Whatever direction theGod of Warfranchise takes moving forward, it should evolve beyond the formula established by 2018’s release and expanded upon inRagnarok. Everything about this style of game works, but there are a few features that could be either trimmed or overhauled for the best results in the nextGod of War, especially if certain story and setting speculation proves true.
Much has been said about the possibility ofthe nextGod of Wargame featuring Atreus, but even another Kratos-centric outing has the chance to introduce some significant gameplay changes. A big part of whyGod of War2018 was such a runaway success is due to the fact that it was totally unexpected:God of Warhad been dormant for quite some time, and it was regarded by the gaming community as a staple in the hack-and-slash genre, similar to other over-the-top games likeDevil May Cry. Thus, when a slower, more deliberate style of gameplay reared its head, it was a breath of fresh air. However, this new framework isn’t perfect, and could be polished in the next entry.
The Next God of War Game Needs to Rethink Runic Attacks
Runic Attacks Aren’t Very Exciting in New God of War Games
One of the clearest remnants ofGod of War’s old-school flashy combatin the newer games is the Runic Attack system. These function similarly to special attacks in MMOs and other action-RPGs, being bound to a simple button combination and restricted by a cooldown. They can be extremely useful in battle, dealing incredible damage against one or several foes.
The problem is that they are somewhat uninteresting. There is certainly variation between each Runic Attack, with some doing different types of damage or having a broader area of impact, but they all essentially do the same thing: unleash a strong attack that can’t be interrupted.Runic Attacks were hardly altered forRagnarok, which makes them feel even less unique and consequential for returning players. By reworking this system, the nextGod of Warcould offer an even more robust combat and RPG sandbox, with more variety and opportunities for player expression.
How Future God of War Games Could Improve Runic Attacks
As it stands, many Runic Attacks feel rather interchangable, and the average player probably won’t get much out of experimenting with different builds and combinations. However, if the nextGod of Warwere to make these abilities more impactful and distinct from one another, they would be a more meaningful part of the overall experience. For instance, there could beRunic Attacks that alter the player’s moveset, making for a more long-lasting and interactive change to combat, rather than a one-off blast of power that requires little to no input from the player. In a similar vein, there could be more Runic Attacks that offer significant, unique buffs and debuffs, giving them more strategic viability.
These also wouldn’t have to be called “Runic Attacks.” The system could be replaced by something different that plays a similar role in combat.
This approach seems particularly appropriate for apotential Atreus-ledGod of War. As a more acrobatic fighter with an affinity for magic, Atreus would be uniquely suited to special attacks that augment or alter his moment-to-moment gameplay, rather than pausing it outright with a stronger-than-usual attack. Since Atreus can shapeshift, perhaps he could even have some “Runic Attacks” that change his form, leading to new ways to engage with combat encounters.
God of Warhas series-best combat, and Runic Attacks don’t take that away. But it seems like these special moves are among the weaker links of this modern combat system, and as the franchise continues to mutate and reinvent itself, they should be one of the first mechanics to be reexamined.
God of War Ragnarok
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Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
