God of War Ragnarök Review

A Mythic Finale

Ragnarök picks up as Fimbulwinter blankets the realms and the prophesied end of days looms. Kratos and his son Atreus journey across the Nine Realms searching for answers, hunted by an Aesir led by a chillingly affable Odin and a tragic, volatile Thor.

Combat at Its Peak

The combat is the finest the series has produced. The frost of the Leviathan Axe and the fire of the Blades of Chaos are joined by the new Draupnir Spear, and weaving their elements together with runic attacks, shield variants, and rage feels endlessly expressive.

Enemy variety is far improved, and the optional Berserker bosses provide a brutal test that rivals anything in the genre.

A Story of Fathers and Sons

At its heart this is a story about Atreus discovering his identity as Loki and Kratos confronting his fear of repeating his past. Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic give career-best performances, and the supporting cast — the ever-quotable Mimir, a wounded Freya, the gentle giant Tyr — gives every scene weight.

Across the Nine Realms

Exploration has opened up considerably. Svartalfheim, Vanaheim, and Alfheim are dense with optional favours, puzzles, and secrets, and most side content feels purposeful rather than like filler.

A Visual Showcase

Presented in Santa Monica’s trademark seamless single shot, it’s a technical marvel, with sweeping vistas and a stirring Bear McCreary score that elevate every set piece.

A Few Reservations

It iterates on 2018’s reboot rather than reinventing it, and a few stretches of side content overstay their welcome — minor notes against a magnificent whole.

Verdict

God of War Ragnarök is a triumphant conclusion to the Norse saga — gorgeous, emotionally resonant, and mechanically superb. Essential PlayStation gaming.