Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Considered one of 2017’s standouts, developer Ninja Principle’s Hellblade is an action-adventure title during which a younger feminine warrior who struggles with psychological sickness battles to beat her inside demons. Senua is definitely Pictish (historical Scottish), however the sport’s story takes place in Hel — a realm of Norse mythology, and there are many fascinating references to Gods and warriors that can satiate players in search of a repair of Viking tradition. That being stated, this can be a a lot darker fantasy story than Kratos and Atreus’ comparatively vibrant jaunt by means of the 9 realms of Norse Mythology.
With respect to gameplay, Hellblade is a 3rd particular person hack-and-slash affair in the identical vein as God of Battle. Fight right here, although, is far more weighted, and enemy encounters happen much less regularly.
If you happen to’re in search of a sport that takes place in the identical mythology and performs in a comparatively related trend, Hellblade might be as shut as you’ll get. There’s a sequel on the way in which, too, that appears even grander.
Heavenly Sword
Video games like God of Battle
Lengthy earlier than Hellblade, Heavenly Sword was Ninja Principle’s showpiece PS3 title, and whereas it is perhaps outdated hat now, there are such a lot of causes to return and play this 2009 gem. Followers of the sooner video games within the God of Battle collection, specifically, will respect the hack-and-slash fashion motion gameplay that takes greater than a little bit inspiration from Kratos’ unique trilogy. The sunshine chain assaults might be switched out for heavy sword assaults on the fly, and Heavenly Sword regularly has you slashing aside waves of dozen-or-more enemies in a similar way to God of Battle.
The story follows a younger warrior known as Nariko as she seeks to conquer an oppressive drive from her homeland, utilizing a mystical sword to defeat its ranks. The general aesthetic of its areas and characters has an ethereal high quality to it just like the Norse realms of the most recent God of Battle title. And although it’s comparatively dated to Sony Santa Monica’s newest PS4 tech showcase, you’ll be shocked at how excellent Heavenly Sword nonetheless appears at present, full with movement seize facial know-how that was approach forward of its time.
Whereas it won’t fairly attain the identical heights as God of Battle, Heavenly Sword is nicely price dusting off your outdated {hardware} to expertise.
The Final of Us
The Final of Us is arguably developer Naughty Canine’s excessive water mark, and it’s a must-play title for those who’re in search of the same expertise to God of Battle. Positive, the thematic settings are far faraway from one another, however there are a number of apparent parallels with respect to each narrative and gameplay mechanics.
Certainly, it isn’t too tough to identify the similarities between Kratos and Atreus’ relationship with Joel and Ellie from The Final of Us. We wouldn’t go as far as to say Sony Santa Monica copied that extremely profitable formulation, however there was clear inspiration drawn from Naughty Canine’s seminal motion sport. The entire idea of getting a younger companion below your care and safety definitely makes for a compelling narrative that has the capability to invoke emotion on a stage that isn’t simple to attain with a solo protagonist.
Past mere storytelling, nonetheless, the precept of a companion has altered the dynamic of God of Battle’s sport design, with Atreus performing as an overwatch along with his bow and arrow. He’s far more concerned than Ellie was in The Final of Us, however you continue to have these good gameplay moments during which she rescues Joel simply on the final second when he’s been overcome by enemies.
Elsewhere, The Final of Us’ giant, explorable stage design, crafting, and normal platforming gameplay additionally looks like a lineage that’s been woven into God of Battle’s DNA. There’s now even a remade model of the sport obtainable for PS5 and PC with graphics that hit much more spectacular heights than the unique.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Finish
Video games like God of Battle
You possibly can’t actually communicate of a comparability between God of Battle and Naughty Canine video games with out mentioning the Uncharted collection, and the fourth numbered entry within the collection really feels as if it shares even stronger design similarities. In the identical approach, the Uncharted collection moved from a linear, third-person cowl shooter to a extra expansive motion sport that integrated new mechanics equivalent to stealth motion, God of Battle has refocused its gameplay and added new layers to its design.
You’ve additionally obtained all of the back-and-forth banter throughout gameplay that the Uncharted collection virtually invented, which is one thing God of Battle leans on closely to maneuver its story alongside. The signature Uncharted boost-me-up-on-this-ledge platforming has additionally made its technique to God of Battle. And although Kratos has all the time needed to resolve primary puzzles all through the collection, the treasure maps and the style during which the sport encourages you to test Atreus’ diary entries might be acquainted to anybody that has performed Uncharted.
Finally, God of Battle’s reinvented sport design feels carefully tied to each of Naughty Canine’s flagpole franchises, and for those who just like the look of Kratos and Atreus’ journey, you’ll little question love the cinematic motion of Uncharted 4.
For Honor
If it’s the fun of hacking enemies to items in livid melee fight you’re after, For Honor ought to match the invoice. This fantasy/medieval preventing sport from Ubisoft throws Vikings, Samurai, and European knights collectively in epic duals that provide some terrific multiplayer gameplay. There are 4 lessons to select from inside every faction, and due to a nuanced fight system, retains the aggressive gameplay thrilling within the face of a brief single-player marketing campaign.
You gained’t discover a lot in the way in which of lore and narrative as you do within the newest God of Battle, however typically all you want is a pointy sword and a few enemies to swipe at, proper? Kratos would absolutely respect the carnage of For Honor.
