God of War

 PlayStation 4
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 23476 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21,316 out of 23476
  2. Mixed: 804 out of 23476
  3. Negative: 1,356 out of 23476
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  1. jasonbrunning1
    Feb 19, 2022
    9
    Absolute class triple A game from start to finish. Amazing characters and amazing story telling.
  2. jeffbizloc
    Dec 18, 2018
    9
    Beat God of War on normal difficulty. Kratos is back and wiser and more subued?

    Pros: - Like that the story is more down key then the usual save the world stories - The father/son aspects were well done - Combat in general made it fun to play - Graphics were outstanding - The no load times (even if they tricked you a bit when fast traveling) is quite an accomplishment and great    Beat God of War on normal difficulty. Kratos is back and wiser and more subued?

    Pros:
    - Like that the story is more down key then the usual save the world stories
    - The father/son aspects were well done
    - Combat in general made it fun to play
    - Graphics were outstanding
    - The no load times (even if they tricked you a bit when fast traveling) is quite an accomplishment and great convenience for the player

    Cons:
    - My biggest gripe is normal was too easy but hard had no trophy so I stuck with normal. Beating hard is an achievement - reward it!    … Expand
  3. Sinbaddusnavy
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    As a father of five Kids who has been gaming since Atari 2600 I have played a lot of games. Too many some would say. The experience of gaming is enhanced when you are immersed in an amazing story with amazing graphics and most importantly it plays smoothly. This may be the first game where I truly understood and felt emotionally attached to the characters. I could feel the emotion inAs a father of five Kids who has been gaming since Atari 2600 I have played a lot of games. Too many some would say. The experience of gaming is enhanced when you are immersed in an amazing story with amazing graphics and most importantly it plays smoothly. This may be the first game where I truly understood and felt emotionally attached to the characters. I could feel the emotion in their decisions. This game is the best I have ever played not because the graphics are incredible or because I like PS4 in fact I rarely play games with a console. The STORY. This is better than any movie and game previous. It is so good like a good book the ending makes you feel sad BECAUSE it ended. This is what gaming in this ERA should all strive to be the pinnacle of success is this game. I doubt I will ever play a game that is better overall with story and all the rest combined. Many will try and many will fail. I salute those who made this game and give it the highest recommendation you can give and not one troll was on this game the entire time I played it so that is a bonus bonus!… Expand
  4. I_StillAlive_
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    Well, there is not much to say about this masterpiece, the best exclusive on PS4 so far... They pushed the graphics to the maximum capacity of PS4´s hardware, made it pure Singleplayer, no annoying dlcs or lootboxes, no multiplayer, this game was made with passion and for good gaming experience, not for money on first place... There was everything said about this GAME with big G, so I canWell, there is not much to say about this masterpiece, the best exclusive on PS4 so far... They pushed the graphics to the maximum capacity of PS4´s hardware, made it pure Singleplayer, no annoying dlcs or lootboxes, no multiplayer, this game was made with passion and for good gaming experience, not for money on first place... There was everything said about this GAME with big G, so I can only give this game 10/10, cause this game forced me to make platinum trophy, that's how good it is :))… Expand
  5. razMN
    Jan 27, 2022
    10
    Yes, it's all that a game needs to be one of the best of all time. A very good story, strongly developed characters, absolutely fantastic gameplay, natural progression in the game, interesting sidequests, and a good setting. It's honestly one of the best games I have ever played.

    One thing that had me "avoiding to play" the final missions is that the game starts to force fights in order    Yes, it's all that a game needs to be one of the best of all time. A very good story, strongly developed characters, absolutely fantastic gameplay, natural progression in the game, interesting sidequests, and a good setting. It's honestly one of the best games I have ever played.

    One thing that had me "avoiding to play" the final missions is that the game starts to force fights in order to expand playtime, and you can't interact with anything while a fight is going on, so you can't really run and pretend Draugr don't exist. It's a minor thing and happens like in the last 2-3 hours of the game. There's still plenty for you all to enjoy.    … Expand
  6. KanesInsane
    Jun 8, 2018
    10
    My advice to you comes in 3 words - Buy. This. Game.

    Masterfully, Santa Monica has accomplished what most game companies can only dream of setting out to accomplish – Perfection. They’ve reinvented their signature combat heavy franchise by enhancing it with a significantly more mature approach - AND they’ve done this whilst retaining the same brutality we all know and love from their    My advice to you comes in 3 words - Buy. This. Game.

