I like to think Kratos’ soliloquy is indicative of a larger theme with ragnarok, the entire game is presented as a theatrical stage production. From Mimir and Kratos speaking about Greek plays and how the game follows the unbroken perspective of Kratos and Atreus, to how the Norns speak in stage terminology, to how Atreus quite literally exits stage left at the end of the game. Ragnarok is presented like one of the tales of old Kratos would be around to witness, and the Soliloquy, while not being entirely necessary for Kratos himself to understand, is a necessary part of the play as well. Where Kratos can bare all to himself. Remember he is an incredibly introspective character, so much so that it took well over 7 games just to get him to open up about his basic issues, so where better to have this moment then with himself in a place that literally reflects his mind, and with nobody else present?
@@KaptainKubaI find it funny how you said you would never imagine Kratos talking to himself. When the very first thing we see him do in the entire series is talk to himself. ("The gods of olympus have abandoned me... Now there is no hope") I know what you mean with how drawn out it is in Valhalla. Just found it funny.😅 And I kind of find it fitting that it mirrors the first scene with him talking to himself. But this time shows how far hes come. From having no hope and giving up in the beginning to choosing to lead and rebuild the realms. I really liked the ending.
To add to how the game plays out like a theatrical piece. Even when Valhalla ends, it is the camera panning away from Kratos and mimir on the throne, lights fading. You could literally imagine red blinds closing.
IMO It’s not Kratos being interested in Mimir’s love life, it’s him being interested in Mimir. His brother is clearly having difficulties, and he cares about helping him, and the “Now I’m mad” feels more like him being mad about how Mimir is talking to himself and how he treats himself, not about Mimir “fumbling a baddie”
That doesnt change the fact that it sounds fake and forced. A grown man rough around the edges doesnt change that quickly to now talk like a 21st century millenial. Sure he cares for mimir, but kratos would never speak like how he did in valhalla. We should see kratos struggling to show compassion attempting but ultimately it coming out as impolite.
@@TheAcidicMolotov I don't agree, It neither forced nor fake. And even more, he had hundreds of years at least (i get this from a few theories about how much time passed since Grece) to grow. Kratos had a very long journey and it is absolutely in character for him to be interested in his friends. He finally has them, real friend who know his past and accept him. Kratos finally matured so it's time for us as fans to also mature and understand that he changed
@TheAcidicMolotov I don't really know how long you expect character development to take? He spent the Greek Saga angry, and then things started changing right out the gate at the beginning of the Norse Saga. In-lore, there's a minimum of 4 years between the end of 2018 and the beginning of Ragnarok. There's AT LEAST 10 years between the end of GoW 3 and 2018. How many years exactly before you think a character reasonably "earns" their transformation? How much time in-game? Cause Kratos has been changing since the beginning of 2018, all through Ragnarok, and into Valhalla. That is LITERALLY the entire span of time in which Santa Monica has worked on the Norse Saga.
Two things: I believe Kratos is much more interested in the emotions and relationships of his friends now since he misses Atreus, and is perhaps concerned about how he is getting on with Angrboda. And I don’t see any issue with Kratos’ monologue before taking the throne. He is looking at the man he used to be, and still could be if he chose to be worse instead of better. He mentions in 2018 that it is Greek tradition for a story to unfold in a single time and place, and perhaps he is calling back to that by laying out his entire throught process in front of himself Edit: holy wow this got a lot of attention overnight
What I loved in that scene when is talking to himself and I dont know if they did it on purpose or not ,but in psychology this is "called empty chair technique " where its designed to allow the patient to express their inner thoughts in a safe enviroment and what happened in that scene its the best example of it. To me it show why this worked so well
I think you lie too much on the negative and I think you have failed to understand what critical arc is if that’s all you can think about but I respect your opinion
@@TheAcidicMolotov well technically we don't know in lore how long he did that. And he went through valhalla at least 5 times right? That's not all of a sudden.
The final monologue is meant to resemble greek theatre the same way much of the base game does, but the reason I didn't find it awkward was because it's a moment of catharsis, because it's also meant to be therapeutic. It was a release of thoughts and emotions, ones he's supressed for a very long time but has been gradually more open about over the last two games; this is merely the culmination of that. Besides, who else could he be completely honest with other than himself. Also, Kratos being "mad" was directed at Mimir putting himself down, not him messing up on his date with Sigrun; that was just the result. It was concern regarding Mimir himself generally, not so much his romantic life specifically. As someone who also played the OG trilogy before the Norse games, I can't say I found Kratos at all out of character here. The first norse game was about honesty and opening up, and the second was about the full actualization of that, and about trust and hope. Valhalla is meant to follow the ways he becomes more companionable over Ragnarok, generally talking with more of the characters and helping them overcome their own problems, or at least provide an ear and advice when they need it, like with Brok, Freya, and Mimir. Admittedly, a good deal of it happens in the side content, and I don't know how much of that you did.
yeah, you hit the nail on the head here. Also, what is Kratos supposed to do when he's monologuing? We can't go into his head and hear what he's thinking, and he's clearly all on his lonesome there. It makes sense that he'd talk out loud, especially since he's literally saying it to a person, even if it's just younger Kratos, who doesn't reply
I'm actually completely okay with Kratos monologuing, cuz after all he's Greek and gotta be poetic right? Mimir does tell Kratos this: 'Well YOU try to make conversation with YOU sometimes' Edit: I found out something else - At the end of the game the shrine has Kratos having his axe on top of his shoulder, worshipped as God of Hope. At then end of Valhalla, guess what? He comes out as God of Hope with the axe on his shoulder.
I think the dialogue in Valhalla reflects a shift in how Kratos thinks about people he cares about. "Open your heart to it". That's why he might engage in conversation with Mimir and the Valkyries more and actually seem like he gives a 💩. And that dialogue with himself was probably the biggest dive into his thoughts on his life so far and Chris Judge nailed the performance
@@TheAcidicMolotovwell, he was prepared for it. He saw that it is young him being there when he opened the door first time. So in his thoughts he already went many times through what he could say to his young self. It makes sense to me
Said it before, will say it again. I’m interested in seeing where things go as I doubt Kratos has seen/heard the last of Sindri, Sinmara and Forsetti. All three have a reason to be furious with Kratos.
Probably not Sindri, he could blame atreus maybe and be angry at him while also rejecting compassion from anyone. But he probably understands it wasn't kratos's fault. He AND brok have always helped them so he wouldn't just change like that. Sinmara however, I can see her becoming an enemy
Can't forget Artemis,Apollo, Hestia, Phobos,Circe, Nike,Amphitrite. From the Greek pantheon if they decide to go that route. I am hoping for a side game with Atreus (kinda like Miles Morales) and I hope he gets captured by the Egyptians and Kratos asks Freya and Tyr for help
I thought the same about bosses at first but here me out about the Norse gods. Kratos mentions to mimir that he felt bad for Thor's sons that's why Valhalla manifests them to fight him. The only two gods he truely kills are Baldur and Heimdall but Kratos doesn't regret killing them as it was do or die. So lore wise it makes sense that only Magni and Modi make an appearance and no one else. Speaking of Greeks, we can make an argument about Helios (He's a head so replaces Mimir and doesn't disrupt gameplay), since other than Athena he also saved Kratos once yet died the most brutal way.
Something absolutely crazy to me is that a couple years ago in one of your community post response videos, I commented asking if we'll ever see the ship captain again and that he might be someone Kratos might need to make amends with. And they fucking did it!! Granted, there was no interaction, but the fact he was brought up at all as a person he felt regret for killing is mind blowing to me!
I honestly thought the the dlc was amazing it's definitely good to see after all the turmoil that Kratos has been through in his life he finally is at peace and has happiness at this point in his life
@@Trr2755I get your point but I wouldn’t say he’s “gone soft” he’s more wise and is in better control of his rage than he was before. As he showed when he let the monster loose and destroyed Heimdall. The monster is still there in Kratos.
@@gameofender4463He has gone soft he even seems weaker than his old self he couldn't even get that damn cage open to save Mimir's life. I don't care if he's trying to be a better person I rather play as a brutal killing machine like he was those games were a lot more fun.
@@Trr2755I don't doubt he has, but it's in the way of him being more wiser, calm, and collected. He can still br ruthless and the ghost of Sparta, yet he chooses not to. To protect others
what would he say tho ? i feel like it would just sound like a cringe argument . it sounds better with kratos speaking to him and then realizing the truth of his own words he spoke without anyone hand holding him toward it, even his younger self
@@mithvibes4727 Even I was hoping for that cause fan service. The argument is more or less happening in his head. Young Kratos doesn't get to excuse his actions because Kratos already knows every excuse and Tyr told him that you don't have to do that, you just have to accept it and move on
I felt that Kratos talking to himself was actually really in line with who he is "under the surface" you could say. He always had an appreciation and love for greek culture. Based on his dialogue from Ragnarok we know that he has knowledge of greek theatre and music, he himself can play the lyre if I'm not wrong. There is also that scene in Chains of Olympus where we see he actually carved the flute for Calliope under the tree, where he would sit and listen to her play. It makes sense to me that in such a deeply personal moment he would just burst into an emotional, theatre like monologue. He grew up in that culture and involved himself personally in it in his past.
