Sounds like it was written by committee and not the result of a single creative vision. The narrative sounds like it has all the hallmarks of notes and tampering.
This is why I prefer “See monster, kill monster, save princess” in my video game narratives. Or “Dracula bad; kill him.” Or “The President has been kidnapped by ninjas. Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the President?”
Thoughtful analysis on the messiness of the story! The narrative for me was less grating than the puzzles where the characters would right away tell you what to do and you just started working on them. Frustrating and unnecessary. Let the players figure it out or press a button for a hint if they're stumped. I also thought it was a bit long, but the finale too short, indeed. I also didn't care for the side quests as much (part 1 had some fun ones). Yakuza games have the best, wackiest side quests. I always feel compelled to finish all of them.
I didn't enjoy this game, storywise and characterwise in particular. Where the first game had its moments, this one was simply made (rushed to fit a deadline too) just to milk a already dying cashcow. It felt that the "writers" were ticking checkboxes along the way, more focused on the latter, than a coherent, engaging, and even a little bit honest to myth&legend heroic narrative.
They should've stuck to the original vision of having the Norse saga be a trilogy. Instead, they forced everything into this unfocused and overstuffed slogfest.
I expected something like this from an industry kowtowing to ESG ratings and more interested in "modern audience" checkbox lists, than telling a coherent story.
I shit you not: at the end of the game, after Atreus has done nothing but make one terrible decision after another, Kratos gushes about how he's so wise and trustworthy and special.
Sounds like it was written by committee and not the result of a single creative vision. The narrative sounds like it has all the hallmarks of notes and tampering.
This is why I prefer “See monster, kill monster, save princess” in my video game narratives. Or “Dracula bad; kill him.” Or “The President has been kidnapped by ninjas. Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the President?”
“The President has been kidnapped by ninjas. Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the President?”
Best call to action in gaming history.
To be honest would you heed the call?
Depends on the president, to be perfectly honest.
Pres kidnapped by ninjas was, honestly, one of the best arcade game plots ever...
True! Or how the Terran Morale Officers say in their handbook:
“The greater the villain vanquished, the lasting the peace.”
Thoughtful analysis on the messiness of the story! The narrative for me was less grating than the puzzles where the characters would right away tell you what to do and you just started working on them. Frustrating and unnecessary. Let the players figure it out or press a button for a hint if they're stumped. I also thought it was a bit long, but the finale too short, indeed. I also didn't care for the side quests as much (part 1 had some fun ones). Yakuza games have the best, wackiest side quests. I always feel compelled to finish all of them.
In spite of my complete NON-interest in this subject, I read the entire thing — which is saying something. Must be the skillful writing…. 🤓
Ha, I am truly shocked! I thought this would be hard pass from you for sure! Thanks for the love and support.
the worse thing to ever happen to video games is making them "art"
I didn't enjoy this game, storywise and characterwise in particular. Where the first game had its moments, this one was simply made (rushed to fit a deadline too) just to milk a already dying cashcow. It felt that the "writers" were ticking checkboxes along the way, more focused on the latter, than a coherent, engaging, and even a little bit honest to myth&legend heroic narrative.
They should've stuck to the original vision of having the Norse saga be a trilogy. Instead, they forced everything into this unfocused and overstuffed slogfest.
I expected something like this from an industry kowtowing to ESG ratings and more interested in "modern audience" checkbox lists, than telling a coherent story.
Yes. Kratos is completely impotent as a parent in this game. The whole game is basically:
1) Atreus has an idiotically nonsensical idea.
2) Kratos says no, for obvious reasons.
3) Atreus has a little beta male bitch tantrum.
4) Kratos cowers and relents.
5) Rinse and repeat for 50ish hours.
I shit you not: at the end of the game, after Atreus has done nothing but make one terrible decision after another, Kratos gushes about how he's so wise and trustworthy and special.