God of War Ragnarok's Ending: A Comparative Review

Exploring the stark differences between God of War Ragnarok's conclusion and its predecessor's
God of War Ragnarok's Ending: A Comparative Review

Highlights

  • God of War Ragnarok's narrative captivates with its father-son bond and Norse mythology, earning it the 2022 Best Narrative award.
  • While emotionally satisfying, the ending of God of War Ragnarok lacks the impactful reveal seen in the 2018 version, feeling somewhat underwhelming.
  • Despite a vague ending before the Valhalla DLC, God of War Ragnarok wraps up Kratos' Norse journey well, leaving fans intrigued about what lies ahead.

God of War Ragnarok stood out as one of the standout games of 2022, claiming the prestigious Best Narrative accolade for its enthralling storytelling. The game delves into the evolving relationship between a father, dedicated to shielding his son from harm, and a son, grappling with the challenges of growing up and embracing his true self. The emotional rollercoaster of God of War Ragnarok weaves moments of joy and sorrow, culminating in a poignant conclusion to the Norse saga.

Though God of War Ragnarok's narrative has garnered acclaim, its finale falls short of its predecessor's impact in a significant way.

Analyzing the Shortcomings of God of War Ragnarok's Ending

The Contrast with God of War (2018)

God of War clinched the 2018 Game of the Year title for its remarkable reinvention of a beloved franchise while preserving its core essence. The game's character development, especially the bond between Kratos and Atreus, set the stage for a monumental revelation in the finale.

The conclusion of God of War unveils a mural in Jotunheim, hinting at Atreus' future as 'Loki,' the mischievous Norse deity. This revelation, along with other plot twists, left players astounded and craving more.

God of War Ragnarok's Anticlimactic Resolution

The conclusion of God of War Ragnarok mirrors its predecessor, culminating in a mural discovery. However, the resolution lacks the same impact. Atreus departs to seek other Giants, concluding Kratos' character arc ambiguously.

Unlike the predecessor's gripping finale, God of War Ragnarok ends with vague dialogue, hinting at future adventures but failing to deliver a significant revelation. While the narrative tied up loose ends, the lack of a substantial cliffhanger left fans yearning for more definitive closure.