At the God of War preview event by SIES (Sony Interactive Entertainment Hong Kong Limited Singapore Branch) in Singapore, we got to interview Aaron Kaufman who is the Senior Community Strategist from Santa Monica Studio! This is damn power because Santa Monica Studios are the reason for the GREATEST GAME IN PLAYSTATION HISTORY( I dare say it lah eh!) The unforgettable GOD OF WAR series!
First we asked about the name of the game. Why just call it God of War? Cause the previous games have all been numbered from 1-3 (aside from the mobile and PSP one ah). Aaron Kaufman explained that the decision was made to offer players a new beginning of the God of War series. This is also a great start for new players as well without the need to play previous God of War titles.
Since all the greek gods are dead and now the new story revolves around Norse mythology. Will there be any sequels for this one? Since this is the first time God of War is going into new grounds especially with Norse gods and all, this is also the beginning of a new story for Kratos and Atreus. And it gives alot of possibilities for Santa Monica Studio to go into and give us more experiences from the journey and relationship of Kratos and Atreus.
Now unlike the previous games, Kratos is softer and kinder. You don’t really get to see the old angry Kratos but the fella is still the kinda guy, you wouldn’t want to f**k with. Only thing now is the theme is different. So what is the main theme for God of War this time? In reply, Aaron Kaufman stated that the theme this time is not about vengeance but growth. It’s more like a father and son thing. They will travel together and Kratos will teach Atreus how to be a “god”. Kratos probably is scared ah that his son might have that rage streak he had even though Atreus might not know whether he has it or not and that he is a “god”. But along the way surely the boy will kenna some hints as they go on their journey together. And both of them will bond and grow as the story unfolds later.
Now will there be allies for Kratos and Atreus? Or is it going to be kill everyone then ask questions later kinda thing for God of War? You will meet Brokk and Sindri first as they are the ones who made the Leviathan Axe (the weapon Kratos carries) and they were also the ones who created Mjolnir for Thor. That’s why you can see Kratos throwing his weapon ad getting it back like Thor. There’s also a giant serpent which we saw in the E3 trailer whom Atreus claims the fella want to be their friend and all. Besides them, “a witch in the woods” will be your ally further into the game and also Mimir, the head who Kratos carries around the side of his belt.
Will Kratos die (he better not ah) and Atreus take over? To that, Aaron Kaufman did not mention that if Atreus would take Kratos’ mantle in the future. Since Atreus is still growing to become a better man than his father, they are still not ready to show us who or what Atreus would become later in the game. However it’s important for players to experience how Atreus grows and who he becomes later when they’ve reached their destination in the game. Ok lah no choice what. Have to keep some suspense for us, if not we play the game and know all the details also sian.
There are 9 realms in Norse Mythology. Will we get to see all 9 realms? Aaron mentions that the notion of the 9 realms do exist in the game which allows us to visit quite a few of them but he never say that we would get to visit all 9 realms or not. Maybe got expansion? who knows.
Another thing to take not is that despite what decisions the players make, it won’t have multiple endings. God of War will have only one ending. That is good enough for me lah.
Will God of War go into other mythologies? Aaron mentioned that they are currently focused in the Norse one and plans to expand the universe with it.
Will there be a co-op mode with Atreus and Kratos? That was a hard “No” from Aaron.
Previous games, Kratos has always had a number of weapons he can use. Will it be the case for the new game? Instead of adding more weapons, there will be an upgrade feature for the axe, bow, shield, armor and combos for both Kratos and Atreus.
Now the most important question. Will the boy die? To that, Aaron stated that Atreus is the vital part of the journey. Even from the demo, he does call for help as he’s dying, Kratos will always have to go save him. Its like a father’s duty to protect his child no matter what ah.
Thank you Aaron Kaufman for the interview. Another good thing we can take from this interview is that there will be more God of War games to come! F**k Yeah!
Interview done by gamerbraves.
