God of War Ragnarök Rating Guide: Critical Reception Across Platforms
The release of God of War Ragnarök in November 2022 was not merely a launch; it was a global event. As the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed 2018 soft reboot of the franchise, it carried the immense weight of expectation. The question on everyone’s mind was whether Santa Monica Studio could not only meet but exceed the towering standard set by its predecessor. The critical reception that followed was a resounding affirmation, though one with nuanced differences across the platforms it graced: the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PlayStation 4 (PS4). This guide delves into the critical consensus, exploring the universal praise and the subtle distinctions highlighted by reviewers on each platform.
Universal Acclaim: The Overwhelming Consensus
Across the board, from major publications to niche gaming outlets, God of War Ragnarök was met with near-universal acclaim. The game achieved an impressive Metascore, consistently hovering in the mid-90s, a testament to its exceptional quality. Critics universally lauded several core aspects that defined the experience, regardless of the hardware.
First and foremost was the narrative. Picking up a few years after the events of the 2018 title, Ragnarök continues the story of Kratos and his son, Atreus, as they grapple with the impending prophecy of the end of the Nine Realms. Reviewers praised the mature, emotionally resonant storytelling, highlighting the evolution of the relationship between the two protagonists. Kratos’s continued journey from a god of mindless destruction to a reluctant father and leader was described as profoundly compelling. Atreus’s own coming-of-age story, as he seeks to understand his identity as Loki, added layers of depth and conflict that resonated deeply with critics. The performances of Christopher Judge (Kratos) and Sunny Suljic (Atreus) were singled out for particular praise, with Judge’s nuanced portrayal of a god wrestling with his nature earning widespread admiration.
The combat system, a hallmark of the series, was also universally celebrated. Critics found it to be a perfect evolution of the 2018 formula—familiar yet significantly expanded. The addition of new elemental abilities for Kratos’s Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, alongside a more versatile moveset for Atreus, created combat encounters that were both visceral and strategically deep. The enemy variety and boss fight design were frequently highlighted as monumental improvements over the first game, offering greater visual spectacle and mechanical challenge.
Furthermore, the game’s world design received overwhelming praise. The interconnected realms, each brimming with breathtaking art direction, intricate puzzles, and meaningful side content (favors), were described as a masterclass in environmental storytelling. The sense of scale and wonder as players journeyed from the frozen winds of Midgard to the vibrant jungles of Vanaheim was a consistent point of admiration.
Platform-Specific Reception: PS5 vs. PS4
While the core game was identical, the critical reception did feature platform-specific notes, primarily focused on technical performance and the leveraging of new-generation hardware.
PlayStation 5: The Definitive Experience
On the PS5, God of War Ragnarök was hailed as a showcase title for the console’s capabilities. Critics were effusive in their praise for the technical execution. The game offers two primary graphics modes on PS5:
- Fidelity Mode: This mode targets a native 4K resolution with a locked 30 frames per second (FPS). It employs advanced graphical features like enhanced shadows, improved ambient occlusion, and higher-resolution textures. Critics noted that this mode provided an incredibly crisp and visually stunning experience, making it the preferred choice for players who prioritize visual splendor above all else.
- Performance Mode: This mode targets a steady 60 FPS at a dynamic resolution, often hovering around 1440p to 1800p. The critical response to this mode was overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers almost universally recommending it for gameplay. The buttery-smooth framerate was deemed transformative, making combat more responsive, camera movements more fluid, and overall navigation feel significantly more immersive. The trade-off in some visual fidelity was considered by most to be well worth the immense gain in performance.
Additionally, the PS5 version benefitted from the console’s unique hardware features. The adaptive triggers and haptic feedback of the DualSense controller were integrated thoughtfully. Critics noted feeling the strain of drawing Kratos’s bow through the triggers and the distinct tactile sensations of different environmental interactions, adding a valuable layer of immersion. The near-elimination of load times thanks to the PS5’s SSD was also a frequently commended feature, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted narrative flow.
PlayStation 4: A Triumphant Swan Song
Perhaps one of the most celebrated aspects of Ragnarök’s release was its performance on the decade-old PlayStation 4. Critics were astonished by the technical achievement Santa Monica Studio accomplished on the base PS4 and PS4 Pro. The game was described as arguably the best-looking and best-performing title ever released on the platform.
On the standard PS4, the game targets 1080p resolution at 30 FPS, while the PS4 Pro offers a checkerboard 4K output at 30 FPS. Reviews consistently reported a remarkably stable framerate, with only minor dips in the most chaotic of scenes—a feat considered impressive given the visual complexity and scale of the game. The art direction shone through, with critics noting that while some textures and draw distances were naturally reduced compared to the PS5, the game remained breathtakingly beautiful.
The critical reception for the PS4 version was filled with praise for its accessibility and inclusivity, allowing a massive installed user base to experience the conclusion to the Norse saga without needing to procure a scarce next-gen console. It was hailed as a masterful optimization job and a fitting, triumphant swan song for the PlayStation 4, proving that the hardware still had immense potential when placed in the hands of expert developers.
Conclusion: A Critical Juggernaut
In summary, the critical reception for God of War Ragnarök was a clean sweep. It was recognized as a masterpiece of narrative storytelling, character development, and action-adventure gameplay. The consensus was that it successfully built upon the foundation of its predecessor in every meaningful way, delivering a bigger, more varied, and emotionally charged experience.
The platform differences did not create a divide in the overall score but rather highlighted the game’s technical excellence across the spectrum. The PS5 version was rightfully crowned the definitive way to experience the game, leveraging next-gen features for unparalleled immersion and performance. Meanwhile, the PS4 version was celebrated as a technical marvel in its own right, a stunning final act for a beloved console that ensured no fan was left behind. Ultimately, God of War Ragnarök secured its place not just as a platform-specific showpiece, but as a universal benchmark for quality in the video game industry.
