Comparison between God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok

THE God of War franchise has come a long way from the furious and vengeful Ghost of Sparta, who hurled his Blades of Chaos at every Greek god in his path. The character has moved on to a new mythology. God of War has seen two entries into Norse mythology, and with a completely different gameplay from the previous one God of War voices, norwegian God of War duology has a lot to prove.

There is so much love out there for God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarok. It's always nice to see a sequel live up to the hype of its predecessor, but which game is better? Both games are excellent examples of AAA titles, with gripping combat, stunning graphics, and thrilling voice acting, but both games have their ups and downs.

Updated September 22, 2024 by Jake Fillery: God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok are both huge successes in the gaming world for their stories and gameplay, but there are some notable differences between the two that warrant further discussion to decide which of this Norse duology is the better of the two. Both are strong contenders and there are many aspects that make each of them truly amazing, so this isn't so much a head-to-head as it is a friendly comparison.

Atmosphere

Introduction to the Mysteries of Norse Mythology

Leaving behind Norse mythology with its twists and turns, the God of War the series had ahead of it an immense journey of research and love for a new saga, but it is a journey that it successfully completes. God of War (2018) slowly brings players into this world, allowing them to see the lived-in nature and mysteries of the mythology of gods and monsters, while also teasing audiences as to what future awaits Kratos and Atreus as they become more and more involved with the Aesir that Kratos fears.

God of War Ragnarok takes a more direct approach to mythology and introduces many iconic gods such as Thor, Odin, and Heimdall. While the pantheon shown is grand and each of them is distinct in their divinity and personality, there was something about diving into God of War (2018) that helped him win this round on atmosphere. The reveal of the World Serpent, the mockery of the Aesir gods and beasts, were all things to marvel at in the first game.

Fight

Stellar combat refined with more weapons in the sequel

The previous entries in the God of War series has involved a lot of hacking and slashing with the Blades of Chaos. When players first embark on their journey as Kratos in God of War (2018), the first thing they'll notice is the different gameplay. Combat is over the shoulder, with a powerful Leviathan axe. Players fight more intimately, with ways to evade, block, parry, and juggle enemies with a powerful succession.

Fighting in God of War: Ragnarok is more evolved from God of War 4. Players will have immediate access to the Leviathan Axe and the Chaos Blades. These weapons are wonderfully angry in God of War: Ragnarokwith a ton of new ways to attack in what feels like a war ballet. Combat is much more refined in God of War: Ragnarokand adds a new addition: the Draupnir spear.

Iconic moments

Gigantic pieces worthy of being revisited

Returning to Kratos' life was a huge moment in the gaming world. This is the same Kratos that fans remember for slaying the Greek Pantheon. God of War is a spectacle of iconic moments. From the first fight with The Stranger to the gigantic battle against Freya and Baldur. Seeing the return of Kratos brings many iconic moments to the game. Some powerful, and some extremely emotional, with plenty to experience for God of War sequel.

There are some great moments in God of War 5from the spectacle of Kratos battling during Ragnarok to Kratos's extreme boss battles against Thor. However, the iconic moments in God of War: Ragnarok not be up to par God of War (2018), as in some scenes the power of Kratos' divinity taking possession of the stage is missing.

Expectations

The Return of a Violent God with a Worthy Change

There was a lot to do God of War (2018). Fans had not seen a God of War title in years, and making Kratos mature was a gamble that fortunately paid off. God of War (2018) created an emotional story with a completely new set of gameplay that felt alien to the franchise. It all worked in God of War (2018), and expectations have gone beyond many fans' wildest dreams for Kratos versus the Norse pantheon.

Entering God of War: RagnarokExpectations were high for the much-loved predecessor. There was much promise in God of War: Ragnarokwith the clash between Odin and Thor and the mysteries of Tyr revealed. However, God of War (2018) took a much more risky gamble and exceeded expectations as an evolution of Kratos and the series. That doesn't mean that God of War: Ragnarok it didn't live up to expectations, as the sequel hit all the marks and more.

Characters

An introduction to the characters and further exploration of them is commendable.

