With its official release stirring up fervor, the director of God of War Ragnarok speaks out about the classic NES titles that influenced the game. Though the game itself has inspired things like a hand painted God of War advertisement on a train in Bucharest, it's interesting to see the direct link between it and the gems of gaming generations past.
There was never any doubt that God of War: Ragnarok would cause waves in the gaming sphere, especially after its predecessor reinvented the series and its main character in such a monumental way. Despite bringing Kratos to a new generation of players and revitalizing a classic series, its roots in previous classics is undeniable, and now they are clarified.
During an interview with IGN, Eric Williams, the director of God of War: Ragnarok and longtime game design enthusiast, sited five NES titles in particular that are woven into the DNA of the new title. The games mentioned range from the obvious to the surprising. First and foremost is the original Legend of Zelda, which may as well be one of the true primordial ancestors of most games that can be even slightly classified as "adventure" games. Collecting mythical, magical items like God of War: Ragnarok's Draupnir can be traced back to Zelda as well, with its hunt for the first incarnation of the Triforce.
Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest is similar in influence to Zelda, with an abundance of exploration and secrets, some of them particularly obtuse. It also contributes a healthy dive into myth and legend as sources for enemies and allies in a video game. A slightly more surprising influence is Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!, which provides a blueprint for how to create an interesting and challenging boss battle many years after its release, something invaluable for a God of War title. Considering the puzzles are not one of the best parts of God of War: Ragnarok, solid bones of boss design is downright necessary.
The last two influences start with River City Ransom, heralded as a predecessor to other big series like Grand Theft Auto for years. Its most important contribution to God of War: Ragnarok, according to Williams, is the concept of "theme," and putting in little touches to reinforce said theme. The ways Kratos retains his Spartan identity are a part of that theme, and players can thank RCR for the consistency.
Finally, and most surprisingly, Baseball Stars is the fifth major influence to God of War: Ragnarok. Its major contribution is that of a tight economy and the fundamentals of meaningful video game stats. Modding skills in God of War: Ragnarok, among other stat buffing steps, is super important, so it's safe to say the lesson of Baseball Stars is one well learned.
God of War Ragnarok is available now on PS4 and PS5.
Source: IGN