    Masterfully, Santa Monica has accomplished what most game companies can only dream of setting out to accomplish – Perfection.
    They’ve reinvented their signature combat heavy franchise by enhancing it with a significantly more mature approach - AND they’ve done this whilst retaining the same brutality we all know and love from their original titles in the franchise!
    The combat has also evolved to a legendary new standard of gruesome and satisfying monster-slaying gameplay. And of course the graphics are truly awe-inspiring.

    You’ll be amazed by the attention to detail in almost everything in this new world take on Norse Mythology. I promise you, it’s nothing short of amazing to see THIS game company outdo themselves with such glorious finesse.

    As for those who have a problem with the new and improved God of War– my message to you is simple - Use your hard-earned money on some other souls like equivalent of your preference…or sign up for PS plus if you’re not willing to say goodbye to the old school games.

    This is not the game for you.

    But if you’re anything like me, you’ve been nothing short of ecstatic since that incredible E3 trailer, so let me tell you without a shred of **** It’s a thing of absolute beauty.

    God of War has returned as an insanely detailed cinematic experience. You’d have to be completely senseless to deny it.

    THIS is how single player games should be made, THIS is what a total Masterpiece looks like.    … Expand
  7. EdwardG
    Oct 3, 2020
    8
    God of War succeeds in being simultaneously an epic adventure and a very personal tale. Or at least, it does most of the time. The main story is great, and it helps me see why the game was praised so much. In God of War, the combat is solid, the lore is rich and deep, but most importantly, the story is excellent. It feels very intimate and human in a game where you've got gods runningGod of War succeeds in being simultaneously an epic adventure and a very personal tale. Or at least, it does most of the time. The main story is great, and it helps me see why the game was praised so much. In God of War, the combat is solid, the lore is rich and deep, but most importantly, the story is excellent. It feels very intimate and human in a game where you've got gods running amok, dragons to see and a whole host of enemies that need killing. It really is a special journey, and one I loved experiencing. Kratos is an excellent character in God of War, And one who just wants to see his son be better than himself, and to avoid repeating the same mistakes he made. Watching Kratos' relationship with his son, Atreus, develop through the game was really engaging. There's just one part of Atreus' character arc that I thought was rushed over a bit too quickly, that being his more aggressive and defiant streak around the middle of the game, but it's possible that there's more to it that might be explored in the sequel.

    Where God of War lost me a bit was in some of its side content, which felt to me like unnecessary padding. In a game with such a strong linear narrative, I don't see the need for some of the additional content, especially when some of it is quite grindy. Although the combat is cathartic and satisfying, it alone isn't what made me want to play God of War, so after I finished the main story I was done with the game. Others who were hooked by the gameplay may enjoy fighting all of the Valkyries and grinding through the realms of Muspelheim and Niflheim for armour and upgrades, but personally I had no motivation to do so. For me, these parts of the game clashed with its identity as a cinematic story-driven experience.

    I wasn't totally sold on the RPG elements either, as they're another thing that just distracts you from what makes the game so good. They're not overly intrusive, but the loot system feels somewhat unnecessary. That said, you can get through the game easily without worrying about your stats and build too much, so it's no big deal.

    Still, this is a great game. It certainly looks amazing and utilises a one shot camera technique which blends cutscenes with gameplay to great effect. The character models are superb, and the voice actors do an excellent job too. The side characters are also well done - Brok and Sindri are loveable, funny brothers, and Mimir is an insightful and witty companion.

