What was the original color of Kratos?

What was the Original Color of Kratos?

The iconic video game character, Kratos, has been a part of many gaming conversations over the years. One of the most asked questions about Kratos is about his original color. Was he always the fierce warrior we know today with his iconic red skin tone? The answer is more complex than you might expect.

Kratos’ Evolution

Kratos first appeared in the 2005 game "God of War" developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio. According to the game’s creator, David Jaffe, the original idea was for Kratos to be blue. Yes, you read that right – blue! In an interview with Game Informer, Jaffe explained that the team was inspired by the Barbarian from Diablo II, who had a similar appearance.

Why Blue?

The decision to make Kratos blue was likely due to the game’s inspiration from Greek mythology. Blue was a significant color in ancient Greek culture, symbolizing strength, courage, and protection. By giving Kratos a blue color, the developers aimed to create a character that would embody these qualities.

A Shift in Design

However, before the game’s release, the developers received feedback from focus groups and decided to change Kratos’ color to red. According to Jaffe, the team realized that a red-skinned Kratos would be more attention-grabbing and more in line with the character’s fierce warrior persona. The decision was made, and Kratos became the iconic red-skinned god we know today.

The Reason Behind the Red

But why red, specifically? Red is a powerful color that symbolizes strength, passion, and aggression – all qualities that are inherent to Kratos’ character. The color red also has a visual impact, making Kratos stand out on screen. The combination of his rugged appearance and the bold red color helped to create an unforgettable gaming experience.

The Significance of the Ashes

In later games, Kratos’ red skin tone is influenced by the ashes of his family, which he pours onto his skin as a way to mourn their loss. This symbolism adds another layer to Kratos’ character, highlighting his human side and his deep-seated pain.

Comparison with the Original Design

To visualize the difference, here’s a comparison table between the original blue concept art and the final red design:

Conclusion

Kratos’ original color was indeed blue, a design choice that was eventually replaced with the iconic red skin tone we know today. The decision to make the change was influenced by focus group feedback and a desire to create a character that embodied strength, passion, and aggression. Kratos’ red skin has since become an integral part of his character, a symbol of his unwavering dedication to his purpose.