Did God of War Deserve Game of the Year?

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After God of War won Game of the Year at the Game Awards 2018, I was curious: I knew it was beloved, but enough to beat Red Dead Redemption 2? Four years later, I finally sat down and played it. So, it begs the question: did God of War deserve to win Game of the Year?
#godofwar #rdr2

[@RealPixels]

God of War or Red Dead Redemption 2? 👀

[@Lazerswordmaster]

Rdr2

[@xbraa0715]

Red Dead Redemption 2

[@jadenhancock]

RDR 2

[@SwirlyTwirl]

Red Dead Redemption 2, but you won't get much votes for GoW since most of your viewer base are RDR2 fans.

[@LeandroCapstick]

Red Dead Redemption 2

[@itss_alexx2917]

As much as I love God Of War, Red dead 2 deserved it in my humble opinion

[@jasperd.5734]

RDR2 was too much on rails imho - but regardless, I loved both games!

[@edwartvonfectonia4362]

in which way your opinion is humble? I agree, RDR2

[@itss_alexx2917]

@@edwartvonfectonia4362 because I don't think that my opinion is the only correct one, for some GOW rightfully deserved the game of the year award but others like myself believe that rdr2 deserved it Ps I'm really sorry if that didn't make sense english is my 3rd language

[@itss_alexx2917]

@@jasperd.5734 loved them both too, but idk man arthur just hits different

[@Acounter977]

I think even though gow is a sequel is a brand new take on the game. RDR is a sequel on the same ip with a new story line

[@Lazerswordmaster]

Both games are great, but rdr2 is just closer to perfect.

[@2xRainb0w]

I love rdr2 but it plays pretty terribly, really clunky to me

[@wonkycow7385]

@@2xRainb0w Clunky is kinda the charm of it. This is 1899 we're talking about, those weapons weren't automatic or easy to use, horses aren't the most agile and easy to control mounts of all time (they are living ofc), and hand to hand fights aren't as perfect as games make them out to be. I fully understand that it's not for everyone, but i feel like it really embraces the feeling of the game. If you're talking about some of the weird controls where the horse can just randomly do a 360, or the game tries to force your camera or change out your weapons randomly... then that's kinda fair tbh

[@2xRainb0w]

@@wonkycow7385 i get what you’re trying to say but I mean Arthur should be able to run duck into cover jump like a normal human at this point and the deadeye mechanic kinda ruins the idea of old guns being realistic. They’re terrible for aiming and slow 90% of the time until they’re not and you kill 6 guys in 1 sec 100% headshots. There is a charm for sure but I still think the controls are way TOO wonky.

[@thetoastnbutterpodcast64]

@@2xRainb0w I think that is an opinionated thing. They wanted Red Dead 2 to be story focused, so they had to add things like 5 second looting animations. For some people (Like me) that is fine, but I understand that it is not for everyone. In some ways Red Dead 2 is perfect since the only problems are things that only some people may dislike, but most people will. That being said, I agree that it is pretty clunky, RDR2 shares the problems of other Rockstar games, like the combat not improving at all and stuff.

[@ginodivirgilio]

@@wonkycow7385 Please stop trying to justify shitty controls and bad game design as “intentional.” It just makes it worse.

[@deputyrook6232]

A father learning to be a dad. An outlaw learning to be a good man. In both cases, a conclusion to their stories that left everyone speechless.

[@raulrojasdiaz7189]

Sorry to nitpick but gow isn’t a conclusion to Kratos’ story

[@deputyrook6232]

@@raulrojasdiaz7189 has gow 6 been confirmed?

[@dantefromdevilmaycry9857]

@@deputyrook6232 With all the teasing sh*t they've done... it might as well be

[@yungpxee6975]

@@deputyrook6232 no but gow ragnarök is the ending of Kratos’ story, gow 2018 isn’t

[@I-need-2-win]

​@@raulrojasdiaz7189 but it is

[@itsreallybussin]

I have a friend who is 61 and he thought for the longest time I was watching a movie every time I boot up RDR2 he was so invested in Arthur and his adventures and he was surprised it was a game because of all the realism in it, he asked questions about the terrain, weather and animal behavior and how they capture all the animations, its as if they had somehow copy pasted real life into a console man he even felt it when the ending happened and wanted Arthur to get laid which I found hilarious but we know how that goes.

[@australianman8103]

When i play RDR2 my dad also thinks the same and thought i was watching a movie lol

[@kprocess9058]

he ain't wrong tho, how come Arthur doesn't get laid at least once in the whole game?

[@LethalMlTCH]

@@kprocess9058because he had standards, and he was still in love with Mary, but he knew he wasn’t good enough.

