God of War 5: Unveiling the Ultimate Game-Changer for Norse Fantasy Enthusiasts!

Highlights

The God of War franchise underwent significant changes in both story and gameplay, with the combat becoming slower and more methodical.

The God of War games has historically introduced a single new weapon in each installment, creating excitement for players. However, there is a chance that this tradition may come to an end. In order to maintain a fresh gameplay experience without overwhelming players, the next game could consider expanding on the existing weapons and abilities. This could involve the introduction of new combos or alternate stances, allowing for a variety of combat styles.

Fans of the God of War franchise are well aware of the significant changes that the series underwent in its 2018 and 2022 releases. The story and overall tone took on a more mature and grounded approach, with God of War Ragnarok placing an even greater emphasis on the theme of parenting. Not only was the narrative altered, but the gameplay also saw significant transformations. Building on the grounded story, the combat in God of War became slower and more methodical, leading to a notable impact on how weapons were utilized.

Unlike previous installments, such as God of War 3, which introduced players to four new core weapons and various novelty armaments for specific scenarios, both God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok only brought forth a single new weapon. Despite this smaller selection, the introduction of these two new weapons has generated excitement among fans, as they have been meticulously designed to align with the game's themes. However, as Kratos's journey continues in the God of War series, it remains uncertain if the trend of adding only one new weapon per game will persist.

God Of War Already Features Enough Weapons

In 2018, God of War gifted Kratos with his axe, while Ragnarok introduced the Spartan Spear. These weapons now reside in Kratos' armory alongside the renowned Blades of Chaos, forming a trio of elemental powers - ice from the axe, air from the spear, and fire from the blades. Prior to the release of God of War (2018), many fans may have been disappointed by Kratos seemingly replacing his iconic Blades of Chaos with a one-handed axe. However, it can now be argued that the axe has attained its own iconic status. Rather than abandoning the past, God of War (2018) builds upon it by offering players a new and well-designed tool that holds a direct connection to the story, as the axe once belonged to Kratos' late wife, Faye.

The inclusion of the Spartan Spear in Ragnarok was also well-received, enriching the combat with a stylish and effective weapon that ties into Kratos' relationship with Brok. However, it appears that the spear has not had the same impact as the axe, whether from a gameplay or lore standpoint. The simplest explanation for this could be that as Kratos' arsenal continues to grow, the significance of each individual weapon diminishes. There can only be a limited number of truly iconic and defining weapons within the God of War franchise.

The Next God Of War Might Expand What the Series Already Has

The next installment of God of War has the potential to bring about significant changes, particularly in the way weapons are handled. While it is possible that Kratos may acquire a new weapon, it is unlikely to hold the same level of importance in both the story and among fans, as compared to the iconic blades, axe, and spear. Furthermore, introducing an additional weapon could diminish the value of the three weapons already at Kratos' disposal, or even complicate the combat experience unnecessarily.

Instead of adding another weapon, Sony Santa Monica could expand upon the weapons and abilities that Kratos possesses at the end of Ragnarok. Retaining certain features from previous games would ensure that the core gameplay involving the three weapons remains intact. However, the game could introduce new abilities, combos, or even a system similar to Hades' weapon aspect feature, where each weapon has four distinctive forms. Such enhancements would provide a fresh and exciting experience without overwhelming players. Additionally, incorporating alternate stances, similar to Dante's combat system in Devil May Cry, would be a fitting addition to the franchise.

Predicting the future direction of God of War after Ragnarok is indeed challenging, which means that the combat and weapons systems could undergo significant changes. The upcoming installment might choose to abandon Kratos' current weapons entirely, opting for a fresh start. Alternatively, the next God of War game could retire Kratos altogether and place the spotlight solely on Atreus, leading to a substantial revamp of the combat mechanics. However, if Kratos continues to be the central character, it would be advisable to maintain a streamlined selection of weapons for him.