I agree in somethings about the DLC, other that didn't mind or care about, but I really don't agree about this being a different Kratos. Kratos is not asking Mimir of his romantic life just because of curiosity, but because he sensed troubles between him and Sigrun and wanted to help him. Remember, this not a nobody, is Mimir, someone who Kratos calls brother. Also, they can't avoid talking about things when Mimir is attached to Kratos's belt the whole time. The same things with the Valkyries, he never started the conversation but them, he just wanted to listen what they have to say and it's not like they talk for a long time. It's not the first time Kratos hears someone's tales or stories. The last thing is the monologue which I think was great. This scene could be one of the few where he's alone without any company and this time facing his past-self, and let's not forget that in the old games Kratos had a same kind of way of expresing himself, that's why I don't see what's so awkward about it. I'm glad you like it Kuba, I hope you are keeping the motivation of making videos, not only of the God of War series but others too.
Pretty sure kratos interest in his friends lives stems from a lack of atreus and him being worried and interested in how atreus is feeling and his safety. without this kratos feels the need to compenset for that by being interested in the others around him. i also loved the final speech as it rlly felt like a man battling within himself but maybe it was drawn out a little idk. nevertheless i still think it was an awesome speech.
I'm not going to lie, I disagree with your points about Kratos being out of character, he's come along way dude,. Also I would be intrested in hearing somebody's love life genuinely
I think the "justification" for Kratos being so interested in his friends' lives stems from the promise that he made with Atreus. While yes, it's still very out of character, it (just like most of the bestiarys and notes) shows much Kratos misses him. But that's just me
The writers need to be more nuanced. This grown man should struggle showing compassion, yet he is doing it as one who has been this way their whole life would
@@TheAcidicMolotov Friend, he did. That was the entirety of GoW: 2018. Did you miss the part in the beginning where Kratos struggles to keep himself from yelling at Atreus when he misses the deer they are hunting? Or all of the times the writers CLEARLY SHOW Kratos wanting to connect with Atreus but failing to do so because of his own holdups? He can be seen doing this in the scene where Kratos helps Atreus finish off the deer right before the Troll takes it. There's even an important narrative parallel at the end of the game when they're spreading Faye's ashes in Jotunheim; Kratos actually puts a hand on Atreus' shoulder, which is a visual way to indicate Kratos' changed mindset. He's not as scared of connecting with his son anymore, because of all of the patricide and stuff. He knows they're better. Anyways, I just disagree when you say there's no nuance. I think the above proves otherwise :v
@@TheAcidicMolotovthe entire of god of war 2018 was about kratos struggling with compassion, and learning to be better with that, and to connect with Atreus. By the end of the game. He is able to connect to him. Ragnarok does the same thing, he is not interested, but Faye's words, and Atreus actions help him learn about that. And to make him better and to connect with others
It's not just you. It's anyone who's able to understand basic concepts and who isn't in complete denial desperately trying to nitpick everything he can to avoid admitting these games are just as good if not better than the Greek saga.
I didn't anticipate how much I would play this mode. Keep trying different difficulties with different weapons or styles and it's so much fun and challenging. It's like a stressball, I can hop on whenever and enjoy without a lot of mental or time investment. A perfect companion for GT7 weekly races.
I disagree about Kratos being caring about Mimir. People change, they grow and evolve. Kratos is capable of change. Having people he cares about is good, especially when you consider what he’s been through his whole life. Especially the last 2 games. Everyone that should’ve been his friends/ confidants have either died or betrayed him. He’s never had a real friend to guide him or care about him. After Faye died it was him and Atreus. Not only did Mimir guide him and help him fulfill the dying wish of his wife he helped raise Atreus. Mimir took the difficult talks of growing up off his shoulders. Atreus even tells Mimir after Ragnarok that he’s a second father to him. So wanting to hear about the life lessons from the Valkyries is just story writing, it’s part of the lore and means something to him and the player. Wanting Mimir to find happiness is real, you should want to your friends to be happy. Krato’s isn’t becoming another character, he’s still the same Strong, thug it out, equal right equal fights, man we’ve grown to love and cherish. He’s just grown up and surrounded himself with good people who want good things for the world they inhabit together and for him. And he’s reciprocating that.
I think they left out him killing his family is because at the end of the first game he finally accepted what he did and moved on from it when he took off his bandages
I loved the ending of Valhalla, the whole game was basically a huge therapy session for Kratos, to learn to forgive and accept himself for the actions that have haunted him for so long. That monologue at the end, seeing his old self, and coming to terms was beautifully done. I personally think it was a master class in DLCs of this type of game. This extends to the whole Norse saga. Greek was about vengeance, and the combat style mirrors that, with all that hack n slash, gory goodness. Norse was about reflection and growth, and his interaction with his son and the other characters were indications of it. Even the combat system, being more close and personal with the camera tied to Kratos demonstrated this as well. I'm very excited to see what SMS has in store for us!
You want him to still be that guy from god of war 123 but hes just not. how many years has it been, he has different people in his life. these changes make sense and make for a much more enjoyable story. also kratos showing interest in mimirs relationship is not just a friend being interested. these guys have become brothers, living life together all the time and fought a war together. this makes perfect sense to be as close as they are to care about things like this.
The TV series will pander to older demographics like Witcher did and then get wrecked TV style. Witcher evolved into a show for older women simply bc of casting and the ratings by demographic lead the way for the writers.
Did you notice the way Kratos comes out of Valhalla is same as he is depicted on the mural at the end of God of war Ragnarok. He carries his axe on the shoulder and stands proud. I just now noticed this detail. I hope this makes it way to you Kuba.
So we're not gonna talk about the fact that after beating the game you get a young kratos skin which makes you look like young kratos and the armor young kratos was wearing and that you can also use it in the main story of god of war ragnarok. Or the fact that Tyr uses egyptian, japanese and greek weapons. Or the fact that Helios is an @sshole throughout the entire playthrough. Also he does talk about his family. There are collectibles in the DLC (the captain's key, Calliope's flute, Lysandra's pendant.) And you have to collect each three times and everytime you collect it he says a little bit about the story later. Like the fact that saving the boat captain would've cost him nothing as the captain was just a man who feared for his life but he just killed him. Saying "the hydra was just an animal but i showed him what a true monster looked like." or that he talks about needing to push away Calliope to save the world. And that he regrets that choice not knowing how much time he could've spend with Calliope and that every decade that past that he wished he could trade that for even an hour with Calliope and that that feeling went away after meeting Faye. Or Lysandra and how he says "she was a good wife but i was a bad husband." he does talk about them and the tragedy he felt. And HELIOS! Helios in battle was like "on your left dumbass." or the "Ah yes i think he agrees with me." or even Mimir and Tyr getting annoyed by Helios. Just imagine if it was Hermes instead. Then the norse games would've had two fast annoying @sshole gods. I think Heimdall and Hermes would be good friends.
I saw the monologue moment as something kratos needed to do, he is a man of action rather than words but the amount of bad memories and horrific actions attached to the Throne which to kratos takes more than actions, it takes genuine thought and reflection which he does throughout the dlc, and that moment is him truly confronting it. Not with fighting but with genuine reflection with what he has learned throughout the Norse games and dlc
kratos and mimir talking about his romantic life is everything that real friendships are made of worrying about your boys relationship is another way to express how much we care about them it’s not about being a good person it’s about caring for your friends well-being and knowing that they care for someone else ends up making you care about it too
my only issue with the DLC was how the Cyclops felt like the ogre and the Minotaur felt like the bergsra, i had no problems with how much kratos talked in the end I thought it was refreshing to see
The fact that it took all those attempts and challenging tyr 4 times before he was ready to confront himself and deliver the monologue is the point, it’s something he has to physically struggle with and force himself to do
They should be Added more Cosmetic for The Blade of Chaos, Like Red Athena Blades Skin when you Immolation, Fire Changes into Gold. Or The Blade of Exile.
My only real gripe is how they never mention Deimos once to my recollection in the DLC. Considering how significant of a moment Ghost of Sparta was for Kratos, i was hoping itd play a bigger roll
Yea we def got screwed with Eric directing it. We for sure would’ve gotten Thors hammer and shit. There were HUGE misses, it was starkly different from GOW4
I love how they touch on the topic that greece is thriving again and how with each weapon tyr pulled out it was based on a different mythology I can't wait for u to talk about that.
Tyr didn't just acquire the weapons, he spent time learning how to use them. Learning how to use them from (most likely) the various Gods of War: Huitzilopochtli (Aztec), Sekhmet (Egypt), and Hachiman (Japan)
This makes me so happy bc it’s such a growth for Kratos character. It built a platform for Kratos to live for something. He was only living for Atreus or a fight; like Mimir said in the DLC. Now he has purpose. It’s so dope.
Please don't tell me about your hardship, but it obviously makes sense for someone who really is a friend to be interested in one's love life as it affects so many aspects of life. I also found a bit weird to see Kratos inner shakespeare, although it wasn't a huge cringe. Lastly, the only thing I think SSM could have done was just had more bosses from the main game.
