The God of War series has been a cornerstone of PlayStation gaming across four generations, beginning with Kratos' vengeful journey in 2005. Few could have predicted the trajectory of this angry deity destroyer over the next two decades. While many long-running franchises struggle to remain relevant, God of War has thrived by embracing change. The most significant transformation came with the 2018 reboot, which shifted Kratos from Ancient Greece to the realm of Norse mythology, altering both the series' presentation and gameplay. Yet, even before this acclaimed reboot, Sony Santa Monica introduced smaller, yet impactful changes that kept the series alive and well.
For God of War to continue its success, reinvention will be crucial. When transitioning to the Norse setting, director Cory Barlog expressed interest in exploring the Egyptian and Mayan eras. Recent rumors have reignited speculation about an Egyptian setting, fueled by the allure of its distinct culture and rich mythology. However, a new setting is just the beginning. The next God of War must reinvent itself as effectively as it did when transitioning from the Greek trilogy to the Norse saga, updating and enhancing the elements that made the series great.
The series has consistently evolved with each installment. The original Greek games refined their hack-and-slash gameplay over a decade, culminating in the polished experience of God of War 3. This final chapter, built for the PlayStation 3, introduced a revamped magic system that complemented the melee combat and offered a greater variety of enemies. The shift to the PS3 also allowed for new camera angles, enhancing the visual experience.
The 2018 reboot saw significant changes, with the Greek trilogy's platforming and puzzle elements being altered. The platforming sections were removed due to the new third-person, over-the-shoulder camera perspective, while puzzles were adapted to fit the adventure-first design of the Norse games.
The roguelike DLC, Valhalla, for God of War Ragnarök, marked a return to the series' Greek roots both mechanically and narratively. It reintroduced battle arenas, a feature from God of War 2 onwards, adapted for the Norse setting. This return was mirrored in the story, where Kratos confronts his past in Valhalla, invited by the Norse god of war, Týr, bringing his journey full circle.
The Norse games introduced new mechanics, such as the Leviathan Axe's unique throwing mechanics, a combat-defining parry system with various shield types, and a magical spear in Ragnarök for faster, explosive attacks. These elements enhance exploration across the Nine Realms, each with unique foes and visuals.
The storytelling in the Norse duology stands out, focusing on Kratos' emotional journey and his relationship with his son, Atreus. This approach contrasts with the more straightforward narrative of the Greek trilogy, contributing to the Norse era's critical and commercial success.
God of War's shift in mechanical design and storytelling reflects a unique approach to franchise development. The creators view the Norse games not as traditional sequels but as extensions of Kratos' journey, a perspective that should guide future installments.
The mixed reception to Assassin's Creed's shifts in style highlights the risks of straying too far from a series' core identity. While profitable, Assassin's Creed has struggled to maintain fan loyalty across generations as effectively as God of War. The 2017 shift to an open-world RPG format with Assassin's Creed Origins diluted the series' connection to its assassin roots, leading to a more divisive reception with each new game. The 2023 release, Assassin's Creed Mirage, attempted a course correction by returning to the series' Middle Eastern roots and shorter, more focused gameplay, which was well-received. Assassin's Creed Shadows continues this trend, emphasizing stealth gameplay.
God of War has navigated these challenges successfully by maintaining the core elements that made Kratos compelling and the series' combat engaging. Each new game builds on this foundation, introducing new features like Spartan Rage options, innovative weapons, and diverse combat options, all while deepening the lore.
As rumors of an Egyptian setting circulate, the next God of War must continue to evolve while preserving the elements that have made the series successful. The 2018 reboot focused on combat, but future games will likely be judged by their storytelling, the heart of the Norse duology. Kratos' transformation from a rage-filled monster to a complex father and leader underscores the importance of narrative in the series' success. The next installment must build on this strength while introducing bold new changes to define the next era of God of War.
