Two decades ago, a groundbreaking title known as God of War burst onto the gaming scene, igniting a fierce saga of vengeance against the Greek gods. Drawing inspiration from iconic action-adventure series like Onimusha and Devil May Cry, the game introduced players to Kratos—the epitome of the 2000s "edgelord." With a narrative steeped in bloody ambition and often cringeworthy dialogue, Kratos embarked on a quest that was as violent as it was memorable.

Since its release, the franchise—developed by Santa Monica Studio—has expanded into a colossal brand with ten games across various platforms, including consoles and mobile devices. By November 2023, God of War has sold over an astonishing 66 million copies worldwide, solidifying its status as one of PlayStation's most lucrative franchises.

In the early installments, the storytelling often leaned towards juvenile interpretations, focusing on mindless violence and crude elements. However, the series has since undergone a substantial transformation. The acclaimed 2018 reboot and its sequel, Ragnarök (2022), present an older, more introspective Kratos, burdened with the lessons of his past and the responsibilities of fatherhood. This evolution reflects a more sophisticated storytelling approach that prioritizes emotional depth over sheer brutality.

While the new era retains some of the franchise's characteristic violence, its development partners have set a higher standard through cinematic presentation and intricate world-building. Gamers today experience a different type of engagement, one that involves more than just button-mashing through hordes of enemies. There's a growing appreciation for narrative richness and character development that resonates on a more profound level.

Reflecting on the earlier games, many gamers feel a wave of nostalgia for the unfiltered anger that characterized Kratos's initial outings. The 2005 release introduced him as a formidable Spartan warrior tricked by Ares into tragic violence, ultimately shrouded in the ashes of his murdered family—a grim curse that transforms him into the infamous Ghost of Sparta. The game's mechanics married story and combat seamlessly, emphasizing an aggressive style that had players wreaking havoc with the iconic "Blades of Chaos." The looping narrative intricately weaved Kratos’s personal vendetta with broader mythological themes, creating a visceral experience that resonated with fans.

However, the early games weren't without their significant flaws. Criticism arose primarily due to the portrayal of women—often depicted as mere objects rather than complex characters. The infamous sex minigames and caricatured depictions of female characters were widely regarded as symbols of toxic masculinity in gaming culture, causing ripple effects felt across the industry. In a time when companies were racing to earn M ratings to legitimize their products, God of War became both a cultural touchstone and a subject of backlash.

The franchise has since consciously evolved, with key developers like Cory Barlog acknowledging the need for change. Discussions around the portrayal of violence and gender have led to more thoughtful narratives, particularly in the later games. Santa Monica Studio proactively began to address previous shortcomings, creating a character arc that transforms Kratos from an unrepentant anti-hero to a figure striving for redemption.

With the resurgence of God of War, the franchise has influenced countless titles, from Darksiders to Dante's Inferno, that sought to replicate its successful formula. In this new landscape of gaming, where storytelling plays an increasingly salient role, Kratos has been recontextualized within an evolving mythos that melds family dynamics with an introspective journey. The 2018 God of War represents a seismic shift—not only for the series but for AAA gaming as a whole, achieving critical and commercial success by prioritizing emotional stakes alongside traditional action elements.

By late 2023, God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla emerged as a surprise DLC, harking back to earlier arcade-style gameplay while still layering in character development and introspection. As Kratos revisits his traumatic past, players engage with an evolving narrative that blends traditional mechanics with a fresh perspective on storytelling.

As the gaming industry continues to transform, it remains to be seen how franchises like God of War will adapt to ever-changing player expectations. What is certain is that Kratos's journey has taken a meaningful shift away from misogyny and mindless violence towards a more intricate exploration of identity and consequence. While the past games remain a potent reminder of a different era, the future holds promise for a more mature and thoughtful approach to game design. Will players get the chance to see Kratos unleash his raw power yet again? Only time will tell in this rapidly evolving medium!