God of War Ragnarök for PlayStation 5

The good stuff

The way the world feels alive is unreal. Walking through the Nine Realms - from misty forests to crumbling ruins - every corner has detail. The lighting, the weather effects, even how snow clings to your armor? It’s not just pretty, it makes the world feel real. And the combat is tight. Using the Leviathan Axe to chain attacks while switching between shield blocks and dodges feels satisfying in a way few games nail. One moment I was fighting a giant frost troll, and when I finally landed the final blow, the screen lit up with sparks and a slow-motion cut that made my heart skip. That kind of payoff is rare. Plus, Atreus isn’t just a sidekick - his archery adds real depth, especially when you unlock new runes and skills. You can play defensively or go full berserker, and both work.

The not-so-good

It’s not all smooth sailing. The pacing drags at times - especially during dialogue-heavy scenes where the story pauses for long stretches of exposition. I found myself checking my watch more than once. And while the difficulty ramps up, it sometimes feels arbitrary. Like, why does this boss require three perfect parries instead of rewarding smart timing? It’s frustrating, not challenging. Also, if you’re not already invested in the lore, some of the references might fly over your head. This isn’t a game for casual players who just want to hack and slash - it demands attention.

Bottom line

If you loved the 2018 God of War and want a deeper, more mature follow-up with incredible visuals and meaningful character arcs, then yes - download this. It’s not free, but it’s worth the price. Just don’t expect nonstop action. This is a story-first experience. If you’re on PS4, though, you’re out of luck - this is PlayStation 5 exclusive. So unless you’ve got a PS5, this one’s not for you. But if you do? Go ahead - it’s one of the best entries in the franchise so far.