I think Kratos being more interested in those around him, is something that would better prepare him for if and when Atreus returns. In GoW 2018, we really see more of a strained relationship between Kratos and Atreus. Shown more apparent when Kratos had stepped into the Light of Alfheim. We hear how Atreus was closer to Faye, than Kratos. Despite certain instances in 2018, Kratos largely seemed impatient in being around Atreus. Whereas in Ragnarok, we see them be more closer, but not by much, given that while Kratos is far more patient with Atreus, points show that even though they live together, Atreus still largely doesn't fully know about Kratos. (And arguably Faye as well.) Shown if you do a certain sidequest with Atreus, where Deimos is mentioned. Another major point behind this, is we see Atreus's reaction to Odin killing Thor. Imagine Atreus's reaction in finding out that Kratos had killed Calliope (unintentionally), with him questioning on if he was next.
I saw this as the perfect setup for the next gow game. there are still open questions on the norse saga, but im willing to let that go with like a story that follows atreus in a new place and kratos after years of serving in the norse realm, would come to his aid. theres a lot of small details of course but this seems like the best way to go if kratos is an important part of the future of this saga.
The biggest question for me is how tf are they gonna make kratos go to other lands or shit. He has literally a perfect life in norse mythology, two bro's to talk to(mimir, tyr) a girlfriend and he's god of war again. Kratos story sounds finished to me honestly and idk how they are going to take it forward seems very difficult imo. I think Cory barlog needs to return, he understands kratos the most and probably will have the best idea on how to take kratos's story foward
I think kratos could be like a masterchief type of character. Like mc hasnt done horrible things but his whole arc was about being more than a machine in the later games, but he still kept the sentences short and cool. Like i feel like they can they do the same for kratos. Even halo infinite despite the story being not too ambitious, mastercheifs moments were very cool
Finished Valhalla earlier today Loved it and it really was Kratos's first therapy session Had some Amazing quotes from Tyr and Mimir That Final Scene at The Throne is just Perfect
Seen some comments already that probably said it best. At the time I dubbed it as him trying to do better. Especially now with Atreus gone. I don’t we expect Kratos to care about every single person story and feelings. But the people he care about like Mimir? Him caring doesn’t surprise at this stage of his life.
It is surprising when he speaks like hes been this compassionate his whole life. He should struggle with showing compassion yet the writers write his lines like he has been this way forever. It is rlly forced
@@TheAcidicMolotov These past two games he struggled with showing compassion. Between being with Mimir for awhile now and him being all he got with Atreus gone. ( guess you can include Freya??) Now be one thing if he was doing that to literally ANYONE who crossed his path. That would be more forced. But I don’t think it’s unbelievable to be kind to Mimir of all people at this point.
I really hope they bring this glyph system back for future games. It just feels a lot more simple, streamlined, and easier to wrap your head around and manage than the systems both in the main game and 2018. 2018's enchantments and armor perks system was confusing as hell, and Ragnarok did a lot to ease that confusion by just giving you one item to track enchantments on and keeping perks and such limited to armor sets. The single glyph tablet allowing you to make very specific builds and spec into certain abilities feels like an evolution of all of those concepts. While it does remove a lot of meaning from armor, I think they could learn a lot from the Valhalla glyph system for the next main installment. Maybe you can have an overall glyph tablet for perks and enchantments, keep the permanent stat upgrades from Blessings, and perhaps the weapons can have 3 or so slots for Weapon glyphs. Armor can provide stat boosts instead of the perks.
Imo the whole point of the Norse series is that Kratos has changed. This change comes in many forms- letting go of rage, learning to accept your mistakes but also not let them define you, being a more present father-then immediately learning to give your child space, and I think the biggest growth of all would be his openness. Yes, it’s a tad unlike Kratos to show that much interest in peoples stories but there is more it than that. He understands that these people are in need of some therapy as well. Tyr was providing it for him, he is just returning the favor. These Valkyries helped him defeat Odin and survive Ragnarok As for Mimir, I am so happy we got this extra time with them together. Mimir has provided Kratos with so much counsel I can 100% believe that Kratos is truly invested and wants to help.
5:05 - He made peace with killing his family in GoW3, and with killing Zeus in GoW 2018. The story of Valhalla is a good send off for the God of War games, before the studio switches focus to the God of Stories/Mischief/Hearth games.
One of the greatest dlc I have ever played. It’s so fun. Only few changes I’d make like I’d take out those dumb worms and I’d have larger mobs. I’d had more bosses like Thor, Baldur and the valkyries. I like the Berserkers being there and the fact that a different one pops out every time(there’s like 5?) but Greek bosses would’ve been better in the spot the Berserkers show up. But that is admittedly me getting greedy. Tyr was actually made cool. He is easily the highlight of the dlc from a gameplay perspective. 10/10 game
I think cradle's talking to himself is probably one of the deepest parts of adding do to the fact that we actually get the final here. What's going on in his mind. Sure, we have to understand spartans. Rarely speak and are sheltered to hide their emotions. It feels more human too me but that's my take.
I feel like you undersell Kratos' growth, he clearly does care and want to listen and help the people closest to him and maybe even after this dlc, his subjects and worshippers.
That last part is him closing the book on his horrible past, he even opened his heart to his past self and is moving forward to greater things because it. I don’t understand how that is awkward at all.
Kratos (in the Norse storyline) would be what we call in literary theory a "round character": a character that changes and adapt (for better or worse)depending on the environment or events he is being put through (just like someone in real life would) in opposition to a "flat character", a character that from beginning to end of the story doesn't change (like Kratos was in the Greek storyline), his only reason to exist was to MDK (MurderDeathKill) everything without thinking about possible consequences (like in GoW 3) to reach his goals. Maybe that's why Kratos now ask questions that seems stupid or out of place (like asking Mimir about his affairs or the Valkyries): it's not only the answer he seeks, is the connection with the other character he wants (the same way when Kratos accepts and follows Mimir's advices).
I at first hated it but when I went to show me will I started to love it an yesterday I finally beat Tÿr with classic Kratos. Soon a way I’m still practicing to do it in show me resolve.
I’m a veteran that have seen things I wish I could forget gaming was my way out of lunacy on my 20 I would go until I broke something that would be the only thing that would stop me now I have a son while I was overseas for 5 years I got to play 2018 and I will say this it saved me , you can only be hard for so long before is you who breaks and not only the body and mind been strong gets tired and my dad told me once why he wasn’t fighting back much when something specific happened he said : I’m tired , I’m getting tired , as kratos is .
Kratos has always had a lot to say in my opinion, hell he was extremely vocal in the Greek games. And to me, the soliloquy makes perfect sense. Kratos maybe wont talk a ton to OTHER people, but it makes sense that at the peak of his epiphany about himself, he would vocalize it in private. Its just that up until now he has been so burdened (all of his pain in the Greek saga and worrying over atreus in the Norse saga) that the poor guy has barely had an actual moment alone with his thoughts. That is also partly because he has, self admittedly, run from these problems in the past (literally sailing away from Greece). In that private moment with nobody except for the LITERAL mistakes of his past, Kratos is finally able to open up to himself. And kratos listening to other people's stories more makes sense. He has already demonstrated that he likes to talk about and learn about interesting and worthy people , as we saw with the story of Atreus' namesake. Atreus even comments that that was a good story that even Mimir would be sad he missed out on. There was also the time he told Atreus the story before Ragnarok. Kratos enjoys AND likes listening to stories. Hell, half his relationship with Mimir is based on that. I also kinda think its cute how art seems to play a theme in Kratos' family. Atreus is a painter/drawer, Calliope played the flute (or was it a pan pipe?), and Kratos is a secret thespian/story teller haha.
If they do continue the series I think it should be about stuff of the higher plane of existence and may be gods from other pantheons corrupted by their power forcing Kratos to wage war against the other pantheons whilst trying to make peace. Also I would love if they introduced mythological figures from the Greece that didn't appear like Dionysus, Artemis, Apollo etc.
They put a lot of fan service to the fans and that makes everyone who was sad about ragnarok and 2018 happy now. Indeed is a good DLC aside of the fan service and nostalgia.
something i noticed during tyr’s dialogue when he said that goodness is practiced which is commonly taught in christianity maybe implying that tyr met jesus??? or at least went to the christian pantheon
Valhalla was for one for me one of the biggest surprise of 2023, it give a satisfy conclusion of the Norse Saga and i like this DLC more than thé base game
I really enjoyed Valhalla, although its MEGA frustrating having to go all the way back to the start if you die, and it seems pretty repetitive for sure. Kratos fighting his memories etc was a cool idea but it seemed like a missed opportunity to include some of thr better charactes he has killed, some Greek Gods, the Barbarian King etc...but it was free so we cant really complain too much. There is so much cool thongs you can do with the characters and stories I dont think fand will ever be 100% happy with what we are given.
