God of War

About God of War

SIE Santa Monica Studio released this action RPG in April 2018 as a soft reboot of the franchise. Players step into the boots of an aging Kratos living among Norse myths in ancient Norway alongside his son Atreus. The story kicks off after the death of his wife, Faye, who asks for her ashes to be scattered from the highest peak. This sequel shifts focus from Greek gods to a harsher world where survival matters more than rage. It launched on PlayStation 4 and later arrived on PC. The game blends third-person combat with deep narrative beats that drive the experience forward without relying on flashy cutscenes to carry the weight of the story alone.

Gameplay

You control Kratos using a massive Leviathan Axe that sticks to enemies or returns to your hand. Combat feels heavy and deliberate rather than twitchy. You can parry attacks with the axe or dodge at the right moment to open foes for follow-ups. Your son Atreus fights beside you with a bow and can be commanded to shoot arrows or distract enemies. The game uses a single camera view that stays close to Kratos, creating tension during big boss fights. Exploration involves climbing vertical paths and finding lore notes hidden in trees or ruins. You manage resources like runic attacks and cooldowns while navigating a world that feels interconnected without traditional loading screens breaking the flow of movement.

What Players Think

Critics and players agree this title is exceptional with a Metacritic score of 94 and an IGDB rating of 94.2 from over 3,300 reviews. The community describes the vibe as atmospheric and hardcore, with four separate votes for each of those tags plus strategic elements. Emotional engagement also ranks high with two votes there. Average playtime hovers around 30 hours for a standard run, though completionists spend much longer chasing every secret. Price data shows listings as low as $39.99 on Green Man Gaming, making the entry point accessible despite the premium reputation. Review snippets consistently praise the father-son dynamic over the spectacle of previous entries.

PlayPile's Take

This game works best for players who want a serious narrative wrapped in combat that demands timing and strategy. The price is reasonable at current market rates, and the achievement list offers plenty to chase if you need extra motivation. Not everyone will enjoy the slower pace compared to faster action titles, but the writing carries the weight of every decision. Kratos feels like a real person here rather than a weaponized force. If you want a single-player experience that respects your time while delivering emotional depth, this is the one to play first. The ending lands with genuine impact after 30 hours of travel.

Storyline

Many years have passed since Kratos, Spartan warrior and former Greek God of War, took his vengeance against the Greek Gods, and he now lives with his young son Atreus in ancient Norway in the realm of Midgard. The game begins after the death of the Jötunn warrior Faye, Kratos' second wife and Atreus' mother, whose last request was for her ashes to be spread at the highest speak of the nine realms. Kratos and Atreus prepare a funeral pyre for her, mourn her death and soon go on a hunt as per Kratos' desire. However much to Kratos' disappointment, Atreus proves his incompetence and lack of focus, making Kratos reconsider taking Atreus in his journey. Kratos is soon attacked by a mysterious stranger with godlike powers, and who cannot feel anything physically. After seemingly killing him, Kratos reluctantly takes Atreus with him and begins their journey.