The last time we parted ways with Kratos, he had just finished killing Zeus after slaughtering most of the Greek gods, and stabbed himself with the Blade of Olympus, seemingly killing himself while releasing the power of the blade for the world’s use. Fast forward to the new God of War that Sony debuted at their E3 2016 press conference, and he seems to be doing pretty well for a guy who had a sword through his body. With a son, a new world and a new life for him to enjoy, it seems he’s finally picked up the pieces of his life well, all things considered. But after being known as the God of War and the most fearsome warrior the Spartans have ever produced, it seems all that he’s interested fighting for these days is the title of World’s Best Dad.
Framed as Kratos teaching his son how to hunt in a Norse setting, this is a *VERY* different God of War than what we’re used to. With the camera fixed on a behind the back third person view, the axe wielding Kratos uses both his fists and his weapons to attack different enemies. From wildlife to the towering giants we’re used to fighting throughout the series, there’s little that’s recognizable when comparing this trailer to the past games. To me, this is definitely a good thing, since it’s rare that developers will take such a huge chance on an established franchise. From the gameplay to Kratos’ bushy new beard, all we know for sure is that the former god is preparing his son for something. As we see dragons flying in the distance, we have no idea what that thing is, but this set up has me begging for more. And I say that as someone who wasn’t a huge fan of the originals to begin with.
I felt like this was the definite highlight of Sony’s presentation, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on these bold, new steps that the series seems to be taking. Do you miss the chain wielding sociopath from the past, or is this more subdued papa Kratos something you’re willing to go with? Share your opinions below, and catch up with the game’s massive trailer below.