Why God of War Ragnarok is not Game of the Year?
The year 2022 saw the release of several highly-anticipated games, but one title that garnered widespread acclaim was God of War Ragnarok. Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this action-adventure game is a sequel to the critically-acclaimed God of War (2018). Despite receiving widespread praise, God of War Ragnarok did not win the Game of the Year award. In this article, we will explore the reasons why.
Lack of Innovation
One of the main criticisms of God of War Ragnarok is its lack of innovation. The game follows a similar formula to its predecessor, with a greater emphasis on combat and character development. While the combat is still engaging and the narrative is well-written, the game’s lack of bold new ideas holds it back from being considered the Game of the Year.
Similarity to the Previous Game
Another issue is that God of War Ragnarok is too similar to its predecessor. The game’s setting, characters, and gameplay mechanics are all familiar, making it feel like more of the same rather than a significant departure from the previous game.
Weak Plot
Some critics have argued that the game’s plot is not strong enough to carry the weight of the entire game. The story is engaging, but it lacks the complexity and depth of other games in the same genre.
No New Features
God of War Ragnarok did not introduce any new features that set it apart from other games in the series. The game’s engine, graphics, and overall design are all familiar, making it feel like a refinement of the previous game rather than a revolutionary step forward.
Lack of Replay Value
God of War Ragnarok is a game that can be completed in a relatively short amount of time, making it feel lacking in terms of replay value. There are no significant multiplayer elements, and the game’s difficulty is not particularly high, making it a single-playthrough experience.
Comparison to Other Games
When compared to other games in the same genre, God of War Ragnarok is not as innovative or ambitious as some of its contemporaries. Games like The Last of Us Part 1 and Elden Ring are more complex, nuanced, and visually stunning, making them more deserving of the Game of the Year title.
Table: Game of the Year Nominees
| Game | Developer | Publisher | Genre | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| God of War Ragnarok | Santa Monica Studio | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Action-Adventure | November 9, 2022 |
| Elden Ring | FromSoftware | Bandai Namco | Action-RPG | February 25, 2022 |
| The Last of Us Part 1 | Naughty Dog | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Action-Adventure | September 2, 2022 |
| Godfall | Counterplay Games | Gearbox Publishing | Looter-Slasher | November 12, 2020 |
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Platformer | June 11, 2021 |
In conclusion, while God of War Ragnarok is a well-crafted game with a strong narrative and engaging combat, it is not Game of the Year material due to its lack of innovation, similarity to its predecessor, weak plot, lack of new features, and limited replay value. It is a solid game that is worth playing, but it is not a must-play title.