Today, we are talking about a divine franchise. Even though the gods in this franchise don’t have it too good. Today, it’s all about God of War.

Summary

God of War is one of the most important action-adventure games in video game history. And in just a few days, this franchise will celebrate its 20th anniversary. That’s why today, we are looking at the entire history of the game and, most importantly, how it has evolved over the years.

The Origins – Kratos’ Revenge in Greek Mythology

The first God of War game was released on March 22, 2005, for the PlayStation 2. It was developed by David Jaffe and Santa Monica Studio. The protagonist is Kratos, a Spartan warrior. He is tasked by the goddess Athena to kill the god of war, Ares. Ares had previously tricked Kratos into unknowingly murdering his own family. Because of this event, Kratos earns the name “Ghost of Sparta,” as he wears the ashes of his family on his skin.

The first three games take place in Greek mythology, where Kratos must battle multiple gods and other enemies. These games are known for their fast-paced, combo-based combat system. Kratos wields his iconic Blades of Chaos against gods and monsters. The brutal finishing moves became a trademark of the series, defining Kratos as a ruthless antihero driven by his rage.

Greek mythology serves as the backdrop for Kratos’ quest for revenge. In the games, you encounter famous figures such as Ares, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades as powerful enemies. Many myths were incorporated into the story, often radically reinterpreted, adding a fresh and more brutal twist to ancient history.

The main series of the original games includes three titles:

• God of War (2005): Introduction of Kratos and his quest for revenge against Ares.
• God of War II (2007): Kratos rebels against Olympus.
• God of War III (2010): The bloody showdown with Zeus and the end of the Greek era.

The Norse Era – A Matured Kratos and New Challenges

With God of War (2018), Santa Monica Studio took the series in a completely new direction. The project was led by Cory Barlog, who had also worked on God of War II. He deliberately wanted to provide a more emotional and mature approach to Kratos’ character. The game was released on April 20, 2018, exclusively for PlayStation. In 2022, a PC port was also launched.

After the destruction of the Greek pantheon in the previous games, God of War (2018) moves into Norse mythology. This introduces new characters like Baldur, Freya, Thor (hinted at), and Odin (mentioned). Kratos has also changed. He is older and more reflective, now living with his son Atreus in Midgard. After his wife Faye passes away, Kratos embarks on a journey with his son to the highest peak in the new realms to scatter her ashes.

The relationship between father and son plays a crucial role in the game. This emotional component contrasts with the violence of previous installments, showcasing a vulnerable and contemplative side of Kratos. As a result, Kratos is not just seen as an antihero but also as a character with glimpses of humanity.

The gameplay has also seen significant changes. The perspective has shifted to a third-person, over-the-shoulder view, creating more immersive combat experiences. Kratos’ weapon has also changed—from the Blades of Chaos to the Leviathan Axe. This axe can be used both in close and ranged combat, making battles more strategic and different from previous games. Additionally, the game includes several puzzles that Kratos must solve throughout the world.

God of War (2018) also introduces RPG elements for the first time. The game now features a gear system, character progression, and side quests. This adds depth to the gameplay, offering a more expansive world where players can choose to explore, earn rewards, and uncover secrets.

God of War Ragnarök – The Pinnacle of the Norse Saga

God of War Ragnarök was released on November 9, 2022 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. This time, the game was directed by Eric Williams and revolves around the inevitable prophecy of Ragnarök. Kratos and Atreus face the challenge of finding their own path between predetermined fate and free will. In September 2024, the game was also released for PC.

The central focus remains the relationship between Kratos and his son Atreus. Atreus has grown a bit older and is now searching more intensely for his own identity and purpose. The key themes explored in the game include letting go, dealing with loss, and taking responsibility.

The combat system in God of War Ragnarök has also evolved. In addition to his iconic Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, Kratos now has another weapon, the Draupnir Spear. This weapon introduces additional tactical possibilities. It is effective in both melee and ranged combat. With an additional weapon, you can customize your combat style even further.

Ragnarök introduces many new characters, including the popular figures Thor and the god Odin. In this game, Odin is portrayed as a much more complex and human-like character compared to traditional depictions. You can explore all nine realms of Norse mythology, significantly expanding the game’s scope.

In December 2023, a free expansion called Valhalla was released. This expansion provides a fitting conclusion to Kratos’ journey in Norse mythology. It focuses primarily on self-reflection and Kratos’ legacy.

