Highlights
Finally, God of War Ragnarok presents Kratos with a conclusion that is far from excessively tragic, offering a gratifying end to his personal odyssey.Atreus discovers his true calling and wholeheartedly embraces his heritage, opting to embark on a quest to reunite with his giant relatives alongside Angrboda. This pivotal turn showcases remarkable growth in his character's trajectory.
Thrud inherits her father's legacy, signifying the culmination of the series' cycle of brutality and revenge, despite the unfortunate circumstances leading up to this pivotal moment.
The God of War franchise has always been known for its dark undertones. Since its inception in 2005, God of War garnered attention for various reasons, with its edginess standing out among them, offering a refreshing experience to gamers. Unafraid to depict gruesome acts of violence and mercilessness, these very acts denied the series' protagonist a truly happy resolution. However, after nearly two decades, God of War Ragnarok finally provides Kratos with an ending that is not overwhelmingly tragic.
Atreus Finds His Purpose
The Norse Saga introduced a fresh start for the God of War franchise with the release of God of War in 2018, while still honoring its roots. One notable change in 2018's God of War was the series' revamped approach to storytelling and character development, placing it at the forefront of the gaming experience. Building upon this success, God of War Ragnarok continued the trend and delivered an incredibly satisfying narrative arc, solidifying its position as one of the most captivating gaming experiences. Despite the continued presence of violence and death, God of War Ragnarok manages to provide several character endings that could almost be described as happy.
At the inception of 2018's God of War, Atreus appears as a discontented child, yearning for his father's love and attention. His anguish for the recent loss of his mother is evident. However, as the game progresses, Atreus proves his mettle as a formidable warrior. By the end of the game, numerous players establish a deep connection with the boy, paralleling Kratos' own personal journey.
By the time God of War Ragnarok arrives, Atreus possesses the aptitude to protect himself and his loved ones. However, he carries a profound sense of belonging and a belief that his purpose extends beyond mere survival alongside his father in the forest. As the saga of God of War Ragnarok culminates, Atreus discovers his true calling: embarking on a journey with Angrboda to find the rest of his giant kindred. While the moment of bidding farewell to Kratos is heart-wrenching, it is also gratifying and well-deserved. Atreus's wholehearted acceptance of his identity becomes the closest semblance to a joyous conclusion within God of War Ragnarok.
Kratos Becomes the God He Never Thought He Could Be
Following the final moments with Atreus in God of War Ragnarok, Kratos finally gets a bittersweet and somewhat happy ending. Throughout the entire franchise, Kratos has been predominantly portrayed as a symbol of pure vengeance, often exhibiting extreme anger. However, in the 2018's God of War, fans experienced a more composed and understanding version of Kratos, although he was still grappling with the challenges of single parenting and the fear of his son developing similar traits. As Atreus departs in God of War Ragnarok, it becomes evident that all of Kratos' anxieties have subsided, leading to a beautiful moment of mutual understanding and genuine familial love between the two. This moment becomes even more poignant when Kratos discovers a giant mural depicting himself being worshipped and revered by humans, an outcome he never imagined he would attain.
Thrud Takes on Her Father's Mantle
Thrud's journey in God of War Ragnarok is filled with tragic moments. However, her final appearance can almost be considered a happy ending. After witnessing her father Thor's death at the hands of Odin in Ragnarok, Thrud finds solace in reuniting with her mother Sif. Together, they embark on a long journey of healing. Eventually, Thrud discovers Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, in the Alfheim desert. Before taking flight with Mjolnir, she takes a moment to express her determination to make her father proud. Despite the initial tragedy, Thrud's decision to carry on her father's legacy represents the series' cycle of violence and revenge coming to an end.
God of War Ragnarok is available on both PS4 and PS5.