Reviews for God of War 2018 reviews were stellar across the board, but it seems that Ragnarok has somehow managed to sur its predecessor.
Following three years after the events of the last game, God of War Ragnarok will see Kratos and an older, wiser Atreus fight to stop the world-shattering event Ragnarok. This quest will take the father-son duo to various mythological locations and lead them into conflict with powerful foes like Thor, Freya and Odin. The previous game's combat system has been greatly expanded, too, granting Kratos newfound mobility and Atreus additional autonomy on the Norse battlefields. The sequel also promises to deliver an even more emotional story than 2018's God of War, though God of War Ragnarok spoilers have sadly arrived online and threaten to spoil the narrative.
With God of War Ragnarok set to launch on November 9, reviews have already begun singing the praises of the highly anticipated PlayStation exclusive. Most reviewers are showering the sequel with acclaim, with its improved combat mechanics and compelling story being regarded as exceptional. Some criticism has been aimed at the game's RPG progression system, however, along with its unfocused plot and lack of true new-generation performance. Some notable God of War Ragnarok reactions from critics can be found below:
Akshay Bhalla - 4.5/5 - Screen Rant
Apart from reinventing a highly complex saga, God of War: Ragnarök manages to reinvent itself with many highly needed improvements. These refinements eventually stack up to deliver a complete experience that makes its predecessor look archaic. With all its splendor and minor shortcomings considered, God of War: Ragnarök manages to set a new standard, striking the right balance between profound storytelling and invigorating gameplay.
Eric Switzer - 4/5 - TheGamer
Gear has similar progression problems that 2018’s God of War had, but now you can actually craft complex builds with cool synergies that feel impactful. There’s an unbelievable amount of variety in the places you go and the kinds of enemies you fight compared to the previous game, and your options in combat are a lot more involved and meaningful as well. These improvements and refinements make Ragnarok a great sequel, and the increased length will please the ‘time spent = value’ crowd, but the path from Faye’s final resting place to the final battle of Ragnarok is not nearly as composed or worthwhile as it could have been.
- TheGamer
Simon Cardy - 10/10 - IGN
An enthralling spectacle to behold and an even more exciting one to take the reins of, God of War Ragnarok melds action and adventure together to create a new, unforgettable Norse saga. Impeccable writing, pitch-perfect performances, knockout action – it’s a complete work of art from top to bottom. Reflecting its core themes, it's everything a sequel should be: respectful of its legendary lineage, but not afraid to take it to exciting new places. God of War Ragnarok is an almighty achievement and creates a new high that makes many of its peers look positively mortal by comparison.
- IGN
Tamoor Hussain - 9/10 - GameSpot
Despite being a story about warring gods and the end of the world, the soul of the game is something far more sentimental. You may have noticed that I've avoided mentioning the names of characters or describing plot beats, and that was intentional. To talk more about anything or anyone would be to rob you of some of the most unexpected things that God of War Ragnarok achieves with its narrative and the themes they explore. The last game's thoughtful approach to exploring fatherhood was unexpected, Ragnarok somehow manages to feel like an even more personal tale about the complicated nature of families and the people that make them up. For every moment of brutality, there is one of genuine and relatable emotion. How they land will vary from person to person, but there were multiple that left me with tears welling up. If nothing else, God of War Ragnarok further cements Sony Santa Monica's narrative team as one of the best in the business.
- GameSpot
Jordan Middler - 5/5 - Video Games Chronicle
God of War Ragnarok is a testament to a developer operating at the absolute peak of its powers. It is not only one of the most singularly powerful games of the modern era, it’s a current-gen benchmark that other studios should aim to be within touching distance of. The story of Kratos and Atreus will surely be ed as one of the best in the history of the medium, and Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic deserve all of the acclaim possible for the characters they’ve brought to life. It is a victory march. While some insignificant elements of its cross-generational status occasionally flare, they are utterly drowned out by the visual, aural, and emotional symphony that the game conducts. A final act that’s perhaps the finest in gaming, brings an utterly unbeatable duology to an unforgettable end.
God of War Ragnarok Lives Up To The Legends
Most critics seem to agree that God of War Ragnarok improves and expands upon its acclaimed predecessor in every way. The story is apparently heartfelt and dramatic, with the relationship between Kratos and Atreus taking unexpected turns as the end of the world draws near. Brand-new characters have also received praise, particularly the villains Thor and Odin. God of War Ragnarok combat is also regarded as a marked improvement compared to the series' 2018 installment, with brutal new abilities and moves making the player a true force of destruction on the battlefield. Unfortunately, the story's uneven pacing and lack of true new-generation performance seems to have held God of War Ragnarok back from true perfection.
Fans have been waiting four long years for God of War Ragnarok, and early reviews suggest that the conclusion of the Norse saga doesn't disappoint. The game is reportedly packed with new locations, combat mechanics and memorable story beats, ensuring that the sequel both honors and exceeds its predecessor. God of War Ragnarok will finally release on November 9, and it's shaping up to be a truly unforgettable journey.
Sources: TheGamer, IGN, GameSpot, Video Games Chronicle