God of War 4 Review – Best Full Review You Only Need To Know

When I first launched God of War (2018) on Steam, controller in hand, I didn’t expect it to be more than a polished action-adventure game. Forty hours later, after countless battles, side quests, and heartfelt moments, I realized this wasn’t just another hack-and-slash—it was a father-and-son epic that stayed with me long after I put the controller down.

My God of War 4 Review starts with my personal experience, because that’s what truly defined this adventure for me. Playing with an Xbox One controller, I found myself completely immersed in the journey across the Nine Realms. From laughing at Mimir’s endless humor to shaking my head at Atreus when he glitched into poison traps, the game felt alive—sometimes flawless, sometimes hilariously imperfect, but always unforgettable.

I’ll admit, Atreus sometimes tested my patience. There were moments when I asked him to read ancient symbols, and he’d just stand there frozen, only to magically teleport to the tablet seconds later. Other times, he’d wander into poison traps as if nothing could harm him, waiting casually in the toxic mist while I scrambled to blow up red jars and clear the path. It broke immersion, yes—but it also gave me a good laugh.

Despite those quirks, I never lost connection to the journey.

When Mimir joined the adventure, his witty remarks and sharp wisdom made exploration twice as enjoyable. I caught myself smiling at his jokes, sometimes even pausing just to hear more of his stories.

The heart of this God of War 4 Review, though, lies in the relationship between Kratos and Atreus. As a player, I often sided with Kratos—feeling the weight of his past, his regrets, and his quiet determination not to let his son repeat his mistakes.

He’s cold on the outside, but the love for his son shines through in ways that hit harder than any axe swing.

One of my favorite story beats came when Kratos and Atreus sought Mimir’s missing eye. Brok and Sindri’s explanation, delivered between fits of vomiting, had me laughing out loud. And when Mimir prepared to speak with the World Serpent in its booming ancient tongue? Pure magic—both funny and awe-inspiring.

What drives this adventure forward isn’t just the battles or the loot, but the emotional journey of scattering Faye’s ashes. That mission—to climb the highest peak of the Nine Realms and honor a mother’s wish—grounds the entire game in a sense of purpose. I didn’t just want to reach the mountain. I felt compelled to. Every upgrade, every fight, every step was in service of a promise that Kratos and Atreus refused to break.

And when the credits finally rolled, I couldn’t stop myself from immediately starting God of War Ragnarok. That’s the kind of impact this game has—it doesn’t end when the story does. It makes you crave more.

Key Takeaway

From personal glitches to epic father-son storytelling, my God of War 4 Review begins with one truth—this isn’t just an action game. It’s a mythological journey packed with heart, humor, and unforgettable moments.

Story and Characters – A Mythological Epic with a Human Core

If there’s one thing that makes God of War (2018) stand apart from its predecessors, it’s the shift in storytelling. Earlier games thrived on Greek mythology, revenge-fueled rage, and spectacle. But here, the camera zooms in—not just literally with its over-the-shoulder perspective, but emotionally as well.

The story begins with a father and son on a simple mission: scatter the ashes of Faye, Kratos’ late wife and Atreus’ mother, on the highest peak of the Nine Realms. But what should have been a straightforward journey quickly spirals into an odyssey across Midgard, Alfheim, Helheim, and beyond.

The Father-Son Relationship

For me, the heart of this God of War 4 Review lies in the bond between Kratos and Atreus. As a player, I often found myself siding with Kratos. His regrets, his stoic discipline, and his relentless push to harden his son make sense when you know the blood on his hands from Greece. At times, I even felt his pain—the way he holds back love to avoid making his son weak, while silently yearning to protect him.

Atreus, meanwhile, brings innocence, curiosity, and at times frustration. There were moments when his youthful arrogance got under my skin, but that’s what makes his arc so powerful. Watching him grow—from a naive boy to someone who begins to understand the gravity of his lineage—was a reward in itself.

