Did God of War Ragnarok Win Game of the Year?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. God of War Ragnarok, the latest installment in the God of War series, has won numerous Game of the Year awards from various gaming outlets, critics, and fans. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of why God of War Ragnarok stands out as a exceptional game and the reasons behind its widespread recognition as Game of the Year.
Critical Acclaim
God of War Ragnarok has received widespread critical acclaim from gaming media and critics. The game holds a 95% approval rating on review aggregation website Metacritic, with many critics praising its storytelling, characters, gameplay, and visuals.
Some notable outlets that have named God of War Ragnarok Game of the Year include:
• The Game Awards 2022: God of War Ragnarok won the Game of the Year award, beating out other nominees such as Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West.
• IGN: God of War Ragnarok was named IGN’s Game of the Year, with reviewer Jonathon Dornbush stating that "it’s a masterclass in game design, storytelling, and emotional resonance."
• Game Informer: God of War Ragnarok was named Game Informer’s Game of the Year, with reviewer Dan Tack stating that "it’s a game that will be remembered for years to come."
Story and Characters
One of the key reasons why God of War Ragnarok has won over critics and players alike is its engaging and emotionally resonant story. The game follows Kratos and his son Atreus as they navigate the events of Norse mythology and confront their own demons. The story is critically acclaimed for its exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the nature of gods and monsters.
The characters in God of War Ragnarok are also highly praised for their complexity and depth. Kratos and Atreus are particularly well-developed, with their relationships and banter adding a layer of emotional depth to the story.
Gameplay and Combat
God of War Ragnarok’s gameplay is exceptional, with a focus on strategic combat and exploration. The game features a variety of environments, from the frozen tundras of Midgard to the treacherous jungles of Vanaheim. The combat is intense and visceral, with a variety of combos and abilities to master.
The game also features a deep crafting system, allowing players to upgrade their gear and abilities using resources gathered throughout the world. The exploration is also immersive, with a variety of secrets and side quests to discover.
Awards and Recognition
God of War Ragnarok has won numerous awards and nominations, including:
• Game of the Year: The Game Awards 2022, IGN, Game Informer
• Best Narrative: The Game Awards 2022, IGN
• Best Art Direction: The Game Awards 2022, IGN
• Best Score/Music: The Game Awards 2022, IGN
• Best Audio Design: The Game Awards 2022, IGN
Comparison to Other Games
While God of War Ragnarok has received widespread critical acclaim, some may argue that other games, such as Elden Ring or Horizon Forbidden West, are more deserving of the Game of the Year award. Here are some key differences between God of War Ragnarok and these other games:
| Game | Story and Characters | Gameplay and Combat | Exploration and Crafting | Overall Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| God of War Ragnarok | Engaging and emotionally resonant story, complex characters | Intense and strategic combat, deep crafting system | Immersive exploration, variety of secrets and side quests | Exceptional story, engaging gameplay, immersive world |
| Elden Ring | Complex and branching story, varied characters | Intense and challenging combat, exploration-based gameplay | Open-world exploration, hidden secrets and areas | Impressive world, challenging combat, but some technical issues |
| Horizon Forbidden West | Engaging story and characters, strong narrative pacing | Fast-paced and combat-heavy gameplay, variety of enemies | Open-world exploration, hidden secrets and areas | Engaging story, impressive visuals, but some repetitive gameplay |
Conclusion
God of War Ragnarok has won numerous Game of the Year awards for its exceptional storytelling, characters, gameplay, and visuals. While other games may have some advantages, God of War Ragnarok stands out for its engaging narrative, intense and strategic combat, and immersive exploration. With its critical acclaim and numerous awards, it’s clear that God of War Ragnarok is one of the best games of the year, and arguably the best of 2022.