Firstly, we're all allowed our opinions (obviously) and phenomenal video! You've always done an amazing job with GOW and I appreciate that. But... 1. Kratos has always provided time to listen and personal interest in those he respects - Mimir, Freya, Athena, etc. He may not always have much to say back, be he's always shone he will listen. He is tactical and understands in learning from ALL experiences including the experiences of others. 2. "Better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war" - Kratos has evolved into a more tactful, rash, and calculated character. Him being "nicer" or less off the wall violent is actually a strength. He's a good man (god) that's CAPABLE of great violence, but chooses when to be each version of himself. 3. About the game - I agree that more of his Greek enemies would've been nice and even an opportunity to have Atreus experience his father's past would be amazing. Hopefully they're saving the Greek enemies for a remake of the first games.
Still watching the video, but one rogue like indie game that differ from others and has a good story is Spelunky and it's sequel Spelunky2. And they use mythology. Love both, you should try it!
@redcenturion88 But he did regret selling his soul to Ares, and also Ares set up Kratos to kill his family, creating the nightmare he tried to escape and killing Ares made him the god of war. So Ares is an important part of Kratos' life in the Greek saga
@Deriv44 Fair point. I guess Santa Monica had to decide what to include and what not to include and we got what they decided upon. I was hoping to encounter Zeus as well.
I like to think that Kratos is speaking more philosophical to himself because it's in his native Greek instead of Old Norse, and he can therefore voice his complex inner feelings better. I also think he wants to talk to Mimir about his love life not because he cares about the relationship, but because he cares about Mimir emotional wellbeing.
Kaptain while playing through the main game of ragnarok there is a part where sindri gives kratos his compass but he says something very interesting that the compass will show you what you desire most just like in the movie, pirates of the carribean.Jack sparrows compass points him to what he desires most. Do you think that's a nod off to the movie or a coincidence... love the vids bro keep it up ❤
If they do more God of war games it won't be god of war, it won't include Kratos at all but focus on Atreus, i figured that was super clear. It could be considered a spin off though, so in that case, this is the final god of war we will ever get unless someone gets bold to recast the characters and retcon the story.
It’s a good problem to have when you have so many characters that can have spin offs etc. Atreus and Thrud spin offs and maybe even a Freya or Faye prequel. As well as more games for Kratos.
Issue is those spin offs would flop. This DLC was a corrective endeavour because people were noticing kratos, the god of war is played like a background character in Ragnarok and needed to refocus back into kratos.
Well Ragnarok was Loki's story as much as it was Kratos's, it was meant to be a stepping off point for Loki to be a sufficiently strong enough character thag would warrant people's interest in a spin off game which will I'm sure will tie into the next God of War title. As a result yeah Kratos needed to be put on standby for a while but even then Santa Monica showed that even with less screen time Kratos still makes a sufficient impact despite only having 2 games of the Norse Saga to make an impact@ap4702
@@BigDaddyRich69 Two characters can be protagonists did ya know? It's about Kratos AND Atreus. While Atreus is more concerned with the whole plot, Kratos still remains the prominent character. It feels insane to act like he was somehow played like a background character
Hope they tap back into his rage side. Like him finding balance on being a god killer and a peaceful god. Sometimes blood has to be spilt for there to be peace.
Idk man it feels like maybe you want the games to be something they never were. The Greek games were fun but like you said they felt very one dimensional from the surface level. In order to go deeper into Kratos’ story you had to do that yourself. Only now in Valhalla are the games acknowledging how complicated Kratos’ legacy is. And the theme of being better is a beautiful one and absolutely makes sense given his relationship with Faye and Atreus, then ultimately Mimir and Freya. Kratos has people in his life to be better for, to not be so cold and stoic all the time. I think it’s beautiful, and definitely changed me for the better.
You do not know how badly I wanted colaiope to be in Valhalla but not as a child as a teen like Atreus. I feel that it would’ve created an emotional and forever memorable cutscene
I wonder if it's possible that in future Wes get to play as Tyr since he's a god of war and since he's the one who has travelled to all of these different lands. I wonder if this DLC was a teaing us and showcasing how badass Tyr is. As much as I like Kratos’s weaponry I wanna get my hands on Tyr’s. If we ever play as Tyr in future gimme a shoutout lol
Hey Kaptain Kuba. I recently stumbled upon an interview with Sunny Suljic(Atreus) and Matan Evan. In the podcast they talk a little bit about the future of the God of War series. They talk a little about the future of God of War. You should check it out. 👍
Kaptain Rumours are speculating on the Remake of GOW124 . Good news bro just SSM is left to confirm it as GOW's 25th anniversary is near I think that's the exact time to introduce it . Your and our dreams are finnally on a path to become true .🎉
Tbf the scene of him talking to himself in Valhalla is more like how he is thinking rather than speaking, all the thoughts that he keeps dormant and hidden away from speaking about.
Can’t lie, the gameplay got boring after 3 rounds, but I love the story, I’ve always been a fan since god of war came out when I was a kid, and I think no matter what, Kratos will have to pay for the destruction of Greece, if you guys played the actual games, you know Kratos murdered 1,000s if not millions of innocent people just to simply get revenge, even though his own blind rage started everything. He has come a long way, and has done a ton of growing, but the past usually ends up repeating itself in one way another. Maybe the cycle hasn’t stopped, maybe Atreus kills his father and falls down the same path. Who knows, but I’m excited to see where this story goes, no matter how it ends.
Captain did u notice that in the end of god of war Ragnarok Angerboda went to the back of the prophecy board and painted Kratos. she probably wanted to hide the true prophecy for Kratos.
Hey kuba! I’ve seen a lot of debate about weather young or old kratos is stronger, I think it would be fun theory video for you to take on! On old kratos’ side there developer comments saying he’s stronger, but lots of people me included think what the games are actually showing a different story. Kratos being knocked out and injured and exhausted ect. Plus the Norse boss fights don’t have the same spectacle that Poseidon for example has so it’s hard to FEEL like Thor is stronger than zues you know? All the Norse gods feel like Hercules level strength
I just had a though with all the giants bodies atreus could take the marbles and bring them back to life after realizing when he comes back with some years and experiences all his own. Then with angrobodas help and guidance he brings them back.
I stand by the monologue, firstly because its magnificent, to see Kratos like a Shakesperean protagonist, With a spotlight on his back, pondering over the meaning of his life. The more important point is, This could very well be the Most Real "Old Kratos"... The Greek games are the flattest, the norse games follow the character in a closer light, This scene is quite literally inside his mind.....This is the old man Kratos, who has said to everyone that He is no longer the same person who Destroyed Greece, almost like for him, he left the monster back in greece. This is him tussling with himself about the nature of himself, That the man sitting on the throne is also him, a more angry,naive, him, that needs to be accepted, Kratos is both the destroyer and the saviour, and more importantly he can choose what he wants to be.
I like to think Kratos’ soliloquy is indicative of a larger theme with ragnarok, the entire game is presented as a theatrical stage production. From Mimir and Kratos speaking about Greek plays and how the game follows the unbroken perspective of Kratos and Atreus, to how the Norns speak in stage terminology, to how Atreus quite literally exits stage left at the end of the game. Ragnarok is presented like one of the tales of old Kratos would be around to witness, and the Soliloquy, while not being entirely necessary for Kratos himself to understand, is a necessary part of the play as well. Where Kratos can bare all to himself. Remember he is an incredibly introspective character, so much so that it took well over 7 games just to get him to open up about his basic issues, so where better to have this moment then with himself in a place that literally reflects his mind, and with nobody else present?
You might have just convinced that ♥️
Thats an awesome way of clarifying what I had in my mind into words.
@@KaptainKubaI find it funny how you said you would never imagine Kratos talking to himself. When the very first thing we see him do in the entire series is talk to himself. ("The gods of olympus have abandoned me... Now there is no hope")
I know what you mean with how drawn out it is in Valhalla. Just found it funny.😅
And I kind of find it fitting that it mirrors the first scene with him talking to himself. But this time shows how far hes come. From having no hope and giving up in the beginning to choosing to lead and rebuild the realms. I really liked the ending.
Exactly what I was thinking
To add to how the game plays out like a theatrical piece.
Even when Valhalla ends, it is the camera panning away from Kratos and mimir on the throne, lights fading.
You could literally imagine red blinds closing.
IMO It’s not Kratos being interested in Mimir’s love life, it’s him being interested in Mimir. His brother is clearly having difficulties, and he cares about helping him, and the “Now I’m mad” feels more like him being mad about how Mimir is talking to himself and how he treats himself, not about Mimir “fumbling a baddie”
That doesnt change the fact that it sounds fake and forced. A grown man rough around the edges doesnt change that quickly to now talk like a 21st century millenial. Sure he cares for mimir, but kratos would never speak like how he did in valhalla. We should see kratos struggling to show compassion attempting but ultimately it coming out as impolite.
@@TheAcidicMolotov We already saw his struggle to have compassion in 2018 and Ragnarök.
