God of War: Ragnarok

[SD-[Inc]]

Coming in about a week. I am almost as excited as Ben Stiller:

[yt]902Zltouttc[/yt]

[Nascar24]

Yea, just pre-ordered this one, using money off from Amazon, still don't like this $70 game garbage.

[shrike126]

Yea, just pre-ordered this one, using money off from Amazon, still don't like this $70 game garbage.

Honestly it seems like big AAA games have been $59.99 for maybe a decade now. I'm surprised it hasn't gone up at all in that time.

[nutcrackr]

Might wait for the Switch version.

[SirBaron]

Might wait for the Switch version.

Some meme or joke I'm missing?

[DeathKnight]

Only interested when it comes to PC, which will probably be a year or more.

[SD-[Inc]]

IGN chimed in with their full review today. Rating it a Masterpiece. Not sure how much of this is hype. But sounded good to me… Here is the review:

[yt]wi63uvjs6Uc[/yt]

[shrike126]

I feel like the Ars review was basically "this is meh" which struck me as standing out. Everyone else seems to be raving about the game.

Source - Ars Technica: God of War Ragnarök review: A scattered but strong sequel

Metacritic has nothing but good things to say about this game.

[Nascar24]

Honestly it seems like big AAA games have been $59.99 for maybe a decade now. I'm surprised it hasn't gone up at all in that time.

Still don't like it, had enough off to get it for 59 and change from Amazon.

[Mangler]

AAA games has pretty much gone up by ~10€ for each gen in the rest of the world though, we are back at the price levels of cartridge based games.


And at the same time those poor starving publishers are having record profits each year.

[SD-[Inc]]

The cost is getting a bit ridiculous. But, in my case, I don’t really have enough time to play that many games lately. Probably haven’t bought one for 3 or 4 months. So the price sting really isn’t that strong. There certainly haven’t been many games worth full price these days. So waiting for it to go on sale later is what I usually do. This seems like an exception that might be worth full price. Hopefully I won’t regret it. Even so, it’s not like there is a huge number of quality games right now demanding a full price purchase anyway. I am sure I’ll get a month or two of enjoyment out of this one. Really curious how the axe mechanics feels using dual shock controller.

[|MaguS|]

Been replaying GOW 2018 on my SteamDeck while I wait for this to come out.

[SD-[Inc]]

30 minutes to go

[SD-[Inc]]

First impressions are it is definitely AAA quality. But in a similar way to the first game. Voice acting and graphics are amazing. The start of the story is a bit slow and not so great yet. I only played for an hour and a half and didn’t really get into any new content or combat options yet. The performance mode and haptic feedback on the PS5 is top notch. It’s so great having 60 FPS solid performance. I tried quality mode and couldn’t pick out much difference in visuals except the responsiveness of the controller. Right now, I fully recommend performance mode. I don’t have a 120hz screen so couldn’t test out some of the other modes. Really interested in the 45FPS quality mode. Could be good. The story has potential but just started so gameplay is kinda meh so far. The first real boss battle wasn’t as good as the first game. The multiple phases were more annoying than fun. The ending was not satisfying either. I forgot about what a cranky annoying arsehole Kratos can be. He did the same thing at the start of the first game too. Hopefully his attitude grows as the story progresses. Atreus is now an even more annoying teenager. Let’s hope the writing improves there as well as he appears to be the center of the story this time.

[SD-[Inc]]

Finally got to the first real level and it’s more like the original game now. Much more enjoyable. Still trying to get used to all the attack moves and such. But, much deeper exploration and combat. Although, it’s really jarring coming from Elden Ring how NOT open the world really is. So many artificial walls blocking progress. It’s sort of annoying and will take getting used to again. One good thing is I won’t be accidentally falling to my death any time soon… (my favorite way to die in Elden Ring!). Lol.

[clerick]

https://www.twitch.tv/elajjaz/clip/B...yD41YSSipjRLsJ
https://www.twitch.tv/elajjaz/clip/P...zKagGxkaQ18
Absolute dog ****. Avoiding like the plague.

[Drunken Janitor]

https://www.twitch.tv/elajjaz/clip/B...yD41YSSipjRLsJ
https://www.twitch.tv/elajjaz/clip/P...zKagGxkaQ18
Absolute dog ****. Avoiding like the plague.

So, because the "helper voice" is as annoying as it is in every game (HEY! LISTEN!), the game is ****?

[SD-[Inc]]

The helper voice isn't always annoying. It can be helpful sometimes but other times it can definitely be annoying. The most annoying is when the NPC basically solves a puzzle for you if you take too long. Although there is a setting to delay that longer. But you can't turn it off completely. They made more traversal options than in the first game. But they too can be annoying because there are some cliffs you can go down some you can't. The ones you can are marked to help. But it is immersion breaking in my opinion. All and all it's a lot like the last one, so if you liked that one, you'll like this one. I had some gripes about the last one and same with this one. But it's still a fun experience overall. Will keep playing. Just need to solve those puzzles faster!!!

