God of War

About

God of War is a single player role playing game. It was developed by Santa Monica Studio and was released on January 13, 2022. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"God of War" is a single-player Role Playing game set in the unforgiving realm of Norse mythology, where Kratos, now a mentor and protector to his son Atreus, must overcome his rage-filled past and learn to survive in this new world of monsters and gods. With stunning visuals, spectacular music, and physically-charged combat, players journey through a dark and treacherous world in this immersive and wholesome story, offering exceptional replayability.

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Play Modes

Single-Player

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97%

Audience ScoreBased on 35,476 reviews

story5.3k positive mentions

grinding194 negative mentions

story
8,979 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
39%
2%
The story of *God of War* (2018) is widely praised for its emotional depth and character development, particularly the evolving relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus. Players appreciate the game's rich narrative that intertwines Norse mythology with personal themes of grief, redemption, and fatherhood, making it a compelling journey that resonates with many. While some critiques mention the linearity and pacing of the story, the overall consensus is that it delivers a powerful and engaging experience, often likened to a cinematic masterpiece.
- “The story is incredibly nuanced, with an extraordinarily deep, intelligent, yet still challenging narrative that will play with your emotions at every turn.”
- “This game has one of the most intense and rich stories out there, good enough to rival the likes of Red Dead Redemption 2, the entire Persona series, the Kingdom Hearts games, and much more.”
- “The story is beautifully crafted, focusing on the relationship between Kratos and Atreus as they navigate their journey, making it a touching and emotional experience.”
- “The main story would have been solved in 1 minute if Baldur actually said what the hell he was there for rather than being coy.”
- “The whole gimmick of the story isn't anything special; but the events that happen during the journey carry the load of shaping the game.”
- “The story is quite dry.”
graphics
3,048 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
32%
1%
The graphics of "God of War" have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising their stunning quality and realism. Players have noted the game's ability to maintain high performance even on lower-end systems, while the visuals are described as breathtaking, immersive, and a significant upgrade from the original PlayStation version. Overall, the combination of beautiful graphics, smooth gameplay, and a compelling story contributes to an exceptional gaming experience.
- “The graphics that this game provides are some of the best looking, realistic graphics that I've ever seen come from a video game, and it manages to keep my PC cool while doing so.”
- “The game's graphics are stunning, with detailed environments, realistic lighting and shadows, and smooth animations.”
- “The graphics are breathtaking, the gameplay is incredibly smooth, and the story is some of the best I've ever seen in a video game.”
- “The graphics look dated.”
- “Not to mention that the PC port is poorly executed - even though there are better graphics options offered above the original PS4 version, it is a game built from the core for the PS4, with the constraints of that hardware in mind.”
- “The graphics are not up to the expectations.”
gameplay
2,827 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
43%
3%
The gameplay of "God of War" (2018) has received widespread acclaim for its engaging combat mechanics, fluid controls, and seamless integration of cinematic storytelling with gameplay. Players appreciate the depth of combat options, the satisfying progression system, and the immersive world design, although some have noted a lack of enemy variety and repetitive mechanics in certain areas. Overall, the game successfully balances action and narrative, making it a standout title in the action-adventure genre.
- “The combat mechanics are quite satisfying and offer a variety of options.”
- “The gameplay is challenging but fair, and the realms offer plenty to explore.”
- “The gameplay is fun and satisfying, with enough variety to keep things interesting.”
- “The lack of more classic God of War slasher experience gameplay-wise left me disappointed. I wouldn't mind if it was some sort of interactive movie like 'Detroit: Become Human', because this game is so far from the gameplay roots that it might as well be a visual novel.”
- “It's grindy, it's overcomplicated, and you can almost see the seams at the places where combat mechanics were stitched together.”
- “The gameplay is a joy to experience, with a deep and satisfying combat system that allows you to unleash devastating attacks against your foes.”
optimization
736 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
38%
11%
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, users with AMD hardware have reported significant performance issues, including stuttering and frame drops, indicating that the game may not be well-optimized for all configurations. Overall, while some players enjoy a flawless experience, others face frustrating performance challenges that detract from the gameplay.