@@TheAcidicMolotov I don't agree, It neither forced nor fake. And even more, he had hundreds of years at least (i get this from a few theories about how much time passed since Grece) to grow. Kratos had a very long journey and it is absolutely in character for him to be interested in his friends. He finally has them, real friend who know his past and accept him. Kratos finally matured so it's time for us as fans to also mature and understand that he changed
@@TheAcidicMolotov ah yes he supposed to sound like a caveman that’ll be better
@TheAcidicMolotov I don't really know how long you expect character development to take? He spent the Greek Saga angry, and then things started changing right out the gate at the beginning of the Norse Saga. In-lore, there's a minimum of 4 years between the end of 2018 and the beginning of Ragnarok. There's AT LEAST 10 years between the end of GoW 3 and 2018. How many years exactly before you think a character reasonably "earns" their transformation? How much time in-game? Cause Kratos has been changing since the beginning of 2018, all through Ragnarok, and into Valhalla. That is LITERALLY the entire span of time in which Santa Monica has worked on the Norse Saga.
Two things:
I believe Kratos is much more interested in the emotions and relationships of his friends now since he misses Atreus, and is perhaps concerned about how he is getting on with Angrboda.
And
I don’t see any issue with Kratos’ monologue before taking the throne. He is looking at the man he used to be, and still could be if he chose to be worse instead of better. He mentions in 2018 that it is Greek tradition for a story to unfold in a single time and place, and perhaps he is calling back to that by laying out his entire throught process in front of himself
Edit: holy wow this got a lot of attention overnight
What I loved in that scene when is talking to himself and I dont know if they did it on purpose or not ,but in psychology this is "called empty chair technique " where its designed to allow the patient to express their inner thoughts in a safe enviroment and what happened in that scene its the best example of it.
To me it show why this worked so well
@@dafnev3643Well... he's basically talking to himself so... yeah.
I think you lie too much on the negative and I think you have failed to understand what critical arc is if that’s all you can think about but I respect your opinion
The issue is you are accepting he could change as quickly as he is. No grown man rough around the edges like him would be chamged so quickly.
@@TheAcidicMolotov well technically we don't know in lore how long he did that. And he went through valhalla at least 5 times right? That's not all of a sudden.
The final monologue is meant to resemble greek theatre the same way much of the base game does, but the reason I didn't find it awkward was because it's a moment of catharsis, because it's also meant to be therapeutic. It was a release of thoughts and emotions, ones he's supressed for a very long time but has been gradually more open about over the last two games; this is merely the culmination of that. Besides, who else could he be completely honest with other than himself.
Also, Kratos being "mad" was directed at Mimir putting himself down, not him messing up on his date with Sigrun; that was just the result. It was concern regarding Mimir himself generally, not so much his romantic life specifically.
As someone who also played the OG trilogy before the Norse games, I can't say I found Kratos at all out of character here. The first norse game was about honesty and opening up, and the second was about the full actualization of that, and about trust and hope. Valhalla is meant to follow the ways he becomes more companionable over Ragnarok, generally talking with more of the characters and helping them overcome their own problems, or at least provide an ear and advice when they need it, like with Brok, Freya, and Mimir. Admittedly, a good deal of it happens in the side content, and I don't know how much of that you did.
Great points. And it's funny to me cuz literally in his reaction Kuba seems to have understood the monologue reference & now just thinks it's weird.
He has the weirdest takes on this series. I also think he's kinda lazy with some aspects of gameplay and understanding of character growth.
yeah, you hit the nail on the head here. Also, what is Kratos supposed to do when he's monologuing? We can't go into his head and hear what he's thinking, and he's clearly all on his lonesome there. It makes sense that he'd talk out loud, especially since he's literally saying it to a person, even if it's just younger Kratos, who doesn't reply
@@Bugothan69 isn’t that what every content creator is at this point like come on everyone should of learned this by now 😂
@@Comicbroe405 and they say he’s better then Jon ford but in truth he understands kratos better than kuba does to be honest
I'm actually completely okay with Kratos monologuing, cuz after all he's Greek and gotta be poetic right?
Mimir does tell Kratos this: 'Well YOU try to make conversation with YOU sometimes'
Edit: I found out something else - At the end of the game the shrine has Kratos having his axe on top of his shoulder, worshipped as God of Hope. At then end of Valhalla, guess what? He comes out as God of Hope with the axe on his shoulder.
It all comes full circle.
Holy shit, the painting he saw at the end of ragnarok was a teaser for the Valhalla DLC, damn man. It does make sense now.
I think the dialogue in Valhalla reflects a shift in how Kratos thinks about people he cares about. "Open your heart to it". That's why he might engage in conversation with Mimir and the Valkyries more and actually seem like he gives a 💩. And that dialogue with himself was probably the biggest dive into his thoughts on his life so far and Chris Judge nailed the performance
You can see his emotions much more on the young skin btw
Yes it does reflect that, but the writers did a poor job nuancing it. It is unbelievable that kratos would start speaking like this so quickly
@@TheAcidicMolotovwell, he was prepared for it. He saw that it is young him being there when he opened the door first time. So in his thoughts he already went many times through what he could say to his young self. It makes sense to me
Said it before, will say it again. I’m interested in seeing where things go as I doubt Kratos has seen/heard the last of Sindri, Sinmara and Forsetti. All three have a reason to be furious with Kratos.
Njord and Vidar would be awesome to meet too.
Well, I don't think Sindri holds as much hatred as he once did for Kratos and Atreus. Hell, Kratos was literally there for Brok's funeral.
Probably not Sindri, he could blame atreus maybe and be angry at him while also rejecting compassion from anyone. But he probably understands it wasn't kratos's fault. He AND brok have always helped them so he wouldn't just change like that. Sinmara however, I can see her becoming an enemy
Can't forget Artemis,Apollo, Hestia, Phobos,Circe, Nike,Amphitrite. From the Greek pantheon if they decide to go that route. I am hoping for a side game with Atreus (kinda like Miles Morales) and I hope he gets captured by the Egyptians and Kratos asks Freya and Tyr for help
@@pide5960 We have to remember, he denied his brother an afterlife, he is the only one at fault at this.
I thought the same about bosses at first but here me out about the Norse gods. Kratos mentions to mimir that he felt bad for Thor's sons that's why Valhalla manifests them to fight him. The only two gods he truely kills are Baldur and Heimdall but Kratos doesn't regret killing them as it was do or die. So lore wise it makes sense that only Magni and Modi make an appearance and no one else. Speaking of Greeks, we can make an argument about Helios (He's a head so replaces Mimir and doesn't disrupt gameplay), since other than Athena he also saved Kratos once yet died the most brutal way.
*hear
@@bacongaming1353your correction does nothing but make you look like a complete douche bag
Something absolutely crazy to me is that a couple years ago in one of your community post response videos, I commented asking if we'll ever see the ship captain again and that he might be someone Kratos might need to make amends with. And they fucking did it!! Granted, there was no interaction, but the fact he was brought up at all as a person he felt regret for killing is mind blowing to me!
I honestly thought the the dlc was amazing it's definitely good to see after all the turmoil that Kratos has been through in his life he finally is at peace and has happiness at this point in his life
And yet some people think he’s “gone soft” and needs to be Greek Kratos again.
He’s a much better character/man/god now than he was then.
@@gameofender4463He has literally gone soft not in a bad way tho he isnt as ruthless as he used to be
@@Trr2755I get your point but I wouldn’t say he’s “gone soft” he’s more wise and is in better control of his rage than he was before. As he showed when he let the monster loose and destroyed Heimdall. The monster is still there in Kratos.
@@gameofender4463He has gone soft he even seems weaker than his old self he couldn't even get that damn cage open to save Mimir's life. I don't care if he's trying to be a better person I rather play as a brutal killing machine like he was those games were a lot more fun.
@@Trr2755I don't doubt he has, but it's in the way of him being more wiser, calm, and collected. He can still br ruthless and the ghost of Sparta, yet he chooses not to. To protect others
They miss a great opportunity to bring back TC Carson as kratos talking to his older self with Christopher Judge kratos
They Definitely missed that opportunity. Christopher Judge even outright rejected Greek Kratos
what would he say tho ? i feel like it would just sound like a cringe argument . it sounds better with kratos speaking to him and then realizing the truth of his own words he spoke without anyone hand holding him toward it, even his younger self
@@mithvibes4727 Even I was hoping for that cause fan service. The argument is more or less happening in his head. Young Kratos doesn't get to excuse his actions because Kratos already knows every excuse and Tyr told him that you don't have to do that, you just have to accept it and move on
I felt that Kratos talking to himself was actually really in line with who he is "under the surface" you could say.
He always had an appreciation and love for greek culture. Based on his dialogue from Ragnarok we know that he has knowledge of greek theatre and music, he himself can play the lyre if I'm not wrong.
There is also that scene in Chains of Olympus where we see he actually carved the flute for Calliope under the tree, where he would sit and listen to her play.
It makes sense to me that in such a deeply personal moment he would just burst into an emotional, theatre like monologue. He grew up in that culture and involved himself personally in it in his past.
I agree in somethings about the DLC, other that didn't mind or care about, but I really don't agree about this being a different Kratos.
Kratos is not asking Mimir of his romantic life just because of curiosity, but because he sensed troubles between him and Sigrun and wanted to help him. Remember, this not a nobody, is Mimir, someone who Kratos calls brother. Also, they can't avoid talking about things when Mimir is attached to Kratos's belt the whole time.