“Don’t be sorry. Be better.” — Kratos to Atreus
This line stayed with me. It’s not just advice to Atreus, but almost a mantra for the entire game.

Side Characters That Steal the Show

It’s not just the main duo that makes the story shine. Mimir, the talking head strapped to Kratos’ belt, injects humor and wisdom at every step. His myths and tales make the world feel alive, and honestly, he made me laugh more than once.

Then you’ve got the Huldra brothers, Brok and Sindri. Their bickering and quirks bring levity to the darker parts of the journey. One scene I’ll never forget: when Sindri tries to explain Odin stealing Mimir’s missing eye while vomiting. I couldn’t understand a word he said—but I couldn’t stop laughing either.

On the other side of the emotional spectrum lies Freya, the Witch of the Woods. She’s a complex character—both a powerful ally and a tragic mother. Her love for Baldur, despite his curse, showcases the theme of parenthood from a different angle. While Kratos tries to protect Atreus from becoming like him, Freya tries to protect Baldur from the consequences of her own choices.

The Villains – Rage Born from Curse and Vengeance

Every good saga needs a villain, and God of War 4 gives us some unforgettable ones.

• Baldur, Freya’s cursed son, is both terrifying and tragic. Unable to feel pain, pleasure, or any sensation at all, he’s driven mad by the very spell meant to protect him. His rage is not just villainy—it’s suffering.
• Magni and Modi, the brutish sons of Thor, bring raw strength and arrogance, pushing Kratos and Atreus to their limits. Their presence reminds us of the larger Norse pantheon waiting in the wings.

What struck me is how these enemies aren’t just obstacles. They’re deeply tied to the themes of family, protection, and consequence. Baldur’s final confrontation with his mother and Kratos forces you to reflect on the cycle of love, hate, and regret.

Themes That Stay With You

At its core, God of War 4 is about family, legacy, and redemption.

• It’s about a father trying to raise his son better than he was raised.
• It’s about a boy learning who he is, while struggling with the truth of his bloodline.
• It’s about gods and mortals, mothers and sons, fathers and children—all caught in cycles of protection, vengeance, and fate.

And yet, it feels intimate. The mythological scale never overshadows the emotional weight.

Key Takeaway

The story of God of War 4 succeeds because it balances mythological grandeur with raw human emotion. Kratos and Atreus’ journey is epic, yes—but it’s the emotional lessons about family, regret, and love that stay with you long after the credits roll.

Gameplay Mechanics – Brutal Combat Meets Strategic Exploration

At its heart, God of War 4 is an action RPG. But unlike its Greek-era predecessors, the combat isn’t just about button-mashing carnage. Every swing of the axe, every arrow fired, every parry carries weight. This section of my God of War 4 Review dives deep into the gameplay mechanics that made my 50 hours with the game both thrilling and unforgettable.

Combat and Abilities

The Leviathan Axe is the crown jewel of God of War 4. From the first time I hurled it across the battlefield and recalled it with a satisfying thunk, I knew this wasn’t going to be a typical weapon. The combat is slower and heavier than past games, but far more tactical.

• You can throw the axe for ranged attacks, freezing enemies in place.
• Recall it instantly, creating combo opportunities.
• Combine axe strikes with shield blocks and parries, making every fight a test of skill.

Alongside the axe, Kratos’ bare-handed combat is surprisingly useful. Beating down stunned enemies before finishing them with brutal animations never got old. Later, the return of the Blades of Chaos adds nostalgic flair and more combat variety.

What makes combat dynamic is Atreus. He may be a boy, but his arrows and abilities add strategy. I often relied on him to pin enemies or distract tougher foes. Still, his AI wasn’t always perfect—sometimes he’d get stuck behind obstacles or wander into poison traps like nothing could hurt him. It was hilarious in the moment, but it did pull me out of the immersion a bit.

Despite minor quirks, the overall system shines. Battles feel cinematic yet skill-based, rewarding timing and positioning.

