Why isn’t God of War Full Screen?
The God of War game franchise has been a staple of action-adventure gaming for nearly two decades. With its recent release, God of War (2018), the series has undergone significant changes, including a shift from an hack-and-slash fighting style to a more narrative-driven and strategy-based approach. One aspect of this game that has raised questions and complaints among gamers is the decision to present the game in a 16:9 aspect ratio, rather than a fullscreen experience. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this choice, its impact on the gaming experience, and answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the game.
Reasons for the 16:9 Aspect Ratio
The primary reason behind choosing the 16:9 aspect ratio over fullscreen is to maintain a consistent graphical and storytelling experience throughout the game. A full screen would have led to compromised visuals, as the graphics team would have had to scale the UI, characters, and environments to fill the screen. This would have resulted in loss of detail, texture resolution, and overall visual quality.
TABLE 1: Comparison of 16:9 vs Fullscreen in God of War
| Feature | 16:9 | Full Screen |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Consistent | Compromised |
| Texture Resolution | High | Medium/low |
| Visual Fidelity | High | Medium |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | Not maintainable |
Another critical reason for choosing 16:9 is that the developers, Cory Barlog and the team at Sony Santa Monica Studio, wanted to pay homage to the original God of War series by incorporating elements of Norse mythology. The 16:9 ratio provides a sense of cinematic drama and framing, which is essential to immerse players in the world of God of War.
Impact on Gaming Experience
The 16:9 aspect ratio may seem restrictive for some gamers, but it has several positive aspects on the overall gaming experience:
• Enhanced Storytelling: The consistent aspect ratio allows players to focus on the narrative without being distracted by UI elements. It also enables the inclusion of subtle visual cues, making it easier to follow the storyline.
• Improved Composition: The 16:9 frame gives developers more creative control when designing levels, incorporating character interactions, and staging battle scenarios. This results in visually appealing and engaging gameplay.
• Wider Field of View: Players can see more of their surroundings, making it easier to plan battles, navigate environments, and locate collectibles.
Despite some potential drawbacks, these advantages outweigh the limitations presented by the 16:9 ratio.