The Sony Santa Monica series is a tale of two sides. Its 17-year legacy is set across two different mythologies that are largely different in style, atmosphere, characters, and location. Kratos is the son of Zeus, so when he’s seen fighting Magni, Modi, and Baldur in Midgard it’s a surprise; his past as a Spartan has him intertwined with Greek lore. Most of the God of War games take place in Greece. The later Norse games are more critically praised and commercially successful, but it would be a disservice to the franchise to skip over the first games entirely.
Kratos is a Product of Greece
By the time the events of 2018’s God of War begin, it’s clear that Kratos is worn-down, exhausted, and in dire need of a quiet life. His largely subdued rage feels like a product of a life of hatred, and this is true, as his exploits in Greece are shrouded in tragedy. The life he forged in Midgard is uplifting for players, as it was a fulfilling and deserved ending for the character. Embarking on the journey to Jotunheim to spread Faye’s ashes feels like dragging a once-retired man into a fight he didn’t pick, nor did he deserve, which is one of the many reasons the game’s story is as effective as it is.
Greek Mythology’s Polarizing Presentation
The stark difference in visuals between Greece and Norse mythology is evident. The marble-lined streets and towering pillars of Greece are a far cry from the stalwart wooden structures in Midgard or the gothic spires of Alfheim, and opting to overlook God of War’s Greek era would be leaving a mountain of visual potential on the table. Using different styles in a TV series can wield some interesting results, using unique color filters and style flourishes to show that the story being told is multifaceted.
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