The same things with the Valkyries, he never started the conversation but them, he just wanted to listen what they have to say and it's not like they talk for a long time. It's not the first time Kratos hears someone's tales or stories.
The last thing is the monologue which I think was great. This scene could be one of the few where he's alone without any company and this time facing his past-self, and let's not forget that in the old games Kratos had a same kind of way of expresing himself, that's why I don't see what's so awkward about it.
I'm glad you like it Kuba, I hope you are keeping the motivation of making videos, not only of the God of War series but others too.
Pretty sure kratos interest in his friends lives stems from a lack of atreus and him being worried and interested in how atreus is feeling and his safety. without this kratos feels the need to compenset for that by being interested in the others around him. i also loved the final speech as it rlly felt like a man battling within himself but maybe it was drawn out a little idk. nevertheless i still think it was an awesome speech.
I'm not going to lie, I disagree with your points about Kratos being out of character, he's come along way dude,. Also I would be intrested in hearing somebody's love life genuinely
I think the "justification" for Kratos being so interested in his friends' lives stems from the promise that he made with Atreus. While yes, it's still very out of character, it (just like most of the bestiarys and notes) shows much Kratos misses him. But that's just me
The writers need to be more nuanced. This grown man should struggle showing compassion, yet he is doing it as one who has been this way their whole life would
@@TheAcidicMolotov Friend, he did. That was the entirety of GoW: 2018. Did you miss the part in the beginning where Kratos struggles to keep himself from yelling at Atreus when he misses the deer they are hunting? Or all of the times the writers CLEARLY SHOW Kratos wanting to connect with Atreus but failing to do so because of his own holdups? He can be seen doing this in the scene where Kratos helps Atreus finish off the deer right before the Troll takes it. There's even an important narrative parallel at the end of the game when they're spreading Faye's ashes in Jotunheim; Kratos actually puts a hand on Atreus' shoulder, which is a visual way to indicate Kratos' changed mindset. He's not as scared of connecting with his son anymore, because of all of the patricide and stuff. He knows they're better. Anyways, I just disagree when you say there's no nuance. I think the above proves otherwise :v
@@TheAcidicMolotovthe entire of god of war 2018 was about kratos struggling with compassion, and learning to be better with that, and to connect with Atreus. By the end of the game. He is able to connect to him.
Ragnarok does the same thing, he is not interested, but Faye's words, and Atreus actions help him learn about that. And to make him better and to connect with others
It's not just you. It's anyone who's able to understand basic concepts and who isn't in complete denial desperately trying to nitpick everything he can to avoid admitting these games are just as good if not better than the Greek saga.
I didn't anticipate how much I would play this mode. Keep trying different difficulties with different weapons or styles and it's so much fun and challenging. It's like a stressball, I can hop on whenever and enjoy without a lot of mental or time investment. A perfect companion for GT7 weekly races.
No Atreus = fun
I disagree about Kratos being caring about Mimir. People change, they grow and evolve. Kratos is capable of change. Having people he cares about is good, especially when you consider what he’s been through his whole life. Especially the last 2 games. Everyone that should’ve been his friends/ confidants have either died or betrayed him. He’s never had a real friend to guide him or care about him. After Faye died it was him and Atreus. Not only did Mimir guide him and help him fulfill the dying wish of his wife he helped raise Atreus. Mimir took the difficult talks of growing up off his shoulders. Atreus even tells Mimir after Ragnarok that he’s a second father to him.
So wanting to hear about the life lessons from the Valkyries is just story writing, it’s part of the lore and means something to him and the player. Wanting Mimir to find happiness is real, you should want to your friends to be happy.
Krato’s isn’t becoming another character, he’s still the same Strong, thug it out, equal right equal fights, man we’ve grown to love and cherish. He’s just grown up and surrounded himself with good people who want good things for the world they inhabit together and for him. And he’s reciprocating that.
I think they left out him killing his family is because at the end of the first game he finally accepted what he did and moved on from it when he took off his bandages
I loved the ending of Valhalla, the whole game was basically a huge therapy session for Kratos, to learn to forgive and accept himself for the actions that have haunted him for so long. That monologue at the end, seeing his old self, and coming to terms was beautifully done. I personally think it was a master class in DLCs of this type of game. This extends to the whole Norse saga.
Greek was about vengeance, and the combat style mirrors that, with all that hack n slash, gory goodness. Norse was about reflection and growth, and his interaction with his son and the other characters were indications of it. Even the combat system, being more close and personal with the camera tied to Kratos demonstrated this as well. I'm very excited to see what SMS has in store for us!
You want him to still be that guy from god of war 123 but hes just not. how many years has it been, he has different people in his life. these changes make sense and make for a much more enjoyable story.
also kratos showing interest in mimirs relationship is not just a friend being interested. these guys have become brothers, living life together all the time and fought a war together. this makes perfect sense to be as close as they are to care about things like this.
The only thing in Valhalla I really wanted is to fight young kratos as the final boss fight.
I’m looking forward to seeing how all this is done when Amazon eventually releases/debuts the GOW TV series on Prime.
Oh noooooo
The TV series will pander to older demographics like Witcher did and then get wrecked TV style. Witcher evolved into a show for older women simply bc of casting and the ratings by demographic lead the way for the writers.
@@hyperbolekid Or it could go like HOTD and TLOU which are both more recent and have more similarities to GOW.
Did you notice the way Kratos comes out of Valhalla is same as he is depicted on the mural at the end of God of war Ragnarok.
He carries his axe on the shoulder and stands proud.
I just now noticed this detail. I hope this makes it way to you Kuba.
So we're not gonna talk about the fact that after beating the game you get a young kratos skin which makes you look like young kratos and the armor young kratos was wearing and that you can also use it in the main story of god of war ragnarok. Or the fact that Tyr uses egyptian, japanese and greek weapons. Or the fact that Helios is an @sshole throughout the entire playthrough. Also he does talk about his family. There are collectibles in the DLC (the captain's key, Calliope's flute, Lysandra's pendant.) And you have to collect each three times and everytime you collect it he says a little bit about the story later. Like the fact that saving the boat captain would've cost him nothing as the captain was just a man who feared for his life but he just killed him. Saying "the hydra was just an animal but i showed him what a true monster looked like." or that he talks about needing to push away Calliope to save the world. And that he regrets that choice not knowing how much time he could've spend with Calliope and that every decade that past that he wished he could trade that for even an hour with Calliope and that that feeling went away after meeting Faye. Or Lysandra and how he says "she was a good wife but i was a bad husband." he does talk about them and the tragedy he felt. And HELIOS! Helios in battle was like "on your left dumbass." or the "Ah yes i think he agrees with me." or even Mimir and Tyr getting annoyed by Helios. Just imagine if it was Hermes instead. Then the norse games would've had two fast annoying @sshole gods. I think Heimdall and Hermes would be good friends.
I saw the monologue moment as something kratos needed to do, he is a man of action rather than words but the amount of bad memories and horrific actions attached to the Throne which to kratos takes more than actions, it takes genuine thought and reflection which he does throughout the dlc, and that moment is him truly confronting it. Not with fighting but with genuine reflection with what he has learned throughout the Norse games and dlc
kratos and mimir talking about his romantic life is everything that real friendships are made of worrying about your boys relationship is another way to express how much we care about them it’s not about being a good person it’s about caring for your friends well-being and knowing that they care for someone else ends up making you care about it too
my only issue with the DLC was how the Cyclops felt like the ogre and the Minotaur felt like the bergsra, i had no problems with how much kratos talked in the end I thought it was refreshing to see
The fact that it took all those attempts and challenging tyr 4 times before he was ready to confront himself and deliver the monologue is the point, it’s something he has to physically struggle with and force himself to do
I agree that the "Be Better" theme should play a minor role or be redefined in whatever is next. It feels fully explored at least in terms of Kratos.
I would love to see a nord Kratos vs young Kratos as the final battle, but we just got a speech. Still, this DLC was amazing.
They should be Added more Cosmetic for The Blade of Chaos, Like Red Athena Blades Skin when you Immolation, Fire Changes into Gold. Or The Blade of Exile.
My only real gripe is how they never mention Deimos once to my recollection in the DLC. Considering how significant of a moment Ghost of Sparta was for Kratos, i was hoping itd play a bigger roll
trueee i dont recall hearing about him either
What if Corey had directed Ragnarok and Valhalla ? I feel like we missed some of his 2018 fine touches.
Yea we def got screwed with Eric directing it. We for sure would’ve gotten Thors hammer and shit. There were HUGE misses, it was starkly different from GOW4
Tyr wearing his armor was eye candy
omg I so agree with the "being better" theme. I think we know at this point that kratos has become much more than what he use to be
I love how they touch on the topic that greece is thriving again and how with each weapon tyr pulled out it was based on a different mythology I can't wait for u to talk about that.
Tyr didn't just acquire the weapons, he spent time learning how to use them.
Learning how to use them from (most likely) the various Gods of War: Huitzilopochtli (Aztec), Sekhmet (Egypt), and Hachiman (Japan)
This makes me so happy bc it’s such a growth for Kratos character. It built a platform for Kratos to live for something. He was only living for Atreus or a fight; like Mimir said in the DLC. Now he has purpose. It’s so dope.
