The pressure is on for the upcoming God of War series, currently in the works by Amazon Prime Video. With the recent success of HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us, the bar has been raised higher than ever. The rising expectations surrounding game adaptations have also not escaped the attention of Cory Barlog (game director and executive producer of the TV series).
He recently called HBO’s hit series “truly amazing” and “inspiring.” In addition to the superlatives, he also admitted that there is pressure, frustration, and “a wee bit of jealousy” involved due to the fact that The Last of Us is “SO FUCKING GOOD.”
It’s not the first time that someone from God of War has expressed their appreciation for Naughty Dog’s storytelling. Christopher Judge, the award-winning voice actor of God of War’s Kratos, also expressed his admiration earlier this year:
Fortunately, the love is mutual so nobody has to be friend zoned. The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin is a big gamer and he, in turn, expressed his admiration for the gameplay and puzzles of God of War Ragnarok. Neil Druckmann, writer of The Last of Us, has also been a fan for many years. In 2018, he posted the following:
Personally, I am fond of story-driven games. Both games are therefore high on my list of favorites. The fact that these emotional stories will be (and one of them already is) available in series form is an absolute treat.
What are the 10 things that the upcoming God of War series must get right in order to blow us away?
Beware if you have not completed the games yet, as there will be spoilers:
1. Kratos and Atreus bonding
This is of course stating the obvious, since this is the whole point of the story. It was wonderful to see the gruff, distant Kratos slowly transform into a man who is capable of showing more love and emotion. It’s still not like he’s Mother Theresa herself, but this transition was realistic given what was achievable in the time frame, while still leaving room for further improvement.
The father and son experience many ups and downs throughout the two games. Their bond fluctuates, and every time it starts getting better, something happens that damages the bond. For example, there is a phase where Atreus becomes quite an arrogant brat, right after Kratos tells him he is a god.
In God of War Ragnarok, Atreus is a teenager. He doesn’t really know who he is, who he wants to be, and more importantly: who his father wants him to be. These conflicts lead to a certain resistance towards the man with whom he could never fully connect.
It is precisely because of the distance between the two that every moment in which love does come to the surface, is emotionally charged.
2. Boy
“Boy.”
3. Mimir
Kratos is not known for his sense of humor. Sometimes he is unintentionally funny, but he probably won’t attract a large audience with a comedy show. In both games, Mimir is the constant factor when it comes to funny moments. Amidst the action, emotion, and drama, it is often Mimir who provides the needed levity. The talking head is the wisest man alive and treats players to all sorts of interesting facts and stories about the realms they find themselves in. His brotherly bond with Kratos and Atreus is essential to the character development of our Spartan friend.
Wherever we are as players, Mimir is always by our side (literally). However, I do wonder where they will find an actor who will willingly be decapitated for the role.
4. Freya’s entire arc
Throughout the two games, Freya transforms from a loyal companion to a feared and vengeful enemy, and then back again. Along with Mimir, Sindri, and Brok, Freya is part of the select group that captures the hearts of our two main characters.
An interesting factor is that Freya is the mother of Baldur, the main antagonist of the first game. What’s even more intriguing is that she is also the ex of Odin, the big bad from God of War Ragnarok. This firmly connects Freya to the storyline.
Freya’s bond with our beloved duo takes a hit, not entirely unexpectedly, when Kratos snaps her son’s neck. She swears revenge, and God of War Ragnarok shows that she has not given up on the hunt for revenge.
Freya is involved in some of the game’s most emotional moments. For example, there is the reunion with her estranged brother Freyr, and she acts as a mother figure for Atreus. There’s also the eventual forgiveness of Kratos, which plays out in a beautiful and moving way.
5. The fights against Baldur
Amidst all these friendships, I’d almost forget that God of War is still an action game. I have a personal preference for games that evoke emotions through their stories, but that doesn’t mean I can’t also enjoy my fair share of epic battles.
