God Of War Ragnarök Revisited A 9/10 Experience After 100 Percent Completion

Revisiting a beloved game is always a gamble. Will it live up to the initial hype? Will the magic still be there? For me, returning to God of War Ragnarök to achieve 100% completion was a resounding success. From the moment the title screen appeared, I was once again captivated by the rich world, compelling characters, and visceral combat that made the game an instant classic. My experience, even after the initial playthrough, solidified my 9/10 rating.

A World Worth Returning To

One of the most significant aspects of God of War Ragnarök is its breathtaking world. The nine realms are meticulously crafted, each with its unique atmosphere, challenges, and lore. From the snow-covered landscapes of Midgard to the vibrant forests of Alfheim and the fiery depths of Muspelheim, every location feels distinct and alive. This level of detail is not just visual; it permeates the entire experience. Exploring these realms again, I was struck by how much I had missed during my first playthrough. Hidden pathways, optional bosses, and intriguing side quests reveal themselves to those who take the time to venture off the beaten path. The world itself becomes a character, drawing you in with its secrets and rewarding your curiosity. This is further enhanced by the game’s stunning graphics. The level of detail in character models, environments, and special effects is truly remarkable. Playing on a high-end system, the game is a visual feast, with crisp textures, realistic lighting, and fluid animations. Even on the PlayStation 4, the game looks impressive, showcasing the developers' mastery of the hardware. The art direction is also exceptional, blending Norse mythology with a unique visual style that is both epic and intimate. From the towering statues of gods to the intricate carvings on Kratos' Leviathan Axe, every element of the game's design contributes to its immersive atmosphere. During my 100% completion run, I made it a point to spend more time simply soaking in the scenery. I explored every nook and cranny, admiring the landscapes and discovering new details that I had previously overlooked. This deeper appreciation for the world made the experience even more rewarding. The sound design in God of War Ragnarök is equally impressive. The score is epic and emotional, perfectly complementing the on-screen action. The sound effects are visceral and impactful, making each blow of Kratos' axe feel weighty and satisfying. The voice acting is also top-notch, with each character delivering a nuanced and believable performance. All of these elements combine to create a truly immersive and unforgettable world that is well worth revisiting, even after the main story has concluded. Returning to this world was not just about ticking off items on a checklist; it was about rediscovering the magic that made the game so special in the first place.

Combat That Still Thrills

The combat in God of War Ragnarök is a masterclass in action game design. It's brutal, visceral, and deeply satisfying. Kratos' arsenal of weapons, including the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos, offers a wide range of combat options. Each weapon has its own unique moveset and upgrade path, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences. The game encourages experimentation, rewarding players who master the intricacies of each weapon and learn to chain together devastating combos. The enemy variety is also excellent. From the nimble Draugr to the towering Trolls, each enemy type presents its own challenges and requires a different approach. This keeps the combat fresh and engaging, even after dozens of hours of gameplay. The game also features a number of challenging boss battles. These encounters are epic in scale and require players to utilize all of their skills and knowledge to emerge victorious. Each boss has its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses, forcing players to adapt their strategies and think on their feet. One of the things that makes the combat so satisfying is the weight and impact of Kratos' attacks. Every blow feels powerful, and the sound effects and animations perfectly convey the brutality of the battles. The game also features a robust parry and dodge system, allowing players to evade enemy attacks and create openings for counterattacks. Mastering these defensive techniques is crucial for success, especially on higher difficulty levels. During my 100% completion run, I spent a lot of time experimenting with different combat styles and upgrade paths. I discovered new combos and techniques that I had previously overlooked, making the combat even more enjoyable. I also challenged myself to fight some of the tougher optional bosses, which provided a great sense of accomplishment. The combat in God of War Ragnarök is not just about mindless button-mashing; it's about strategy, timing, and mastery. It's a system that rewards skill and encourages experimentation, making it one of the most satisfying combat systems in recent memory. Returning to this combat system was a joy, and it reaffirmed my belief that it's one of the game's greatest strengths.

