God of War
- January 14, 2022
- Jetpack Interactive
- 28h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Epic Games Store"God of War: Santa Monica" is an action-adventure game that follows the story of Kratos, a former Greek god, who must now navigate the world of Norse mythology with his son Atreus. The game features brutal combat, puzzle-solving, and a deep exploration of father-son relationships, all presented in a stunning and immersive world. Kratos must master his rage and teach Atreus to control his growing power as they face treacherous dangers and come to understand their true destiny.
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
PlayStation
Reviews
- story11,507 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story of "God of War" (2018) is widely praised for its emotional depth and character development, focusing on the evolving relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus, as they embark on a journey to fulfill a promise to Kratos' deceased wife. Players appreciate the seamless integration of storytelling and gameplay, with many noting the game's ability to balance intense action with poignant narrative moments. While some critiques mention pacing issues and a lack of variety in side quests, the overall consensus is that the game's rich narrative and stunning visuals create a compelling and immersive experience.
“The storytelling, the lore, the voice acting, and the story made this such a great game.”
“The story is really engaging, the combat satisfying, the different 'worlds' wonderfully varied.”
“The story, the music, the visuals, all outstanding.”
“The story felt rushed at the end.”
“The story is short and definitely needs more content; while many side quests exist, it's still half of a game.”
“The story is captivating, but the pacing is off, and the side quests often feel irrelevant and boring.”
- graphics3,768 mentions
- 68 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of "God of War" have received widespread acclaim, with many players praising the stunning visuals, intricate details, and overall artistic design that enhance the immersive experience. While the game runs beautifully on high-end systems, some users have reported performance issues and frame rate drops, particularly on lower-end hardware. Overall, the combination of breathtaking graphics and a compelling story solidifies its status as a visually impressive title in modern gaming.
“The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is incredibly smooth, and the story is some of the best I've ever seen in a video game.”
“The graphics, sound, combat, world, and plot all come together to make an exquisite package that is a prime example of why games are art.”
“The graphics are absolutely breathtaking, offering lush landscapes, intricate character designs, and fluid animations that bring the world of Norse mythology to life.”
“The graphics are very underwhelming.”
“I have tried countless methods for fixing this: lowering the graphics, reinstalling the game (twice), not allowing overclocking, modifying the graphics card settings.”
“The immediate pop up of a 'playstation survey' was already kinda hilarious but a graphical bug that appeared shortly into the game just made it unplayable.”
- gameplay3,589 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "God of War" (2018) has received widespread acclaim for its engaging combat mechanics, fluid controls, and seamless integration of storytelling and gameplay. Players appreciate the depth of the combat system, which allows for a variety of combos and strategies, while also noting that the game can feel repetitive at times due to limited enemy variety and some tedious puzzles. Overall, the game is praised for its stunning visuals, compelling narrative, and the emotional depth of the father-son relationship, making it a standout title in the action-adventure genre.
“One of the best stories I have ever played through, along with fun gameplay mechanics that let you be creative with how you kill things.”
“Not only the visuals but how the gameplay is designed is simply wonderful and intuitive.”
“God of War is an absolute masterpiece that seamlessly blends breathtaking visuals, intense gameplay, and a gripping narrative.”
“I never enjoy games that are so idea-destitute that all they can do is crank up the difficulty of a game in order to space out the small amount of gameplay it actually offers.”
“The gameplay itself has been a bit toned down, less brainless action, a bit heavier, a bit simpler... is it better?”
“The gameplay is extremely simple and boring, but I'm not pissed about that.”
- optimization806 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its performance on high-end systems, achieving smooth frame rates and impressive graphics. However, several users reported significant issues, particularly on AMD hardware, including stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, indicating that while the game is well-optimized for some setups, it struggles on others. Overall, the consensus suggests that the game is a solid port with good optimization, but it still requires further improvements for a more consistent experience across all hardware configurations.
“This is a surprisingly well-optimized game; PS4 quality runs at 140 fps at 4K with a 3070/Ryzen 5 3600.”
“The game is well done, properly optimized, and engaging.”
“The port itself is amazing and well-optimized; the only catch is that they reduced quite a lot of particle effects the original PS4 version has.”
“Sorry, but this does not run on the Steam Deck and should not be advertised as verified. This literally froze my Steam Deck when it wasn't running at 15-20fps on the specially created 'ultra performance' setting.”
“The only issue I have is the performance problems with periodic massive frame drops and crashes sometimes.”
