One of the biggest surprises from the game awards this year was the unexpected announcement that one of the best titles of last year, God Of War Ragnarok was getting a free dlc. What is even crazier is that the dlc was announced to released 5 days after us hearing about it for the first time. Well in that short wait its finally here, God Of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is an incredible new addition to the God Of War story post Ragnarok. The rouge like free dlc is Sony’s second rouge like mode to a previously released game in the past couple weeks. With The Last Of Us Part 2 Remaster getting its own roguelike mode with its release in February.
God Of War Ragnarok is considered to be one of the most epic games ever made and one of the best of the generation, with it being edged off slightly by Elden Ring for game of the year last year. The story left up much room for future stories, many thinking that a future dlc or standalone title mainly focusing on Atreus, the son of the God Of War Kratos. But surprisingly Santa Monica Studios has decided to continue Kratos’ story in what they’re calling a deeply reflective journey. The dlc takes us to the one place missing in norse mythology not showcased in the main game, the warrior heaven of Valhalla. In it Kratos must look within himself as he fights waves of enemies from both past and present as he tackles the ultimate task of mastering thyself. In true rogue- like fashion, you will die, but that is good. The further you get through these trials the more Kratos reflects on his past actions and comes closer to healing, while you the player become a master of all the playstyles and abilities in the game.
In my short time playing the DLC Im fully blown away at what Santa Monica has been able to put together in such a short time. With the announcement and release of the DLC being so close, there were certain alarm bells ringing that it would really just be a cash grab add on but its the complete opposite. Santa Monica studios continues to prove that they have some of the best storytellers and writers shaping the molds of the gaming industry. If you have chance, do yourself a favor and enter the halls of Valhalla.