God of War is an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It serves as a soft reboot and continuation of the God of War series, moving from Greek mythology to Norse mythology while retaining the series' signature combat and storytelling.
In God of War, players control Kratos, the former Greek God of War, who now resides in the realm of the Norse gods. The game follows Kratos and his young son, Atreus, on a deeply personal journey to fulfill the final wish of Kratos' deceased wife: to scatter her ashes on the highest peak in all the realms. Along the way, they encounter a variety of creatures, gods, and mythical beings, all while Kratos struggles with his past and the complexities of fatherhood.
The game offers a more intimate, narrative-driven experience, with a fixed camera following the characters in a continuous shot without traditional cutscenes. This design choice enhances immersion and creates a seamless world. The combat system has also been significantly revamped, with Kratos now wielding a magical axe called the Leviathan Axe, which can be thrown and summoned again, along with the return of the iconic Blades of Chaos.
God of War also presents Kratos' character in a more detailed and nuanced way, portraying him as a father figure who must balance his violent past with the need to guide and protect his son. Atreus, despite his initial inexperience, gradually plays a major role in the narrative and combat, with his hidden powers and growth.
The game was widely praised for its combination of deep narrative, complex character development, and visceral combat, earning it several Game of the Year awards, as well as critical acclaim for its mature themes, world-building, and direction.
