Kratos Returns as God Slayer in New God of War
The Return of the God Slayer
Sony has definitely aimed to take the show this year with a slew of new titles for the PS4 and Playstation VR. Out of all of the titles showcased, none took the audiences by surprise more than the new installment of God of War. The series had seemed to come to an end in the last GOW title with Kratos giving up his blades and renouncing his powers, but he returns with a new challenge other than slaying deities. This time Kratos must fight off mythical opponents whilst trying to raise a son. The demonstration of the new game begins with a young man running into the house at the call of his father who happens to be an aged Kratos sporting an epic beard.
Through a closer camera view than previous installments we see Kratos follow his son on his first hunt, but they are soon intercepted by what seems to be undead Vikings. The design of these enemies are the first hint that the God of War universe has moved to a new mythology. Here players are shown that Kratos does not even need his blades as he has an axe infused with ice magic. Kratos disposes of the three enemies with seemingly flawless combat as he is able to throw his axe at one opponent, then turn to another to beat it to death with his bare hands. Kratos shrugs off the random battle as he reels his axe in as a jedi would and urges his son on to find his prey, but as they cross a bridge a giant troll appears and destroys the structure, forcing Kratos and his son to fight. Before the fight ensues the troll solidifies the move to Norse mythology when he roars at Kratos about Valhalla.
This engagement shows of the most intriguing aspect of the revamped combat system as a bulk of the fight seems cinematic, but it is actual all done by the player in real time. This perfect flow battle system makes it so every fight runs smoothly rather than slowed or halted by a cut scene. Another mechanic debuted here is the Spartan Rage where Kratos lets out a mighty war and unleashes a flurry of strikes and slashes to execute his foe. After Kratos dispatches the troll he scolds his son for hesitating during battle, but offers him redemption as the deer appears before them. He guides his boy into killing the animal and as the demo seems to come to an end a most anticipated enemy covers the skies above; A Dragon. This demo earned God of War the Best of E3 plaque solidifying Sonys lead at this years show.