    Overall I enjoyed my time with God of War. Kratos' journey with his son was one I thoroughly enjoyed playing through, and as a newcomer to the series I never felt lost. The combat is fun thanks to the weight of the Leviathan Axe and the brutality of it all, and the game surprises you time and time again with more epic moments. The excellent mythos, gorgeous realms, and visceral combat all sell the grand scale of this adventure, and the writing, dialogue and performances make the journey truly special. God of War ends in an emotional and beautiful way, setting up a sequel that I'm looking forward to.    … Expand
  8. Dragonfly44
    Oct 25, 2020
    9
    As someone who has never played a God of War game before, i loved it. The story and characters are very well put together and the acting is insanely good. The world is beautiful and the combat is a little lacking in its repetitiveness, but the game is still an amazing experience. 90/100
  9. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Oct 11, 2019
    10
    An epic sequel/reboot that ranks up with "The Last of Us" as one of Sony's best video games. While it's technically "God of War 4", this is also a complete rehaul for the series. It's an open-world RPG action-adventure that can last over 50 hours. Gameplay is a cross between "The Witcher" and "Dark Souls". The graphics are truly astounding. In fact, GOW is the best looking video game I'veAn epic sequel/reboot that ranks up with "The Last of Us" as one of Sony's best video games. While it's technically "God of War 4", this is also a complete rehaul for the series. It's an open-world RPG action-adventure that can last over 50 hours. Gameplay is a cross between "The Witcher" and "Dark Souls". The graphics are truly astounding. In fact, GOW is the best looking video game I've ever seen. Story wise, this stands out as the most mature and compelling entry. Overall, the game is an instant classic and a stone cold masterpiece. Action fans will be enthralled. I would rate this with a 10 out of 10.… Expand
  10. Biopunk-X
    Feb 15, 2021
    10
    I was sceptic with hipster Kratos at first look, it's nothing like the rest of the series, but when I started playing I realized that change is not always bad. They managed to create a masterpiece one more time.
    Just when I finished the game and earned platinum trophy I realized it has Hungarian subtitles so I could start a new game+ on my native language, huge respect to Sony and Santa    I was sceptic with hipster Kratos at first look, it's nothing like the rest of the series, but when I started playing I realized that change is not always bad. They managed to create a masterpiece one more time.
    Just when I finished the game and earned platinum trophy I realized it has Hungarian subtitles so I could start a new game+ on my native language, huge respect to Sony and Santa Monica studio for it!!
    If you own a PS4 and haven't played this game, you did nothing this generation.    … Expand
  11. Fahdaad
    May 31, 2023
    9
    Immersive story fused with an incredibly well designed combat system, creating a mature yet heartful experience.
  12. C1PH3R
    Sep 18, 2019
    10
    Absolute Masterpiece!!! Everything about the game is amazing. Only complaint is lack of unique bosses.
  13. ZuraSix
    Jul 4, 2018
    10
    God of war 2018 is in every sense of the word a modern gaming masterpiece. Amazing characters, Amazing Story, Amazing combat, Amazing setting, just everything about this game is Outstanding. Of course, like every game there are flaws, but in God of War there are very very little, and all the incredible aspects in God Of War heavily overpower the small flaws, and makes you barely rememberGod of war 2018 is in every sense of the word a modern gaming masterpiece. Amazing characters, Amazing Story, Amazing combat, Amazing setting, just everything about this game is Outstanding. Of course, like every game there are flaws, but in God of War there are very very little, and all the incredible aspects in God Of War heavily overpower the small flaws, and makes you barely remember them once finishing the game. A must buy, a must play, a must experience.… Expand
  14. Grayson7
    Aug 26, 2019
    10
    One of the best game ever
    One of the best charecter ever This game is a masterpiece
  15. Guldann
    Oct 18, 2018
    10
    El increíble regreso del Fantasma de Esparta, tiene una jugabilidad totalmente nueva y fresca, lo que le da un aire increíble al juego con respecto a las otras entregas. Recomiendo totalmente la compra.
  16. CoreGamer1408
    May 17, 2020
    8
    What I first noticed about this one it looked very pretty and well voice acted. The second thing I noticed was the dialogue to point it got silly, BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Not one for the hack and slash fighting games anymore. Trying to remember all those moves OMG brain overload these days. I still did enjoy the visual spectacle of the combat if I    What I first noticed about this one it looked very pretty and well voice acted. The second thing I noticed was the dialogue to point it got silly, BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Not one for the hack and slash fighting games anymore. Trying to remember all those moves OMG brain overload these days. I still did enjoy the visual spectacle of the combat if I wasn't that really good at it. The game has a really cinematic feel to it all with no loading screens. Even though after a while it easy to spot the loading in the background areas. At a point the game started to drag and the filler and padding, became more noticble.

    Main story missions I got to feel like a powerful God. However WTF is with the over the top free roam difficulty scaling with do or die battles? When a single trash mob enemy is way more stronger and damaging than say a story monster boss or a story god boss? Then that makes no f-ing sense and is very immersion breaking to say the least this being the GOD OF WAR.

    Personally I would of liked a smaller game with less bloat. With consistent enemy scaling between story and free roam modes. The more I played the less I liked. Started at a 10/10 and dropped down to a 8/10 by end game.    … Expand
  17. wangweixun
    Dec 7, 2020
    10
    Wow. What can I say about GOW? It's so perfect that I cannot nitpick anything wrong with it.
  18. thomaddox4
    Jun 28, 2018
    10
    They aren't kidding when they say the God of War has changed. Where the series used to be a sort of DMC-lite, known for boss fights and stunning brutality, the 2018 game still has these strengths while being way more fleshed out and a more well rounded experience.

    The majority of the gameplay consists of exploration, combat, and puzzle solving, and each of these elements is very well    They aren't kidding when they say the God of War has changed. Where the series used to be a sort of DMC-lite, known for boss fights and stunning brutality, the 2018 game still has these strengths while being way more fleshed out and a more well rounded experience.

