So, I played GoW 5 when it first came out, and it was the easiest 5/5 I ever gave. I didn't feel like my initial review did the game justice, but it was simply one of the most varied, polished, artistic, satisfying, and just damn fun games I had ever played. With a year having passed, I decided to consider the possibility that my opinion on what I thought was one of my new top-ten favorite games of all time would change if I played it again: It did, the game actually got a little better. It isn't a top ten game for me anymore, it's a top 5; top 3 isn't out of the question.

I found the performances even more compelling, the combat even more engaging, I unlocked a whole new tier of appreciation for the level design, and even the parts of the game I wasn't looking forward to as much weren't as tedious as I remembered them. I'm so glad the DLC came around to compel me to revisit this masterpiece, and you should definitely play that as well.

I don't think either of my reviews do this game justice, it is one of the greatest accomplishments in the medium of video games this decade in my opinion, but if even one person gives this game a chance because of either of my reviews, I'll be pleased with myself.

"Open your heart to the world as you have opened it to me, and you will find every reason to keep living in it."

When I opened my heart to God of War Ragnarök, I was enthralled by a thematically rich, character-driven story. For as satisfying and versatile as the combat was, I often found myself content to look out over a beautiful landscape, putting the controller down and letting the serene environments and magnificent score sweep me through the valleys of Norse Mythology. The climatic boss fights, air-tight pacing, meaningful side-objectives, and distinct, layered side characters shredded any issues I had with the 2018 game into non-existence. God of War 5 is a profound achievement, taking the medium of Video Game to its bleeding edge and providing a meticulously-woven, epic, fun, beautiful, and unforgettable experience.

"To grieve deeply is to have loved fully." I love this game. I've had experiences with this franchise spanning back nearly twenty years, and I'm sad to see it go, but I think this is time. I can't see the majesty of this game ever being succeeded by any other God of War game, and I believe it is time to move on.

I cannot recommend enough, open your heart to this game and live in its world for a time, and you'll find some of the best the medium of video games has to offer.