enjoyed it; well written, good editing, great job!
I do agree with how the games looks. It is beautiful. One of the few games where I actually pull up the photo mode and keep making photos, because the Draupnir flows so beautifully, the Chains on the Blades look menacing, the Leviathan even looks like raw strength... Yeah. Bonkers.
I do disagree on the pacing, though I very much understand your point. For me the pacing was perfect, there were rises and falls, action mixed with character drama, and then moments of peace and gameplay... For me, the big flaw in pacing was the end battle. I wish it was longer, and grander. That's really my biggest complaint.
As for Atreus sections... I don't know. I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I do see your point and kind of agree, but on the other hand, I still have fun playing as Atreus. Kratos' sections are large enough, plus you now have Valhalla, and Atreus really feels like a cool addition. I don't mind Ironwood, because it's there for story reasons, and it's there to get to know Atreus. I don't mind it.
I'm not saying he's better than Kratos or that he's as good to play as his father, but he is pretty cool nontheless. I enjoyed how he interacted with the world differently than Kratos, and with that being said...
I have my full trust in SMS if Atreus is to be the next star of the God of [something[. Kratos' story is concluded in the Valhalla DLC beautifully. I had tears when he realized he was "More than that.". Such a masterful way to send off his character, and to this very day when I replay these games (rather frequently), I'm in awe of this duology.
As I said, it is my favourite game of all time. I feel like Kratos got a perfect ending to his character, and I wish only the best for SMS on their next God of... And if it turns out Atreus is the main character, I've no problem with that, because I trust them.
I don't even know why some people bother with a "no spoilers" tag if they don't follow it, especially for a video you wouldn't look at if you did care.
Edit:
Also, if you play with the Stone Wall Shield, you really don't get the right to complain about shields, cause you literally chose the one for players without good reaction times, the one without the features of the classic shield, over the virtually identical Dauntless Shield.
And the menus can be more tricky to navigate, but they literally are displaying the same stat types from 2018...
And there are other, more grave issues with the story (at least if you cared enough about the one in 2018) than those mentioned, though it would require a more in-depth analysis.
I haven’t spoiled anything that hasn’t been revealed in the latest trailers.
@@Trench-coat Fair enough. I haven't watched the latest trailers, since I played it when it originally came out. I guess it would be "no spoilers*", with an asterisk, then.
Playing as atreus once or twice would've been fine. But some of his missions take so long, and there's like 6 different times you have to play as him. Also RIP agile strike
The Atreus playthrough was brutal............ BRUTAL!
Honestly I don't know what you're on I think this is a perfect sequel for a perfect game
Same
No, it sucks
No 👎🏽
its veeery average, almost fucking bad
My problem with it is the story, felt too rushed.. its visible that it was supposed to be told in 3 games. But not bad... just too fast.. IMHO
Hey I like your channel. I was wondering, how do you deal with days where you don’t feel like writing the script, or booting up that editing program. Starting out a channel of my own, I’m facing my own shortcomings in trying to make my own channel and wondered if you had any advice.
I’d also ask, do you follow a structure when writing your scripts? Or freeflow? Thank you.
Honestly, my advice would be don't overthink it and get the work done. Overthinking is the death of all momentum. Goodluck!!
@@Trench-coat appreciate it, thank you :)
My only issues with the Atreus sections were that I wish we spent more time in Asgard, because it felt so different there. And there were characters I wanted him to spend more time with. but we only had access to like 3 rooms, and were sent away on missions. So I would've let us spend more time getting engrained in that world. The other thing, is i would have made the Ironwood sections more on rails. I don't mind the length because i LOVED all the lore we were getting and the character of Angraboda was wonderful. But i would've preferred if she controlled the animals we rode, and we could just sit back and watch during those sections. I think it would've felt smoother and faster if it was more on rails, and we took over control much less.
Funnily enough, I don't know if his combat is meant to be easier, but i sure felt like i was a much better fighter while i was playing as Atreus as well. I can't put my finger on it, but i felt so much more efficient with him and took less hits.
I am shocked to hear that this game was originally going to be 2 games but were combined. I was honestly very impressed with the pacing, as, when i got about 7 hours in, i was worried i was nearing the end of the game, and was delighted to find i wasn't even 1/3 of the way through.
I think my biggest gripes overall.... I really love that we go with Freya to break her curse, and recover her marriage items... i found everything involving her brother to be kind of a drag... and i think it's mostly down to his character. i found him to be annoying and unlikable in this story. I like the rest of his gang, but he missed for me. I would've greatly shortened how much time we spent in his realm. i particularly hated the entire time we spent in the north section of Vanaheim. I was so tired of this realm by the end of the game, i ended up skipping quite a few side quests so i could finish the main story because it just felt like too much.
