UNTIL now God of War games were associated with frenzied combat and gigantic monsters set in the world of Greek mythology. But this latest in Sony PlayStation’s exclusive combat series changes everything – and all for the better.

The self-titled action-adventure game is a sequel of sorts to 2010’s God of War III but it is also a perfect starting point for players because the style and story are so different.

You again play as a demigod called Kratos but the developers at Santa Monica Studio have pushed the narrative forward so you play an older version of the character.

Swapping Greek mythology for Norse, the crux of the experience is Kratos’ relationship with his son Atreus, who doesn’t know his father’s true nature.

They are both mourning the death of Atreus’ mother, Faye, whose last wish was for her ashes to be spread at the highest peak of the ‘nine realms’.

Videogames are often dismissed in terms of their emotional impact but this is a hugely moving tale of loss, family and honour regardless of its fantasy setting.

It has a similar feel to another seminal PlayStation game, The Last of Us, in the sense that both protagonists are trying to protect and prepare someone young and inexperienced for the harsh realities of a dangerous world. So in between the third-person action sequences the quieter moments are filled with Kratos’ tough but fair parenting and dialogue and delivery that you might expect from an award-winning film.

The game’s combat system has also been rebuilt with Kratos swapping his double-chained blades for a magical axe. And the learning curve is spot on with abilities gradually unlocked via progression or upgrades that allow you to adapt your own fighting style.

On top of that God of War blends elements of linear and open-world games so at certain times you can go off to explore or stick to your mission for a tighter story-focused experience. An experience that smashes expectations, Kratos’ latest adventure will no doubt be one of the gaming highlights of 2018.

RATING: 9/10

DAVID MORGAN