The game was highly praised by fans and critics alike. As a result, it won numerous awards and was nominated for Game of the Year in various ceremonies. The storytelling, graphics, and gameplay were especially lauded.

Gameplay Mechanics Through the Years

Over nearly 20 years, the gameplay has evolved and changed significantly. The differences between the early games and the 2018 reboot of God of War are especially notable, and we will now discuss and compare them.

Combat System:

Earlier Games: In the original trilogy (2005-2010), combat was primarily focused on intense, fast, and brutal hack-and-slash battles. The game featured combos, quick-time events, and spectacular finishers that Kratos used to decimate his enemies. The Blades of Chaos symbolized Kratos’ raw fury.

Modern Games: Since the 2018 reboot, the studio has taken a more tactical approach. Players now have various weapons with unique abilities and specific use cases. This has made combat more methodical, challenging, and personal.

• Leviathan Axe: Precise throws, elemental damage (ice), targeted recall.
• Blades of Chaos: Faster movements, area damage, fire-based attacks, ideal for larger enemy groups.
• Draupnir Spear (Ragnarök): Combines melee and ranged combat, allows for strategic placement of explosive spearheads.

Exploration and Puzzles:

Earlier Games: The levels in the original games had a linear structure. There was little exploration, with only a few small puzzles as occasional breaks from the constant battles.

Modern Games: The newer titles offer a much more open world. While it is not a full open-world game, there are various areas you can freely explore. These areas contain many secrets, collectibles, and side missions, creating a much deeper gameplay experience. The puzzles are also more complex and often tied to the abilities of Kratos and Atreus.

Character Development:

Before: In the early God of War games, you had very limited options with Kratos. Customization was restricted to basic upgrades for your weapons and abilities.

Now: The RPG mechanics have been significantly expanded. You can now customize weapons, armor pieces, and abilities extensively to match your playstyle. There are many different builds, each offering a unique gameplay experience.

Storytelling and Camera Work:

Before: The camera angle was traditional, with a static camera. While this created a cinematic effect, it lacked personal immersion.

Now: That immersion is now present, thanks to the introduction of an over-the-shoulder camera. This brings players closer to Kratos, enhancing the emotional depth of the story and characters. Cinematic sequences also greatly benefit from this immersive perspective.

God of War in Pop Culture

Amazon Prime Video is currently planning a major TV adaptation of God of War. The project is led by Ronald D. Moore, known for his expertise in deep character studies and epic storytelling. He has worked on Battlestar Galactica and Outlander. Fans can expect a dark, profound, and high-quality adaptation, likely exploring the emotional bond between Kratos and Atreus.

The series will likely follow the Norse storyline from the 2018 God of War game. However, flashbacks to the Greek era are also a possibility. Details are still scarce, but as soon as more information is available, we’ll keep you updated on AllKeyShop. Last year’s success of the Fallout series proved that video game adaptations can be highly successful.

One thing is already certain. For the 20th anniversary of God of War, there will be a special event. A new in-game update for God of War will introduce the Dark Odyssey Collection, alongside plenty of merchandise and collector’s editions. You can find out more here.

The Future of God of War

Kratos’ journey through Norse mythology came to an end with God of War Ragnarök. This raises the question: what comes next? There are already some speculations. The next God of War might take us to Egyptian mythology. A few months ago, Santa Monica Studio was reportedly looking for actors from the Middle East for an unannounced AAA game, making it highly likely that this is the next God of War installment.

Additionally, back in 2018, when the studio rebooted the franchise, they showcased concept art at the Devcon conference. The artwork depicted Kratos and Atreus battling Egyptian enemies. There is no official confirmation yet, but perhaps the 20th anniversary will bring more details.

Conclusion – God of War: A Legendary Series with a Promising Future

God of War has masterfully evolved over time while staying true to its core identity. The transition from an action-packed hack-and-slash to a deep, emotional adventure demonstrates how video games as a medium continue to grow.

The franchise will continue to thrive, and with the upcoming TV series, it will reach an even wider audience. 20 years of God of War—it’s been an incredible journey, and hopefully, there are many more years to come.

The potential shift to Egyptian mythology offers plenty of new content. Egyptian mythology features powerful deities like Ra, Anubis, and many more, setting the stage for thrilling battles. Let’s hope for an official announcement soon.

No matter what the future holds, Kratos and God of War have already made gaming history. Their significance as a cultural milestone and the ongoing interest from fans and critics alike prove that this franchise will continue to surprise and captivate us for years to come.

MORE RELEVANT ARTICLES