[clerick]

So, because the "helper voice" is as annoying as it is in every game (HEY! LISTEN!), the game is ****?

Absolutely. This degradation of gameplay and babying the player thing a lot of AAA devs have been doing can **** right off.

[Mangler]

The helper voice isn't always annoying. It can be helpful sometimes but other times it can definitely be annoying. The most annoying is when the NPC basically solves a puzzle for you if you take too long. Although there is a setting to delay that longer. But you can't turn it off completely. They made more traversal options than in the first game. But they too can be annoying because there are some cliffs you can go down some you can't. The ones you can are marked to help. But it is immersion breaking in my opinion. All and all it's a lot like the last one, so if you liked that one, you'll like this one. I had some gripes about the last one and same with this one. But it's still a fun experience overall. Will keep playing. Just need to solve those puzzles faster!!!

That setting apparently doesn't delay the helper voice, it delays the timing on some momentum/physics based puzzles which makes them easier.

[SD-[Inc]]

That setting apparently doesn't delay the helper voice, it delays the timing on some momentum/physics based puzzles which makes them easier.

I know. There is no setting for the helper during combat. The puzzle helper isn’t all bad. It can help when you are missing the right tool to solve a puzzle. Otherwise it’s annoying.

[KAC]

Played a bit of this game. Was dope af.

[SD-[Inc]]

Game is definitely growing on me. The starting levels were uninspired tutorials. I was getting a little worried the game was going to be a let down. But it’s picked up a lot. It’s a story driven/linear game with some minor exploration and customization. (A lot like the first one). This time the story focuses more on Atreus. And he is a playable character and much more useful as an AI companion too. Switching between the ranged and melee styles of Atreus and Kratos levels is a nice change of pace. They included a great practice arena so you can get used to all the attack skills. It’s really useful. So far the enemies are fairly easy except for the occasional boss that can be tough, Many of the puzzles have been challenging but easily figured out after just a short amount of trial and error. It’s a forgiving game so you can definitely play it casually. I still haven’t had the issue of the combat helper being annoying. Most of the time they yell: “Behind you” and things like “We got this”. Which is actually helpful. Not sure what was going on in that video. It probably was because the player was fully sucking and the AI turned up the advice. The customization is interesting. The skills, if you play a lot of the side content, are easy to level up. But the different mods and attachment are fun to play with. You can customize runic attacks, special skills and weapon attributes. Even though Kratos only has 2 weapons, it still gives you a good set of customization options. And the shields have different uses and are customizable as well. Be sure and do ALL the optional side content. Early in the game, the rewards are totally worth it! Here is my mini-critique so far:

1) Story is basic be expertly told, Solid cut-scenes and animations. Top notch voice talent and writing overall.
2) Basic but fun. The axe return is still one of the most satisfying combat moves in all gaming. Especially with a dual sense controller
3) Graphics and presentation is also very nice. Although, other than the silky smooth 60FPS, I really don’t see a lot of “next-gen” graphics in the game.
4) Open world it is not. It’s a purely linear game with a few side paths and a couple of open exploration areas. Not a bad thing as long as the story is compelling which it is starting to be.

Overall, I give it an 8/10 and the more I play that score might improve. This type of linear game needs to nail the story telling. If not, my score isn’t going to improve.. Let’s see. The game started out at around 6.5 for me but has really picked up steam. if you like a story driven action game with linear progression, I’d try it.

[KAC]

I need to get back to it. Bayonetta is keeping me company and I like the fast paced combat in that one. Already my Switch Pro controller is shaking because I have been abusing it playing Bayonetta.

Back to this game, I am doing side content as much as possible. Important to level up health and magic/mana so always good to go around before you go on main quest. Right now doing some mining side quest.

[SD-[Inc]]

I need to get back to it. Bayonetta is keeping me company and I like the fast paced combat in that one. Already my Switch Pro controller is shaking because I have been abusing it playing Bayonetta.

Back to this game, I am doing side content as much as possible. Important to level up health and magic/mana so always good to go around before you go on main quest. Right now doing some mining side quest.

You are still at the very start of the game. Make sure you use the material you get from that quest to get a new armor set. The new set is very useful. There is no mana/magic in the game. XP is used for skill upgrades. Upgrade mats and other bonus items is what you find exploring. The game starts picking up soon after the main quest on that level. Enjoy!

[KAC]

Sorry I meant the red rage meter.

[SD-[Inc]]

Yeah, it's a little different than most games. There is no character leveling. Kratos gets better based on the skills he acquires and the equipment and upgrades he crafts. That's why the side quests and mini-exploration is critical.

[KAC]

Started playing this again last night. Was like I have an hour before the next Fifa game at 10 PM. Stopped at 2 AM. Realized I had only done 1 chapter and 2 side quests during that time. Just got Tyr freed up. Wtf. This game gonna be long lol.

