Mainstream media is seeing more stories about caring and reluctant fathers as creatives age in the entertainment industries. Films like LoganShows like MandalorianAnd Obi-WanThese are the ideal molds. Sony has championed this kind of story on the video game front with 2013’s The Last of Us and 2018’s God of WarBoth stories are about dads who struggle to care for a child, whether it’s their biological kid or a surrogate.God of War Ragnarok, on the other hand, is more than just a “dad game,” as it has a solid message that anyone can learn from to improve their personal relationships.
Instead of glorifying parent-child relationships with manipulative and abusive tendencies, God of War Ragnarok stresses how important it is to respect, listen to others, and give people space when they need it. Even if you aren’t a dad, God of War RagnarokStill, there is a profound message about communication that anyone can take home.
This article contains minor spoilers God of War Ragnarok.
Problem solving
The typical dad story follows a predetermined premise. A strong warrior must learn to love his child on his own. By the end of their journey, they’ve shared some tender moments with their child, whether they be blood-related or found, and decide they’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. Although these stories can be entertaining and emotionally charged, there are often unsavory undertones. These stories often depict characters who are too protective of their loved ones, but justifiably so by showing love.
As a result, some of gaming’s worst dads can be over-glorified. The Last of Us’ Joel, for example, ends the game as a selfish man willing to deprive the world of a cure just because he doesn’t want to lose another daughter. Still, he’s remembered as a hero within the series and its fandom, with one of his most misguided lines being used to promote HBO’s upcoming TV adaptation (“It is hard to understand what loss means.”). These narratives still work on the whole; they just aren’t shining examples of healthy relationships.
You have no idea what loss is. #TheLastofUsPremieres January 15, 2009 @HBO @hbomax #TLOU pic.twitter.com/qzxNH09vvK
— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) November 2, 2022
Sony games has been more aware of this. Joel faces serious consequences from his horrific actions. Part II of The Last of Us. On the flip side,God of War RagnarokKratos’s personal growth is possible by criticizing his inept actions and offering thematic lessons that everyone can benefit from.
Even though Kratos had a better relationship to his son at the conclusion of the episode, God of War, we see that he’s regressed back to being overprotective and restrictive to Atreus in Ragnarok.Atreus is becoming older and struggling to understand his identity. Throughout the game’s opening, Atreus and Mimir constantly call out when he’s not communicating, with Atreus going further and encouraging him to end Fimbulwinter.
Kratos makes it clear that all he cares about is Atreus’ survival and spending as much time with him as possible before his prophesied death. Atreus is stunned when he does everything he can to free his son from a trapped creature. This was an early side quest. The first part of the story is still to be seen. God of War RagnarokKratos’ inability to communicate with Atreus is evident. His comments and actions feel spiteful and selfish even though he wants to help.
Kratos pushes Atreus away repeatedly at different points in the game and so he continues on his own journeys. Kratos’ failure is no longer because of inexperience; it’s a communication issue. All throughout God of War RagnarokKratos must understand that he can still guide Atreus, but must also be attentive to his son and allow him to have space when he needs. Whether you’re a parent or not, that’s a good mindset to apply to any personal relationship.
Communication in-game
Other parts of the game also show the dangers of communication breakdowns. Kratos meets a father who died trying to protect his son while he searched for treasure. Upon further investigation, Kratos learns that the son also died because he tried doing the same thing with another treasure and didn’t let them know. In an effort to protect each other, that father and son didn’t communicate and suffered because of it. This otherwise insignificant side-quest thematically stands as a warning for how Kratos and Atreus’ relationship could end up if they continue to be dysfunctional and not communicate.
Atreus, Kratos, and Atreus both hit rough patches before things get better. Atreus finally defies Kratos in one of his adventures. He meets a character who he quickly sees as a better father figure. He’s kinder and more communicative — though it becomes clear that his comments may have insidious ulterior motives. God of War Ragnarok demonstrates that relationships can’t be constructive unless everyone is honest and open with each other.
Kratos makes the most of his past mistakes, which makes late-game moments extremely poignant. When Atreus returns from that runaway segment and Kratos asks him, “What do I call you?” it demonstrates Kratos being much more open about how much he respects his son than he’d ever been before. Later, a heart-to-heart between Kratos and Atreus is one of the game’s best moments. Kratos admits he’s always acted distrustful toward Atreus because he wasn’t ready to let him go, which ultimately pushed Atreus away, and says he’s sorry. In response, Atreus delivers the game’s most powerful line: “Don’t be sorry. Be better.”
Both of them need each other to grow as people and work on themselves if they’re going to have a healthy dynamic. Respect and listening are key to any relationship. God of War RagnarokIt is the only game of its type to stress this, making it even more universal than its predecessor.
God of War RagnarokIt is now available on PS4 or PS5.
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