Did Old Kratos Get Shorter? Unraveling the Mystery of the God of War’s Height
Yes, old Kratos, specifically the Kratos seen in the Norse saga of God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök, is indeed shorter than his Greek era counterpart. While the towering image of the Spartan demigod slaying Olympian gods is ingrained in gaming history, the developers at Santa Monica Studio intentionally reduced his stature for the newer games. The exact numbers vary depending on the source, but the consensus is that Kratos went from approximately 7’6″ in the Greek era to around 6’4″ in the Norse era. This change, while seemingly minor, has sparked considerable discussion among fans, and several factors contributed to this decision.
The Height of a God: Why the Change?
The shrinking of Kratos wasn’t a random choice; it was a carefully considered design decision with multiple layers of rationale. Understanding these reasons provides a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and technical considerations that shape a beloved character.
Approachability and Realism
One of the primary reasons for the height reduction was to make Kratos more approachable and relatable. The original Kratos, with his imposing height and perpetually enraged demeanor, was a figure of pure wrath. The Norse Kratos, however, is a father, a mentor, and a more nuanced character. By making him slightly shorter, the developers aimed to create a design that better reflected his evolving personality. This change facilitated a greater sense of empathy and connection with the character.
Furthermore, the shift towards a more grounded and realistic aesthetic in the Norse games influenced the decision. A character standing at 7’6″ might appear less convincing in the detailed and realistic environments of Midgard. Reducing his height brought him closer to human proportions, enhancing the overall sense of immersion.
Christopher Judge and Performance Capture
Another significant factor was the desire to align Kratos’s physical presence with that of his voice actor, Christopher Judge. Judge, who is 6’3″, brought a gravitas and depth to the character that was integral to the Norse saga’s success. The developers wanted the in-game model to feel more connected to Judge’s performance, both in terms of animation and overall physique. By making Kratos closer in height to Judge, the performance capture process became more seamless, and the character felt more authentic. This emphasizes the Games Learning Society’s (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) principle of the importance of character design.
Technical Considerations
Beyond the narrative and aesthetic reasons, there were also technical considerations involved. Creating a character model with exaggerated proportions can present challenges in terms of animation, rigging, and interaction with the environment. Reducing Kratos’s height simplified these processes, allowing the developers to focus on other aspects of the game’s visual fidelity.
Evolution of the Character
Ultimately, the change in Kratos’s height reflects the evolution of the character himself. He is no longer the purely vengeful warrior of the Greek era. He carries the weight of his past sins, and he is striving to be a better father and protector. The slightly smaller stature, in this context, symbolizes his growth, his humility, and his transition from a destructive force to a more introspective and compassionate figure.
FAQs: Kratos and His Ever-Changing Height
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kratos’s height and related aspects of his character:
1. How tall was Kratos in the original God of War games?
In the original God of War trilogy and its spin-offs, Kratos was generally depicted as being around 7’6″ tall.
2. How tall is Kratos in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök?
In the Norse saga, Kratos’s height is approximately 6’4″.
3. Did early scripts for God of War mention Kratos’s height?
Yes, early scripts listed Kratos as 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m) tall, but this was later changed during development.
4. Why did Santa Monica Studio change Kratos’s height?
The primary reasons include making him more approachable, aligning him with the height of Christopher Judge (6’3″), and creating a more realistic aesthetic.
5. Is the Norse Kratos weaker than the Greek Kratos?
In terms of raw godly power, yes, the Norse Kratos is arguably weaker. He lost much of his Greek magic when he left Greece. Also his domain in Greece does not exist any more which reduced his power over time. However, he is more experienced and tactically intelligent.
6. How old is Kratos in God of War Ragnarök?
Kratos is estimated to be around 1,055 years old in God of War Ragnarök.
7. How much taller is Thor than Kratos in God of War Ragnarök?
Thor is significantly taller than Kratos, standing at approximately 7’4″, while Kratos is around 6’4″.
8. Has Kratos’s height been consistent across all media (games, comics, etc.)?
No. His height has varied across different media. He’s portrayed at different heights in the game, comics and early scripts.
9. How heavy is Kratos’s Leviathan Axe?
The Leviathan Axe weighs approximately 9.25 lbs.
10. Is Freya taller than Kratos?
No, Freya is not taller than Kratos. She is depicted as standing up to his ear, making her significantly shorter.
11. Can Kratos regain his full godly power and grow larger again?
It’s unlikely Kratos can regain his full power and size. His powers are dwindling as his Greek domain is gone.
12. Why does Kratos feel weaker in God of War Ragnarök?
Kratos feels weaker because he is actually weaker. His domain has been destroyed, his Greek magic is gone, and he no longer receives tribute from worshippers.
13. How does Kratos’s height compare to other gods in the God of War universe?
Kratos is generally taller than most humans but shorter than some of the larger gods and monsters.
14. Has Christopher Judge commented on Kratos’s height change?
While Christopher Judge hasn’t directly addressed the specific height change, his performance capture work has undoubtedly influenced the character’s physicality in the Norse games.
15. Which version of Kratos is the strongest?
While “strongest” is subjective, many argue that Old Kratos from the Norse saga is the strongest due to his experience, wisdom, and emotional growth, which makes him a more formidable and complete warrior, even if he is less magically potent.
Conclusion: Height is More Than Just a Number
In conclusion, while Kratos did get shorter between the Greek and Norse eras, this wasn’t a simple oversight. It was a deliberate artistic and technical decision driven by a desire to create a more relatable, realistic, and nuanced character. The change reflects the evolution of Kratos from a raging god of war to a complex figure grappling with his past and striving to create a better future. Ultimately, the height of Kratos is just one piece of the puzzle in understanding his character, but it’s a significant piece that reveals much about the creative process behind the God of War series.