89
MONSTER
God of War: Ragnarök is the ninth installment in the God of War series and the sequel to 2018's God of War. Continuing with the Norse mythology theme, the game is set in ancient Norway and feature series protagonists Kratos, the former Greek God of War, and his young son Atreus. The game is expected to kick off the events of Ragnarök, where Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as they prepare for the prophesied battle that will end the world.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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91
God of War: Ragnarok is largely celebrated for its deep, emotional narrative and strong character development, particularly the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus. Critics praise the game's engaging story and performances, calling it a masterpiece that builds on its predecessor. However, some point out issues with pacing and a lack of focus, noting that the narrative can feel unfocused and occasionally too light-hearted. Despite these flaws, the consensus is that the game delivers a compelling and intricate story that resonates powerfully with players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
91
Positive Reviews (80-100)
90%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
10%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
God of War: Ragnarok is largely celebrated for its deep, emotional narrative and strong character development, particularly the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus. Critics praise the game's engaging story and performances, calling it a masterpiece that builds on its predecessor. However, some point out issues with pacing and a lack of focus, noting that the narrative can feel unfocused and occasionally too light-hearted. Despite these flaws, the consensus is that the game delivers a compelling and intricate story that resonates powerfully with players.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
90
God of War: Ragnarok impresses with its refined combat and engaging exploration, earning praise for intense gameplay and strategic depth, especially with Atreus enhancing combat tactics. Critics applaud the variety in enemy encounters and RPG elements, making for a compelling experience. However, some lament a lack of innovation, feeling it doesn't significantly evolve from its predecessor, and note pacing issues. Overall, while it has its flaws, the game is celebrated as a strong contender for game of the year, successfully blending action and storytelling.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
90
Positive Reviews (80-100)
93%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
7%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
God of War: Ragnarok impresses with its refined combat and engaging exploration, earning praise for intense gameplay and strategic depth, especially with Atreus enhancing combat tactics. Critics applaud the variety in enemy encounters and RPG elements, making for a compelling experience. However, some lament a lack of innovation, feeling it doesn't significantly evolve from its predecessor, and note pacing issues. Overall, while it has its flaws, the game is celebrated as a strong contender for game of the year, successfully blending action and storytelling.
Graphics and Visual Design
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94
God of War: Ragnarok dazzles with stunning graphics and intricate designs, earning widespread acclaim for its breathtaking environments and photo-realistic character modeling. Critics praise its cinematic presentation and artistic variety across the Nine Realms. However, some note technical limitations due to its cross-gen nature, suggesting it feels more like an extension of the previous title rather than a major leap forward. Overall, it's a visual triumph with some critiques on interactivity, affirming Santa Monica Studio's ability to set new standards in gaming graphics.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
94
Positive Reviews (80-100)
94%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
6%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
God of War: Ragnarok dazzles with stunning graphics and intricate designs, earning widespread acclaim for its breathtaking environments and photo-realistic character modeling. Critics praise its cinematic presentation and artistic variety across the Nine Realms. However, some note technical limitations due to its cross-gen nature, suggesting it feels more like an extension of the previous title rather than a major leap forward. Overall, it's a visual triumph with some critiques on interactivity, affirming Santa Monica Studio's ability to set new standards in gaming graphics.
Music and Sound Design
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89
God of War: Ragnarok impresses with outstanding sound design and a powerful orchestral score by Bear McCreary, praised for enhancing emotional depth. Critics hailed the voice acting of Christopher Judge (Kratos) and Sunny Suljic (Atreus) as top-notch, though some supporting performances fell short. While audio settings may need tweaks for optimal experience, the overall consensus celebrates the game's immersive audio that significantly elevates gameplay and narrative, marking it as a standout in the gaming world.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
89
Positive Reviews (80-100)
92%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
8%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
God of War: Ragnarok impresses with outstanding sound design and a powerful orchestral score by Bear McCreary, praised for enhancing emotional depth. Critics hailed the voice acting of Christopher Judge (Kratos) and Sunny Suljic (Atreus) as top-notch, though some supporting performances fell short. While audio settings may need tweaks for optimal experience, the overall consensus celebrates the game's immersive audio that significantly elevates gameplay and narrative, marking it as a standout in the gaming world.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
90
"God of War: Ragnarok" features stellar voice acting, with Christopher Judge's nuanced portrayal of Kratos and Sunny Suljic's matured Atreus earning widespread acclaim. The ensemble cast, including Richard Schiff as Odin and Ryan Hurst as Thor, enhances the game's emotional depth and storytelling. However, some critics noted issues with certain accents and performances, suggesting a few casting missteps. Overall, despite minor criticisms, the voice acting is hailed as a crucial element of the game's success, setting a new standard in video game performances.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
90
Positive Reviews (80-100)
93%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
7%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
"God of War: Ragnarok" features stellar voice acting, with Christopher Judge's nuanced portrayal of Kratos and Sunny Suljic's matured Atreus earning widespread acclaim. The ensemble cast, including Richard Schiff as Odin and Ryan Hurst as Thor, enhances the game's emotional depth and storytelling. However, some critics noted issues with certain accents and performances, suggesting a few casting missteps. Overall, despite minor criticisms, the voice acting is hailed as a crucial element of the game's success, setting a new standard in video game performances.