“This game is incredibly poorly optimized for PC.”
- music682 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in "God of War" has received widespread acclaim for its exceptional quality and emotional depth, with many praising Bear McCreary's score for enhancing the game's narrative and atmosphere. Players appreciate how the soundtrack complements both intense combat and quieter moments, creating a fully immersive experience. However, some critics feel that certain tracks lack memorability compared to previous entries in the series, suggesting a more understated approach to the music overall.
“The soundtrack elevates the emotional resonance of the game to new heights.”
“The music complements the tone and setting of the game, heightening emotional moments and adding a layer of depth to the overall experience.”
“Bear McCreary's musical score is a masterclass, adapting to the emotional beats of the story.”
“The music is quite disappointing for such a game and was very generic considering how big this studio is.”
“The music and environments are completely forgettable; I just completed the game and the only thing that stuck to my memories was Tyr's vault.”
“Gone are the epic choirs & rancid orchestra of the classic games, now replaced by the most underwhelming & bland music ever forged by mankind.”
- emotional520 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "God of War" is widely praised for its profound exploration of the father-son relationship between Kratos and Atreus, which adds significant depth to the narrative. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, as the game masterfully blends intense action with heartfelt storytelling, making it a deeply immersive and memorable journey. The game's exceptional voice acting, stunning visuals, and evocative soundtrack further enhance its emotional impact, solidifying its status as a standout title in video game storytelling.
“The bond between Kratos and Atreus is not only heartwarming but also central to the player's journey, adding depth to both character development and gameplay dynamics.”
“God of War transcends the boundaries of video game storytelling, delivering a profoundly emotional narrative wrapped in the cloak of intense action.”
“The emotional depth and growth exhibited by both Kratos and Atreus throughout the journey are nothing short of extraordinary.”
“Boring storyline.”
“Boring story.”
“Bad combat, boring story, overrated as hell.”
- grinding380 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 68 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in areas like Niflheim and Muspelheim, where resource farming can feel excessive. While some players appreciate the depth and challenge of grinding for upgrades and collectibles, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, making combat and exploration feel unnecessarily drawn out. Overall, the consensus suggests that while grinding can be rewarding, it often becomes a chore that overshadows the game's strengths.
“Not too grindy surprisingly; any gamer of adequate skill level can pretty much complete most, if not all, of the side content aside from the most difficult of trials.”
“The grinds for achievements weren't tedious but rather puzzling and exciting.”
“A lot to explore, a lot of captivating Nordic lore to learn along the way, and upgrading your gear isn't grindy and tedious but incorporated nicely in the game.”
“The real issues with this game are primarily centered around the absolutely suffocating quantities of collectibles and backtracking paired with all the grinding required to get some of the late game gear (and the Muspelheim grinding is easily the absolute worst).”
“The game is filled with tedious walking and talking sections that really don't do much besides delivering dialogue, a lot of which just feels so damn awkward.”
“Grinding for armor is satisfying, fighting Valkyries is damn amazing, realm travel, map and fast travels are novel and story is amazing!”
- character development235 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has been widely praised, particularly for the transformation of Kratos from a vengeful god to a more nuanced and emotionally complex character, alongside the heartwarming bond with his son, Atreus. Reviewers highlight the depth and richness of character arcs, noting that both main and side characters experience significant growth, making the narrative engaging and emotionally resonant. While some critiques mention occasional rushed developments, the overall consensus is that the character development is among the best seen in gaming, elevating the storytelling to a cinematic level.
“The bond between Kratos and Atreus is not only heartwarming but also central to the player's journey, adding depth to both character development and gameplay dynamics.”
“The transformation of Kratos from a vengeful god to a more nuanced and complex character is a triumph of character development.”
“From beginning to end, this game had me enthralled not just by the beauty and mystery of the world building, but through careful character development and narrative that honestly left me in tears at times.”
“It really feels like we are missing an entire game's worth of character development.”
“The only real complaint I have is that Atreus goes through some character development quickly at certain points.”
“Character development is about as predictable and cliché as it gets, and the game fails to deliver a villain worth caring too much about.”
- stability225 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 2 % neutral mentions
- 47 % negative mentions
Overall, the stability of the game is generally well-received, with many players reporting smooth performance and minimal bugs or glitches. However, some users have experienced issues such as freezing, crashes, and occasional graphical glitches, particularly on specific hardware setups. Despite these concerns, the majority of reviews highlight that the game runs great on various systems, making it a solid port overall.
