Constant Reinvention Fuels God of War’s Ongoing Success

The God of War franchise has been a cornerstone of PlayStation for generations. When Kratos first embarked on his furious quest to become the new god of war back in 2005, few could have guessed the path he would carve out over the next two decades. Unlike many other long-running game franchises that have struggled to maintain relevance, God of War has thrived thanks to its adaptability. The most significant transformation occurred in 2018, when Kratos transitioned from Greek to Norse mythology, rejuvenating both the series’ look and gameplay. Even before this pivotal shift, developer Sony Santa Monica was making noteworthy adjustments to keep the series fresh and engaging.

Innovation will be crucial for God of War’s future success. During the Norse transition, director Cory Barlog expressed a desire to explore various historical settings, including ancient Egyptian and Mayan eras. Recently, buzz about an Egyptian setting has resurfaced. Whether this is pure speculation or has some insider insight, it’s no surprise fans are eager to see Kratos amidst the grandeur of Egyptian mythology. However, a change in backdrop is just a beginning: God of War must continue its legacy of reinvention, just as it did when transforming its successful Greek trilogy into the revered Norse saga.

Change has been a constant companion throughout the series’ journey. The original Greek games evolved significantly over a decade, honing the hack-and-slash mechanics to perfection by God of War 3. This finale, crafted for the PlayStation 3, utilized the console’s enhanced capabilities to introduce dynamic camera angles and visually stunning experiences. As Kratos’ arsenal expanded with a refined magic system and diverse enemy types, the trilogy wrapped up with an undeniable flair.

The reboot offered a fresh perspective, literally. While the Greek trilogy was rich in platforming and puzzles, the shift to Norse mythology—with its over-the-shoulder camera perspective—meant those elements had to evolve or fade away. Instead of platforming, the new titles emphasized exploration and adventure, though puzzles still played a role, reimagined through the lens of Kratos’ new reality.

Valhalla, the downloadable content for God of War Ragnarök, marked the return of a beloved feature: battle arenas. Originally introduced in God of War 2, these arenas allowed for customizable combat scenarios. Although they were absent in the 2018 reboot, their reappearance in Valhalla not only delighted fans but also mirrored Kratos’ narrative arc, reconnecting with his tumultuous past and completing a powerful story circle.

The Norse games aren’t merely about resurrecting old ideas; they bring new, thrilling elements to the table. Mechanics like the Leviathan Axe’s throwing capabilities, varied shield types for parrying, and the magical spear in Ragnarök redefine combat styles, expanding on the intricate world across the Nine Realms, each teeming with its distinct challenges and lore.

But beyond gameplay, the evolution in storytelling marks the most striking difference. The Norse duology delves deep into Kratos’ psyche, exploring his grief and complex relationship with his son, Atreus. This emotional depth is far removed from the straightforward brutality of the original series, and it’s this mature narrative approach that has captured both critical acclaim and commercial success.

This narrative and mechanical reimagining signify a distinct philosophy within the franchise; the Norse games are less sequels and more extensions of Kratos’ saga. This mindset should guide any future developments in the series.

Yet, dramatic changes come with risks, as seen with Assassin’s Creed. Despite varying locations and historical periods leading to financial success, it struggled to maintain a narrative consistency, distancing itself from its origins. Ubisoft’s series, once rooted in the story of Desmond Miles, fragmented over time, leading to criticism of its direction.

God of War has gracefully sidestepped such pitfalls. Though the Norse chapter was a risky leap, it retained the core elements that defined Kratos—the intense combat and his complex character. With each new title, the franchise has layered its foundation with exciting enhancements like new weapons and combat options, while ensuring these additions never overshadow the essence of what’s made the series so beloved.

No matter where God of War heads next, preserving its narrative strength, particularly the heart and soul found in the story of Kratos, is essential. The character’s transformation from a wrathful Spartan to a thoughtful, introspective leader—alongside the sophisticated storytelling—are pivotal to the franchise’s triumph. Whatever lies ahead, it must uphold this narrative richness while ambitiously pursuing new heights that future gamers will remember.

Chris Connor, fueled by coffee and whisky, brings creative insights on culture with pieces featured across NME, Radio Times, Yahoo, and more.