Maximizing the Dynamic Bond: God of War Ragnarok Must Prioritize its Father-Son Duo

Article Key Points

God of War Ragnarok continues Kratos and Atreus' story, with Kratos now reformed and trying to live a virtuous life while setting an example for his son.

The aging of Atreus within the game does not directly affect his ability to survive, but it does have an impact on the developers’ ability to weave diverse narratives and potentially create distinct paths for the characters.

While Atreus is still in his youth, there remains an opportune moment for Kratos to impart essential teachings to him, and it is imperative for the developers to seize this chance.

The God of War Ragnarok continues the story of Kratos and his son Atreus, building upon the beloved God of War. This latest installment in the series has redefined Kratos, who was previously portrayed as a merciless killer with a cold heart. However, in God of War Ragnarok and its predecessor, Kratos has undergone a transformation. While he still battles with anger, he is striving to lead a more virtuous life and serve as a strong role model for his son, Atreus. The bond and interaction between the two characters is what makes the Norse saga truly remarkable.

When Atreus first appeared in God of War in 2018, he was portrayed by Sunny Suljic, who was 13 years old at the time. By the time Ragnarok was released, Suljic had turned 17.

What Atreus Aging Means for God of War

Because the relationship between Kratos and Atreus centers around their father-son bond, the developers opted for a child actor to portray Atreus. While a father never ceases to be a father once their child reaches adulthood, stories about fathers and sons typically don't feature two fully grown men striving to comprehend each other. Sunny Suljic has expressed that Atreus' evolution into manhood is the next natural step in the narrative, indicating that the upcoming game will likely present Kratos with his final opportunity to serve as a traditional fatherly mentor before this trope becomes stale.

God of War has established that gods age at different rates and live exceptionally long lives. The ongoing debate surrounding Kratos' true age serves as a testament to this extraordinary phenomenon. It is likely that Atreus will experience a similar extended lifespan, which not only speaks to his overall resilience but also presents a unique challenge for the developers in terms of crafting diverse narratives. As the events of Ragnarok unfold, Atreus and Angrboda embark on a poignant journey to uncover the fate of the giants, tearfully assuring Kratos that their paths will cross again in the future. Driven by an unwavering determination, Kratos sets out on his own quest to shape a future he can truly take pride in.

The End of the Norse Saga Could Result In Diverging Stories

Although the Norse Saga of God of War has supposedly concluded, it does not signify the end of the series in that particular setting. As Atreus embarks on his quest to locate the remaining giants, he may traverse the nine realms, while Kratos ventures into another region and engages in conflicts with a different pantheon of gods. This arrangement would allow the characters to pursue their own individual narratives while periodically coming together.

It is also possible for

Kratos Still Has Lessons to Teach Atreus

's journey to lead him to various regions of the world, offering the game an opportunity to showcase multiple mythologies. A mural in Ragnarok presents Tyr, a Giant, and a God, surrounded by symbols representing Shintoism, Egyptian, and Celtic beliefs. Hence,

Kratos Still Has Lessons to Teach Atreus

's quest has the potential to span across different pantheons as well.

God of War: Fallen God suggests that Kratos has unfinished business in Egypt. Despite their separate journeys, Kratos still has much to impart to his son Atreus. Although Atreus may now be old enough to venture into his own adventures, he is not yet a fully matured individual. To make the most of this opportunity, Sony Santa Monica should seize the chance to show Kratos mentoring Atreus one final time, while Suljic is still youthful and capable of portraying Atreus at the precipice of adulthood. Even if they embark on different quests, their shared bond remains vital to the essence of contemporary God of War titles. Neglecting to highlight their connection as Atreus teeters on the threshold of true independence would be an unfortunate missed occasion.

Sony Santa Monica's father-and-son saga in God of War: Ragnarok is rapidly approaching its conclusion, urging the developer to seize the opportunity. There is a strong possibility that Atreus will take the reins of the franchise in the future, but there remains enough time for the franchise to further develop the deeply-rooted bond between father and son, which has been its defining feature for the past five years. To ensure the lasting impact of Kratos' influence on Atreus as the primary protagonist, it is crucial to have one more installment where Kratos assists Atreus during the initial stages of his adulthood, solidifying Kratos' role as an integral part of Atreus' continuing narrative.

God of War Ragnarok is an action-adventure game that was developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It acts as a sequel to God of War (2018) and serves as the conclusion to Kratos and Atreus' journey throughout Scandinavia. Drawing inspiration from Norse mythology, players will engage in battles against mythological creatures while experiencing the events of Ragnarok. This franchise is available on the PS4 and PS5 platforms, and it was released on November 9, 2022. The game falls under the genre of action and adventure, and it was published by Sony. It has received a Metascore rating of 94.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the God of War series, I am thrilled to see the continuation of Kratos and Atreus' story in God of War Ragnarok. The father-son duo has been a highlight of the series, and I am eager to see how their relationship develops in this new installment.

The aging of Atreus is a significant factor in this game, as it affects both the gameplay and the narrative. In terms of gameplay, Atreus is now a more capable fighter, and he can use his new abilities to help Kratos in battle. In terms of narrative, Atreus is now more independent and he is starting to question his father's authority. This conflict between father and son is one of the most compelling aspects of the game, and I am excited to see how it is resolved.

Overall, I am very excited for God of War Ragnarok. The game looks amazing, the story is engaging, and the characters are well-developed. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Kratos and Atreus.