Kratos Smites His Way into PC Gaming Pantheon
After a massive success on consoles, the Ghost of Sparta finally brings his fatherhood challenges and axe-swinging biceps to the PC realm.
last updated Dec 05, 2023
In a realm filled with monstrous titles vying for the throne, 'God of War' not only ascends to PC gaming Valhalla but does so with the grace of Freya and the might of Thor.
Axe of the North Star
Diving into gameplay, 'God of War' brings an axe-quisite mix of visceral combat and brain-tickling puzzles. Every swing of Kratos' Leviathan Axe feels like it's delivering the weight of his tumultuous past, all the while, neatly cleaving through monsters and myths with satisfying crunches. It's not just the combat though; the game expertly weaves in environmental puzzles and exploration, giving those brain muscles a workout in between your bicep curls. And let's not forget the strategic aspect of father-son team battles, where juggling between paternal advice and axe-throwing is key. Side quests sprinkle in flavor without overstaying their welcome, although a few leave a 'been there, done that' aftertaste with their repetitive nature.
Sirens to Serenade your Slaughter
Let's talk audio – it's like the game has been kissed by the Muses themselves. From the crunch of snow underfoot in Midgard to the spine-tingling roar of a Draugr, the sound design is tighter than the grip of Kratos on his axe handle. The voice acting is top tier, with performances that deliver emotional depth; you can almost hear the grim determination etched into Kratos' voice. And boy, does the soundtrack elevate the experience! Whether it's the heart-pounding tempos of battle or the haunting melodies during somber moments, this game hits all the right notes.
A Feast for the Eyes
Visually, 'God of War' cranks the eye-candy to levels even Dionysus would be proud of. From the moment you lob that first tree trunk over your shoulder, you know you're in for a graphical treat. The Norse mythology-inspired world is stunningly realized, with attention to detail that'd make the dwarves of Nidavellir nod in silent approval. On top-tier rigs, the game performs like Kratos on a good day – mostly flawless. However, if you’re running a Midgardian-level setup, you might find the occasional hiccup, especially in the more demanding realms. But rest assured, these are but minor blemishes on an otherwise immaculate presentation.
Rage Against the Crash
While Kratos might be able to break the will of gods, it seems like he's met his match with a few technical gremlins in the PC version. Some gamers have mentioned the occasional crash to desktop – a true test of mortal patience. These interruptions can be as annoying as getting an arrow in the heel mid-battle, breaking immersion and testing your Spartan rage management skills. It's nothing a few patches from the developers can't hopefully address, but it is something to be aware of.
The Bond of Blood and Blades
A notable mention must go to the compelling narrative and the dynamic between Kratos and his son, Atreus. This isn't just daddy daycare – it's a beautifully crafted journey through Norse mythology, filled with character growth that would put most self-help books to shame. As they carve a path through gods and monsters, the evolving relationship between father and son is the beating heart of the experience, offering depth and gravity to what could have easily been just another hack-and-slash adventure.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Santa Monica Studio
Publisher
PlayStation PC LLC
Release Date
January 14, 2022
The Verdict
In a realm filled with monstrous titles vying for the throne, 'God of War' not only ascends to PC gaming Valhalla but does so with the grace of Freya and the might of Thor. The game's intoxicating blend of hard-hitting combat, top-notch storytelling, and breathtaking visuals make it a no-brainer addition to your gaming pantheon. It's a thunderous iteration in the series that, despite minor technical issues for some, stands as a testament to what video games can be – a work of art that goes skin-deep and touches the soul. 'God of War' isn't just a game; it's a mythic saga that will be heralded for years to come.