Technical Performance
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84
God of War: Ragnarok impresses with stellar technical performance, particularly on PS5, where it boasts outstanding graphics, fast load times, and smooth gameplay options. Critics commend its accessibility features but note that cross-gen limitations and some crashes mar the experience. The PC version faces optimization challenges, with mixed performance reviews depending on hardware. Despite these hiccups, the game is largely seen as a technical triumph and a must-play for fans.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
84
Positive Reviews (80-100)
65%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
34%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
God of War: Ragnarok impresses with stellar technical performance, particularly on PS5, where it boasts outstanding graphics, fast load times, and smooth gameplay options. Critics commend its accessibility features but note that cross-gen limitations and some crashes mar the experience. The PC version faces optimization challenges, with mixed performance reviews depending on hardware. Despite these hiccups, the game is largely seen as a technical triumph and a must-play for fans.
Replay Value
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81
God of War: Ragnarok shines with strong replay value thanks to rich content, engaging side quests, and character development that enhance the experience. Critics praise its beautiful map and varied gameplay, making exploration rewarding. However, concerns about pacing and repetitive elements exist, with some side quests feeling like chores. Despite these drawbacks, most reviewers agree the game is a compelling journey that rewards curiosity, making it a worthwhile adventure for players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
81
Positive Reviews (80-100)
68%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
30%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
God of War: Ragnarok shines with strong replay value thanks to rich content, engaging side quests, and character development that enhance the experience. Critics praise its beautiful map and varied gameplay, making exploration rewarding. However, concerns about pacing and repetitive elements exist, with some side quests feeling like chores. Despite these drawbacks, most reviewers agree the game is a compelling journey that rewards curiosity, making it a worthwhile adventure for players.
Overall Verdict
89
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
89
Positive Reviews (80-100)
97%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
3%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
TLDR: "God of War: Ragnarok" receives widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative, intense gameplay, and stunning visuals, with many calling it a masterpiece and a must-play for fans. However, some critics note issues like pacing, a lack of innovation, and technical underutilization on PS5. Despite these drawbacks, it’s celebrated as a strong sequel and a top contender for Game of the Year, solidifying its status in the gaming world.
89
MONSTER
Reviews
197 reviews found100
Areajugones
Nov 3, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
God of War: Ragnarok is a masterpiece that exceeds all expectations, with excellent narrative, gameplay, graphics, and technical performance. It is a game that constantly surprises the player and is a must-play for fans of the franchise and video games in general.
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100
Game Rant
Nov 3, 2022
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God of War Ragnarok is a once-in-a-generation game. It doesn't just live up to its high expectations, but it subverts them and expands beyond them all the same. There is nothing quite like it on PS4 or on the PS5 yet, and it would be hard for anything to live up to the same heights.
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100
MMORPG.com
Nov 3, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
God of War: Ragnarok is the complete package. It tells one of the best stories in video games, the combat system is mostly unchanged but with enough new and refined elements to help it stand on its own, the world of the Nine Realms is equally beautiful and dangerous, and the voice acting is one of the best performances for a full game cast you'll find today.
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100
BaziCenter
Nov 21, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The latest installment of the God of War series features a variety of exciting bosses and creatures, as well as platforming and environmental puzzles that add balance to the gameplay. The author praises the game's use of Norse mythology and its masterful storytelling and character development, which make it a standout title in the series. The author also notes that the game successfully builds on the formula of its predecessor and is even better than the 2018 version. The author concludes by giving the game a perfect score and expressing excitement for the next installment in the series.
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100
GamingTrend
Nov 3, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
God of War: Ragnarök is an absolute masterclass in storytelling and combat balance. The game is the best the reviewer has played in a very, very long time, and is, in a word, perfect. The game is the frontrunner for Game of the Year.
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100
Digital Chumps
Sep 25, 2024
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God of War: Ragnarök is deemed a masterpiece, especially on PC, offering an unforgettable adventure with a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals. It is highly recommended for both new and returning players.
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100
Gaming Nexus
Nov 3, 2022
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God of War Ragnarök is a masterful work of art, going above and beyond with world-class storytelling, in-depth combat mechanics, exquisite visuals, unparalleled performance, and a slew of modern accessibility features. It's more than just a video game – it's an entire journey that transcends the modern day gaming experience with its masterful amalgamation of so many different working pieces. This is the game of the generation.
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100
God is a Geek
Oct 1, 2024
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God of War: Ragnarok on PC is a fantastic port that maintains the quality of the original game, offering stunning visuals, excellent gameplay, and a powerful story. It is highly recommended for both new players and fans of the series.
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100
VGC
Nov 3, 2022
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God of War Ragnarok is an incredibly special game. It's vital in a way few releases are. It is not only one of the most singularly powerful games of the modern era, it's a current-gen benchmark that other studios should aim to be within touching distance of. The story of Kratos and Atreus will surely be remembered as one of the best in the history of the medium, and Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic deserve all of the acclaim possible for the characters they've brought to life.
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100
Dexerto
Nov 3, 2022
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God of War Ragnarok is a complex, thoughtful game that takes everything that made its predecessor an unmissable experience to even greater heights. It is a triumph, and is easily reason enough to buy a PlayStation 5 thanks to a fantastic story, great characters, and combat that’s even better than its predecessor’s. The game is a stunning technical showcase for the PlayStation 5, with impressive graphics, animation, and audio design. The voice acting is also impressive, with nuanced and impressive performances from many of the cast. The game has plenty of replay value, with side quests to undertake and new combat trials with tougher enemies to seek out. The game is highly recommended, with a score of 10/10.
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