Is God of War 2018 still a cinematic masterpiece in 2025- seven years after its release. In this God of War 2018 review, we look at the game’s strengths and where it could have improved.
God of War 2018 released on April 20, 2018, and was developed by Santa Monica Studio under the direction of Cory Barlog. Released originally for the PS4, it came out on PC as well in 2022. It marked a bold reinvention of God of War, shifting away from the old Greek rage-filled battles into a more mature journey rooted in Norse mythology. The game begins with Kratos living a quieter life with his son Atreus but soon both father and son becomes a deeply personal adventure filled with danger, emotion and discovery. God of War PS4 instantly became known for its rich storytelling and technical excellence, and even today, it stands tall as one of the most impressive games of its generation. So is it worth playing even after seven years? Read our God of War 2018 review to find out!
Visual Mastery in God of War 2018
It is impossible to talk about God of War 2018 without praising its visuals. The game is stunning from the very first step into the snowy woods. Every part of the world feels handcrafted, with environments that blend realism and fantasy in an unforgettable way. Whether you are walking through the Lake of Nine, climbing ancient structures, or standing face to face with enormous creatures, the artistry is breathtaking. I forgot how many times I just took a break from the exploration and fighting just to pause and look at how beautiful the game is. Lighting, particle effects, facial animations and character details are all top tier. Many games look good, but this God of War feels alive. You can almost sense the cold air, the shifting light, the weight of the world around Kratos and Atreus. Even today, several years later, the 2018 God of War PS4 remains a benchmark for cinematic immersion.
Combat Evolution and the God of War PS4 Experience
The old Blades of Chaos combat was fast and wild. God of War 2018 slows things down, but in a way that feels heavier, richer and more tactical. The Leviathan Axe is one of the most satisfying weapons in modern gaming. Throwing it, calling it back and slamming enemies with a chilled impact never gets old. Combat mixes close range strikes, runic powers, shield blocks and Atreus’s bow support. It creates a layered system full of rhythm and impact. I love how every fight feels personal, like Kratos is carving his way through a world that wants him gone. Many players appreciated this shift because it gave weight to every encounter, rather than feeling like button mashing. There is depth, timing and strategy, and the feedback every time you land a hit is simply powerful.
The general critic consensus praised this combat style because it connected to the emotional tone of the story. Kratos is no longer a chaotic warrior from the past. He is controlled, focused and learning to guide his son. The combat matches that philosophy and becomes one of the reasons why God of War 2018 stands out.
The Unique One-Shot Camera Angle and Cinematic Flow
One of the most innovative choices in God of War 2018 is the one-shot camera. The entire game is shown without cuts, meaning the camera follows Kratos in real time from start to finish. No fade outs, no scene breaks. It feels like you are right behind him at every moment. This is a one-of-a-kind cinematic technique that almost no other major game has pulled off at this scale.
The camera brings you close to the characters, their expressions, their struggles and their victories. It also helps the storytelling feel natural, as if the entire journey is happening in front of your eyes without interruption. Many reviewers and players highlighted this design as one of the most important accomplishments of God of War PS4. It creates a sense of intimacy that fits perfectly with the father son narrative. When the characters talk, you feel like you are there. When the world opens up, the camera becomes your guide through a mythological landscape filled with wonder.
Where God of War 2018 Stumbles According to Players and Critics
Nothing is perfect, and even a masterpiece like God of War 2018 has areas that fans often point out.A common criticism is the emphasis on puzzles. Some players felt that the game introduced more puzzles than expected, especially when compared to earlier God of War titles that focused heavily on action. While the puzzles are well designed, a few of them do interrupt the flow, especially when you are excited to continue a dramatic moment or jump into the next fight.
Enemy variety is another point. During the first half of the game, certain enemy types appear too frequently. Trolls in particular show up multiple times as mini bosses with only slight differences. Many reviewers pointed this out, saying the game deserved more unique encounters considering its scale. The same applies to boss fights. While the major story bosses are memorable, the total number of truly distinct boss battles is fewer than what older God of War fans were used to.
While majority of God of War reviews have been positive, pacing is also mentioned in some of them. The game starts slower than the older entries, which can be surprising if you expect immediate chaos and destruction. For players who want constant action, the early hours might feel a bit calm or too focused on character development. Backtracking can also feel a little repetitive, especially when the world opens up and side objectives encourage returning to older regions. But the most frustrating thing is that the game feels quite claustrophobic at times, and finding your way can be a pain at times. The game often makes you squeeze through tight gaps, climb long walls, or ride slow lifts. These moments act as subtle loading buffers that help maintain the seamless one-shot camera style without any visible cuts.
A smaller point raised by some critics is the RPG style gear system. While it adds depth, not everyone loved the constant stat comparisons and armor upgrades. A few felt it added menu clutter rather than meaningful progression. I personally found it unnecessary as even without these mechanics, the game was quite outstanding.
Despite these criticisms, none of them weaken the core experience. They are more like small bumps in an otherwise incredible journey.
Emotional Storytelling and Character Growth
At its heart, God of War 2018 is about family, responsibility and healing old wounds. Kratos and Atreus grow throughout the game, not just as father and son but as partners on a difficult journey. I remember feeling attached to them in a way I did not expect from a series known for chaos and destruction. This emotional connection is one of the biggest reasons why God of War received so much universal praise. The dialogue is sharp, the performances are powerful, and the quiet moments are just as impactful as the big battles.
The relationship between father and son feels natural, imperfect and grounded. You can see Kratos struggle to guide his son while battling his own past. You can see Atreus learning, growing, failing and standing up again. This human touch elevates God of War far above a typical action game.
Should you play God of War 2018?
God of War 2018 is one of the finest games of its generation. And yes, if you haven’t played it yet, you definitely should. With stunning visuals, a powerful story, deep combat and a unique one-shot camera, it delivers a cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. While the game has small flaws, these issues do not overshadow its brilliance. If you play games for story, emotion and immersion, God of War is a game that I would strongly recommend!
