The very firstGod of Wargame from 2005 contained an elaborate set of hidden messages from Kratos, requiring players to beat the game on its highest difficulty and physically call a real-world phone number. Since then, Easter eggs, references, and secrets have been a consistent part of theGod of Warfranchise.
2018’sGod of Warwas no exception to this franchise tradition, even in spite of its more reserved tone and complex themes. One ofGod of War’s most memorable secrets was its Shattered Gauntlet of Ages, which required players to find six gems scattered across the Nine Realms. This little secret side quest was a brilliant nod tothe MCU’sAvengers: Infinity War, which released in theaters just one week afterGod of War’s April 2018 launch.God of War Ragnarokcontinued to up the ante with its own Easter eggs, including a set of collectibles that deserve to find some kind of new life in the nextGod of Warentry.
The Next God of War Should Double Down on Ragnarok’s Referential Poems
God of War Ragnarok’s Kvasir Poems Were The Perfect Tribute
God of War Ragnarokis home to a variety of different upgrade materials, gear pieces, and collectibles, many of which are used to improve Kratos' combat prowess.God of War Ragnarok’s Kvasir poems, however, are a set of collectibles designed simply to make players smile.
There are 14 Kvasir poems inGod of War Ragnarok, each one using old-timey flowery language to describe a well-known PlayStation franchise. “We Who Remain, Part the Second,” for instance,referencesThe Last of Us Part 2, not just in its title but in the body of its verse, with lines mentioning a “bearded, cruel father” and his “surrogate daughter,” and a disease that “rots your body.”
Major PlayStation IP likeRatchet and Clank,Ghost of Tsushima,Death Stranding,Uncharted, andBloodborneare all referenced inGod of War Ragnarok’s Kvasir poems, along with some often overlooked PlayStation titles likeConcrete Genie,The Order 1886,Dreams, andJourney. What sets these poems apart from references to PlayStation IP in other games is just how well they’re integrated intoGod of War Ragnarok’s gameplayand world, with Mimir even commenting on a few poems' content.
How The Next God of War Can Put Its Own Spin on Ragnarok’s PlayStation Poems
It would be great to seeGod of War Ragnarok’s Kvasir poems get carried forward intothe nextGod of Wargame, but developer Santa Monica shouldn’t just reuse the same structure. Instead, the nextGod of Warshould put a fresh spin on its PlayStation IP Easter eggs, such as switching up the type of collectible players need to find.
Murals have become a major icon oftheGod of Warseriesin recent years, and they would be a great way to reference some fellow PlayStation IPs, depicting simplified versions of iconic PlayStation mascots against a beautifully painted backdrop representing their respective game’s setting. A set of carved wooden or stone totems scattered across the world would also be a great way to reference PlayStation icons in the nextGod of Wargame.
If the nextGod of Warwanted to go a step further with its PlayStation IP Easter egg, then it could include in-game combat challenges or puzzles themed around different franchises. For instance, one challenge could require players to juggle enemies and throw them into walls, simulatingSpider-Man’s combat.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