Characters That Resonate

Beyond the stunning visuals and visceral combat, God of War Ragnarök shines in its character development and storytelling. The relationship between Kratos and Atreus is the heart of the game, and their journey is both compelling and emotionally resonant. Kratos' evolution from a stoic warrior to a more compassionate father is beautifully portrayed, and Atreus' growth from a young boy to a confident young man is equally captivating. The game also introduces a cast of memorable supporting characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Freya, Mimir, and Brok and Sindri are just a few of the characters who add depth and complexity to the story. Their interactions with Kratos and Atreus are often humorous, heartwarming, or heartbreaking, adding to the game's emotional impact. The voice acting is exceptional across the board, with each actor delivering a nuanced and believable performance. Christopher Judge's portrayal of Kratos is particularly noteworthy, capturing both the character's gruff exterior and his underlying vulnerability. Sunny Suljic also delivers a fantastic performance as Atreus, bringing a sense of youthful energy and curiosity to the role. The story itself is a masterful blend of Norse mythology and personal drama. It explores themes of family, duty, and destiny, while also delivering plenty of epic moments and thrilling plot twists. The game also delves into the complex relationships between the gods, offering a fresh perspective on familiar myths and legends. During my 100% completion run, I paid closer attention to the character interactions and the nuances of the story. I discovered new layers of meaning in the dialogue and appreciated the subtle ways in which the characters grew and evolved. I was also struck by the game's willingness to explore complex moral issues, challenging players to think critically about the characters' choices and motivations. The characters in God of War Ragnarök are not just pixels on a screen; they are fully realized individuals with their own hopes, fears, and flaws. Their journey is one that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, and it's one of the main reasons why the game is so special. Returning to these characters was like reuniting with old friends, and it reminded me of the power of storytelling to connect us to something larger than ourselves.

The 100% Grind: Worth the Effort?

Embarking on the 100% completion journey in God of War Ragnarök is no small feat. It requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to explore every corner of the game's vast world. The checklist includes completing all main story quests, tackling numerous side quests, defeating optional bosses, collecting artifacts, and mastering various combat challenges. Some players might find this grind tedious, but I personally found it to be a rewarding experience. It gave me the opportunity to delve deeper into the game's lore, discover hidden secrets, and further hone my combat skills. The side quests in God of War Ragnarök are particularly well-designed. They are not simply fetch quests or filler content; they often feature compelling storylines, memorable characters, and meaningful rewards. Many of the side quests also expand upon the game's lore, providing valuable insights into the world and its inhabitants. The optional bosses are another highlight of the 100% completion run. These encounters are incredibly challenging, but they offer a great sense of accomplishment upon victory. They also force players to utilize all of their skills and knowledge, pushing them to become better players. The collectibles in the game are also well-integrated into the world. They are not simply scattered randomly; they are often hidden in clever locations and require some exploration to find. Collecting them can also unlock new gear, upgrades, and lore entries, adding to the sense of reward. Of course, the 100% grind is not without its challenges. Some of the collectibles can be quite difficult to find, and some of the combat challenges can be frustrating. However, the overall experience is a positive one, and the sense of accomplishment upon achieving 100% completion is well worth the effort. During my 100% completion run, I found myself constantly discovering new things about the game. I explored areas that I had previously overlooked, encountered new enemies, and learned new combat techniques. This made the experience feel fresh and engaging, even after dozens of hours of gameplay. The 100% grind in God of War Ragnarök is not for everyone, but for those who are willing to invest the time and effort, it's a rewarding way to experience the game to its fullest. It's a testament to the game's depth and replayability, and it's one of the reasons why I enjoyed my return to the world of Norse mythology so much.

Final Verdict: Still a Masterpiece

Returning to God of War Ragnarök to achieve 100% completion was a fantastic experience. The game's stunning world, visceral combat, compelling characters, and engaging story held up remarkably well, even after my initial playthrough. The 100% grind was challenging but ultimately rewarding, giving me the opportunity to delve deeper into the game's lore and master its combat mechanics. While no game is perfect, God of War Ragnarök comes incredibly close. It's a masterpiece of game design, and it's a game that I will continue to revisit for years to come. My 9/10 rating stands firm, and I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys action-adventure games, Norse mythology, or simply great storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the genre, God of War Ragnarök is an experience that you won't soon forget. The game's emotional depth, coupled with its thrilling gameplay, makes it a truly special title. It's a testament to the power of video games to transport us to other worlds, connect us with compelling characters, and tell stories that resonate on a human level. If you're looking for a game that will challenge you, entertain you, and leave you with a lasting impression, look no further than God of War Ragnarök. It's a game that deserves all the praise it has received, and it's a game that I'm proud to have experienced to its fullest. So, pick up your axe, embark on your journey, and prepare to be captivated by the world of God of War Ragnarök.