Considering that God of War (2018) tells a much more intimate story, the characters are pretty limited to a father and son with Kratos and Atreus. Other characters make big impressions and important inclusions, such as Baldur, Freya, and Mimir, but the latter two aren't given their big moments, considering that God of War (2018) is not their game.

When players re-enter the Nine Realms in God of War: RagnarokThere are many other characters involved in the game. Many characters and deities from Norse mythology, the Aesir and Vanir, appear and are all given time to breathe and develop, presenting further character development for beloved and new characters alike. God of War.

Boss fights

An incredible pantheon of boss fights in both games

Boss fights have always been an integral part of the game's design. God of War. They make the player feel powerful and there are some great performances God of War Boss fights for Norse games. The first Norse God of War features great boss fights, but they are quite limited in what they offer.

The Santa Monica studio has learned a lot from God of War (2018), and as such, there is a wider variety of boss fights in God of War: Ragnarok. These boss fights are challenging, engaging, and unique to each encounter. Featuring dragons, Berserkers, gods, and more, God of War: Ragnarok It has amazing boss fights.

Content

Sandbox areas smaller than the nine kingdoms together

There's a giant sandbox just waiting to be explored. God of War (2018). Many areas can be traversed across the available realms, with some locations requiring further story progression to truly explore everything. However, not all realms are available, and some areas are smaller than others, such as Muspelheim and Niflheim, which serve as secondary end-game areas.

Each of the Nine Realms in God of War: Ragnarok has some importance in the story and exploration. Players will visit each kingdom and, in doing so, will be rewarded with a lot of side content. With the God of War: Ragnarok Finally, there is even more content in the post-game, offering players a lot of things to do, much more than the previous title.

History

A grieving and distant father / A father who is afraid of losing his son because of the prophecy

After the death of his wife Faye, Kratos must carry her ashes to the highest peak in all the realms while raising his son Atreus. Kratos is a distant father with a past that has led him to hate all the gods, including himself. God of War (2018) is the story of a father and a son, and it is nothing short of wonderful, a true fairy tale that leaves you speechless when you consider how far Kratos has come.

The story of God of War: Ragnarok continues with the mature themes presented in God of War (2018). Kratos slowly comes to terms with who he was, but his frustration grows as Atreus continues to try to discover who Loki is, while Kratos tries to alter fate in preparation for an impending war with Odin and the Aesir. God of War: Ragnarok is larger, with the narrative shared more equally between Kratos and Atreus. However, God of War (2018) has a superior story. It is intimate and touching, it is a return to Kratos and his evolution.

Finals

Both games feature satisfying endings with room for further storylines.

A satisfying ending is an important aspect of any story, and both God of War titles do this wonderfully. With God of War (2018), the game had the responsibility of creating a sequel, but still managed to satisfy players with Kratos's earned acceptance of himself and, thus, acceptance of his son and how together they could break the cycle of patricide and be better. It's a loving conclusion to Kratos's long journey that ends with him loving his son despite his self-hatred, but it will often be overshadowed by the memory of Thor arriving at Kratos's doorstep.

As a finale of Norse mythology, God of War Ragnarok had to wrap up a lot of story threads, but still managed to leave some doors open for further exploration. Wrapping up the story, having Kratos and Atreus still alive, and presenting an emotional funeral for a dear friend made God of War Ragnarok It's satisfying, but not without sacrifice. It's an incredible ending, and it leaves one excited for where Kratos' story might go next, as he becomes the God of Hope and his son, Atreus, goes off with love in his heart to find his destiny.

Conclusion: God Of War (2018)

The 2018 Soft-Reboot Wins

In no case is it God of War: Ragnarok a minor game. Because it improves many things over its predecessor. The story of God of War: Ragnarok It's definitely worth the praise it gets, but when compared to God of War (2018), the original Norwegian God of War The title is much more exciting for the prospects it brought to the franchise, rather than the conclusion of the Norse titles.

When it comes to success, both titles are stellar art forms, but God of War (2018) has exceeded expectations. The team at Santa Monica Studio has hit the mark with this new mythology, which leads directly to God of War: Ragnaroka sequel of almost equal magnitude.