God Of Bore?

Besides the new hardware, one of the PlayStation 5’s most intriguing prospects is the introduction of the PlayStation Plus Collection. A curated library of essential PS4 game’s that, for whatever reason, you didn’t get to play on initial release. Work and domestic bliss encroaches on us all I’m afraid! It’s the ultimate “best of” compilation, that has afforded me the fortuitous opportunity to finally play “God Of War”. A glaring omission in an otherwise stellar catalogue of PlayStation exclusives I’ve already enjoyed. And is worth noting that this is my first exposure to the series, having never played any of the previous incumbents. But a game of such eulogised acclaim is indiscriminately burdened by an immeasurable expectancy that it can’t possibly realise.

God Of War is good. Solid even. The combat is varied and satisfying. The story, rooted in the fascinating pantheon of Norse mythology, fluidly melds these ancient folklore’s with that of Kratos, in a satisfying composite of “fact” and fiction. Providing compelling insight into his outwardly stoic demeanour, mercurial temperament and suppressed rage that belies the internal conflict of Kratos emotional vulnerability. In short its well crafted, but vexing. There is so much to admire, yet so little about it that is persuasive.

The term “overrated” is such a derivative expression, flagrantly applied to a culturally popular properties as a way of explaining why an individual possesses a contrarian belief of something. To me GOW’s venerated acclaim, generated through legitimate appreciation from the community, informs my perception of the game. Something so widely revered was only going to disappoint me. Now that’s not the games fault and it certainly isn’t the responsibility of the communities ubiquitous adulation for the game, but my own delusive expectations. It’s the “Blade Runner” effect.

Many years ago I confided in a work colleague, subsequently many since, that I didn’t like Blade Runner. Mindful of their visible incredulity, a kind of amalgamated expression of someone who has watched an intruder urinate on their kids and simultaneously stubbed their toe whilst doing so, I immediately tried assuage their confusion by duly conceding that despite not enjoying the experience, I did respect the movie’s craft. Both it’s aesthetic and tone, whilst also being thoroughly bored by the entire experience. I accept that this is a subjective, highly controversial opinion, but one expressed with earnest authenticity.

My ambivalence towards GOW isn’t intended to provoke or even to inspire the scarce few reciprocal acknowledgements that might sympathise with my situation. Merely to expose an alternate discernment on a generally beloved game. It would be easy to criticise specific elements, such as the tedious end game errands purposely designed to artificially inflate the runtime. Or the recycled enemy types. But this kind of pedantic criteria can be applied to any game of such exceptional aptitude. The problem isn’t the game, its the individual. God Of War is one of those game’s that I have great admiration for, but sadly not much affinity.

Are there any critically revered games you don’t enjoy? Let me know in the comments below. Cheers.