God of War Ragnarok Review: A Norse Epic Worthy of Legend
God of War Ragnarok is the sequel to the 2018 soft reboot of the beloved series. Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this action-adventure masterpiece continues the journey of Kratos and his son Atreus as they face the coming of Ragnarok. The game was released on November 9, 2022 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and it remains a must-play title for Canadian gamers in 2025. With a gripping narrative, refined combat and breathtaking environments, Ragnarok delivers one of the most complete experiences in modern gaming.
Story and Narrative
Three years after the events of the previous game, Kratos and Atreus find themselves drawn into a conflict that spans the Nine Realms. Fimbulwinter has set in, and the prophecy of Ragnarok looms large. Atreus is growing older and more curious about his Giant heritage, while Kratos struggles with his role as a father and the burden of his past. The story tackles themes of destiny, family and change with remarkable depth.
The writing is among the best in the action-adventure genre. Characters such as Freya, Thor, Odin and Sindri receive careful development that makes their motivations understandable. The emotional beats land because the player spends so much time with these figures across more than twenty-five hours of main story and side quests. The voice acting, led by Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic, is outstanding and elevates every conversation.
One of the greatest strengths of the narrative is how it respects player intelligence. Choices made by Kratos and Atreus matter narratively even if the core plot remains largely linear. The game also offers optional conversations that flesh out the world and the relationships between characters. If you simply rush from objective to objective, you will still enjoy the story, but taking time to explore will reward you with a much richer understanding of the Norse mythology and the personal arcs at play.
Gameplay and Combat
Combat in God of War Ragnarok refines the already excellent system from the 2018 game. Kratos wields the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos, and both weapons feel powerful and distinct. The axe is slower but heavier with excellent throwing mechanics, while the blades offer faster, crowd-clearing attacks. New in this instalment are the Draupnir Spear, which adds a versatile ranged option and further deepens player choice.
The camera remains over the shoulder, creating an intimate and intense view of combat. Enemy design is varied, with new foes that require different tactics. Some enemies are weak to fire, others to ice, and some must be stunned before they become vulnerable. The game teaches you to adapt rather than rely on a single combo. This keeps battles engaging even after dozens of hours.
Atreus is far more useful in combat this time. His arrows can stagger enemies, and he can even perform cinematic finishers when you press a highlighted prompt. On higher difficulties, making full use of Atreus actions is essential. The AI is smart enough to assist without feeling invasive. You can also unlock numerous skill trees for both Kratos and Atreus, and these options allow for meaningful build variety.
World and Atmosphere
The Nine Realms are rendered in gorgeous detail. From the snowy peaks of Midgard to the vibrant realm of Vanaheim, each environment feels distinct and visually striking. The art direction is nothing short of superb; colour palettes change dramatically between realms, giving each area a unique identity. The lighting system and particle effects further sell the idea that this is a living, ancient world.
Exploration is encouraged. Behind every waterfall or hidden cave, you might find a legendary chest, a new rune or a challenging optional boss. The game respects verticality; you will climb, jump and use your abilities to discover secrets in places you might have walked past. This sense of discovery is a huge part of why the game remains fun long after the credits roll.
The music, composed by Bear McCreary, deserves special mention. The main theme carries a haunting quality that fits the Norse setting, while combat tracks build tension perfectly. The sound design also shines in quieter moments; the crunch of snow, the distant rumble of a beast and the hum of runic magic all add to the immersion.
Key Features and Systems
- Two playable characters with unique combat moves and skill trees
- Realm-specific puzzles and traversal mechanics
- Upgradable equipment, runic attacks and armour sets
- Photo mode with extensive filters and poses
- New Game Plus mode after completing the story
- Performance mode offering 60 FPS support on PlayStation 5
- Accessibility options such as high-contrast mode and subtitle size adjustments
The runic system lets you tailor Kratos to your preferred play style. You might focus on cooldown reduction to spam powerful runic attacks, or you might build for raw damage and speed. Armour sets offer set bonuses that reinforce distinct archetypes. Experimentation is encouraged, and respec costs are low enough to let you try new builds without frustration.
Platform Availability and Pricing
God of War Ragnarok is available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The standard edition retails for about CAD 89.99 at major Canadian retailers. Digital versions on the PlayStation Store also cost CAD 89.99. Special editions and collector's bundles are rarer in 2025 but may still appear at select stores. In Canada, the game is sold by Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart and the PlayStation Store.
For players with a PlayStation 5, the game takes full advantage of the hardware. Fast loading, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers make the experience far more immersive. Even on PlayStation 4, the game runs respectably, albeit at lower resolutions and frame rates. That said, the PlayStation 5 version is the definitive way to play.
Age Rating
God of War Ragnarok is rated Mature for ages 17 and up by the ESRB. The rating is due to intense violence, blood and gore, and some strong language. The game includes graphic combat sequences and mature themes that are not suitable for younger players. Parents in Canada should review the rating before allowing teenagers to play without supervision.
Final Verdict
God of War Ragnarok is a triumph. It improves on its predecessor in almost every way while telling a story that feels personal and grand at the same time. Combat is deeper, the world is larger and the emotional weight is heavier. If you own any current PlayStation console, this game is an essential purchase. In a year packed with great releases, Ragnarok stands as one of the finest action-adventure experiences available.
The game also offers excellent replay value. A New Game Plus mode allows you to carry over your equipment and face stronger enemies. Trophy hunters will find the platinum challenging but fair, requiring exploration of every realm and completion of all side content. Even after the main quest ends, there are plenty of reasons to return to the Norse world.
Summary
| Aspect | Score / Rating |
|---|---|
| Story | 9.8 / 10 |
| Gameplay | 9.5 / 10 |
| Atmosphere | 9.7 / 10 |
| Replay Value | 9.0 / 10 |
| Overall Score | 9.5 / 10 |
Rating: Mature (ESRB) | Available on: PS5, PS4 | Price: CAD 89.99 | Genre: Action Adventure