Please don't tell me about your hardship, but it obviously makes sense for someone who really is a friend to be interested in one's love life as it affects so many aspects of life. I also found a bit weird to see Kratos inner shakespeare, although it wasn't a huge cringe. Lastly, the only thing I think SSM could have done was just had more bosses from the main game.
I think Kratos being more interested in those around him, is something that would better prepare him for if and when Atreus returns. In GoW 2018, we really see more of a strained relationship between Kratos and Atreus. Shown more apparent when Kratos had stepped into the Light of Alfheim. We hear how Atreus was closer to Faye, than Kratos. Despite certain instances in 2018, Kratos largely seemed impatient in being around Atreus. Whereas in Ragnarok, we see them be more closer, but not by much, given that while Kratos is far more patient with Atreus, points show that even though they live together, Atreus still largely doesn't fully know about Kratos. (And arguably Faye as well.) Shown if you do a certain sidequest with Atreus, where Deimos is mentioned. Another major point behind this, is we see Atreus's reaction to Odin killing Thor. Imagine Atreus's reaction in finding out that Kratos had killed Calliope (unintentionally), with him questioning on if he was next.
I saw this as the perfect setup for the next gow game.
there are still open questions on the norse saga, but im willing to let that go with like a story that follows atreus in a new place and kratos after years of serving in the norse realm, would come to his aid.
theres a lot of small details of course but this seems like the best way to go if kratos is an important part of the future of this saga.
The biggest question for me is how tf are they gonna make kratos go to other lands or shit.
He has literally a perfect life in norse mythology, two bro's to talk to(mimir, tyr) a girlfriend and he's god of war again.
Kratos story sounds finished to me honestly and idk how they are going to take it forward seems very difficult imo.
I think Cory barlog needs to return, he understands kratos the most and probably will have the best idea on how to take kratos's story foward
I think kratos could be like a masterchief type of character. Like mc hasnt done horrible things but his whole arc was about being more than a machine in the later games, but he still kept the sentences short and cool. Like i feel like they can they do the same for kratos. Even halo infinite despite the story being not too ambitious, mastercheifs moments were very cool
Finished Valhalla earlier today
Loved it and it really was Kratos's first therapy session
Had some Amazing quotes from Tyr and Mimir
That Final Scene at The Throne is just Perfect
Seen some comments already that probably said it best.
At the time I dubbed it as him trying to do better. Especially now with Atreus gone.
I don’t we expect Kratos to care about every single person story and feelings. But the people he care about like Mimir?
Him caring doesn’t surprise at this stage of his life.
It is surprising when he speaks like hes been this compassionate his whole life. He should struggle with showing compassion yet the writers write his lines like he has been this way forever. It is rlly forced
@@TheAcidicMolotov These past two games he struggled with showing compassion. Between being with Mimir for awhile now and him being all he got with Atreus gone. ( guess you can include Freya??)
Now be one thing if he was doing that to literally ANYONE who crossed his path. That would be more forced.
But I don’t think it’s unbelievable to be kind to Mimir of all people at this point.
I really hope they bring this glyph system back for future games. It just feels a lot more simple, streamlined, and easier to wrap your head around and manage than the systems both in the main game and 2018. 2018's enchantments and armor perks system was confusing as hell, and Ragnarok did a lot to ease that confusion by just giving you one item to track enchantments on and keeping perks and such limited to armor sets.
The single glyph tablet allowing you to make very specific builds and spec into certain abilities feels like an evolution of all of those concepts. While it does remove a lot of meaning from armor, I think they could learn a lot from the Valhalla glyph system for the next main installment. Maybe you can have an overall glyph tablet for perks and enchantments, keep the permanent stat upgrades from Blessings, and perhaps the weapons can have 3 or so slots for Weapon glyphs. Armor can provide stat boosts instead of the perks.
Imo the whole point of the Norse series is that Kratos has changed. This change comes in many forms- letting go of rage, learning to accept your mistakes but also not let them define you, being a more present father-then immediately learning to give your child space, and I think the biggest growth of all would be his openness.
Yes, it’s a tad unlike Kratos to show that much interest in peoples stories but there is more it than that. He understands that these people are in need of some therapy as well. Tyr was providing it for him, he is just returning the favor. These Valkyries helped him defeat Odin and survive Ragnarok
As for Mimir, I am so happy we got this extra time with them together. Mimir has provided Kratos with so much counsel I can 100% believe that Kratos is truly invested and wants to help.
5:05 - He made peace with killing his family in GoW3, and with killing Zeus in GoW 2018.
The story of Valhalla is a good send off for the God of War games, before the studio switches focus to the God of Stories/Mischief/Hearth games.
One of the greatest dlc I have ever played. It’s so fun. Only few changes I’d make like I’d take out those dumb worms and I’d have larger mobs. I’d had more bosses like Thor, Baldur and the valkyries. I like the Berserkers being there and the fact that a different one pops out every time(there’s like 5?) but Greek bosses would’ve been better in the spot the Berserkers show up. But that is admittedly me getting greedy. Tyr was actually made cool. He is easily the highlight of the dlc from a gameplay perspective.
10/10 game
I think cradle's talking to himself is probably one of the deepest parts of adding do to the fact that we actually get the final here. What's going on in his mind. Sure, we have to understand spartans. Rarely speak and are sheltered to hide their emotions. It feels more human too me but that's my take.
Considering Kratos knows a bit about Greek Theatre it makes sense for him to enjoy a monologue with himself at the end. Wasn't awkward at all
I feel like you undersell Kratos' growth, he clearly does care and want to listen and help the people closest to him and maybe even after this dlc, his subjects and worshippers.
I thought for sure we would fight Hercules in the arena thats from GOW3. Definitely wouldve been a nice touch
That last part is him closing the book on his horrible past, he even opened his heart to his past self and is moving forward to greater things because it. I don’t understand how that is awkward at all.
Kratos (in the Norse storyline) would be what we call in literary theory a "round character": a character that changes and adapt (for better or worse)depending on the environment or events he is being put through (just like someone in real life would) in opposition to a "flat character", a character that from beginning to end of the story doesn't change (like Kratos was in the Greek storyline), his only reason to exist was to MDK (MurderDeathKill) everything without thinking about possible consequences (like in GoW 3) to reach his goals.
Maybe that's why Kratos now ask questions that seems stupid or out of place (like asking Mimir about his affairs or the Valkyries): it's not only the answer he seeks, is the connection with the other character he wants (the same way when Kratos accepts and follows Mimir's advices).
exactly what ive said on your last video. His arc is done, and something needs to happen in order for him to be active again
I at first hated it but when I went to show me will I started to love it an yesterday I finally beat Tÿr with classic Kratos. Soon a way I’m still practicing to do it in show me resolve.
I’m a veteran that have seen things I wish I could forget gaming was my way out of lunacy on my 20 I would go until I broke something that would be the only thing that would stop me now I have a son while I was overseas for 5 years I got to play 2018 and I will say this it saved me , you can only be hard for so long before is you who breaks and not only the body and mind been strong gets tired and my dad told me once why he wasn’t fighting back much when something specific happened he said : I’m tired , I’m getting tired , as kratos is .
Yeah i agree. I really wish we got Heracles boss fight.
Kratos has always had a lot to say in my opinion, hell he was extremely vocal in the Greek games. And to me, the soliloquy makes perfect sense. Kratos maybe wont talk a ton to OTHER people, but it makes sense that at the peak of his epiphany about himself, he would vocalize it in private. Its just that up until now he has been so burdened (all of his pain in the Greek saga and worrying over atreus in the Norse saga) that the poor guy has barely had an actual moment alone with his thoughts. That is also partly because he has, self admittedly, run from these problems in the past (literally sailing away from Greece). In that private moment with nobody except for the LITERAL mistakes of his past, Kratos is finally able to open up to himself.
And kratos listening to other people's stories more makes sense. He has already demonstrated that he likes to talk about and learn about interesting and worthy people , as we saw with the story of Atreus' namesake. Atreus even comments that that was a good story that even Mimir would be sad he missed out on. There was also the time he told Atreus the story before Ragnarok. Kratos enjoys AND likes listening to stories. Hell, half his relationship with Mimir is based on that. I also kinda think its cute how art seems to play a theme in Kratos' family. Atreus is a painter/drawer, Calliope played the flute (or was it a pan pipe?), and Kratos is a secret thespian/story teller haha.
If they do continue the series I think it should be about stuff of the higher plane of existence and may be gods from other pantheons corrupted by their power forcing Kratos to wage war against the other pantheons whilst trying to make peace. Also I would love if they introduced mythological figures from the Greece that didn't appear like Dionysus, Artemis, Apollo etc.
I think the monologue at the end was us just seeing how kratos thinks when he is alone
the scene when Jesse is drinking the water just hits .. :'D :'D ....
They put a lot of fan service to the fans and that makes everyone who was sad about ragnarok and 2018 happy now.
Indeed is a good DLC aside of the fan service and nostalgia.
