Summary
Although virtual reality is a steadily growing sector within the games industry, it doesn’t look like any sequels or spin-offs ofGod of War Ragnarokwill be adopting the VR medium. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, asGod of War’s weighty combat, narrative, and general style might not be the best fit for VR, but its Nordic setting and mythological backdrop certainly would;Behemoth, an upcoming VR adventure game from the developers behindThe Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, could be the perfect thing for players looking for a mix ofGod of War’s setting and the immersive potential unique to VR.
As VR technology continues to evolve, the types of experiences possible in the virtual reality space become more varied, fleshed out, and enthralling. A good example of VR’s growing potential would be this year’sHorizon Call of the Mountain, an ambitious adventure set in the world of theHorizonfranchise. The game is now considered one of thebest games on the new PSVR, as it grants players incredible immersion and interactive freedom that isn’t possible in traditional games. While Sony has no public plans to repeat this foray into VR with itsGod of Warseries,Behemothcould scratch that itch.
Behemoth Looks Like a VR God of War Ragnarok
Behemoth’s Setting
If nothing else, the setting and general environmental design ofBehemothis highly reminiscent of the modernGod of Wartitles, at least based on Skydance’s promo materials. The dark, snowy, vast vistas shown in the game’s trailers share a number of key traits with the overworld ofGod of War Ragnarok, pulling inspiration from the same poetic, Scandinavian landscapes.
The similarities between these settings are more than just geographic, though. ModernGod of Wardraws from Norse mythology, featuring mythological beings like Odin, Thor, and Freya as central characters. While Skydance has not stated thatBehemothwill explicitly feature elements from Norse mythology, it’s clear that the game’s setting and aesthetic is heavily inspired by Vikings and Nordic culture. This can be observed in the apparel of the characters in the trailer, as well as their weapons, gear, and more.
Behemoth’s Gameplay
If the footage from theBehemothcinematic trailers is representative of the kind of gameplay the final product will feature, then it looks like players will be in for quite an exciting experience. These trailers showcase exploration through frigid wilderness, epic melee combat, and showdowns with the titular Behemoths, hulking monsters that would make even themost intimidatingGod of War Ragnarokbosses blush. The promo materials forBehemothalso show some interesting traversal options, with the player possibly having access to a grappling hook and climbing mechanics similar toThe Climb, an impressively immersive VR rock-climbing game.
Behemothcertainly looks promising, but the title still has a good amount to prove. Though the trailers and screenshots of the game make it seem like a truly special experience, the astute video game fan is likely all too familiar with highly polished promo materials that oversell the quality of an unreleased game; it may be best to wait until an official gameplay reveal before placingBehemothin conversation with a game likeGod of War Ragnarok. Then again, Skydance’s famousThe Walking Deadgame is among the bestVR experiences on the market, so there is just as much reason to be excited as there is to be tentative.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
