God of War Ragnarök PC Review

Nothing prepared me for what I experienced when playing God of War Ragnarök. Not even playing the first game twice. This magnificent journey is filled with memorable moments, weaving a narrative of grand scale punctuated by dramatic moments, explosive action sequences, and serene periods of tranquility.

AT A GLANCE
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Santa Monica Studio

Ragnarök builds on the foundations of its predecessor, enhancing familiar gameplay with a level of refinement that is truly impressive. The enemy AI is much more dynamic and varied, providing a fresh challenge in every encounter. The combat system has been greatly expanded, and the one-shot camera view from the previous game is masterfully utilized here, seamlessly blending cinematic moments with exploration and thrilling combat sequences. The result is a deeply immersive experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Story

The focus on storytelling, which was already a hallmark of the previous installment, is magnified in Ragnarök. Kratos grapples with the notion of leaving his son, Atreus, who is now navigating the tumultuous landscape of adolescence. Christopher Judge and Sunny Siljic deliver outstanding performances, breathing life into these characters and supported by an equally stellar cast.

While Kratos and Atreus are the protagonists, every character contributes to a narrative that feels as grand and polished as a high-budget Hollywood film.

The story picks up right after the previous game, so I highly recommend playing it first to fully appreciate the character motivations and plot intricacies. Trust me, it’s a worthwhile journey.

As the campaign unfolds, we witness Kratos’ struggle to avoid confrontation, only to be drawn into battles he wishes to escape. Simultaneously, Atreus makes impulsive decisions that complicate their situation, showcasing a dynamic father-son relationship filled with both conflict and growth. This ongoing tension, paired with the Norse pantheon’s machinations, creates an engaging narrative that captivates and surprises throughout.

Ultimately, Ragnarök tells a story about two characters confronting their demons and embarking on a transformative journey. With breathtaking plot twists, the experience resonates long after the credits roll.

Gameplay

Exploration in Ragnarök has received a significant upgrade, presenting a larger and more intricate world. Kratos’ chains serve as a retractable hook, adding a new layer to traversal that makes exploring enjoyable. The verticality of the environments allows for hidden secrets, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path with clever puzzles and challenges.

Returning to a central hub—this time a beautifully crafted treehouse belonging to the dwarf brothers Brok and Sindri—players can easily access various realms. The expanded world is teeming with activities, challenges, and side quests. I found myself invested for over 40 hours on the second-highest difficulty, finishing the main story while still leaving collectibles to discover.

Combat remains a standout feature in God of War Ragnarök, reinforcing the franchise’s reputation for delivering exhilarating and dynamic gameplay. From the very beginning, combat has been a hallmark of the God of War series, and Ragnarök elevates this foundation with responsive and varied mechanics that fans have come to adore.

One of the most notable enhancements in Ragnarök is the revamped parrying system. This mechanic not only rewards precision timing but also encourages players to engage more actively with enemy attacks, transforming defensive maneuvers into opportunities for powerful counterattacks. Successfully parrying an enemy’s strike feels immensely satisfying, as it opens up windows for devastating follow-up combos. This deeper engagement with the combat system allows players to express their skill and strategy, turning each encounter into a thrilling dance of offense and defense.

Diversity in playstyle is another core strength of the combat system. The introduction of various shields caters to different combat approaches, allowing players to choose how they want to engage in battle. Whether you prefer a more aggressive, all-out assault or a tactical, defensive strategy, the game accommodates your style with shields that enhance blocking, parrying, or even reflecting attacks. This level of customization ensures that players can find the right fit for their preferred approach, making combat feel personal and rewarding.

In addition to the parrying mechanics and shields, Ragnarök expands the arsenal of weapon skills available to players. Kratos’ iconic Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos are complemented by new skills and abilities that can be mixed and matched, allowing for an almost limitless combination of attacks. This means players can experiment with different styles and strategies, chaining together devastating combos that showcase not only their character’s power but also their own creativity. The ability to seamlessly switch between weapons mid-combat further enhances this fluidity, letting players adapt on the fly to varying enemy types and situations.

The enemy encounters themselves are meticulously designed, offering a wide range of foes that require different tactics to defeat. From nimble opponents that demand quick reflexes to larger, more formidable adversaries that challenge players to think strategically, each battle presents a unique set of challenges. This diversity keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, compelling players to continually refine their approach and master the combat mechanics.

Moreover, Ragnarök doesn’t shy away from utilizing the environment to enrich combat encounters. Players can leverage the surroundings, using objects and terrain to their advantage, whether it’s knocking enemies into hazards or finding strategic cover during intense skirmishes. This environmental interaction adds another layer of depth, encouraging exploration and creative thinking during battles.

As a culmination of all these elements, combat in God of War Ragnarök is not just about button-mashing; it’s a sophisticated system that rewards skill, strategy, and adaptability. The game encourages players to explore the full range of its mechanics, leading to a combat experience that is as exhilarating as it is satisfying. With every swing of the axe and every well-timed parry, players are reminded of why combat has always been a defining strength of the God of War series, making Ragnarök a testament to the franchise’s legacy of excellence in action-adventure gaming.

Higher difficulty levels pose significant challenges, demanding mastery and quick reflexes to overcome formidable foes. However, the game also caters to those seeking a more casual experience, allowing for a good mix of challenge and enjoyment. The fluidity of combat animations elevates the excitement, and moves once relegated to unlockables are now integral to the gameplay, making the progression feel rewarding rather than tedious.

The balance of weapons in Kratos’ arsenal invites experimentation, with players able to creatively juggle attacks while Atreus dynamically supports with his own abilities. This evolution in their partnership feels natural, highlighting the growth both characters have undergone since their last adventure.

Visuals, Audio, and Technical Performance

God of War: Ragnarök delivers stunning visuals that push the boundaries of what’s possible on the PlayStation 5. The original game was already a technical marvel, but Ragnarök enhances the experience with breathtaking environments and character designs.

The soundtrack, composed by Bear McCreary, features epic melodies that perfectly complement the game’s grand scale. The sound effects, from the satisfying crunch of combat to the gentle splashes of water, draw players deeper into the world.

On PC, the game performs exceptionally well, running smoothly on a variety of hardware. Players can enjoy the game at 4K resolution with high settings, experiencing fluid 60fps gameplay on capable systems. The graphics options allow for a customizable experience, letting players fine-tune performance according to their setups.

While I encountered minor, non-game-breaking bugs during my playthrough, I expect these to be resolved promptly upon the game’s official release.

God of War Ragnarök is a masterpiece that not only builds on its predecessor but also sets a new standard for action-adventure games. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran of the series, this game promises an unforgettable experience that will resonate long after you put down the controller.