God of War (2018) Review

Combat: Weight and Precision

The Leviathan Axe is one of gaming's great weapons — the feel of throwing it into an enemy, watching them freeze, then recalling it with a satisfying thwack is deeply satisfying. Runic attacks create extensive build variety. The camera-over-shoulder perspective makes combat feel more intimate and readable than the franchise's previous top-down style, and the boss encounters leverage the scale difference brilliantly.

Gameplay and Progression

The skill tree, gear system, and enchantments provide a satisfying RPG layer without overwhelming the action. Exploring Midgard's Lake of Nine reveals hidden shores, optional realms, and the game's best side content — particularly the Valkyrie boss fights, eight optional encounters that are harder than anything in the main story.

Story and World

The relationship between Kratos and Atreus is gaming's best parent-child dynamic. Kratos's restraint — the effort to not be the god he was in Greece — is conveyed entirely through action and implication rather than exposition. The Norse mythology setting is original and richly imagined. The ending lands with genuine emotional impact.

Graphics and Performance

The PS5 and PC versions run at 60fps with exceptional visual quality. The 2022 PC port is one of PlayStation's best PC releases — excellent settings options, full mouse support, and minimal launch issues. The 2018 PS4 version is still beautiful by any standard.

Verdict

Essential. God of War 2018 stands alongside the best games ever made — a remarkable achievement in design, narrative, and craft.

Pros & Cons