God of War’s Kratos Didn’t Need to Return, But It’s the Right Call

It’s been confirmed that Kratos is returning to helm God of War after God of War Laufey, as if there were any doubt. Although, judging by some of the extreme reactions to God of War Laufey online, perhaps such news wasn’t quite so predictable to everyone.

The truth is, God of War has grown beyond just Kratos at this point. Since it was rebooted in 2018, God of War has effectively pieced together an ensemble cast, as Kratos has grown to value allies more than enemies. This shift is embodied by Atreus, introduced first as a gameplay-altering companion and later as a playable character in his own right. In another franchise, these two features might be expected, but in the Kratos-centric God of War series, they are far more significant. God of War Laufey is the further culmination of this changing franchise identity, and while an about-face back to Kratos might seem abrupt, it makes plenty of sense.

God of War Could Easily Retire Kratos at This Point

To be clear, I am not a Kratos-hater. I’m actually a Kratos-lover, if anything: I contend that, for as good as his depiction is in the new games, Kratos has always been an exceptionally complex and compelling character. His journey of self-discovery in the Norse saga would not have been nearly as interesting and impactful had it not been for the groundwork Santa Monica laid with the Greek games, whose more operatic tone fits the Grecian tendency for drama—they arguably invented it, after all.

Kratos’ bloody escapades in Greece follow him into the Norse games in a way that, while occasionally criticized as cliche in recent years, is quite satisfying. The man is the literal embodiment of warfare in many ways, so he will probably never be weeping in a therapist’s office, but he processes things in his own way. His justifications for his actions and even his self-flagellations are all part of how he deals with the extraordinary circumstances of his life.

This is brought to a head in God of War Ragnarok‘s Valhalla DLC, which concluded Kratos’ character arc so tidily that fans were wondering if he would take a step back from the franchise altogether. Without getting too deep into spoilers, Kratos spends the last two God of War games wallowing in guilt, and Valhalla allows him to accept his past and move forward. There’s even a suggestion that he will replace Tyr as the Norse God of War, working alongside Freya in service to the Realm.

With Kratos making peace with his past misdeeds and seriously considering a more hands-off leadership position, the next step for God of War was obvious, to some: replace Kratos with Atreus, at least for an entry or two. After all, Atreus is far better positioned for high-stakes adventuring by the end of God of War Ragnarok. Choosing Laufey as the next lead is certainly less expected, which makes it even more of a fresh take. Going in a new creative direction just as a major character seems to be reaching the end of their arc seems like an obvious idea to me, but a lot of people don’t feel the same way.

Kratos Returning to God of War Is the Cost of Doing Business

I don’t want to give these people too much attention, but if you engage with gaming culture online in any capacity, you know they’re unavoidable. I speak of the culture warriors, the outrage farmers who erupt like an angry rash whenever a woman or person of color appears in the leading role of a video game. Unsurprisingly, these types have an issue with God of War Laufey, and I suspect that their ability to hijack the discourse surrounding the game is due in part to a certain relatability: you don’t have to necessarily be misogynistic or crazy to feel apprehensive about a new lead in a decades-long franchise.

For a lot of people, Kratos is God of War‘s main attraction. Without him, there’s simply no point in playing the games. Again, a look at the God of War Laufey discourse will indicate as much. At the end of the day, a lot of people simply don’t like change, and Santa Monica Studios may feel beholden to this audience, to a certain extent. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this next Kratos-led God of War was announced during the same Comic-Con panel that revealed God of War Laufey‘s release date. Whether intentional or not, confirming Kratos’ return has likely assuaged a sizable portion of the God of War fanbase.

Broadly speaking, this isn’t really a stance I agree with. The philosophy that video games are simply products that should be made to the customers’ exact specifications has never sat right with me. Video games, like movies and books, can facilitate powerful stories when backed by the proper creative heft and precision. They are not Subway sandwiches, devised by the micromanaging of fanbases crying out for this ingredient or that one. If Santa Monica had only given fans what they thought they wanted, we probably would never have gotten God of War 2018.

God of War Has To Be Careful Not To Ruin Kratos

Amidst all these God of War shake-ups and fervent discussions, I’m reminded of one of the more depressing elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Love it or hate it, the MCU was once a film series that relied on new ideas to snag the attention of audiences, and while it still attempts this, it’s also devolved into a churning pit of regurgitated ideas and characters. A character might get a heartfelt send-off in one film only to be dragged out of retirement or death a few movies later, when Disney feels that it needs to lure in wandering fans.

I suppose what I’m trying to say is this: I’m open to another Kratos-led God of War. In fact, I’m open to several, as long as Santa Monica actually has good reasons for them. But if the only reason for Kratos returning to a lead role is because “it’s not God of War without Kratos,” then that’s no reason at all. You might as well say that there’s no God of War without Greece, Zeus, or Athena. Actually, you might as well just replay the older God of War games, rather than expect Kratos to be dragged through the franchise for eternity.

Systems

Publisher(s)

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Number of Players

Single-player

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