God of War Review

So I just played God of War (2018.) The most heatwarming story to feature multiple decapitations.
God of War (2018) is a reboot/sequel of the God of War franchise. Taking place many years after Kratos killed all the Greek gods at the end of God of War 3; Kratos has started a new life in a new land. Trying to leave his past behind Kratos settled down with a new wife and child. This game picks up at the death of his wife and the plot of the game follows Kratos and his son as they carry her ashes to the peak of the tallest mountain. All while they are beset by the Norse gods stopping them along the way.
The most striking thing about this game is how different it is from previous entries. While earlier games were over the top action games with quick hack and slash combat, a cut and dry revenge story, and the shoutiest protagonist ever made; this new game is slower and more deliberate in almost every way.
The first shot of the game establishes a somber tone that carries through the rest of the story. Kratos is a character that doesn’t handle loss well. Last time his wife died Kratos killed every god, titan, and monster he could and unleashed Pandora’s Box on the world. Now he’s older and struggles to deal with his grief while doing his best to raise his son on his own. All while his son, Atreus, has to come to terms with the loss of his mother while figuring out his relationship with his stern, distant father. 
It’s a story that deals with several difficult themes. Luckily through some unique and clever story telling it handles those themes as well as a game called God of War ever could. Something that I didn’t notice until several hours into the game is that the camera never cuts. From the starting menu screen to the end credits is one long unbroken camera shot. You’re there for every step of Kratos and Atreus’ journey. This makes the ending all the more cathartic since you’ve been with them from the start. 
Even though Kratos and Atreus’ story is fairly dark and straight faced, the side characters help keep it from getting altogether too dour. A short way into the adventure Kratos and Atreus are joined by literal talking head Mimir who provides as much entertainment as exposition. The dwarves who upgrade your weapons are also distinct highlights. The villain Baldur holds your attention anytime he’s on screen.
Of course a game is only as good as it’s gameplay and God of War’s is superb. The combat is tight and precise. Every swing of the Leviathan Axe feels powerful and purposeful. Swinging, dodging, guarding, parrying, and throwing all work together to make a difficult but satisfying experience. When I died it never felt unfair. I had to do better. By the end of the game I found the Valkyries to be some of the best boss fights I can remember (though all of the boss fights are excellent.)
The other element of gameplay was exploration. This game has a very effective rpg gameplay loop. Do a sidequest, explore, get loot, upgrade equipment, repeat. I always wanted to explore because it always felt worth it. Getting new armor or abilities helped make it feel like Kratos was becoming a force to be reckoned with. The sidequests were varied enough that they never wore out their welcome. Also Norse mythology is awesome so finding all the lore always kept my attention.
God of War is a special game. It reinvented one of the most boring characters in video games and gave him gravitas. It took a dumb hack and slash series and made a poignant, gripping epic. I give God of War 84 out of 90 giant snakes.