Why is Kratos Whiter in Ragnarok?
The God of War franchise has been known for its action-packed combat and memorable characters, including the brutal and iconic Kratos. However, fans of the series have been left puzzled by Kratos’ skin tone in the latest game, God of War: Ragnarok. In the game, Kratos is noticeably whiter than he was in previous installments of the franchise.
So, what’s behind this drastic change? Is it due to a mistake or deliberate choice by the game’s developers? Let’s delve into the answer.
Kratos’ Origins: The Curse of the Goddesses
Before we discuss Kratos’ skin tone in Ragnarok, let’s take a brief look at his backstory. As the son of Zeus and the goddess Metis, Kratos was cursed by the gods of Olympus due to his anger and actions. The curse caused him to be condemned to a life of sorrow and death, with the only escape being to be killed or kill someone. This curse had a significant impact on Kratos’ physical appearance, including his skin tone.
Ashes and Sacrifices
Another significant factor contributing to Kratos’ skin tone in Ragnarok is the death and burial of his son Atreus and his mother Faye. The rituals performed to bury them bonded their ashes to Kratos, which affected his appearance and strength. The burning of the ashes, representing the sacrifice of his family, further intensified the process, resulting in Kratos’ whiter skin.
The Game’s Perspective: A Change in Camera Angle
From a cinematic perspective, the change in Kratos’ skin tone might be due to a change in the camera angle and lighting used in God of War: Ragnarok. The game features a greater emphasis on Kratos’ physicality, with closer camera shots and more lighting effects. This change allows players to focus on his intense facial expressions and physically demanding actions. The altered skin tone helps to better display these visuals, resulting in a more dramatic representation of Kratos’ powerful actions.
Other Contributing Factors: Lighting, Rendering, and Physics Engines
Other contributing factors may also be responsible for Kratos’ whiter appearance. The lighting, rendering, and physics engines in the game can affect how the character models appear, particularly in areas with darker environments. This can also result in Kratos looking paler due to these technological advancements. The contrast between the lighting and darkness would emphasize his paleness more effectively.
What Did the Developers Have to Say?
Santa Monica Studio, the developer of the God of War series, hasn’t directly addressed Kratos’ whiter appearance. However, Cory Barlog, the game director of God of War, hinted at the changes when asked about Kratos’ physical appearance during an interview:
"Kratos’ appearance in Ragnarok is a combination of technological advancements and deliberate creative decisions. I think when we look back at these games, it’s just one of those things that makes it unique."
From this statement, it is evident that the developers didn’t just settle for random changes but considered the effect they would have on Kratos’ appearance.
The Verdict: Intended Result of Combining Visual Effort
Table of Comparison:
| Appearance | God of War: 2018 | God of War: Ragnarok |
|---|---|---|
| Kratos’ Skin Tone | Dark Tan | Pale White |
It’s now clear that the whiter appearance of Kratos is an intended result of a combination of creative decisions, technological advancements, and intentional camera angles. The new appearance allows for a stronger emphasis on his physical expressions and actions, creating a more immersive gaming experience for fans. In addition to technical advancements, the curse inflicted upon Kratos by the gods and his sacrifices with the ashes of his loved ones also played a part in his skin tone becoming whiter.