- “The game's performance is also flawless, with no noticeable bugs or glitches.”
- “This is the best PlayStation port in my opinion because of how well optimized it was.”
- “The game is amazingly well-optimized for PC, and I had zero issues during my playthrough.”
- “It's performance is very bad despite being remade for PC, crashed multiple times and had bad resolution and glare.”
- “The experience was just horrific and I was very close to write a negative review on the game's optimization.”
- “This game is actually broken and I don't have any performance issues.”
music
557 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
39%
1%
The music in "God of War" has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising Bear McCreary's exceptional composition that enhances the game's emotional depth and storytelling. The soundtrack is described as epic and immersive, perfectly complementing the gameplay and visuals, making it a standout feature of the game. While some players noted a desire for more memorable tracks, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's atmosphere and experience, often being described as breathtaking and unforgettable.
- “The soundtrack from this series has always been stellar, and it accompanies the story in such a way that it makes it very memorable.”
- “Bear McCreary has done an exceptional job at composing the music for this game.”
- “The game's soundtrack is also noteworthy, with a fantastic score that perfectly complements the game's tone and themes.”
- “The only downside I would give this game is the music.”
- “The music is quite disappointing for such a game and was very generic considering how big this studio is.”
- “Gone are the epic choirs & rancid orchestra of the classic games, now replaced by the most underwhelming & bland music ever forged by mankind.”
emotional
350 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its deeply engaging narrative, focusing on the evolving relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from joy to heartbreak, as the story tackles themes of fatherhood, grief, and personal growth, often leading to tears during pivotal moments. The combination of exceptional voice acting, stunning visuals, and a well-crafted storyline creates a powerful emotional journey that resonates with many players, making it a standout experience in gaming.
- “Their emotional journey adds depth and dimension to their characters, making you care about their fates as they navigate through the treacherous realms of Norse mythology.”
- “The story is emotionally powerful, with complex and well-developed characters that draw you in from the very beginning.”
- “The father-son dynamic makes the game very enjoyable and allows for emotional moments in between the fun combat and puzzles.”
- “Walking sim with repetitive combat, boring story, and then there's the Valkyries... just play Elden Ring.”
- “Bad combat, boring story, overrated as hell.”
grinding
287 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
30%
68%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it can be excessively tedious and repetitive, particularly in endgame content and certain realms like Niflheim and Muspelheim. While some players appreciate the depth and rewards of grinding for gear and achievements, others find it detracts from the overall experience, making combat feel drawn out and exploration less engaging. Overall, the consensus suggests that while grinding is present, its enjoyment largely depends on individual player preferences for completionism and resource gathering.
- “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.”
- “No clue why they made it so grindy for no reason.”
- “The lack of narrative push in these areas means that it is just grinding for the sake of grinding, and it gets old fast.”
- “However, after you complete the story and attempt to go for the best armors and gear upgrades, the game becomes super grindy and repetitive with the progression.”
stability
188 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
2%
45%
Overall, the game's stability has received mixed feedback from users. While many players report a smooth experience with minimal to no bugs or crashes, some have encountered issues such as graphical glitches, frame drops, and audio problems, particularly with specific hardware configurations. Despite these inconsistencies, a significant number of reviews highlight the game's solid performance and optimization, especially on higher-end systems.
- “Runs great on my hardware: i7-9700k (no oc), 2070 super, 16gb ram settings high with dlss on balanced @ 1440p (typically 90+ fps).”
- “The gameplay is engaging, the graphics are solid and it's been a bug-free experience.”
- “This PC port is flawless, no bugs, no glitches, just pure entertainment.”
- “Constant crashing and freezes and no help or fixes in sight.”
- “After some irritating troubleshooting, I found this game has an FPS limit issue that crashes drivers for your GPUs, just like early Assassin's Creed games do.”
- “The game freezes and then crashes constantly.”
character development
169 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
36%
2%
