Summary
God of War Ragnarokis one of the most successful video games in recent memory, and this is largely due to its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay. Its predecessor struck a similar chord, even going on to win 2018’s illustrious Game of the Year award. As the series moves forward, it will be interesting to see howGod of War Ragnarok’s sequel can improve upon its predecessor’s success. While the next title is likely years away, there is one page it can take fromGod of War Ragnarok’s playbook that could assist in its success: its approach to trophies.
Trophies, PlayStation’s version of achievements, aren’t necessarily on everyone’s radar while they are playing a game. As entirely optional and sometimes difficult tasks, some players choose to overlook trophies entirely and instead just enjoy the game on their own terms. However, many PlayStation completionists consider trophies to be a necessary part of achieving 100% in a game. Thankfully,God of War Ragnarok’s trophiesare fairly easy to complete, so long as players are concerned with witnessing everything the game has to offer, and its sequel should consider following suit.
God of War Ragnarok Has a Wholesome Approach to Trophies
Achievements, as the gaming world knows them today, have been around since the introduction of the Xbox 360’s Gamerscore system. With this system, players would complete various in-game challenges to accumulate points towards their overall Gamerscore — challenges that would serve as additional tasks for players to complete, thus extending a game’s lifespan, as well as a way for them to compete with their friends. Since then, the idea of in-game achievements has evolved, with Sony implementing a similar system in itsPlayStation trophies.
Trophies haven’t always been easy to complete, as some games have required players to accomplish goals that are either missable during their story, incredibly difficult to achieve, or simply not fun. While some gamers have foundthe challenge of these particular trophiesto be a satisfying source of accomplishment, such achievements have elicited frustration in others, making the whole system a bit of a double-edged sword. Fortunately,God of War Ragnarok’s trophies aren’t tedious or missable and instead only encourage players to explore everything the game has to offer.
AfterGod of War Ragnarok’s main story ends, players can continue to explore its open world and complete trophies along the way. Apart from the trophies that automatically unlock as players progress through the story, these trophies revolve aroundRagnarok’s numerous collectibles, chests, and optional battles. Although some areas cannot be returned to after the credits roll, there are no missable trophies in the game and every trophy can be obtained on the game’s easiest difficulty.
All in all, this makes for quite a wholesome approach to trophies, as it avoids urging players to complete a series of mundane tasks they might not complete otherwise.
The Next God of War Game Should Imitate Ragnarok’s Approach to Trophies
While not all gamers are concerned about earning trophies and achievements, there is something to be said ofGod of War Ragnarok’s trophies and how its sequel could benefit from implementing a similar approach. If more players felt they could accomplish the tasks its trophies require by simply playing the game, perhaps this would extend the sequel’s shelf life by fueling that feeling of accomplishment among a broader demographic than many other games do. Players who would normally only play through a game’s story might then be even more encouraged to venture beyond their comfort zone and explore every facet of the game, thus increasing its long-term value.
It’s currently unclear whetherGod of War Ragnarok’s sequelwill follow in the footsteps of its predecessor when it comes to trophies. However, the argument remains that it would do well to incorporate trophies into its normal gameplay, rather than requiring players to perform tasks they may not want to complete.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
