Though I don’t have much new to add to the conversation… I’ll reiterate that Ragnarok is a game that continues the powerful nuanced storytelling from 2018, along with all of the twist-filled writing. But this time it’s with bigger set pieces, more boss battles, and a new playable character for the series.
Rather than half-assing Atreus’ gameplay like they could have, his combat not only feels organic, but exhilarating to control. The fact that it’s so different from Kratos’ yet so fun in its own regard is such a rewarding experience that truly makes me hopeful for the future of the franchise.
The story is less simple than 2018’s… and while I somewhat prefer that simplicity, it’s undeniable how character focused all of the grandiose conflict actually is. Everything is much larger, yet it’s just as personal as it should be. Exploring realms new and old is fantastic. It’s honestly brain melting how large this game is. A true achievement for how interactive it is despite its scope.
Bear McCreary’s score is as good as ever… and the scene with Kratos blowing the horn, leading the war on Asgard may be the best moment of payoff in any video game I’ve ever played. What Cory Barlog, Eric Williams, and each of the writers have pulled off with Kratos is unreal. It’s probably one of the greatest redemption arcs in any media that I’ve ever seen.
It doesn’t excuse his past actions, but instead presents him as a person who is haunted by those actions, and is willing to dedicate the rest of his life trying to help others.
I could throw praise on this game for hours… but it’ll just sound like what everyone else is saying. I’ll instead point out a few of my gripes with the game that I think if refined, could have made it an even more rewarding experience.
With the nature of this story, it had to be bigger. I’m not mad at it for that. But with the realm travel… it was a bit disappointing that we couldn’t use the room that it was designed for, and instead had to use the door everytime. It felt a bit lazier and not quite as unique. It’s a nitpick, but one I would’ve liked to have seen.
I also appreciate how advanced the combat system has become… but I can’t lie… it was so easy to forget a lot of moves. There’s almost too many options for the combat, and at times it doesn’t feel so optional. It’s almost like you need to know certain combos to make it through the game, which feels less freeing. I also don’t like that Atreus’ armor no longer has benefits like the first game. I really liked the health-stone costume, and it was disappointing to see that exchanged with ones that were purely cosmetic.
Ragnarok is still a one of a kind game… yet much like my other favorite video game series, they did it twice. What a beautiful accomplishment.
Rather than half-assing Atreus’ gameplay like they could have, his combat not only feels organic, but exhilarating to control. The fact that it’s so different from Kratos’ yet so fun in its own regard is such a rewarding experience that truly makes me hopeful for the future of the franchise.
The story is less simple than 2018’s… and while I somewhat prefer that simplicity, it’s undeniable how character focused all of the grandiose conflict actually is. Everything is much larger, yet it’s just as personal as it should be. Exploring realms new and old is fantastic. It’s honestly brain melting how large this game is. A true achievement for how interactive it is despite its scope.
Bear McCreary’s score is as good as ever… and the scene with Kratos blowing the horn, leading the war on Asgard may be the best moment of payoff in any video game I’ve ever played. What Cory Barlog, Eric Williams, and each of the writers have pulled off with Kratos is unreal. It’s probably one of the greatest redemption arcs in any media that I’ve ever seen.
It doesn’t excuse his past actions, but instead presents him as a person who is haunted by those actions, and is willing to dedicate the rest of his life trying to help others.
I could throw praise on this game for hours… but it’ll just sound like what everyone else is saying. I’ll instead point out a few of my gripes with the game that I think if refined, could have made it an even more rewarding experience.
With the nature of this story, it had to be bigger. I’m not mad at it for that. But with the realm travel… it was a bit disappointing that we couldn’t use the room that it was designed for, and instead had to use the door everytime. It felt a bit lazier and not quite as unique. It’s a nitpick, but one I would’ve liked to have seen.
I also appreciate how advanced the combat system has become… but I can’t lie… it was so easy to forget a lot of moves. There’s almost too many options for the combat, and at times it doesn’t feel so optional. It’s almost like you need to know certain combos to make it through the game, which feels less freeing. I also don’t like that Atreus’ armor no longer has benefits like the first game. I really liked the health-stone costume, and it was disappointing to see that exchanged with ones that were purely cosmetic.
Ragnarok is still a one of a kind game… yet much like my other favorite video game series, they did it twice. What a beautiful accomplishment.