TechGamingGod of War Ragnarok review – the Godfather of sequelsSony Santa Monica delivers a magnificent conclusion to the God of War Norse saga, proving yet again why you need a PS5When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)T3 VerdictGod of War Ragnarok offers a thrilling conclusion for Kratos and Atreus, levelling up everything that its predecessor presented, for what is arguably the greatest one-two punch in video game history.Reasons to buy+Every character is impeccably written+Combat is fun, fluid and challenging+Substantial side-missions+Visually stunning and impressive enemy variety+A fantastic conclusion to the Norse sagaReasons to avoid-DualSense features are nothing specialWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TechGamingGod of War Ragnarok review – the Godfather of sequelsSony Santa Monica delivers a magnificent conclusion to the God of War Norse saga, proving yet again why you need a PS5When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)T3 VerdictGod of War Ragnarok offers a thrilling conclusion for Kratos and Atreus, levelling up everything that its predecessor presented, for what is arguably the greatest one-two punch in video game history.Reasons to buy+Every character is impeccably written+Combat is fun, fluid and challenging+Substantial side-missions+Visually stunning and impressive enemy variety+A fantastic conclusion to the Norse sagaReasons to avoid-DualSense features are nothing specialWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Sony Santa Monica delivers a magnificent conclusion to the God of War Norse saga, proving yet again why you need a PS5
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)T3 VerdictGod of War Ragnarok offers a thrilling conclusion for Kratos and Atreus, levelling up everything that its predecessor presented, for what is arguably the greatest one-two punch in video game history.Reasons to buy+Every character is impeccably written+Combat is fun, fluid and challenging+Substantial side-missions+Visually stunning and impressive enemy variety+A fantastic conclusion to the Norse sagaReasons to avoid-DualSense features are nothing special
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
T3 VerdictGod of War Ragnarok offers a thrilling conclusion for Kratos and Atreus, levelling up everything that its predecessor presented, for what is arguably the greatest one-two punch in video game history.Reasons to buy+Every character is impeccably written+Combat is fun, fluid and challenging+Substantial side-missions+Visually stunning and impressive enemy variety+A fantastic conclusion to the Norse sagaReasons to avoid-DualSense features are nothing special
T3 VerdictGod of War Ragnarok offers a thrilling conclusion for Kratos and Atreus, levelling up everything that its predecessor presented, for what is arguably the greatest one-two punch in video game history.
T3 Verdict
God of War Ragnarok offers a thrilling conclusion for Kratos and Atreus, levelling up everything that its predecessor presented, for what is arguably the greatest one-two punch in video game history.
Reasons to buy+Every character is impeccably written+Combat is fun, fluid and challenging+Substantial side-missions+Visually stunning and impressive enemy variety+A fantastic conclusion to the Norse sagaReasons to avoid-DualSense features are nothing special
Reasons to buy+Every character is impeccably written+Combat is fun, fluid and challenging+Substantial side-missions+Visually stunning and impressive enemy variety+A fantastic conclusion to the Norse saga
Every character is impeccably written
Combat is fun, fluid and challenging
Substantial side-missions
Visually stunning and impressive enemy variety
A fantastic conclusion to the Norse saga
Reasons to avoid-DualSense features are nothing special
DualSense features are nothing special
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Once in a while, a game comes along that does something different. It does something that no one expected. It does something that helps push our beloved medium forward. God of War (2018) did just that, and with God of War: Ragnarok,SonySanta Monica andPlayStationhave managed to do that once again.
While the template of God of War Ragnarok continues that which its predecessor set out. along with a handful of new additions, it’s the storytelling that really goes above and beyond anything I’ve experienced in video games. The journey of Kratos and Atreus is one that made me laugh, cry and exclaim in shock multiple times – and that was only in myfirst few hours.
It’s an experience worth savouring. Everything poured into God of War Ragnarok is done so for a reason, be that adding to the lore, developing a character or learning something new about this mystical, magical world. Don’t rush. Don’t sprint to the end. Take your time and the game rewards you with a masterful narrative that on its surface comes across as something otherworldly, but underneath, all comes down to family.
Warning: God of War Ragnarok has many spoilers and naturally some of these moments need to be addressed to conduct a review, however, we will not be disclosing anything major. If unsure, we recommend going in completely blind.
God of War Ragnarok review: Price and Release Date
God of War Ragnarok review: What is it?
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
Taking place three years after the events of God of War (2018), Kratos and Atreus, now feeling the full force of Fimbulwinter, must scour the Nine Realms of Norse mythology in preparation for the end of days, Ragnarok. It’s filled with continuous twists and turns that kept me on my toes, concluding in an unexpected but satisfying way.
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
This is a more open Kratos, one that has seemingly learned from his past experiences. One willing to embrace his son in times of sorrow and one that grows further than we’ve ever seen the character grow prior. Kratos and Mimir, everyone’s favourite travelling companion, have become closer too, even brotherly. It’s a far cry from the mindless monster which began the franchise in 2005 – and is better for it.