    The majority of the gameplay consists of exploration, combat, and puzzle solving, and each of these elements is very well done. There are interesting puzzles that make use of a variety of mechanics, though many of them are needed only for optional content. The level design is excellent, with beautiful and interesting environments with clever concepts, and the way the world interconnects is reminiscent of the original Dark Souls. Careful exploration and paying attention to your environment is rewarded with a variety of things to find throughout the world. The combat has also borrowed from Dark Souls, now being a kind of hybrid between it and DMC. There are still a variety of combos and attacks at your disposal, but with the addition of axe throwing, a dodge roll, the block/parry system, and the need to watch enemy animations to predict their moves, you end up with the best of both worlds, and at times the sheer number of tactics you have available to you can be overwhelming. Enemy variety is a little underwhelming, the camera can be frustrating, and on the higher difficulties the enemies can be too spongy to feel realistic, but overall combat is excellent. The addition of these elements between the cinematic moments and boss fights make the truly epic moments all the more memorable and awesome. A good bit of the side content is found along the way of the main story, but I would estimate that the main storyline is about 20-25 hours long, and a 100% playthrough with full exploration takes roughly 50-60 hours, depending on your difficulty selection. The game does have post game content.

    Surprisingly, the story in God of War is actually really well done, simple but well executed. The narrative revolves around the relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus, and there are some really touching moments throughout the game as their relationship evolves and both characters grow. The story isn't laden down with unnecessary padding, and is very well handled.

    The gameplay and narrative are what makes God of War great, but the technical aspects are where it innovates and what pushes it beyond the average Action RPG. Once the game opens, there are NO loading screens, and the camera cuts away only when you pause to open the menu. Cutscenes, cinematics, and gameplay are all seamlessly woven into one, making the game uniquely full of substance while feeling cinematic, as though you were playing a superhero movie. Graphics and sound design are similarly top of the line, especially on the PS4 Pro, but by no means is a Pro necessary to have the game run well and look beautiful.

    Flaws in the game past those noted in the combat section include a strange choice of final boss that many (including myself) thought underwhelming, a somewhat counter-intuitive and cluttered menu screen, and RPG mechanics that seem tacked-on and not as well polished as the rest of the game. I'd say most would agree that the game would have been better off without the RPG mechanics and a ton of different items, with exploration that rewarded upgrades directly. Also, due to the unification of narrative and gameplay as one whole, replay value is somewhat limited, but the game was long enough that I'd call that a minor concern.

    Though the game has flaws like any other, these flaws are absolutely overwhelmed by the quality and polish of the entirety of the rest of the game. God of War 2018 is a rare modern masterpiece, a true 10/10. Dark Souls may have been unseated as my favorite game of all time.    … Expand
  19. TheHambro
    Feb 16, 2020
    10
    God of War is truly one of this generation’s best games of all time. So much thought, attention to detail, and passion went into this game from the visuals, music, gameplay, story and so much more making it one of the most amazing experiences ever.

    It goes without saying that the visuals are absolutely stunning, and the music is epic, but what I loved most is the story and gameplay.    God of War is truly one of this generation’s best games of all time. So much thought, attention to detail, and passion went into this game from the visuals, music, gameplay, story and so much more making it one of the most amazing experiences ever.

    It goes without saying that the visuals are absolutely stunning, and the music is epic, but what I loved most is the story and gameplay. The story just compels you to keep going and delve deeper into this Norse realm that Kratos finds himself in, and the title is just steeped in Norse mythology. The dynamics between Kratos and the other characters is just so much fun to watch especially watching the relationship between Kratos and Atreus unfold: I’ve never felt so connected and invested into characters as much as these two except for maybe Ellie and Joel in The Last of Us . Where the game truly shines, however, is the gameplay. As you explore the world of Midgard, you’ll often find yourself locked in battle with multiple foes. Just like the older titles in the series, you’ll utilize combos, runic attacks, and Atreus to brutally dispatch your enemies, and it feels so good.

    While the crafting system is good and offers a sense of character progression, there is just one minor flaw with it. You can collect crating materials to make and upgrade armor and weapons, but the problem is how inconsistent finding materials needed to craft items feel. There might be this piece of armor that you want to craft or upgrade, but the materials needed to craft it will come much later in the game, and you’ll have crafted something far better by the time you get that material. It feels off and messes with the progression a little bit, but nothing that affects the rest of the game.