[Jankan]

Played about 6 hours now and feels much the same as the first one but the map does feel better. Didn't like the first ones map so much but lets see how it progresses

[SD-[Inc]]

Got to the big lizard fight in the video that was complaining about the helper voice and that is a total dogshit video made by haters. The whole context of the scene is why the NPC was so aggressively yelling at Kratos. It is not representative of the "helper" voice in the game at all. The idiot in the video staged the yelling by doing nothing to attack the lizard. That level and that fight was very well done. Haters suck and the internet should not be believed!!!

[SD-[Inc]]

Started playing this again last night. Was like I have an hour before the next Fifa game at 10 PM. Stopped at 2 AM. Realized I had only done 1 chapter and 2 side quests during that time. Just got Tyr freed up. Wtf. This game gonna be long lol.

It just starts getting good now. I am away from my PlayStation this long US holiday weekend so you should catch up to me.

[KAC]

Now that I finished the Bayonetta games I am getting back into this. Pretty good game and now pumping idiots with Atreus.

[SD-[Inc]]

It’s definitely gets harder the further you go. Make sure to use the armor you got in that first side quest. It kills all stun recovery on enemies when equipped. Really nice. It’s a bit of a button masher as it is effective to switch weapons mid battle and launching runic attacks as often as you can. Takes a while to get used to all the attacking mechanics. The defense is straightforward block/dodge. But there seems like 17 different ways to attack at any moment. It’s hard to remember all the goodness as I tend to lock in on a few favorites which is too limiting. I quick using lock I too as it’s just much easier to bash away on different enemies using the stick. Enjoy!

[KAC]

I haven’t gotten the hang of the combat yet. Still figuring it out. Very different from Bayonetta since I keep wanting to have Witch Time. .

Sad part is game looks a bit last gen to me. I was hoping for better omgrafix. I can’t complain much though as I spent 30 hours on switch level graphics.

[SD-[Inc]]

Graphics do improve on certain levels. They look nice but haven’t seen anything amazing yet. I use the performance mode and it still looks good. The solid 60 FPS is definitely next gen and smooth as heck. If you are running a newer TV that has 120hz you can try higher or maybe even the 40 FPS mode.

[SD-[Inc]]

I haven’t gotten the hang of the combat yet. Still figuring it out. Very different from Bayonetta since I keep wanting to have Witch Time. .

Sad part is game looks a bit last gen to me. I was hoping for better omgrafix. I can’t complain much though as I spent 30 hours on switch level graphics.

Did you get to the part of the story where you get the spear? Once you get that far, the world really opens up and there is a lot more exploration. You can finally reach blocked areas, the crucible, and a lot of side bosses. The combat is way more involved than it originally seems. Luckily, they give you a practice area where you can fight with unlimited health. Plus, all practice counts towards advancing your skills to bronze - silver - gold levels. Very useful in figuring out what sort of skills work best for your play style. Definitely waste time pounding on enemies there. You learn a LOT about the combat. I really like how they added this feature. It's tons better than the painful trial and error of souls games.

Also, some of the newer level have much better visuals. Still not omgrafix. But they are decent. Because the graphics aren't that amazing, the performance mode is the only way to play. I can't really tell any difference and 60FPS is a must have.

[KAC]

I just got back after chapter 4 plus a side quest. Taking my time with this one. I feel I missed a few chests etc because I didn’t have the appropriate powers. Not sure if I will ever go back unless story takes me. I am still quite far as I have way too many games to play and even Witcher 3 is interesting again as I am playing on PC for the first time.

[SD-[Inc]]

I just got back after chapter 4 plus a side quest. Taking my time with this one. I feel I missed a few chests etc because I didn’t have the appropriate powers. Not sure if I will ever go back unless story takes me. I am still quite far as I have way too many games to play and even Witcher 3 is interesting again as I am playing on PC for the first time.

Witcher 3 on PC is one of the best gaming experiences ever. I spent over 200 hours on that game. It can definitely suck you in. God of War is a perfect game to pick up, take a rest, and then start playing again. It's not super intense on narrative or travel. As I get farther, it becomes much so better. Keep chugging away at it when you get time it is good. For example: I just found a cool artifact with a very mysterious description. So, I did what all good gamers do and googled what the heck it is. Doing so, I uncovered a cool side quest with sleeping trolls and some really great armor as a reward. Now that the game has finally opened up, it is surprisingly deep in content.

[KAC]

Well this game is sucking me in as well. Think I am on chapter 6 now. Just keeps growing on me. Thus far, still, it has been largely linear but I don’t mind that as I like linear games a lot. Think I will see it through now that other distractions are over for a while.

[KAC]

Damn the game really opens up. On chapter 9 in Midgard and can’t walk 20 m before running into a side quest.

A bit pissed about some chests especially ones with bells. Can’t open them most of the time. Found one where the 3 dongs are at different edges of the room and have no idea what to do. Was about to look at walkthrough but trying to avoid it as much as I can.

Game has a habit of consuming hours like crazy. I turn it on and then 4 hours later at 2 AM I am like **** this I need to sleep. Amazing game and quite enjoying it. Also am very intrigued by the story. More so than last game.