Summary
Santa Monica’sGod of Warseries has already proven its ability to transcend mythologies, going from Greek mythology in the original series to Norse mythology in the rebooted saga. However, now that the rebootedGod of Warseries' Norse saga is over, the opportunity for it to explore unprecedented mythologies presents itself, with one rather unlikely candidate now being more viable than ever:Polynesian mythology.
It might seem strange at first to suggest thatGod of Warcould venture into Polynesian mythology, especially after its extensive journey through Greek and Norse mythology. But another franchise from an entirely different medium has almost effortlessly brought Polynesian mythology to the mainstream, andGod of Warnow has a chance to ride the wave of its success.
Moana Has Paved the Way for a Polynesian God of War
Moana’s Success Has Made Polynesian Mythology More Accessible
Moanais undoubtedly one of the most successful franchises to enter the mainstream over the last decade, but it has done much more than simply introduce a catchy new soundtrack for kids and their parents to memorize. Beyond its compelling narrative of a young girl destined for greatness and its unforgettable soundtrack,Moanadigs its roots deep into Polynesian mythology — a collection of myths mainstream audiences may have been unaware of beforeMoana’s success, especially asGreek and Norse mythologyhave largely taken over the scene as of late.
The character of Maui inMoana, for example, is inspired by the Polynesian demigod Maui, who is known for his legendary exploits across various Pacific cultures. Affectionately brought to life byDwayne Johnson in bothMoanaandMoana 2, Maui is a fan-favorite character that many viewers might not have even known has already been around for thousands of years.Moanaalso highlights the ancient Polynesian practice of wayfinding, which involves navigating the ocean using the stars and currents. Throughout the first film, Moana herself becomes more familiar with this navigational method, gradually pulling viewers into the ancient practice it is based on.
Beyond its compelling narrative of a young girl destined for greatness and its unforgettable soundtrack,Moanadigs its roots deep into Polynesian mythology — a collection of myths mainstream audiences may have been unaware of beforeMoana’s success, especially as Greek and Norse mythology have largely taken over the scene as of late.
Giventhe success ofMoanaand its sequel, it has effectively introduced modern audiences to Polynesian mythology and culture, even though they might not have even realized it. Now, asMoanacontinues to broaden its reach, perhaps it could even infiltrate the gaming space, with its mythology serving as a unique backdrop for Santa Monica’s rebootedGod of Warseries.
A Polynesian God of War Would Potentially Introduce Intriguing Gameplay Mechanics
It’s currently unclear where Santa Monica plans to takeGod of Warnext, now thatthe series' Norse saga has concluded. However, there is a strong case for it to explore Polynesian mythology, now thatMoanahas made its stories, characters, and cultural elements more accessible to the public. Firstly, Polynesian mythology is known to be notably dark, which would complement theGod of Warseries well. It does have some more lighthearted tales, but its darker narratives revolve around the underworld, deities like Hine-nui-te-po who are associated with death, and violent mythical creatures.
A PolynesianGod of Warwould also be an opportunity for it to incorporate new gameplay mechanics like wayfinding into the mix.TheGod of Warserieshas always been known for its combat and narrative, but implementing wayfinding as a core gameplay mechanic would imply a stronger emphasis on exploration, especially exploration that takes place on the seas. If it helps, it also wouldn’t be the first game of its kind to be based on Polynesian mythology, with games likeThe Mark of KriandRise of the Kasaibeing two of its more noteworthy titles. As such, a PolynesianGod of Warwould be the perfect complement toMoana’s success, bringing its growing popularity into one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
