20 Games Nobody Thought Could Live Up To The Hype

In hindsight, it's silly how there were reservations over 2018's God of War.

But at the same time, Kratos' background was entrenched in Greek mythology, so it seemed odd to insert the aggressive demi-god into a Norse story. There were many other changes, including the removal of Kratos' Blades of Chaos, implementing an over-the-shoulder camera, and having the normally lone warrior team up with his son, Atreus.

Even though it looked like Santa Monica Studio bit off more than they could chew, this iteration of God of War fully delivered. Putting Atreus at the forefront raised the stakes and highlighted Kratos' growth as a nurturing father. The relationship between Kratos and Atreus evolves throughout, creating a narrative that feels intimate, mature, and heartfelt.

Though the semi-remake refuses to fixate on spectacle like its predecessors, it doesn't compromises it either. Instead of utilising a button-mashing combat system, fighting requires precision, timing, and patience, encouraging layered strategy. Puzzles and role-playing mechanics expand the experience further, making the world more immersive and rewarding.

Instead of tanking God of War as the naysayers believed, the 2018 instalment ended up revitalising it.