Brok and Sindri return with bigger, more integral roles. Each is paired up with one of our protagonists, creating some fantastic dynamics. Sindri’s obsession with cleanliness and Brok’s foul-mouthed approach to the world is still relatable, yet we learn more about their past which helps to enhance every meeting. The same can be applied to Freya’s arc, still grieving from her loss.
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
Speaking of characters, God of War Ragnarok has quite a few of them. Compared to the relatively small cast assembled in the first, it’s quite substantial… for better or worse. Odin, Thor, Heimdall, Sif, Tyr, Angrboda, the names go on. Thankfully, each is given an adequate amount of time to make their mark. Odin is calm, measured and laser-focused on his goal while Thor is pompous, mighty and like Kratos, layered. I’d argue that none of the newcomers quite measure up to the original crew but fans can rest assured that the Norse gods deliver on their promises.
Ragnarok’s stakes are notably (and obviously) higher, although it still manages to balance the personal aspects that helped make the previous game a hit. Eric Williams, taking over directing duties from Cory Barlog, has done a wonderful job of ending this story, even if some may find it divisive. I personally hope this is the last we’ve seen of Kratos and Atreus but that feels like a fool’s dream considering the IP’s appeal.
God of War Ragnarok review: How does it play?
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
God of War Ragnarok is a third-person action adventure that expands upon its predecessor with advanced combat and further upgrades – expect multiple skill trees. Kratos still relies on either the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos or Guardian Shield to obliterate all that stand in his way. Atreus, meanwhile, provides backup via his bow and arrow and summoning abilities – a pack of wolves or an unkindness of Ravens, for instance. Utilising a mix of light, heavy and special attacks, gameplay is fun, fluid and fast. It never tires, ramping up the challenge when necessary for some truly seismic encounters.
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
Alongside this, players control Atreus for significant portions of the game. Lots of effort has been spent differing how the “boy” fights to Kratos, blending a mix of ranged moves and hand-to-hand via the bow and arrow. Is Atreus more enjoyable to control than Kratos? No, not quite. Does it provide good variation, helping to better the story as a result? Absolutely. There’s also something greatly profound about seeing the 14-year-old undertaking his own adventure, or so to speak.
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
Playing onPlayStation 5, I was excited to see what wizardry Sony Santa Monica could concoct when it comes to the DualSense controller. Sadly, there’s nothing special. It’s very cool calling back the Leviathan Axe and feeling it slam into your palm like a baseball or swinging the weapon into a tree only to feel the tension grips pull back, I just expected more considering we’re almost two years into the console’s lifecycle. Additionally, there’s one use of the touchpad in the later stages which felt very out of place.
Coming off the lacklustre 30fps inGotham Knights, God of War Ragnarok is smooth as butter, offering the choice of Favour Performance (variable resolution at 60fps) or Favour Resolution (native 2160p 4K resolution at 30fps).
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
Furthermore, very few bugs occurred in my playthrough with Sony already rolling out various patches. It’s rare to get a game at launch that plays this well. Similarly, the extensive improvement of accessibility features over the last game – vision, hearing, motion and motor options – are a terrific step in the right direction.
God of War Ragnarok review: How does it look and sound?
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(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
Numerous moments throughout God of War Ragnarok will position you in front of a stunning vista, solidifying why a PlayStation 5 is necessary to truly appreciate the graphical fidelity. It’s gorgeous! Very few games, if any, measure up to this level of detail. Be that the luscious greens of Vanaheim, the glistening yellows of Jötunheim or the crisp sandy desert of Alfheim. Just the level of detail given to sunlight and shadows alone is something to behold.
I don’t know if I’ve seen more varied or detailed creature designs, either. Aesir, Elves, Hel-Walkers, Midgardians, Primordial, Selor, and more, make up the Bestiary Index. Within this, I found between six to 15 sub-species – there’s likely more to discover too. It’s a shame photo mode won’t arrive until a later date.
Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic as Kratos and Atreus, respectively, are at the top of their game. It’s wonderful to watch. These performances elevate the next-gen facial animations made through motion capture. Ryan Hurst as Thor is similarly a standout. That said, the whole cast is remarkable.
Music is atmospheric but I’d struggle to recollect any beyond the main God of War theme. It’s the lack of sound in those quieter moments that strike hardest. I just won’t be listening to the soundtrack on Spotify for days to come.
God of War Ragnarok review: How long to beat?
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica)
Verdict
Also recommend
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica / Guerrilla Games)
(Image credit: Sony Santa Monica / Guerrilla Games)
God of War (2018) is what I consider to be the best video game I’ve ever played, enriching everything that Ragnarok has to offer. It’s a much smaller story in comparison, setting up the world, stakes and characters for the explosive ending that is Ragnarok.
Aside from this, the Horizon series is another must-play blockbuster from Sony, where huntress Aloy must venture through a post-apocalyptic version of the United States that is now infested with giant mechanical machines. The latest instalment,Horizon Forbidden West, launched in February 2022 and is another fantastic reason to own a PS5.
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