God of War has come a long way since its beginnings. The franchise got a soft reboot back in 2018, and many were surprised to see a more character-driven and emotional story than its predecessors. Now with its sequel Ragnarök, God of War has proven that classic PlayStation franchises can return even bigger and better.
God of War did a huge overhaul of how the games are approached. From the character of Kratos to the gameplay and visual storytelling, God of War's new lease on life is because drastic measures were taken to ensure its continuation. Repackaging the same mechanics and methods as the original games simply wouldn't have worked. For other old PlayStation IP that could possibly return, restarting from the ground up may be the only way forward.
God of War's Rework of the Franchise May Be the Only Path to Success For Other Classics
PlayStation's Veteran IPs Waiting in the Wings
As of now, there is no telling which classic Sony exclusive could be brought back from the dead. There have been plenty of great remakes, like the improved MediEvil, but a remake isn't enough to revive an entire franchise. The early 2000s were huge for Sony exclusives, and many of them have unfortunately died out. By the time God of War was set to get a reboot, the bloodthirsty machismo of Kratos seemed too outdated to stage a comeback, but Santa Monica Studio proved audiences wrong by revealing a wiser and more sensitive version of the character that was still just as strong and fierce.
For other old IP, potentially taking this similar path is a proven success, and it may be the one option available to bring life back into forgotten franchises. Changing aspects of Kratos was a risky move, but thanks to the change being done thoughtfully, it stuck the landing. The essence of God of War is still there in the reboot, it has just evolved. Telling stories through more cinematic moments and developing the story in a way that showcases the capabilities of the current generation console brought something familiar to players while also introducing an incredibly new feeling.
In addition to Santa Monica Studio, other massive studios under Sony include Naughty Dog, Sucker Punch, and Insomniac Games, which have developed some of the most notable titles in PlayStation's history.
PlayStation boasts an impressive roster of great mascots. Classics like Sly Cooper and Spyro would be welcomed with open arms if they returned, but there would also need to be something fresh brought to the mix in order for them to work. There are plenty of longtime PlayStation fans who would be happy with a straightforward reboot that feels like the classics, but there is also a new generation of gaming to consider. Cinematics and dynamic controls are to be expected now, and classic IP reboots would have to embrace this.
More PlayStation Franchise Reboots Will Hopefully Become Reality
Sony is Sitting On a Goldmine of Series to Revive
Jak and Daxter, Soul Reaver, and Resistance are just a few of the many PlayStation properties that feel deserving of getting a God of War-level rework. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a solid example of how long-gone IP can be repurposed in a fresh light to continue its longevity. This 2D side-scroller may have not reached the same acclaim as God of War, but it embraced a complete gameplay overhaul while also using well-crafted cutscenes to help tell its story.
Development of 2018's God of War began in 2014.
With many franchises being filled with the potential for a reboot, practically starting from scratch seems to be the key. When it comes to console exclusives, Sony has a lot of titles to be proud of, and bringing some back from the grave feels inevitable. Only time will tell which franchise gets granted a reboot, but looking to God of War is likely to bring success.
God of War Ragnarok
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- November 9, 2022
- ESRB
- M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting go
From Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- God of War
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- How Long To Beat
- 26 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