Darksiders
Video games like God of Battle
Vigil Video games’ action-adventure title is a fantastical hack-and-slash RPG that shares loads of crossover with the God of Battle franchise. For starters, its protagonist is Battle, the primary Horseman of the Apocalypse. Sadly for him, he’s been blamed for beginning a feud between Heaven and Hell. Caught within the center, he’s compelled to battle divine combatants on each side to result in order within the title of the Charred Council.
As a demigod, of types, Battle packs each a hefty punch and host of magical talents that make fight really feel empowering. Typical fights are performed from a third-person perspective, and there are many weapons and upgrades to unlock as you’re employed your approach by means of the sport. Boss battles in Darksiders are significantly thrilling, with lots of the enemies on a spectacularly huge scale that’ll drive you to assume outdoors the field to take down.
Bayonetta
One other third-person motion sport, during which gamers management Bayonetta, a shape-shifting witch who awakens after a 500-year slumber with no reminiscence of who she is. The narrative takes loads of inspiration from Scandinavian mythology, with a number of characters named after Norse Gods. However Bayonetta’s story is far more on the quirky aspect than God of Battle. In reality, it does a beautiful job of balancing darkish fantasy with all the pieces from whimsical one-liners to downright raunchy scenes.
Utilizing melee weapons, magic, and fashionable firearms, Bayonetta takes on angelic enemies in scintillating fast-paced fight. Considered one of its most unusual options is that gamers can’t solely dual-wield weapons but additionally use Bayonetta’s toes too! The eccentricity is typical of the sport’s tone, however better of all, it makes for stacks of combo talents that maintain the sport feeling contemporary proper till the tip.
Bloodborne
Video games like God of Battle
FromSoftware’s PS4 unique has been lauded as one of many console’s greatest, and it’s simple to see why. Bloodborne’s eerie Gothic setting is fantastically designed, each with respect to its unbelievable element and its well-constructed HUB design. Though seemingly gentle on narrative at first look, there’s really an in depth story to uncover pieced along with snippets of lore, if you already know the place to look.
Bloodborne’s fight locations a lot much less emphasis on protection than the Darkish Souls video games that preceded it. In tuning the design extra towards dodging and attacking, Bloodborne has a sooner, arcade-like really feel to it that’s thrilling to play, and it’d enchantment to you even for those who aren’t usually into the assault/parry mechanism of Souls fight.
There’s no query that God of Battle has taken massive inspiration from FromSoftware’s fight, and it’s stage design too. In reality, director Cory Barlog has spoken of his appreciation of the sport and its semi-open-world structure.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Crystal Dynamics’ sequel to its common Tomb Raider reboot presents a equally expansive semi-open world stage design to God of Battle. The emphasis on exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving throughout its snow-covered setting shares loads of parallels.
You’ll additionally discover the identical form of role-playing mechanics woven into its fight, with Lara Croft capable of be taught new talents through a talent tree. There are many weapons to unlock and a there’s good steadiness between capturing, melee, and stealth fight.
Gamers who loved the exploration, upgrades, and motion of God of Battle will seemingly additionally get pleasure from Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Lords of the Fallen
Video games like God of Battle
Lords of the Fallen is an action-RPG during which gamers take management of a legal protagonist known as Harkyn who has been summoned from his jail cell to rid the world of an invasive legion of otherworldly creatures known as the Rhogar. The narrative does really feel a little bit spinoff at occasions, however there’s a lot enjoyable available in its arcade-like fight, compelling enemy designs, and addictive loot system that it’s best to undoubtedly think about taking part in it as a substitute for God of Battle.
Its fight is pretty just like God of Battle, with a bunch of superior melee weapons to smash enemies aside, from huge scythes to magical gauntlets. As you battle your approach by means of impressive-looking enemies, you’ll traverse snowy peaks and crumbling fort ruins that do look fairly spectacular. There are lots of of the identical techniques you’d discover in a Souls sport right here, nevertheless it’s a extra accessible expertise which may swimsuit somebody involved in a much less brutally tough expertise.
Ghost of Tsushima
If you happen to’ve heard individuals counsel that Ghost of Tsushima is “simply one other open-world sport,” don’t imagine them. Positive, its design is definitely primarily based on a preferred blueprint, however there’s a finesse to execution that completely deserves particular reward.
Few open-world video games boast the identical cinematic initiative as Ghost of Tsushima, from the minimalist HUD to the entire lack of waypoints. Fewer nonetheless have you ever mirror on story beats in sizzling springs to extend your well being or compose poetry for cosmetics. It’s true that a lot of this seems to be busy work by the sport’s finish, however there’s a magic of exploration in Ghost of Tsushima that’s actually breathtaking.
The fight is the place the sport actually shines, although, and it’s right here that Ghost of Tsushima actually reminds of God of Battle. The swordplay is oh-so tactile, and the Akira Kurosawa-inspired showdowns by no means get outdated. It’s a third-person melee expertise for the ages each time!
Ghost of Tsushima additionally boasts an excellent co-operative multiplayer enlargement known as Legends. The brand new mode roughly got here out of nowhere and added a wealth of recent content material to slice by means of, which makes the many of the sport’s good fight system with even harder challenges than the single-player expertise.
