Santa Monica Studios' God of War Ragnarok introduces a formidable lineup of adversaries for Kratos. Among them are Odin and Heimdall, prominent figures in Norse mythology, who pose a genuine threat to Kratos and his son, Atreus. However, when it comes to sheer physicality, none can compare to Thor. In the God of War universe, Thor is depicted as an imposing behemoth of a man, surpassing even Kratos in size. Standing at an impressive 2.25m or seven-foot-four inches, Thor towers over Kratos, who measures at 1.93m or six-foot-four inches.
While some may have expected Santa Monica Studios to align Thor's appearance more closely with his portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, played by Chris Hemsworth, the studio took a bold and refreshing approach. In God of War Ragnarok, Thor is depicted as a wrathful and resentful individual, deviating from the charming and heroic persona popularized in the MCU. This creative decision garnered praise from both fans and critics, as it showcased Santa Monica Studios' willingness to explore a different side of the character, ultimately resulting in a compelling depiction of Thor.
God of War Ragnarök's Thor is An Imposing Specimen
During his encounter with Thor, Kratos immediately notices the god's towering height, which stands out as one of his most prominent attributes. As the two engage in a fierce battle, Thor effortlessly wields his iconic hammer, Mjolnir, displaying remarkable strength and agility. Despite Kratos' experience in facing formidable foes, including literal giants, he has seldom encountered an adversary who possesses such comparable power and speed.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for combat, Thor has long been in search of his next formidable opponent. Prior to Kratos' arrival, under the command of his father Odin, Thor single-handedly annihilated a majority of the giants in Midgard, solidifying his reputation as the mightiest deity across God of War's Nine Realms. In a previous encounter, he even clashed with Kratos' wife, Laufey, a formidable warrior in her own right. The intense battle between the two resulted in the devastation of an entire valley, narrowly avoiding both of their demise.
During Atreus' playable sections, gamers have the opportunity to team up with Thor, albeit reluctantly, as he accompanies Kratos' son on a mission under his father's command. While Atreus' segments in God of War Ragnarok may lack the same impact as his father's due to his limited abilities and inexperience, fighting alongside the God of Thunder brings a refreshing change of pace and adds significant excitement to the gameplay. Witnessing Thor's destructive power firsthand allows players to truly grasp the immense strength and stature of this formidable character.
In the climax of the game, Kratos defeats Thor and extends mercy to the god, persuading him to join the battle against his father, Odin. Fans are tantalized by the prospect of Kratos and the God of Thunder fighting side by side in an epic confrontation. However, this anticipated alliance never comes to fruition as Odin strikes Thor down before he has a chance to switch sides. Nevertheless, Thor's presence leaves an indelible mark on God of War Ragnarok, setting a towering benchmark for Kratos' future adversaries, whoever they may be.
God of War Ragnarök is available now on PS4 and PS5.