God of War is one of Sony’s most lucrative franchises to date with the series selling more than 21 million copies worldwide.
Since its debut in 2005, the series has found a special place in many PlayStation gamer’s hearts due to its visceral combat and unique take on Greek mythology.
This adrenaline-fuelled, action-packed franchise put us in control of a revenge stricken protagonist who is hell bent on bringing down the Gods of Olympus one by one.
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God of War has spanned across multiple media channels, including seven video games, a comic book series and two novels. A movie featuring the original game’s narrative is also heading to the silver screen. Considering the great success surrounding this epic franchise, it’s no wonder why fans of the series are excited by the news that the next inevitable installment is now on the horizon.
However, a question must now be asked….where can God of War go from here?
God of War has seen its share of prequels with God of War I, II and III being the only installments in the series that push the narrative forwards.The interesting yet baffling ending of God of War III has left many of us wondering what comes next…
SPOILER ALERT– Kratos used the power within Pandora’s Box to defeat Zeus-mightiest of all Greek Gods. The power contained within the box was revealed to be hope. Athena confronts Kratos after his battle with Zeus wanting the power of hope for herself. Kratos then impales himself with the blade of Olympus releasing hope into the world. Athena enraged by Kratos’s decision, leaves him there on the mountain top to die. Just when we think that was the end for Kratos….a post credit scene shows a blood trail leading over the edge of the mountain.
Does this mean Kratos survived, or does this open up the series for a new God of War?
It would be hard to imagine the franchise moving forward without Kratos. He has been a staple for Sony’s consoles for years and is instantly recognizable by PlayStation enthusiasts across the globe. Without Kratos, this next protagonist will have some mighty big shoes to fill.
Deimos, Kratos’s brother could take the reigns as the main character if Sony Santa Monica chooses to go that route. His direct connection to Kratos as well as being mentioned in past God of War games, could make the transition to a new protagonist, an easier one.
With all the Greek Gods killed by the end of God of War III, who would the next main villain(s) be?
Athena could definitely be seen as the new antagonist considering her disdain for Kratos’s actions at the end of God of War III. Depending on how much time has passed from God of War III to this next game, Athena could gather strength, power, allies and resources to combat anyone who may disapprove with her motives.
Could God of War abandon Greek mythology altogether?
Anything is possible in video games. With Kratos eliminating many popular Greek mythological icons, God of War (4) could move onto a whole new mythology with new deities, beings and heroes for our protagonist to slain. Norse mythology…. could be a good place to start.
If Kratos does return, will he be the same Kratos we all remember?
This isn’t the first time Kratos has faced death. He’s returned from the depths of Hades numerous times. Considering Hades himself was slaughtered at the hands of Kratos, could we see our beloved Kratos transform into something darker? Possibly even Death himself?
Could God of War be a reboot?
With the strong possibility that the next iteration of the series will be exclusively on PS4, it’s hard not to get excited thinking about how beautiful this game will look and play. God of War III and God of War Ascension looked stunning on the PS3. With the power of PS4, Sony Santa Monica just might want to revamp the original story and start once again on the new, more powerful hardware.
Whichever direction developer Sony Santa Monica decides to take, many fans including myself will be gripping their Dualshock 4’s with immense anticipation to see where the God of War franchise will take us next. Our only hope is that our favourite chain blade wielding hero is along for the ride.