The God of War franchise has been a vital part of PlayStation's first-party lineup for nearly two decades. Since its debut on the PS2 in 2005, the gripping tales of Kratos battling ancient gods and beasts have captivated gamers and achieved tremendous success across every console. With the release of God of War: Ragnarok, the latest installment in the series, the game received numerous accolades and reached the pinnacle of its creative interpretation of Norse myth.
As players reached the climactic conclusion of Ragnarok, they witnessed the culmination of Kratos' arduous journey and a poignant resolution. In the game's final moments, Kratos evolves into a beloved deity, transcending the pain and suffering he has endured throughout his life. While the future direction of the God of War series remains uncertain, embarking on another adventure alongside Kratos as he embraces his newfound positive reputation would undoubtedly be a rewarding endeavor.
Kratos As The Ghost of Sparta
Before his redemption in the recent God of War games, set in Norse mythology, Kratos was infamous for all the wrong reasons. Known as the "Ghost of Sparta," he was a ruthless warrior granted special powers by Ares, the God of War. Bound to Ares both symbolically and literally (through his Blades of Chaos), Kratos was manipulated into wreaking havoc wherever he went.
Needless to say, Kratos reflects upon this phase of his life with profound remorse and sorrow. His actions during that time resulted in the deaths of countless innocents, including his own wife and child, not to mention the destruction of numerous towns and cities. Even his pursuit of vengeance in God of War 3 ultimately plunged Greece, his homeland, into chaos and disaster. Chronologically, players encounter Kratos next in 2018's God of War, where he strives for a peaceful existence. Now, with the promise of a brighter future after the events of Ragnarok, Kratos can return to Greece to redeem himself and rectify the many wrongs of his past.
Bringing Kratos' Redemption in God of War to a Close
To complete Kratos' redemption journey, his return to his roots in Greece would be an ideal way to conclude his character arc. Last seen in ruins after his relentless battles with the Greek gods, Greece can now be rebuilt by Kratos, who has earned the respect and love as a god. With his newfound reputation, Kratos can resurrect his homeland from the ruins left by his vengeful war.
Furthermore, there is immense potential for Santa Monica Studio to explore untapped Greek monsters and gods in future God of War games. Kratos could revisit Greece and encounter a fresh menace that has enslaved the survivors and transformed the land into a twisted new state. This prompts Kratos to engage in a final showdown against a corrupt god, emerging as the savior and new leader for his people.
Kratos has endured a grueling and arduous odyssey throughout the God of War franchise. He has overcome countless trials, witnessed the deaths of loved ones, and engaged in epic battles against colossal adversaries. Nevertheless, granting him the opportunity to revisit his origins and seek redemption for the multitude of sins he has committed would provide an immensely gratifying resolution, both in terms of storytelling and thematic cohesion. By bestowing this final farewell to Kratos, God of War will finally be liberated to embark on fresh narratives and introduce entirely new cast of characters in future installments.