God of War Ragnarok’s recap video makes the game’s story more confusing

This is just a wild guess, but I don’t think I’ll be the only person whose first God of War game will be God of War Ragnarök. Luckily for me, the developers already anticipated players who didn’t play God of War (2018). As you boot up Ragnarök a very convenient option appears on top of the main menu, titled “God of War recap.”

It was my initial thought that it might help people like me get into the workforce. RagnarökKnowing what occurred in the last game, and knowing what you can expect from this one. However, after watching it, I’m more convinced that it’s actually intended for those who just haven’t played God of WarIn a few moments. That’s because the minute-and-a-half-long video incoherently jumps from scene to scene, and it gets delivered without context and or any actual direct plot summary of the first game. Even though it was on my TV, I still have no idea what the story is. It seemed funny so I wrote a blog post about my thoughts. God of War Based on the official summary in Ragnarök’s main menu.

Let’s begin.

There’s a big, strong bearded guy named Kratos and a little child named Atreus. I am able to figure out at least that much because surprise, they knew me already. The game starts because Atreus’ mother passes away and he and his father want to spread her ashes on a mountain peak.

Image: SIE Santa Monica Studio/Sony Interactive Entertainment

Because a random lady said that this area was a realm where the gods reside, it seems difficult. I don’t know if that’s the region of the mountain they have to go to, but I’m going to assume that it is, because why on Earth would they want to go there otherwise. Kratos tells someone they are a god; however, I can’t tell if it’s being addressed to Atreus or to this lady, Freya. I’m assuming it’s Freya, because the recap shows her using magical powers that can make plants grow, and she refers to being the leader of the Vanir.

Kratos shaves the head of Mimir, then presents it to some giant dragon-thing. I don’t know why Mimir would invite Kratos to cut off his head, but the clip shows Kratos lifting a head up, so I think Kratos did the thing. Mimir mentions Kratos killing the children of Odin, who I’m guessing are gods. Then Kratos gives a li’l hot gossip about himself. Apparently he chose to become a man, but actually he’s a god. So I don’t know if he’s a god or a man or just a really strong man now.

Atreus learns he’s a god. He says he’s a giant but he looks to be a normal height to me. Atreus thinks he’s a god who can do anything he likes, and so he kills another god. (This god doesn’t appear to put up a fight against a child, somehow.) Kratos appears very angry and shouts at Atreus, telling him there are consequences for killing a god.

Image: SIE Santa Monica Studio/Sony Interactive Entertainment

The story becomes even more dramatic at this point. Baldur, another dude enters the scene. He doesn’t seem to like Kratos or Freya. And I’m assuming that Kratos and Freya linked up again, so I suppose Freya serves as a guide to Kratos. Now everything looks bad when Baldur gets upset and Kratos turns his head to kill him. I don’t really know why he’s pissed, but it might be because Atreus literally killed a god. Meanwhile Freya mourns Baldur’s passing and calls him her boy, so I’m assuming that’s her son.

Atreus then mentions that someone called Loki to him and asks why. Kratos doesn’t seem to care about explaining anything! He deflects Atreus’ question. So I’m assuming Atreus isn’t just a god but an extra-special god because Loki is a pretty important Marvel character.

We see them in the final moments, high above the clouds, and at least somewhat peaceful. It seems that they have achieved their aim of spreading the ashes. Although, once more I wish that I understood why this was so important. The recap doesn’t say if Atreus is directly related to Kratos, which seems pretty dang important. The recap shows that there is a lot of plot holes left from the initial game. These will all be resolved in this sequel. Ragnarök. The recap wasn’t amazing, but you know what? I’ve just resigned myself to looking up wikis when I need some extra background.