    God of War is, simply put, a masterpiece of this generation, and one of the best games of all time. It really set the bar incredibly high for single-player experiences, so game developers will have some big shoes to fill and will be incredibly hard to match. I will be thinking about this game for a long time to come, and I honestly can’t wait to come back to Kratos, Atreus, and the world of Midgard in the inevitable sequel.    … Expand
  20. Ruuchie
    Apr 26, 2018
    10
    Incredible game with amazing character development
    Do yourself a favor, stop whatever it is you are doing and play this game. Now.
  21. Kndnba
    May 31, 2020
    10
    Wonderful piece of art. Naturally brought me to tears when i realized how much love and effort bring Santa Monica studio in development. Truly one of the best games of this generation, and the real masterpiece.
  22. XandersReds
    Sep 11, 2023
    9
    Que gran juego, que gráficos, que historia, que nostalgia de cuando jugué aquellos en ps2 y en ps3, me gusto el cambio que se le dio al estilo de juego, aunque extraño un poco ese frenesí de los clásicos, pero en general que gran juego.
  23. OmgitsJackYp
    Jun 17, 2018
    9
    Great Story, Fun combat and terrific characters but the mini bosses are overused.
  24. MidoDaDon
    Oct 24, 2019
    9
    God of War is a game that come once in decade, one of the best games I have ever played and could be the best of this generation, I recommend it to everyone.
  25. darthcooper
    Mar 17, 2023
    10
    I loved this game and there is no grind to move forward in the story. It has more of a relaxed progression that doesn't force you to follow the story nor does it force you to grind for hours to move forward. There is no real level scaling to obstruct your progress however, the biggest negative that took the fun out the game was the many hours spent trying to kill the Valkyries which areI loved this game and there is no grind to move forward in the story. It has more of a relaxed progression that doesn't force you to follow the story nor does it force you to grind for hours to move forward. There is no real level scaling to obstruct your progress however, the biggest negative that took the fun out the game was the many hours spent trying to kill the Valkyries which are scaled to your level of armor so they will always be higher faster and better no matter what armor you are wearing or level you are at. This becomes very tedious as you can spend hours trying to kill one. For Trophy hunters id say think twice because you need to kill the Valkyries to get the Platinum. Some people find them easy but this also depends on your play style, but I personally gave up on the 3rd Valkyrie as it became too tedious for me too complete.… Expand
  26. rhoxwen
    Dec 1, 2022
    9
    This is just as amazing as its predecessor, good quality animations, great character development, flawless and intense combat system, incredible graphics, a really good amount of bosses and side quests, many more locations and character. the only thing I didn't like was the final boss, It was way too easy. But this is a masterpiece, no doubt
  27. slavigrad
    Dec 8, 2020
    6
    I played the GoW trilogy on PS3 and it was fun. This was more for me a puzzle game then an action game. The puzzles were boring and the action was not good enough. The story was good but not that much. If the puzzles and riddles were more intelligent and connected to the story it would be more fun and entertaining.
    This felt like a mature game with puzzles for 5 year old children.
  28. sdaneu
    Feb 11, 2021
    8
    Don't get me wrong, but I prefer the old and insane Kratos. In addition, the former soundtrack is much better. Even though, this game is very good.
  29. TheHeroOfWeird
    Jul 3, 2018
    10
    All around best game in the past year I cannot think of anything to say bad about it stunning visuals outstanding story and amazing gameplay I would have to say god of war definitely deserves to be a candidate for GOTY
  30. Veiled
    Jul 23, 2020
    7
    Me ha hecho mirar con buenos ojos los anteriores, lento, sin ritmo, aburrido hasta el hartazgo, lo abandoné tras 12 horas cansado de puzzles estúpidos y su combate tosco persiguiendo elfos voladores. La peor entrega de la saga con diferencia y mira que ascension era MALO.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PS4 Game of 2018
1
#1 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018
1
#1 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 118 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 118
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 118
  3. Negative: 0 out of 118
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Sep 13, 2018
    100
    The return of the furious Spartan warrior was made well. God of War is already a great contender for game of the year and you shouldn't miss it. [Issue#285]
  2. CD-Action
    Jul 6, 2018
    100
    Cory Barlog and his team achieved what many thought impossible – despite having changed almost everything Santa Monica managed to preserve that elusive spark that makes God of War game feel like a God of War game. They created one of the defining titles of the current generation and a technical marvel whose stunning beauty in motion words cannot describe. And there’s one more thing. Barlog’s touching reaction to his masterpiece’s scores shows that even in the world of huge budgets, micropayments, loot boxes and sales forecasts there still is a place for artists who pour their hearts into their work. We need someone to remind us of that once in a while. [06/2018, p.38]
  3. GameGrin
    Jun 7, 2018
    95
    Where most games excel in one single area, God of War manages to deliver on every front, providing players with one of the best experiences we’ve seen so far this generation.
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