God of War Ragnarok is one of PlayStation's most anticipated games to date and the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Ahead of God of War Ragnarok's launch this November, combat is showcased in a brand-new gameplay video. Kratos and Atreus are back with new abilities designed to provide an edge in battle, and weapons will receive substantial upgrades.
Sony Santa Monica's lead combat designers Mihir Sheth and Denny Yeh play a key role in developing God of War Ragnarok's combat, and the current God of War series follows an old studio motto: "playing with your food." In the latest gameplay video, Game Informer demonstrates how Kratos lives up to the studio motto by utilizing an aggressive battle style in God of War Ragnarok. Kratos can grapple ledges with his upgraded Blades of Chaos and quickly attack enemies afterwards. Kratos may launch enemies into the air with the two new Dauntless and Stonewall arm shields.
Atreus may assist in combat by stunning enemies with arrows or destroying obstructions in Kratos' path. Atreus may also summon spectral allies just like in God of War (2018). Game Informer's gameplay video provides a look into how Atreus may adapt to combat scenarios involving multiple enemies at once. The son of Kratos is combat-ready and may provide Kratos with useful openings in the enemy's guard.
Kratos may take advantage of all-new signature moves by holding or mashing the triangle button. Depending on the equipped weapon such as the Blades of Chaos or Leviathan Axe, Kratos may bring out the full might of his steel to unleash fire and ice elements through signature moves. The signature moves "Frost Awaken" and "Whiplash" inflict extra damage by freezing and incinerating enemies respectively. However, one combat designer on the God of War Ragnarok development team warns about powerful enemies that rival Kratos and his wrathful powers.
God of War Ragnarok appears to greatly improve upon the foundation of God of War (2018)'s combat system, fusing the combo-frantic nature of the original God of War series with the methodical approach of the new series. Gameplay components such as the signature moves allows players to channel the power of Kratos with aggressive attacks befitting of a god.
More gameplay videos will likely emerge since God of War Ragnarok's launch is only two months away. Eager God of War fans should expect another look into Kratos and Atreus' powers before embarking on their second journey this fall.
God of War Ragnarok releases November 9 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