Key Takeaway

Combat in God of War 4 blends heavy, visceral attacks with strategy. Every fight feels meaningful, even if Atreus occasionally acts like he missed the memo.

Progression and Power Grind

Progression in God of War 4 isn’t about endless grinding—it’s about choice and growth.

• Skill Trees: Both Kratos and Atreus unlock new abilities as you progress. From devastating axe combos to upgraded arrow effects, the game constantly offers new ways to fight.
• Runic Attacks: These special abilities add magical flair, turning the tide in difficult battles.
• Armor and Gear: Brok and Sindri’s crafting system lets you upgrade armor sets, mix bonuses, and find a playstyle that fits you.

I found myself experimenting constantly—sometimes focusing on raw strength, other times on runic power for magical combat. What impressed me was how side quests and exploration directly fed into progression. Treasure maps, hidden chests, and Valkyrie battles all gave meaningful rewards, not just filler.

Unlike many RPGs, progression here feels tied to the story. As Kratos and Atreus grow emotionally, so too do their abilities.

Quote from my experience

“Exploring the Nine Realms isn’t just about loot. It feels like every discovery makes you stronger, not just in combat, but in your understanding of the world.”

Exploration and Side Content

One of my favorite parts of this God of War 4 Review is talking about exploration. After finishing the main story beats, I often got sidetracked by treasure maps, hidden realms, and side quests. And honestly? That’s where the game really shined for me.

• The Lake of Nine acts as a central hub, and sailing around in your boat with Atreus and Mimir telling stories never got old.
• Side quests expand Norse mythology. They’re not filler—they connect to characters, lore, and even foreshadow events in God of War Ragnarök.
• Treasure hunts gave me a sense of adventure, encouraging me to check every nook and cranny.
• Valkyrie battles offered some of the toughest challenges in the game. Beating them wasn’t just about skill—it was about preparation, upgrades, and persistence.

That said, not everything was perfect. Poison traps, for example, were sometimes frustrating. I’d try to destroy red jars to clear the area, only to watch Atreus stroll right into the toxic mist like it was a playground. Realistic? No. Funny? Absolutely.

Exploration isn’t endless—it’s semi-open world rather than fully open—but it’s designed to reward curiosity. And in my 50 hours, I never felt bored.

Key Takeaway

Exploration in God of War 4 isn’t just optional—it’s essential. Side quests, treasures, and challenges enrich the story, making the Nine Realms feel alive and worth revisiting.

Graphics, Sound & Atmosphere

If there’s one thing that instantly makes God of War (2018) stand out, it’s the way it feels. From the first snowy steps in Midgard to the fiery depths of Muspelheim, Santa Monica Studio created a game that is as much a piece of art as it is an action-adventure.

Visual Presentation

• Cinematic Design: The entire game unfolds in one single camera shot with no cuts. This design decision makes everything more immersive — you’re not watching Kratos, you are Kratos.
• Environment Detail: Snow crunches underfoot, trees bend in the wind, and every rune-etched door feels hand-carved. The Nine Realms are all distinct, from the gloomy, mist-covered Niflheim to the blinding flames of Muspelheim.
• Character Models: Kratos is scarred, weathered, and full of physical presence. Atreus has a more delicate, boyish look — which visually reinforces the father-son dynamic. The enemies, too, from trolls to dragons, are highly detailed and intimidating.

Even years later, the game’s visuals hold up against modern 2025 standards. On PC with ultra settings, it looks absolutely breathtaking, proving how future-proof its design was.

Sound Design

• The Leviathan Axe Recall: Throwing the axe and hearing it whirl back into Kratos’s hand with that iconic thunk never gets old.
• Creature Sounds: Draugrs scream, trolls roar, and Valkyries shriek with a mix of fear and intimidation that keeps you on edge.
• Environmental Audio: Waterfalls, wind, echoes in caves — every sound feels placed with purpose.

Music & Voice Acting

The score, composed by Bear McCreary, blends Norse mysticism with deep, booming orchestral tones. The main theme alone captures the weight of Kratos’s journey.

