The Key to God of War’s Ongoing Success: Embracing Reinvention

The God of War series has carved a storied path through four generations of PlayStation consoles. Since Kratos’ epic journey of vengeance began back in 2005, it’s hard to believe how far the saga has come. While many franchises struggle to remain relevant over multiple generations, God of War has thrived, adapting and evolving with the times. Among its most pivotal shifts was the daring 2018 reboot that whisked Kratos away from the ruins of Ancient Greece and plunged him into the mysterious depths of Norse mythology. This not only altered the game’s aesthetic but redefined its gameplay, setting a new standard. However, even before this remarkable transformation, the team at Sony Santa Monica had implemented a series of intriguing tweaks and changes that were vital for the series’ longevity.

This knack for reinvention will be crucial as the series moves forward. With its bold step into Norse territories, director Cory Barlog entertained ideas of exploring Egyptian and Mayan eras, an intriguing prospect that fans have latched onto. Whether these whispers of Kratos visiting Egypt are based on insider information or simply wishful thinking, it’s clear why many are eager for him to explore the land where myth and history blend seamlessly. Yet, adopting a new location would just be the beginning. As it did when transitioning from Greek to Norse, God of War must once again reinvent itself, taking what worked from previous iterations and molding it into something extraordinary for whatever mythology it tackles next.

The franchise is no stranger to change, consistently evolving from one installment to the next. The original Greek trilogy, spanning nearly a decade, gradually honed its hack-and-slash mechanics until God of War 3 perfected the formula. Released for the more powerful PlayStation 3, it boasted a revamped magic system and a more dynamic array of enemies, while new camera angles capitalized on the console’s graphical capabilities.

Yet much from the original games was left behind in the reboot. The Greek saga was filled with platforming challenges and intricate puzzles that supported Kratos’ journey, elements that didn’t quite fit with the over-the-shoulder perspective of the Norse chapters. While puzzles remained part of the experience, they were reshaped to better align with this new adventure-centric approach.

In a poetic return to form, Valhalla—the roguelike expansion for God of War Ragnarök—reintroduced battle arenas, updated for its Norse surroundings. This feature not only revisited gameplay but also connected the storyline as Kratos confronted his past against this mythic backdrop. It’s a testament to how the series ties its rich history with new narratives, bringing Kratos’ tale full circle.

Though the Norse installments revisit old ideas, they also introduce fresh dynamics. From the innovative throwing mechanics of the Leviathan Axe and strategic shield-based parry systems, to the explosive capabilities of the magical spear in Ragnarök, these tools enhance exploration across the Nine Realms, each with its own unique characteristics and enemies.

The true evolution, however, shines through the narrative. The Norse duology diverges from the more straightforward storytelling of the original trilogy, diving deep into Kratos’ emotional landscape—a tapestry woven with loss, regret, and his tumultuous relationship with his son, Atreus. This rich, character-driven narrative has played a vital role in cementing the success of the Norse games, both critically and commercially.

God of War’s success stems from its creators’ willingness to view the Norse games not as direct sequels but as extensions of Kratos’ odyssey. Embracing such a mindset should be a guiding principle for future installments.

Yet, radical changes alone don’t guarantee continued success. The journey of Assassin’s Creed highlights the pitfalls of altering too much. Despite its commercial success, Ubisoft’s series has faced criticism as its narrative connections became tenuous, leading to frustration among veteran fans longing for the foundational assassin lore and gameplay.

Recent course corrections, like the 2023’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage and the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, reflect a pivot back to its original roots, showcasing how careful navigation of fan expectations can revive enthusiasm.

In stark contrast, God of War skillfully navigated its transformation, maintaining its core appeal while expanding its horizons. The Norse chapter may have altered its mechanics and tone, but it never strayed from what made Kratos compelling. The fury and intensity of combat remained the series’ heartbeat, evolving with each game to introduce more engaging weapons, varied foes, and even opportunities to step into the shoes of another character.

Whatever the future holds, staying true to these successful principles will be essential. The next chapter, whether set against the mystical backdrop of Egypt or another legendary realm, must pledge fidelity to the series’ identity and narrative depth that has defined its legacy. As Kratos’ journey continues, embracing bold, innovative changes while honoring the foundational elements will pave the way for a new era that fans will cherish for years to come.

Chris Connor is a culture aficionado fueled by coffee and whisky, with his writing featured in publications like NME, Radio Times, and Yahoo.