20 Best Video Games Of The Decade

5. God Of War

The best exclusive in PlayStation history, God of War's soft reboot is a complete recontextualisation of Kratos, alongside a mature advancement of the conversation around video game violence.

The way Sony Santa Monica address the franchise and character's history results in a broken individual trying desperately to connect with his estranged son - all the while delivering his partner's ashes to their final resting place.

God of War tells this through immaculately well scripted dialogue and emotional exchanges backed by solid acting and expression. Its gameplay is brutal and rewarding, but the quest you're on is purposeful, necessary, and pushes the medium of gaming forward with every axe swing.

Even after hitting credits you've barely begun; the thematic resonance of that moment being a call to action for Kratos and Atreus to finally start living together.