Voice acting is equally phenomenal:

• Christopher Judge as Kratos delivers every line with gravitas. His deep “Boy…” became an internet meme, but in-game it resonates with a father struggling to connect with his son.
• Sunny Suljic as Atreus captures the youthful mix of curiosity, frustration, and growing maturity.
• Alastair Duncan as Mimir adds levity, wisdom, and comic timing, balancing the darker tones of the story.

Together, the visuals and sound wrap the player in a world that feels alive, dangerous, and mythic.

Graphics & Sound Design Review

From the very first cutscene, God of War 4 asserts itself as a visual masterpiece. Unlike the bombastic, fiery chaos of the older Greek-era games, this Norse-inspired reboot opts for a grounded yet stunningly atmospheric art style. The forests of Midgard feel alive with wildlife, the snow crunches under Kratos’ boots, and even the smallest details — like the etching on the Leviathan Axe or the glow of a rune — are breathtaking.

On PC, the graphical fidelity shines even brighter. Ultra textures, higher-resolution shadows, and uncapped framerates make every fight feel cinematic. Lighting is particularly impressive: shafts of sunlight piercing through dense woods, or the eerie glow of the World Serpent as he emerges from the lake, create unforgettable moments.

Sound design is equally crucial to immersion. Bear McCreary’s score is thunderous yet emotional, blending booming Nordic chants with softer, melancholic themes that mirror Kratos and Atreus’ journey. Even ambient noises — a raven’s distant cry, the clanging of dwarven forges, or Mimir’s constant chatter — enrich the world.

One of the most striking aspects is how the game balances silence and noise. In moments of exploration, the absence of music enhances tension, while combat unleashes a storm of brutal sound effects. Every axe throw feels powerful, every shield block resonates, and every Valkyrie scream sends chills down your spine.

– Simply put, God of War 4 isn’t just seen; it’s felt.

Technical Performance

When God of War 4 was first released in 2018 on PS4, many wondered if such an ambitious title could run smoothly. Impressively, Santa Monica Studios delivered a near-flawless experience even on base PS4 hardware, with locked 30 FPS and consistent visual quality.

But it’s on PC where the game truly flexes. The 2022 PC port added support for 4K resolution, unlocked framerates, NVIDIA DLSS, and AMD FSR. For players with high-end GPUs like an RTX 3070, the game runs buttery smooth at 60–120 FPS depending on settings, making combat far more responsive than the console version.

Load times are nearly instantaneous on NVMe SSDs, a huge improvement over the PS4’s loading screens. The PC version also supports ultrawide monitors, which enhances immersion during exploration and boss fights.

Of course, no port is perfect. At launch, some players reported stuttering issues tied to shader compilation, though patches quickly improved performance. On your setup, God of War 4 doesn’t just run well — it feels like the definitive way to experience Kratos’ Norse saga.

– Verdict: whether on PS4, PS5, or PC, God of War 4 is technically impressive, but the PC version offers the ultimate experience.

Conclusion

God of War 4 (2018) isn’t just a sequel—it’s a reinvention of a legendary franchise. Santa Monica Studios took the risk of moving away from pure hack-and-slash chaos to something more intimate, emotional, and deeply human. What they delivered was a masterpiece that blends brutal combat, mythological storytelling, and heartfelt father-son moments into one unforgettable journey.

From the raw weight of Kratos’s axe swings to the quiet boat rides filled with Mimir’s stories, the game never lets you forget that this is both a grand Norse adventure and a personal story of growth and redemption.

Whether you’ve been with Kratos since his Greek days or this is your first time picking up the Leviathan Axe, God of War 4 is a must-play. It proves that even the angriest of gods can evolve—and in doing so, it redefined what action-adventure games could be.

– Final Verdict: God of War 4 is a 9.8/10 masterpiece—a near-perfect mix of combat, exploration, and storytelling that belongs on every gamer’s shelf.

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