10 God of War Facts You Probably Didn't Know | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR
The God of War series evolves with personal and creative insights from its creators.
Key Insights
- 💞 The evolving narrative of God of War intertwines Barlog's parental experiences with Kratos's challenges, making the story both personal and complex.
- 👻 Jaffe's original idea of a multi-mythological saga indicates the franchise's potential depth, yet the current Norse focus allows exploration of new themes and character development.
- 🧑🏭 The incorporation of established actors in various roles not only honors their previous work but enriches the game's auditory experience, creating a bridge between gaming and film.
- 👾 Character designs have seen significant transformations since the original game, reflecting changing artistic sensibilities and a movement towards more nuanced representations.
- 👪 Developer work-life balance issues influenced Barlog’s experience as a parent, paralleling Kratos's struggle to balance duty with family life, enhancing the narrative’s realism.
- 💯 The scrapping of the early fairy companion concept demonstrates a focus on character dynamics and player engagement over comic relief that could detract from the core gameplay.
- 👾 The known Easter egg featuring a call with Kratos provides a humorous insight into the game's development and directs players' attention to the creative processes behind the scenes.
Transcript
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Questions & Answers
Q: How does Corey Barlog's personal life influence the new God of War story?
Corey Barlog's experiences as a father have deeply impacted the character of Kratos in the new game. As he navigates parenthood himself, Barlog has infused the narrative with themes of familial struggle and emotional complexity, portraying a hero who is formidable in battle yet vulnerable in parenting. This adds a relatable layer to Kratos and enhances the storytelling.
Q: What was David Jaffe's original vision for the God of War series?
David Jaffe initially planned for God of War III to merge mythological themes by involving gods from Greek, Norse, and Egyptian lore in a climactic conflict. His concept included Kratos having counterparts in different mythologies, linking them as wise men, which could have completely transformed the series. However, this was ultimately set aside for a more focused approach on Norse mythology.
Q: What changes were made to trophy names in the remastered version of God of War?
The remastered version of God of War for PS4 saw the alteration of several trophy names that featured innuendos to be more appropriate. For instance, the trophy titled 'Are You Horny to Win?' was rebranded as 'Horn of Plenty,' aiming to remove suggestive content that may not align with modern sensibilities, reflecting a shift in community standards over time.
Q: How did the casting of Christopher Judge affect the portrayal of Kratos?
Christopher Judge was chosen not only for his voice talent but also for his ability to engage in motion capture alongside a young actor. This decision aimed to add realism to Kratos's character, especially in his interactions with his son, providing a performance that combines both voice and physicality, making Kratos a more relatable and emotionally resonant character.
Summary & Key Takeaways
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The new God of War game integrates themes of parenthood, influenced by director Corey Barlog’s experiences as a father, showing Kratos's struggles with his son.
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Original creator David Jaffe had envisioned a complex narrative involving a convergence of mythologies, but the current storyline allows for a smoother transition into the Norse mythos which could benefit the series long-term.
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Voice acting and character design have significantly evolved in the series, with notable casting decisions allowing for more emotional depth and realism in character portrayals.