Do You Need to Play God of War in Order?
The God of War series has been a staple in the gaming world for over two decades, with its latest installment, God of War (2018), receiving widespread critical acclaim. With its new narrative direction and gameplay mechanics, many players may wonder if they need to play the previous games in the series to fully appreciate the new game. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive guide to help you decide.
Direct Answer: Do You Need to Play God of War in Order?
No, you do not need to play the previous God of War games to enjoy the 2018 game. The new game is designed to be a soft reboot, with a new narrative direction and characters. The game’s story is self-contained, and you can jump right into the new game without any prior knowledge of the series.
Why is the 2018 Game a Soft Reboot?
The 2018 God of War game is a soft reboot because it takes place many years after the events of the previous games. The game’s protagonist, Kratos, has moved on from his past and is now living in the world of Norse mythology with his son, Atreus. The game’s story is focused on their journey and the relationships they form, rather than the events of the previous games.
What Happened to the Previous Games’ Storylines?
The storylines of the previous God of War games are not directly referenced in the 2018 game. However, the game does include some nods to the previous games, such as the inclusion of certain characters and references to the gods of Olympus. These nods are designed to be Easter eggs for fans of the series, rather than essential to understanding the new game’s story.
New Characters and Gameplay Mechanics
The 2018 God of War game introduces new characters, including Atreus, a young boy who accompanies Kratos on his journey. The game also features new gameplay mechanics, such as a more focused combat system and a greater emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving.
Table: Key Differences between the 2018 Game and Previous Games
| Feature | 2018 Game | Previous Games |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | Kratos and Atreus | Kratos |
| Setting | Norse mythology | Greek mythology |
| Combat System | More focused and strategic | More hack-and-slash oriented |
| Exploration | Greater emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving | Less emphasis on exploration |
| Storyline | Self-contained and focused on Kratos and Atreus | Epic, sprawling narrative |
Benefits of Playing the Previous Games
While you don’t need to play the previous God of War games to enjoy the 2018 game, playing them can still provide some benefits. For example:
- Deeper understanding of Kratos’ character: Playing the previous games can give you a deeper understanding of Kratos’ character and his motivations, which can enhance your experience in the 2018 game.
- Recognition of characters and references: Playing the previous games can help you recognize characters and references that are included in the 2018 game, which can add to your enjoyment of the game.
- Appreciation for the series’ history: Playing the previous games can give you a greater appreciation for the series’ history and the events that led up to the 2018 game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2018 God of War game a sequel to the previous games?
A: No, the 2018 game is a soft reboot and not a direct sequel to the previous games.
Q: Do I need to play the previous games to understand the 2018 game’s storyline?
A: No, the 2018 game’s storyline is self-contained and does not require prior knowledge of the series.
Q: Are the previous games’ storylines referenced in the 2018 game?
A: Yes, the 2018 game includes some nods to the previous games, such as the inclusion of certain characters and references to the gods of Olympus.
Q: Are the gameplay mechanics in the 2018 game similar to the previous games?
A: No, the 2018 game features new gameplay mechanics, such as a more focused combat system and greater emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving.
Q: Can I play the 2018 game without playing the previous games?
A: Yes, the 2018 game is designed to be accessible to new players and does not require prior knowledge of the series.
Q: Will playing the previous games enhance my experience in the 2018 game?
A: Yes, playing the previous games can provide a deeper understanding of Kratos’ character and the series’ history, which can enhance your experience in the 2018 game.
Q: Are the previous games necessary to fully appreciate the 2018 game?
A: No, the 2018 game is designed to be a standalone experience and does not require prior knowledge of the series.
Q: Can I play the 2018 game if I’m new to the series?
A: Yes, the 2018 game is designed to be accessible to new players and does not require prior knowledge of the series.