Vallhalla has made me way better at ragnorok. I learned which perks I liked best, and which runics I prefer
Dowg of all the god of war content I could imagine you doing a Sif cosplay was out of my imagination
something i noticed during tyr’s dialogue when he said that goodness is practiced which is commonly taught in christianity maybe implying that tyr met jesus??? or at least went to the christian pantheon
With those weapons, I sure hope Tyr is playable in some way because boy o boy those attacks looked sweet
I believe the reason why his first family wasn't there is because he got through it in god of war 3
Its easily one of my favorite things from this franchise. Also if they want this is a good way to end Kratos' journey
still love watching your videos right before bed
Valhalla was for one for me one of the biggest surprise of 2023, it give a satisfy conclusion of the Norse Saga and i like this DLC more than thé base game
I really enjoyed Valhalla, although its MEGA frustrating having to go all the way back to the start if you die, and it seems pretty repetitive for sure. Kratos fighting his memories etc was a cool idea but it seemed like a missed opportunity to include some of thr better charactes he has killed, some Greek Gods, the Barbarian King etc...but it was free so we cant really complain too much. There is so much cool thongs you can do with the characters and stories I dont think fand will ever be 100% happy with what we are given.
Firstly, we're all allowed our opinions (obviously) and phenomenal video! You've always done an amazing job with GOW and I appreciate that. But...
1. Kratos has always provided time to listen and personal interest in those he respects - Mimir, Freya, Athena, etc. He may not always have much to say back, be he's always shone he will listen. He is tactical and understands in learning from ALL experiences including the experiences of others.
2. "Better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war" - Kratos has evolved into a more tactful, rash, and calculated character. Him being "nicer" or less off the wall violent is actually a strength. He's a good man (god) that's CAPABLE of great violence, but chooses when to be each version of himself.
3. About the game - I agree that more of his Greek enemies would've been nice and even an opportunity to have Atreus experience his father's past would be amazing. Hopefully they're saving the Greek enemies for a remake of the first games.
They biggest upset was Carson wasn't there nor any of his auspicious victims
Still watching the video, but one rogue like indie game that differ from others and has a good story is Spelunky and it's sequel Spelunky2. And they use mythology. Love both, you should try it!
I wish we got to face Ares again in Valhalla considering how much of an impact he had on making Kratos the monster he was in the Greek saga
He didn't regret killing Ares though
@redcenturion88 But he did regret selling his soul to Ares, and also Ares set up Kratos to kill his family, creating the nightmare he tried to escape and killing Ares made him the god of war. So Ares is an important part of Kratos' life in the Greek saga
@Deriv44 Fair point. I guess Santa Monica had to decide what to include and what not to include and we got what they decided upon. I was hoping to encounter Zeus as well.
@redcenturion88 Yea, me too
I like to think that Kratos is speaking more philosophical to himself because it's in his native Greek instead of Old Norse, and he can therefore voice his complex inner feelings better.
I also think he wants to talk to Mimir about his love life not because he cares about the relationship, but because he cares about Mimir emotional wellbeing.
"I'm your monster no more" is basically letting go of his past trauma with Athena. So it makes sense with her not being in this.
Kaptain while playing through the main game of ragnarok there is a part where sindri gives kratos his compass but he says something very interesting that the compass will show you what you desire most just like in the movie, pirates of the carribean.Jack sparrows compass points him to what he desires most. Do you think that's a nod off to the movie or a coincidence... love the vids bro keep it up ❤
No I think it's just telling you that it will guide whatever spot you pick on the map
If they do more God of war games it won't be god of war, it won't include Kratos at all but focus on Atreus, i figured that was super clear. It could be considered a spin off though, so in that case, this is the final god of war we will ever get unless someone gets bold to recast the characters and retcon the story.
It’s a good problem to have when you have so many characters that can have spin offs etc.
Atreus and Thrud spin offs and maybe even a Freya or Faye prequel.
As well as more games for Kratos.
Issue is those spin offs would flop. This DLC was a corrective endeavour because people were noticing kratos, the god of war is played like a background character in Ragnarok and needed to refocus back into kratos.
Well Ragnarok was Loki's story as much as it was Kratos's, it was meant to be a stepping off point for Loki to be a sufficiently strong enough character thag would warrant people's interest in a spin off game which will I'm sure will tie into the next God of War title. As a result yeah Kratos needed to be put on standby for a while but even then Santa Monica showed that even with less screen time Kratos still makes a sufficient impact despite only having 2 games of the Norse Saga to make an impact@ap4702
@@ap4702what are you on about. Kratos still got the most screentime by far in Ragnarok
But main focus was Atreus and everything revolved around him and his decisions. @@SuperLari1234
@@BigDaddyRich69 Two characters can be protagonists did ya know? It's about Kratos AND Atreus. While Atreus is more concerned with the whole plot, Kratos still remains the prominent character. It feels insane to act like he was somehow played like a background character
Hope they tap back into his rage side. Like him finding balance on being a god killer and a peaceful god. Sometimes blood has to be spilt for there to be peace.
Kratos def isnt out of character, he has grown so much,and I’m glad the comments see that
Idk man it feels like maybe you want the games to be something they never were. The Greek games were fun but like you said they felt very one dimensional from the surface level. In order to go deeper into Kratos’ story you had to do that yourself. Only now in Valhalla are the games acknowledging how complicated Kratos’ legacy is. And the theme of being better is a beautiful one and absolutely makes sense given his relationship with Faye and Atreus, then ultimately Mimir and Freya. Kratos has people in his life to be better for, to not be so cold and stoic all the time. I think it’s beautiful, and definitely changed me for the better.
You do not know how badly I wanted colaiope to be in Valhalla but not as a child as a teen like Atreus. I feel that it would’ve created an emotional and forever memorable cutscene
Oh no Kratos, a Greek Hero, has a moment in a Greek Play.
I wonder if it's possible that in future Wes get to play as Tyr since he's a god of war and since he's the one who has travelled to all of these different lands. I wonder if this DLC was a teaing us and showcasing how badass Tyr is. As much as I like Kratos’s weaponry I wanna get my hands on Tyr’s. If we ever play as Tyr in future gimme a shoutout lol
Hey Kaptain Kuba. I recently stumbled upon an interview with Sunny Suljic(Atreus) and Matan Evan. In the podcast they talk a little bit about the future of the God of War series. They talk a little about the future of God of War. You should check it out. 👍
Well, when you enter the greek area. There are 3 more doors closed near the chains. I think they can put more greek stuff behind while the next update
Those r just the entrances to the other realms. You either come out of musphelheim, helheim or Niflheim door to enter Greece.
Kaptain Rumours are speculating on the Remake of GOW124 . Good news bro just SSM is left to confirm it as GOW's 25th anniversary is near I think that's the exact time to introduce it . Your and our dreams are finnally on a path to become true .🎉
Tbf the scene of him talking to himself in Valhalla is more like how he is thinking rather than speaking, all the thoughts that he keeps dormant and hidden away from speaking about.
Can’t lie, the gameplay got boring after 3 rounds, but I love the story, I’ve always been a fan since god of war came out when I was a kid, and I think no matter what, Kratos will have to pay for the destruction of Greece, if you guys played the actual games, you know Kratos murdered 1,000s if not millions of innocent people just to simply get revenge, even though his own blind rage started everything. He has come a long way, and has done a ton of growing, but the past usually ends up repeating itself in one way another. Maybe the cycle hasn’t stopped, maybe Atreus kills his father and falls down the same path. Who knows, but I’m excited to see where this story goes, no matter how it ends.
Captain did u notice that in the end of god of war Ragnarok Angerboda went to the back of the prophecy board and painted Kratos. she probably wanted to hide the true prophecy for Kratos.
Expectations: god of war valhalla review. Reality: reternal review 😂
Hey kuba! I’ve seen a lot of debate about weather young or old kratos is stronger, I think it would be fun theory video for you to take on! On old kratos’ side there developer comments saying he’s stronger, but lots of people me included think what the games are actually showing a different story. Kratos being knocked out and injured and exhausted ect. Plus the Norse boss fights don’t have the same spectacle that Poseidon for example has so it’s hard to FEEL like Thor is stronger than zues you know? All the Norse gods feel like Hercules level strength
I just had a though with all the giants bodies atreus could take the marbles and bring them back to life after realizing when he comes back with some years and experiences all his own. Then with angrobodas help and guidance he brings them back.
I stand by the monologue, firstly because its magnificent, to see Kratos like a Shakesperean protagonist, With a spotlight on his back, pondering over the meaning of his life.
The more important point is, This could very well be the Most Real "Old Kratos"... The Greek games are the flattest, the norse games follow the character in a closer light, This scene is quite literally inside his mind.....This is the old man Kratos, who has said to everyone that He is no longer the same person who Destroyed Greece, almost like for him, he left the monster back in greece.
This is him tussling with himself about the nature of himself, That the man sitting on the throne is also him, a more angry,naive, him, that needs to be accepted, Kratos is both the destroyer and the saviour, and more importantly he can choose what he wants to be.
Surely the devs would update the game with new enemies bosses and previous levels from the Greek games to mix up the gameplay more