Speaking of.... while i admit the side quests are FAR better in this game than in the first game... i still think there are too many. i wish they would've dropped half of them at least... keep the important character side quests, but get rid of the ones where you need to collect toy pieces, or find this treasure for the father and son... They don't have any payoff, and just make my quest journal feel bloated.
Along the same lines, i felt like there was far too much loot in this game... I would've preferred a more straightforward system without so much choice. i like upgrading things, but there are so many items, i wish i didn't have to sift through.
Overall, i still think it's one of my favorite games I've ever played, even though i have some gripes. I am very excited to see where it goes, and there are so many characters i want to spend more time with, both with Kratos and Atreus.
I totally agree with your point on spending more time on Asgard, I love the lore and wanted to know more but it felt so limited. Do you enjoy Atreus's combat enough for it to be it's own game?
@@Trench-coat his combat, yes. Especially if he got a sword or something.
But as a character I don’t think I’d want him to lead a whole game the same size as this one.
Maybe a shorter one. Like 10 hours. But I don’t think he has the character strength to lead a whole game like that.
I complained about the atreus parts too, i wish they forced some sort of scene where he got hit some amnesia spell but momentarily has to regain his abilities. That way you can gain a bigger arsenal early on to make his gameplay cool for the remainder of the game
the spear bangs tho
It really does...
i have finished ragnarok like 5 times and did all the quests and everything, i dont get the hate on atreus "missions" even when i have played ironwood i still enjoy it, i enjoy the world and the story, one thing that pissed me off is the low damage you deal to enemies when you are as atreus especially on ng+ on give me god of war it was bad, other than that, i feel like the gameplay pacing was a bit slow sometimes, still for me it is one of the best games in the god of war series, and sorry if you get mad this is much better than the old gw series, i like the depth and the emotion and the story the most
Not gonna get mad that someone else has different opinion. Glad you enjoyed it!
Just finished gow 2018, perfect
it really is...
Me personally I think Ragnarok is better than 2018 in every way. Sure the pacing wasnt great in some points. But to me it became my favorite in the series
The only complaint I have is iron wood and thor's and odin's final fight( I wanted it to be more harder). Atreus was a fun characther to play and the combat was smooth. The Ui of gowr I appreciated more as I could really customize all my stats for builds. The shields I loved, the dauntless shield was a parry haven and iron wall was a great stun, the only thing I felt actually lacking was the original shield maybe because I was already used to it and found it boring. Other than final thor's and odin's fight which I felt they could have added more moves for thor and made odin have more combos and hit harder, I dont have much complaints except iron wood.
the story is great but it feels weird going to sindri's house every 5 seconds, it just makes the story feel disjointed unlike the first game
Yeah GoW 2018 10/10, Ragnarok 9/10, Valhalla DLC 10/10. I hated how much the game was broken up in ragnarok
I'm ngl I thought Atraeus combat was fun. They could've maybe gave him more weapons like his father throughout the game but that's really it for me.
The plot twist where Groa just lied about the prophecy and that all the realms and main characters could be saved and Asgard/Odin would be destroyed was so lazy.
The narrative just kinda fell apart for me at that point. Why even care about the stakes if you know no one important will die and everyone has a happy ending?
Just seemed they wrote themselves in a corner with the Kratos dies mural that they had to write a cheap way out of it. Like the prophecy that both games heavily foreshadow was just Groa lying to Odin, the smartest, most well prepared God in the verse. That’s just dumb.
NO no that part is fine, Kratos mural and the prophecy chaging base on the actions of Kratos
the problem is the BUILDING : Kratos changes his mind like 2 times from nothing without good reasons even 3 LOL is hilarious and they didnt build this "you can change speech" like quite literally Thor only does one thing "not drink" yet he does, tries to kill Atreus and then the game pulls out this card out of nowhere to say "yeah . .. killing is bad Thor" and he changes his view even if his WORLD IS FUCKING ATTACK BY ARMIES AND A GIANT
theres like 20 hs of mistakes in the plot but to summary . .. the tone is a joke, they did a lot of jokes besides the dwarves and the game looks like Disney Channel meets the Avengers
I absolutely love GOW 2018 AND GOWR. I love the additional Atreus gameplay, but i have to admit that the ironwood section is too damn long for a gameplay that.... boring. It basically felt like we, as players and watchers, are just chaperoning Atreus to his first date 😭
But every plot line involving Kratos? *chef kiss
The plot in GOWR is great, but in Valhalla........ God DAMN it was fantastic. Ngl his monolog at the end of Valhalla? Absolute Cinema.
All in all, for me personally, despite the lackluster ironwood section, GOW provides one of the best writings in gaming, especially when it comes to Kratos.