With its official release stirring up fervor, the director ofGod of War Ragnarokspeaks out about the classic NES titles that influenced the game. Though the game itself has inspired things like aon a train in Bucharest, it’s interesting to see the direct link between it and the gems of gaming generations past.
There was never any doubt thatGod of War: Ragnarokwould cause waves in the gaming sphere, especially after its predecessor reinvented the series and its main character in such a monumental way. Despite bringing Kratos to a new generation of players and revitalizing a classic series, its roots in previous classics is undeniable, and now they are clarified.
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During an interview with IGN, Eric Williams, the director ofGod of War: Ragnarokand longtime game design enthusiast, sited five NES titles in particular that are woven into the DNA of the new title. The games mentioned range from the obvious to the surprising. First and foremost is the originalLegend of Zelda, which may as well be one of the true primordial ancestors of most games that can be even slightly classified as “adventure” games. Collecting mythical, magical items likeGod of War: Ragnarok’s Draupnircan be traced back toZeldaas well, with its hunt for the first incarnation of the Triforce.
Castlevania 2: Simon’s Questis similar in influence toZelda, with an abundance of exploration and secrets, some of them particularly obtuse. It also contributes a healthy dive into myth and legend as sources for enemies and allies in a video game. A slightly more surprising influence isMike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!, which provides a blueprint for how to create an interesting and challenging boss battle many years after its release, something invaluable for aGod of Wartitle. Considering the puzzles are not one of thebest parts ofGod of War: Ragnarok, solid bones of boss design is downright necessary.
The last two influences start withRiver City Ransom, heralded as a predecessor to other big series likeGrand Theft Autofor years. Its most important contribution toGod of War: Ragnarok, according to Williams, is the concept of “theme,” and putting in little touches to reinforce said theme. Theways Kratos retains his Spartan identityare a part of that theme, and players can thankRCRfor the consistency.
Finally, and most surprisingly,Baseball Starsis the fifth major influence toGod of War: Ragnarok. Its major contribution is that of a tight economy and the fundamentals of meaningful video game stats.Modding skills inGod of War: Ragnarok, among other stat buffing steps, is super important, so it’s safe to say the lesson ofBaseball Starsis one well learned.
God of War Ragnarokis available now on PS4 and PS5.
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