Warning: Some spoilers for God Of War RagnarokWith God Of War Ragnarok finally within the hands of many fans, a large majority of its reception and praise has been perfect, with many reviews stating Ragnarok delivered far better than 2018's game. From its expanded, more satisfying combat, its engaging story beats, and character development, Santa Monica managed to produce another masterpiece.

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Whilst there are undoubtedly multiple reasons and factors which contribute toward the title's major success, the character development of Kratos between God Of War (2018) and Ragnarok is one that gives the story a breath of fresh air and allows for wholesome and emotional sequences.

5 Apologetic

Kratos apologises

The beginning of the game showcases Kratos and Atreus sharing much more of a close and respectful relationship, but whilst this is the case, players will know that there is still tension between the two. With Atreus' wish to discover more about himself as Loki, and the wish of finding an explanation for the prophecies, Kratos is very much against his ideas and is willing to do all he can to stop Atreus' restlessness. Through each quest, the pair appear to have an unbalanced and tense level of communication.

After Atreus returns from leaving the group and working with Odin in Asgard, Kratos takes the opportunity to come to terms with his mistakes and wrongdoings as a father and apologizes to his son. This is one of the more heartfelt and wholesome sequences within Ragnarok as this is very contrary to his behavior in God Of War (2018), where his authoritative and strict nature was more prominent.

4 Willing To Listen

Kratos argues with Atreus

Many fans who have played the older God Of War titles will know of Kratos' fixation on vengeance, along with his stern and aggressive nature considering being tricked into murdering his own family. Whilst this was heavily lightened in God Of War (2018) due to the number of years ahead and the attempt to change, there were still sequences where Kratos would not budge at any advice given either by Atreus or Mimir. The prologue of Ragnarok presents a drastic change between Kratos and Mimir, as the two are much closer than before.

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At one point Mimir advises Kratos to take it easy with Atreus before tensions spring out of control to which Kratos appears to agree without any objections. The same is clear in the aftermath of Atreus' return, with the entire group showing disdain and anger toward him for unleashing Garm in Helheim, but Kratos is quick to defend his son and is open to fix his mistake.

3 Reminisces The Past

Kratos and Faye

God Of War (2018)'s story revolved around spreading Kratos' wife Faye's ashes at the peak of Jotunheim, and whilst the entire objective stems from Faye's death, there were much fewer sequences that portrayed Kratos' pain of losing his wife compared to Ragnarok. This time around, players finally get to see Faye and her interactions with Kratos including a baby Atreus. These flashbacks give a greater context of how impactful Faye's loss was not only in the eyes of Atreus but Kratos at certain points within the game.

One of them is juxtaposed with a period where the scene suggests Kratos is lost and does not have the answers to what must be done to ensure Atreus' safety who was situated in Asgard. This opened up a new and more emotional side to Kratos' character and gives players a reminder of the importance of Atreus' survival even if he was to die doing so.

2 Far More Protective

Kratos speaks with Atreus

In the midst of all the threats throughout the game and the threat of Ragnarok, Kratos is far more alert and protective compared to 2018's title. Despite Atreus being far more honed and experienced in his skill set and capability of defending himself to some extent without his father, this does not sway or shake his father's controlling nature which eventually led to tensions between the two.

After seeing Faye's flashbacks, players will once again understand that Kratos keeps Atreus safe and sound, especially at the prospect of his own death given the prophecies and the word of the Norns. Stakes are much higher than before in this game with the prophecy potentially leading to Ragnarok and Kratos' death, he is far within his right to be extra concerned for his safety and writers produced a script that conveyed that in the best way possible.

1 Vulnerable

Thor vs Kratos

After the first encounter between Kratos and Thor, players were able to see just how menacing and dangerous the God of thunder was, dominating Kratos at certain points in their bout. While Kratos is far different to his prior years and his desire for vengeance, which showcased a more blood-lusted and formidable God, Thor's overwhelming strength and size seemed to have made Kratos fire up further. Compared to the likes of Baldur or his own sons Magni and Modi, Thor's threat appears to be of greater magnitude.

Despite making amends with Freya midway through the journey, both Kratos and Atreus are up against Odin, Thor, Heimdall, and all the foes Asgard and Ragnarok has to offer, which is contrary to God Of War (2018) gave many players where the threat was less prominent.

God of War Ragnarok is available now for PS4 and PS5.

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