“Gameplay was bug free for my entire playthrough, which is nice.”
“The game is amazing, amazing graphics, no glitches or lags, and was very fun to play.”
“This port was phenomenal and runs great with controller support and can take advantage of PC hardware.”
“The game after playing for an hour on Steam Deck OLED freezes and you have to restart the console; this always happens after spending 1 hour playing.”
“Buggy mess, kept crashing at first, then got bugs, now I am stuck due to a bug and can't load earlier saves because there aren't any.”
“The game freezes and then crashes constantly.”
- humor180 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- -1 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the hilarious dynamics between characters, particularly the interactions between Kratos and his son, Atreus. The witty dialogue, comedic side characters like the dwarves, and moments of levity amidst serious themes contribute to a rich narrative experience that balances humor with emotional depth. Overall, players find the humor to be a standout feature, enhancing the game's storytelling and character development.
“The dynamics between the characters are hilarious in a lot of places, and deep in others.”
“From funny dialogue and heartfelt speeches, this game has it all.”
“The banter between Kratos and Atreus is absolutely hilarious.”
“The humor can be hit or miss, often leaning towards annoying rather than funny.”
“Some jokes land well, but many just fall flat and feel forced.”
“While there are moments of genuine humor, they are overshadowed by repetitive and stale gags.”
- atmosphere139 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and rich storytelling, creating a captivating experience that draws players into its beautifully crafted world. Many reviewers highlight the meticulous attention to detail in environments and character models, contributing to an overall sense of realism and engagement. While some note occasional repetitiveness in gameplay, the game's atmosphere remains a standout feature, often described as breathtaking and a key element of its success.
“The game is not only a visual marvel, but also a sonic and narrative wonder that creates a realistic and atmospheric experience.”
“The attention to detail in every aspect of the game, from the stunning visuals to the atmospheric soundtrack, is simply awe-inspiring.”
“The atmosphere, visuals, sound, and story are truly amazing.”
“It doesn't matter what one prefers as a game atmosphere and background style; the simple fact that there is no freedom to explore and play as you please with this game should have disqualified it even for the nomination for the prestigious award it received!”
“The atmosphere, visuals, sound, and story are truly amazing, but I just found the combat, after 7 hours, as well as how the set pieces for combat and the overall abundance of the same type of fights, to just ruin the fun for me.”
“I won't recommend this game because I feel like an insane amount of effort and talent was wasted on a few questionable gameplay and atmosphere decisions.”
- replayability119 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising its engaging story, rich content, and new game+ features that enhance replay value. However, some reviewers noted that the linear narrative and known puzzles limit replayability, making it less appealing for those seeking varied experiences. Overall, while there are significant opportunities for replay through side quests and challenges, the enjoyment may diminish after the initial playthrough for some players.
“Best game ever, with a lot of replay value and great content.”
“The combat is fun, the story is rich, and the replayability is definite... if you haven't played it yet, you need to!”
“Total masterpiece, it has a lot of replay value and overall it feels good running through the game again and again for the exclusive items!”
“Not much replay value, especially due to story and puzzles being already known.”
“Zero replayability, it's actually kind of a slog to finish.”
“Good but rather short, the replayability is not good either; don't get it at full price.”
- monetization28 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its complete lack of monetization tactics, such as microtransactions, loot boxes, and paid DLC, allowing players to focus solely on gameplay without distractions. Reviewers appreciate the absence of additional accounts, launchers, and DRM, highlighting it as a refreshing return to traditional gaming values. However, some critiques suggest that the game may still feel like a cash grab despite its positive aspects, indicating mixed feelings about its overall value.
“There is none of the new trendy stuff like microtransactions or cut content sold as DLC, and the best part is no nefarious DRM included.”
“10/10 review: the game focuses on being an actual game unlike others, no microtransactions; instead, you get to focus on the fun, and not the boredom. Even after finishing the game, there's a lot of replayability.”
“Overall, this game is sick with the added bonus of not having microtransactions.”
“The longer I play this, the more I realize that this publisher has lost its touch and is milking a classic series for a cash grab that puts the rest of their previous work to shame.”
“It's rather sad to see so many triple-A game companies over the last decade focus on repetitive gameplay and constant microtransactions - their focus being to keep you paying and playing their game over and over again.”
“This is a shameless, greedy cash grab.”
