Incredible narrative single player experience. Sometimes all I want in a game is a straightforward cinematic story with decent enough 3rd person adventure/action gameplay. God of War ticks both of those boxes with ease, I was completely immersed in it’s incredible story and world.

I played the PS2 games as a kid and I don’t have much recollection of them besides: “bad-ass guy kills greek gods and there’s blood and boobs and shit”. So I never really saw this saga as a prime example of storytelling, but man this definitely took the series in an amazing and more mature direction while keeping and paying homage to the PS2 games. I love the whole Kratos is a now a broken man shtick, I could hear him talk with Atreus all day.

Gameplay-wise it’s pretty straightforward and there were some challenging bosses as well. Nothing mindblowing to be honest, but very entertaining.

Can’t wait to play Ragnarok once it comes out on PC!

God of War (2018) is a masterful reimagining of the iconic action-adventure franchise, offering players a deeply emotional journey through Norse mythology. Developed by Santa Monica Studio, this installment introduces players to a mature and introspective Kratos as he navigates the complexities of parenthood while embarking on an epic quest with his son, Atreus.

At the heart of God of War is its compelling narrative, which explores themes of redemption, family, and the consequences of one's actions. Kratos, haunted by the ghosts of his violent past, seeks to teach Atreus the ways of the world while shielding him from the harsh realities of their journey. The dynamic between father and son is beautifully portrayed, with moments of tenderness and vulnerability interspersed with pulse-pounding action and epic battles against mythical creatures and gods.

The storytelling in God of War is top-notch, with a script that is both gripping and emotionally resonant. The dialogue is sharp and well-written, with each character's motivations and conflicts explored in depth. The game's pacing is excellent, with moments of quiet reflection balanced by intense action sequences that keep players engaged from start to finish.

In terms of gameplay, God of War offers a satisfying blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Kratos wields his iconic Leviathan Axe with precision and power, while Atreus provides support with his bow and arrow, adding an extra layer of strategy to battles. The combat mechanics are deep and rewarding, with a variety of weapons and abilities that can be upgraded and customized to suit individual playstyles.

Exploration is also a key aspect of the gameplay, with a vast and beautifully realized world to discover. From the lush forests of Midgard to the icy peaks of Jotunheim, each environment is teeming with hidden secrets, treasure chests, and side quests waiting to be uncovered. The puzzles, meanwhile, are cleverly designed, requiring players to use their wits and keen observation to progress.

Visually, God of War is a stunning achievement, with breathtaking graphics that bring its world to life in vivid detail. The character models are incredibly lifelike, with nuanced facial expressions and fluid animations that add depth and realism to the story. The environments are equally impressive, with dynamic lighting and weather effects that create a sense of immersion unlike anything seen before.

In conclusion, God of War (2018) is a triumph of storytelling and game design, offering players a deeply emotional and immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of the medium. With its compelling narrative, satisfying gameplay, and stunning visuals, it is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games and a testament to the power of storytelling in video games.

One of the best, if not the best, reboot in video game franchise history. Kratos feels so HUMAN in both his character and trauma as he explores what it means to grief while also facing his past as he learns to be a better father. I already loved the God of War franchise as it is, but Kratos and Atreus story genuinely brought tears to my eyes while making me feel connected to a story like never before. The world, its characters, the introduction of new characters such as the world serpent and the stranger. It was all done so elegantly well and executed perfectly. One of the best cinematic experiences you can play to this day. Please play this title.

There are games as Games and there are games as vehicles for stories and there are games that are meta.

This game is all three of those things, and while it teases things that simply do not matter til the sequel it succeeds in telling the story it wants to tell in a far more mature way than I expected.

Notably though there are too many reskins of boss enemies, and the puzzles vary from braindead to weirdly confusing.

Still gets my recomendation for Best Dad Game.