Character development in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the profound growth of characters, particularly Kratos and Atreus, as they navigate their complex relationship and personal journeys. The storytelling is noted for its depth and emotional resonance, often surpassing that of traditional media, and the character arcs are described as both believable and engaging. Overall, the game is celebrated for its exceptional character development, which enhances the narrative and player experience significantly.
- “The character development of Kratos and Atreus is phenomenal, just as the story.”
- “I love the story and character development that was provided for me; it couldn't outshine the bland combat and filler in the world with its side content.”
- “The character development is top tier, as is the story.”
- “I feel like this general flatness is also why his character development never really pays off.”
- “Sure, there are things that happen which you're meant to understand as character development for both of them, but for me these bits of development never really landed.”
- “Character development is about as predictable and cliché as it gets, and the game fails to deliver a villain worth caring too much about.”
humor
154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
2%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting the witty dialogue and comedic interactions between characters, particularly the dynamic between Kratos and Atreus. Many found the side characters, especially the dwarf duo and Mimir, to be sources of hilarious commentary that lightened the overall tone of the story, which balances serious themes with moments of levity. Overall, the game effectively combines humor with its rich narrative, making for an engaging and entertaining experience.
- “I find it funny that Sindri and Brok, who are both kinda considered comic relief in the game, aren't spared from personal problems as well.”
- “The dynamic between Kratos and Atreus is hilarious in some parts, but also sad and great.”
- “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.”
atmosphere
108 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
36%
3%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its breathtaking visuals, immersive sound design, and emotional storytelling, creating a rich and engaging experience for players. Many reviewers highlight the seamless transitions between gameplay and cutscenes, which enhance immersion, while the game's music and voice acting further contribute to its captivating ambiance. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, elevating the game's narrative and gameplay to a remarkable level.
- “Breathtaking atmosphere; such a wonderful game.”
- “With the camera never cutting, always seamlessly transitioning from gameplay to cutscenes, the player can become properly immersed in the rich atmosphere, created by the stunning visuals and magnificent score.”
- “The atmosphere, setting, sound design, voice acting, soundtrack, fluid gameplay, leveling system… all top tier and brilliantly executed by Santa Monica Studios.”
- “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.”
- “It is very noticeable and breaks the atmosphere of the game even more.”
replayability
84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
52%
6%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising its high replay value due to features like New Game+ and engaging gameplay mechanics, allowing for multiple playthroughs and varied playstyles. However, some reviewers note that the linearity of the content and the abundance of unskippable cutscenes can detract from the overall replay experience, making it less appealing for those seeking extensive replayability. Overall, while many find it enjoyable to revisit, others feel it lacks the depth for repeated playthroughs.
- “Very rare game of this length that I found to have any replay value, completed more than once taking advantage of the game+.”
- “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!”
- “The game is very replayable and has the best new game+ mode I have experienced, according to my preferences.”
- “It was way too short for my taste though, having played games like Witcher 3, Dragon Age Inquisition, and Skyrim, Fallout 4, and many more that have way more playable hours.”
- “The only negative I can think of about this game is its replayability; it suffers a bit because of the immense story.”
- “Only thing I'd probably say about it is that replayability kinda sucks as the entire game has a ton of cutscenes, all of which are unskippable, which makes it a bit of a drag if you're wanting to play again.”
monetization
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
38%
50%
The monetization aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many reviewers praising its lack of microtransactions, DLCs, and other monetization tactics commonly found in AAA titles. Players appreciate that the game feels like a genuine passion project rather than a cash grab, allowing them to focus on gameplay without the distractions of additional costs or unnecessary content. Overall, it stands out as a rare example of a complete and satisfying gaming experience without the typical monetization pitfalls.
- “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.”
- “Just buy it once, don't have to worry about microtransactions, an extra launcher, or Denuvo dampening performance.”
- “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.”
- “This is a shameless, greedy cash grab.”
- “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.”