God of War: Ragnarokhas seen major character redesigns for its new frozen setting. The once shirtless Kratos is all bundled up inGod of War: Ragnarok, making for his most unique appearance yet.
The killing of Baldur at the end of theGod of Warreboot set the event of Ragnarok into motion, the frozen cataclysm that spells the destruction of Asgard. From what’s been shown of the game, Santa Monica has suitably adjusted the character designs of the returning cast forRagnarok’s expectedly harsh environment. Protagonist Kratos has had his design changed significantly throughout the series, with subtle alterations in the original games, to massive ones in the reboot. Recently,artwork forGod of War: Ascensionshowed a skinny Kratos, a far departure from the beefy, hulking man of the Norse saga.
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God of War: Ragnarok’s Kratos design is the natural evolution of the look started in the last game, with scattered allusions to his design from the classic titles. Comparing the Norse saga versions of Kratos, designed by art director Raf Grassetti,Ragnarok’s look is what one would imagine his outfit would be in the winter, with more layers on his arms and chest, and scattered furs on his shoulder pauldron. ConsideringThor and Frey will be hunting Kratos inRagnarok, this design shows a more heavily armored Kratos, with sturdier gauntlets, and protective gear down through his waist.Ragnarok’s design is the perfect marriage of utility and efficiency, everything on Kratos' body having more than one purpose.
What’s perhaps most important about Kratos’Ragnarokdesign is the way it maintains his recognizability, as the reboot established. Kratos' assymetrical design is retained, the shoulder pauldron emphasizing the red tattoo that swirls across his chest, down his left arm, and up over his head, just as his design in the classic games did. Furthermore, the scattered red highlights throughout the armor, particularly in the armor through his waist, calls back to his classic appearance, the iconic red skirt dangling between his legs. Lastly, his stomach scar can still be seen from he when stabbed himself with the Blade of Olympus afterKratos killed Zeus inGod of War 3.
Kratos' design inRagnarokis overall very pleasing as it adapts the character for the new story while staying true to his appearances prior. Something to keep in mind is that thearmor sets fromGod of Warare most likely returning inRagnarok, meaning many of the armors may end up reflecting some of the common design changes seen in his original outfit. Based on the key art for the game as well, Kratos may end up even dawning a cloak, which would be a pretty interesting addition to the character.
God of War: Ragnaroklauches on PS4 and PS5 in 2022.
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