God of War Review: Should You Buy It?

What is God of War?

God of War (2018) is one of the most significant and masterful reinventions in modern gaming. Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony, it is a soft reboot of the mythologically-inspired action series.

The game shifts from Greek to Norse mythology and trades the fixed camera for a continuous, intimate single-shot perspective. It retains the visceral combat core of its predecessors while transforming everything else into a character-driven adventure.

The premise is simple yet emotionally rich. Kratos, the once-rage-fuelled Ghost of Sparta, now lives in isolation in Midgard as a father trying to teach his young son Atreus to survive.

Their quiet life is shattered by a mysterious stranger, setting them on a journey to scatter Kratos's deceased wife's ashes from the highest peak in all the realms. This quest frames a deeply personal story about grief, legacy, and the bond between father and son.

Gameplay

Combat has been completely reimagined. The Blades of Chaos are replaced with the Leviathan Axe, a weapon that feels uniquely weighty and impactful. Throwing and recalling the axe is a tactile pleasure that never grows old.

Melee combat is brutally strategic, demanding careful positioning, well-timed blocks and parries, and smart use of Atreus's archery. Fights against Norse creatures feel like challenging, intimate brawls rather than crowd-clearing spectacles.

Progression and exploration

The game integrates light role-playing elements. You can upgrade Kratos and Atreus's skills, craft armour sets with distinct perks, and socket enchantments for stat boosts. The learning curve is perfectly pitched.

The Lake of Nine acts as a stunning, evolving hub that opens up gradually. Backtracking with new tools reveals hidden chambers, challenging Valkyrie fights, and rich lore. Puzzle design is consistently clever and well-integrated into the world.

Who is God of War for?

This is a quintessential single-player experience for players who value narrative depth, world-building, and refined mechanics. Challenging combat on higher difficulties appeals to hardcore action fans, while excellent pacing and accessibility options make it welcoming for casual players.

It sits alongside story-driven action-adventure games like The Last of Us, Dark Souls (in a more guided form), and Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. It is mature not just in violent content but in thematic concerns, ideal for those seeking a substantial, emotionally resonant journey.

Graphics and performance

God of War is a visual masterpiece. Art direction moves from snow-draped Midgard forests to glittering Alfheim caverns and oppressive Helheim depths. Character models, especially facial performances, are among the best in the medium.

The single-shot camera, with no cuts or loading screens, creates exceptional immersion and continuous presence alongside the characters.

PC port and console versions

The PC port (2022) is exceptional and the definitive way to play. It supports ultra-widescreen displays, NVIDIA DLSS and Reflex, and high-fidelity features like improved shadows and screen-space reflections. A powerful GPU is recommended for full visual splendour.

On console, the PlayStation 5 benefits from a 60fps performance patch. The original PS4 and Pro versions are the least technically impressive but remain stunning artistic achievements.

Value for money

The value proposition is exceptionally strong. A main-story playthrough takes approximately 20-25 hours. Engaging with substantial side content, including Valkyrie fights, Muspelheim trials, crafting, and lore collection, can double that to 40-50 hours for completionists.

Given the production quality, combat depth, and narrative heft, the game justifies full price without reservation. It frequently goes on sale across digital storefronts, at which point it becomes an absolute must-buy.

There is no multiplayer or live-service model. You are paying for a complete, polished, and profoundly satisfying single-player epic.

Verdict

God of War is a monumental achievement. It retains the brutal heart of the franchise while adding a mature, poignant story and a vastly more sophisticated gameplay loop. The father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus elevates everything around it.

Bottom line: A landmark experience that redefines the blockbuster action title. Essential for anyone who values powerful storytelling and world-class combat.

We wholeheartedly recommend it to any player with an interest in action-adventure games or compelling storytelling. You will love it if you seek a powerful narrative, world-class production values, and strategic combat.

The only players who might not enjoy it are those averse to violence or those exclusively seeking a fast-paced, arcade-style hack-and-slash like earlier series entries. For everyone else, this journey through the Norse wilds is not just a game; it is a landmark experience.