Mini Review: God of War Ragnarok
Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Disclaimer: This Game was NOT given to the reviewer for free, and was bought with the blog’s own money. This review is NOT sponsored by any entity and is completely impartial and objective.
By Fayeque Mir, February 18, 2025
God of War Ragnarok blew me away. This game is a perfect blend of emotion, grandeur, stunning graphics, flawless narrative design, and the satisfying combat the series is known for. Combined, these factors make it must-play for all PS4, PS5, and PC owners. Here’s why.
A Grand, Engaging Story
Image Credit: CNET
God of War Ragnarok's narrative is an experience in itself. Filled with humor, conflict, and unexpected plot twists, the story centers on the relationship between father and son. It explores how they navigate their world, from the death of Atreus’ mother to the looming threat of Ragnarok, i.e. the end of the world.
Kratos, a former merciless killer, teaches his son, mercy, compassion, and other valuable life lessons throughout the course of the game. God of War Ragnarok showcases Atreus's growth from a child in the previous game to a more complex adolescent, which proves to be a satisfying and engaging narrative choice. Players even get to control Atreus for a significant portion of the game, enriching the game like never before. Alongside this coming-of-age theme, the game introduces powerful adversaries, making the story a compelling mix of personal and epic.
Even if you’re not familiar with mythology or the original God of War games (before the 2018 reboot), Ragnarok’s story is accessible and captivating for all.
The God of War Combat We All Love
Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment
The God of War franchise is known for its excellent combat system, but the combat system in God of War Ragnarok takes it to the next level by staying true to its predecessors while offering one of the best combat experiences in gaming. With fluid movements and stunning graphics, the combat is both tough and fair, allowing players to tailor the difficulty to their preference. Without spoiling, new ways to fight are introduced, which helps to engage returning players while still staying just so damn satisfying that even new players will enjoy combat in the game.
Furthermore, the thrill of learning enemy patterns, especially during boss battles, adds to the excitement and satisfaction. Each victory after a challenging fight feels incredibly rewarding, making the combat a standout feature of this already excellent game.
Out-of-This-World World Design, music, and more
Image credit: Youtube
The world of God of War Ragnarok is genuinely a visual masterpiece. Each of the nine realms is beautifully designed, from the icy wasteland of Midgard to the lush jungles of Vanaheim and the hilly landscapes of Asgard. As well, the graphics truly elevate the experience, creating a breathtaking environment that’s a joy to explore. In short, the great world design does wonders for the player, who can marvel at and capturing these landscapes, using Ragnarok’s photo mode. But that’s not to forget the music too, which is grand and is similar to God of War PS4’s music, and really elevates the emotional moments of the game to new heights.
Verdict
God of War Ragnarok can be summed up in one word: Masterpiece. Its multifaceted narrative explores the personalities, motivations, and actions of Kratos, Atreus, and their team against formidable foes. The combat system stands out as one of the best in gaming, and the world design is nothing short of stunning. Santa Monica adding a pretty neat photo mode and great music didn’t hurt too.
Finally, to wrap up, I’d like to to thank the talented team at Santa Monica Studio for delivering a game that will be cherished for years to come.
God of War Ragnarok
Rating: 10/10
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC
Played On: PS5
