Videos games have evolved massively and they are not just about playing a game. We get to know our protagonist(s) back story, aspirations and dreams about their lives, we see them growing up as characters, overcoming challenges and learning valuable lessons. As they do this we get the opportunity to think how we would have handled a similar situation, reflect on their actions or learn valuable lessons about our lives.
We all love the times when our geekery turns to 11 and we imagine what we would do in the case of a zombie apocalypse (we have to put those post apocalyptic skills into action at some point isn’t it?!) but some times just in between hacking and slashing monsters and gods over the 9 realms we get to experience the challenges of fatherhood and how to be a positive roll model like Kratos did in the video game God of War.
Kratos is a Spartan warrior with a troubled past. He is the god killer who even killed his own father, Zeus. This is a legacy he wants to forget and run away from, especially now that he has a son of his own which he also has to raise by himself as his wife has passed away.
Kratos doesn’t want Atreus to become like him. He wants to create a peaceful life for both of them but as we read in the book It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn, we can’t just run away from our past and family history. They will always catch up if we don’t make our peace with them.
Kratos sees in Atreous a chance to do better. He doesn’t want the legacy of the god killer but one of a loving and caring father who did his best to raise his son on his own.
Their story is a story of character evolution. Kratos and Atreous journey together both physically and mentally. Kratos starts as an emotionally guarded and stoic man who learns to express his fears and emotions towards Atreus. From his side Atreus learns to listen to his father’s advice and guidance, and understand his struggles. The game gradually breaks the stereotypes of the grumpy and condescending older men and the subordinate teenagers. Both learn to appreciate what skills and talents the other can bring into their relationship and even get to teach each other valuable lessons about life. They influence each other to become a better version of themselves!
As Atreus learns his triple ancestry of mortal, giant and god he gets to believe that he is untouchable. ‘We are gods, we can go whatever we want’.
He faces all the typical challenges of adolescences and want to find his true self. Kratos on the other side with no previous experience of fatherhood need to navigate the challenges of raising a son with some very unique qualities.
Through their journey we are reminded that as every person is different, fathers and sons are also different. It’s through mutual understanding and respect they get to complement each other and overcome many obstacles.
Embracing diversity within the family dynamic fosters growth and resilience.
Kratos throughout the game seeks redemption for the sins of his past but not only for himself but also for his son. Their story is also the story of the transformative power of forgiveness and the struggle to break the cycle of violence.
Mistakes and forgiveness are an integral part of the relationship between a father and a son, and of any parent and any child for that matter. God of War shows us that in our path towards redemption we have to acknowledge our own mistakes and faults, actively work towards making amendments and work in building a better future.
God of War is an emotional journey that transcends the boundaries of the gaming world. Through the eyes of Kratos and Atreus we take an intimate look in the dynamics of father and son relationships.
God of War is not just one the best video games, is a journey of healing, reconciliation and redemption.