God of War 2018 jumped right in with the arrival of the immortal Baldur. The latter challenges Kratos, and not long after, a massive battle ensues between the two gods. Visually, it looked fantastic and it set the tone for the rest of the game.
It would be a short game if this was the last encounter between the two. Baldur returns at several moments, and the encounters always guarantee fireworks. Amazon Prime Video undoubtedly needs a mega budget to make this spectacle burst off the screen in the same way the game did.
6. The Magni and Modi fight
When it comes to epic battles, the fight between Kratos, Atreus, and brothers Magni and Modi was also one for the books (or dare I say..series)! Lightning bolts were flying left and right during this intense battle. Kratos and Atreus stood back to back to defend against the sons of Thor. The brothers not only attacked with their weapons but also with verbal aggressivity towards Atreus.
When Kratos finally buried his axe into Magni’s face, Modi quickly fled the scene. Thor, disappointed in his son’s failure, assaulted Modi even further. Eventually, Modi collapsed before Kratos and Atreus. Kratos noted that he was defeated and not worth killing. With his last bit of strength, Modi insulted Atreus’ mother one last time. Against Kratos’ orders, Atreus stabbed Modi in the neck before kicking him into the abyss.
I used to be a bit irritated when ‘Boy’ went against Kratos’, or rather, my orders. But this time it felt pretty good. That bastard had it coming.
7. The fights against Thor
Where God of War 2018 began with a spectacular battle against Baldur, God of War Ragnarok did the same with Thor. Just like in the first part of the Norse saga, this fight didn’t come to an immediate conclusion, and we see Thor several times throughout the rest of the game.
Thor and his Mjolnir are, of course, worthy opponents. As with Thor’s sons, Kratos must avoid electricity and the heavy blows of the war hammer. Thor challenges Kratos and urges him to stop holding back. During the battle, a collision between the Leviathan Axe and Mjolnir causes a frozen lightning bolt that we can continue to admire in Midgard throughout the rest of the game.
The effects of the icy fight scene are impressive, to say the least.
After Kratos lands a hard blow, Thor is finally satisfied and says, “There’s the God of War. Consider your blood debt paid.” Then he takes his leave, but we all knew that wouldn’t be the last we would hear of him. I’m curious to see who Amazon Prime Video will cast for this role; it will literally and figuratively have to be a heavyweight!
8. The Realms
Did I mention that God of War is visually spectacular? Not only are the characters and fights immersive, but the nine realms are beautifully portrayed as well. Each world conveys a completely different atmosphere. One is warm and full of bright colors, another is icy and bleak. Each realm has its own carefully crafted flora and fauna. Moreover, each realm has its own stories, tragedies, heroes, and conflicts.
The heat of Muspelheim should make us sweat on the couch, Niflheim should make us shiver with cold, and the beauty of Vanaheim and Asgard should take our breath away. Amazon Prime Video has proven that it can create a breathtaking world with the recent The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. But can they do it nine times over?
9. Sindri and Brok
After a little detour, let’s return to the companions for a moment. In God of War 2018, it felt like coming home to me when I could take a breather in the presence of one of the dwarves. Brok and Sindri are our reliable and loyal blacksmiths. We can turn to them for solutions to most problems, and they convert our hard-earned materials into various upgrades for our weapons. Like Mimir, Sindri and Brok generally contribute to a lighter vibe and provide humorous moments among all the violence.
Throughout the two games, they increasingly feel like family to Kratos, Atreus, and us, the player. They are never far away. In God of War Ragnarok, we are even guests in Sindri’s home. Unfortunately, at the end of the game, it becomes clear that happiness never lasts forever. Especially when you have so many enemies.
10. Kratos’ beard
Let’s be honest; all of the above points are nice and all. But if Kratos’ beard isn’t on point, what’s the point? Just look at that beauty.
I’m not jealous. I swear.
What are the moments you hope to see in the series? Let me know in the comments!
