The original God of War released in 2005 is renowned not just for its engaging gameplay but also for its intricate hidden messages. To uncover these secrets, players had to complete the game on its highest difficulty and even dial a real-world phone number. This commitment to Easter eggs has been a hallmark of the God of War franchise ever since.
Continuing this legacy, 2018’s God of War introduced players to numerous secrets, despite its more nuanced tone and intricate narrative. One standout hidden treasure was the Shattered Gauntlet of Ages, a secret side quest inviting players to explore the Nine Realms in search of six scattered gems. This particular nod was a clever homage to the release of Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War, which hit theaters just a week following God of War’s launch. Following suit, God of War Ragnarök elevated the concept further with its own set of collectible Easter eggs, setting the stage for exciting possibilities in upcoming entries.
Enhance Referential Themes in the Next God of War
Kvasir Poems: A Tribute to PlayStation Heritage
God of War Ragnarök features an array of valuable upgrade materials and gear, all designed to enhance Kratos’ combat capabilities. However, a truly delightful treasure comes in the form of the Kvasir poems, a collection intended to bring joy rather than just gameplay benefits.
Featuring 14 unique poems, each one is written in an elaborate, antiquated style that pays homage to beloved PlayStation franchises. For example, “We Who Remain, Part the Second”cleverly references The Last of Us Part II, with its verses alluding to a “bearded, cruel father”and a “surrogate daughter,”intertwined with themes of disease and decay.
The poems cover major PlayStation IPs such as Ratchet and Clank, Ghost of Tsushima, Death Stranding, Uncharted, and Bloodborne, alongside lesser-known titles like Concrete Genie, The Order 1886, Dreams, and Journey. What distinguishes these poems is how seamlessly they integrate into the world of God of War Ragnarök, as characters like Mimir also provide commentary on some of these literary treasures.
Innovating on the Kvasir Poems for Future Installments
While it’s essential to retain the charm of Ragnarök’s Kvasir poems in upcoming games, developers at Santa Monica Studio are encouraged to innovate rather than merely recycling the existing structure. The next installment of God of War could reimagine the type of collectibles players seek.
Murals have emerged as a significant visual motif in the God of War series, offering a unique platform to reference other PlayStation franchises. Envisioning vividly painted representations of iconic PlayStation characters against dynamic backdrops inspired by various games could create unforgettable experiences for players. Additionally, incorporating wooden or stone totems throughout the game world would provide another layer of homage to beloved PlayStation icons.
To deepen the engagement level of PlayStation Easter eggs, the next entry could also present combat challenges or puzzles themed around renowned franchises. For instance, a challenge that involves juggling enemies and throwing them into walls could evoke the iconic combat style of Spider-Man, intertwining gameplay mechanics with familiar universes.
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