God of War 4 is a critically acclaimed third-person action-adventure video game that redefines the series with an over-the-shoulder camera view, providing an immersive experience. This marks a significant shift from its earlier games, which featured fixed cinematic cameras, except for the 2D side-scroller Betrayal (2007). The game‘s presentation is unique, as it uses a single continuous shot with no camera cuts or loading screens, adding to its cinematic feel.
Unlike its predecessor God of War: Ascension (2013), which introduced multiplayer modes, this 2018 installment focuses exclusively on a single-player experience. Although the game offers expansive environments, it doesn’t qualify as fully “open world.” Creative director Cory Barlog described the level design as “open, but not an open world,” with areas gradually unlocked as players progress. For convenience, a fast-travel system is introduced later in the game, allowing quicker navigation between locations.
Several gameplay elements were redesigned. Notably, swimming, a feature from previous titles, has been removed. Instead, players traverse water using a boat, providing a new dynamic to exploration. Another significant change is jumping, which can now only be performed at specific points, such as climbing rock faces or ledges, unlike in previous games where it was a free action.
Set in the realm of Norse mythology, God of War introduces players to a range of mythological enemies, including dark elves, wulvers, draugrs, and magical beings like Gullveig and revenants—creatures corrupted by seiðr magic. The game’s most challenging encounters come in the form of Valkyries, powerful warriors found as optional secret bosses scattered across the game’s six regions.
Side quests further enrich the gameplay, with players embarking on missions to free dragons such as Fáfnir, Otr, and Reginn—once dwarves cursed to become dragons. One of the more intense story-driven boss fights includes a confrontation with the dragon Hræzlyr, delivering an unforgettable battle.
Overall, God of War takes familiar mechanics from previous titles but reinvents them in ways that elevate both gameplay and storytelling, creating an adventure that is as emotionally rich as it is action-packed.
