Visuals
PlayStation 4 exclusives are always stunning. Bloodborne, InFamous: Second Son, Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn are just a few of the beautiful games you can only play on Sony’s console. Santa Monica’s God of War certainly belongs on that list of visually impressive games. The design of its world makes it a game that’s always going to look great. The differing themes of each realm, such as the icy walls of Helheim and the mystical pathways of Alfheim keep the visuals surprising. Color plays a hugely important part in the design of those realms, creating a tone that matches its general theme. Areas such as the one surrounding Freya’s home are jaw-droppingly detailed, with the vibrant colors of each and every flower standing out.
The game’s cinematic presentation also helps maintain the general sense of awe. From the incredible first fight with The Stranger at Kratos’ home, to the dragon interactions later in the game, the set-pieces are on the scale of blockbuster movies. The single shot camera, that doesn’t cut from main menu to credits, also keeps you engrossed in what’s happening on screen, with the sweeping camera movements keeping the focus on the world.
Due to the quality of other exclusive games, God of War probably doesn’t stand in a league of its own. The linear structure of the likes of Uncharted 4 ensure that the detail is as high as possible, especially during cutscenes, and Bloodborne’s mastery is in how it creates an atmosphere through its visuals. Horizon Zero Dawn’s visuals are probably the most immediately striking, with the world that’s been overrun by nature combining beautifully with the futuristic creatures that roam it. The particle effects that see the snow swirl in the Northern woods and the tall grass that sways as Aloy stalks a robot are stunning, especially when playing in 4K with HDR.