[@JohnJohn-pm9wq]

RDR2 was inconsistent especially the Guarma section was so lackluster and unfinished. The story was phenomenal, the world was incredible but the missions were too much on rails. There was absolutely no variety in how you can approach a mission

[@ADU17]

@@JohnJohn-pm9wqI think part of the reason was because there were issues within the company with employees not being treated properly or something like that, so there’s a lot of content cut like with guarma, we were meant to be able to play on the whole island but instead we only got a small slice of it.

[@sathlasdalaraynidridlendar6875]

I think Red Dead Redemption 2 should've won for sure

[@theghostofsparta4528]

No sir

[@what827]

@@theghostofsparta4528 corny rider

[@psgqwin878]

No

[@TytanR3x]

@@what827 cope rdr2 is too easy even with mods that make it harder i could find way more mods which make gow harder basically the hardest game = best game

[@what827]

@@TytanR3x the difficulty doesnt decide what game is better dumbfuck

[@SPQRKlio]

I truly do prefer flights of fantasy, mythologies of gods and magic, and science fiction, and I used to actively dislike the Western genre, but RDR2 changed my mind-once I tweaked those controls and settled into the story and started bonding with the characters. It occurs to me right this moment that my absolute favourite science fiction genre is Last Person on Earth (on alien world, spaceship, in distant future). RDR2’s open world, with all the secrets in cabins and oddities in remote places, hits the same way. The small towns are reminiscent of post-apocalyptic outposts trying to form. TBH it’s ruined my taste for flashy gameplay with dramatic moves and super-weapons and godlike powers. The next game I fell head over heels with? Stray.

[@rainbowcloudss_]

Yess I also loved stray because of its simplicity haha

[@clevernamerighthere9240]

tried getting into it, splurged on it when i shouldnt have. i want to be into it but the controls and slow pacing deter me

[@SPQRKlio]

@@clevernamerighthere9240 If you have the interest and energy, try tweaking the shooting, aim, aim from horseback, etc., controls, toggle-run, and so on. There are a few guides to best settings out there (if you’ve somehow managed not to be spoiled on the ending yet, Googling requires caution). Chapter 1 is sloooow for experienced gamers, then it opens up, but ngl it’s not a game for speeding around, auto-collecting loot, etc.-it’s very deliberately soak-it-all-in pace. The missions are pretty much on-rails, but the open world and NPC interactions are what I’m there for. It’s really not gonna work for everybody 😎

[@theghostofsparta4528]

God you’re pathetic

[@TheBombasticFatRat]

You play as a cat

[@tobishinobi5402]

God of War was amazing, however, Red Dead Redemption 2 deserved the award. It’s so realistic and the story is so great, not to mention you cannot get bored of the open world. There is so much to do.

[@kprocess9058]

I've been playing the same save for at least 6 months now, only done 65% of the game

[@TheRagingSun]

Correction IMO: The storytelling and characters were amazing, but the story was not top-tier. I still think RDR2 probably deserved the award more, but the story was not a 10/10 aspect of the game.

[@nivuok]

​@@TheRagingSun exactly when i said this many times the fans attacked me 😂

[@slavko7898]

⁠​⁠@@TheRagingSunwhat didn’t you like

[@Guilherme12345678987]

To me red dead 2 is the best game ever. To me it's just insane how much details it has in every way. Gameplay, character development, not just with the 2 main protagonists, but the whole gang , and other random characters. The world is so beautiful and alive that you actually see yourself in 1899 . This is the first game that actually made me cry laugh and smile so much , that the game is part of me. I just don't know how anyone could not love this game. (I grew up with God of war by the way, i played literally every game)

[@Some_guy-on-the-internet]

Yeah but the gunplay is mid which in my opinion is the same with gta rockstar just sucks with guns but in Rdr2 the Jank feels right because they are old guns Edit:I spelt jank wrong

[@kogames5689]

i feel the same way and people call me crazy it is the greatest game of all fucking time

[@Some_guy-on-the-internet]

@@kogames5689 what do you think the greatest game of all time is then partner?

[@Some_guy-on-the-internet]

@@luca23883 it’s the best story game

[@callinater6133]

@@luca23883 TOTK and Elden ring too. Both have much better gameplay than RDR2 and GOW afaik

[@panzerfist]

I was so disappointed when God of War won.... the amount of emotions RDR2 invoked inside of me has never ever been done by any game I've ever played. That game actually made me drop a tear

[@j.k.thorning5882]

the story did derail, and main missions became repetitive, if that din't happen it would've been a sweep

[@jimmymurphy898]

Yooo same

[@jimmymurphy898]

​@@j.k.thorning5882 I felt that way about God of War, I loved the missions in Red Dead.

[@allaboutmelz]

@@j.k.thorning5882 Same problem with God of War, I felt that game was extremely repetitive. I was eager to reach the next cutscene just to get through it.

[@theghostofsparta4528]

Aww you sad that the game you ride didn’t win awww

[@soloRanger537]

I haven't watched the video yet, but I played both of these games for the first time in 2021. First, I played RDR2, then GoW. Both are fantastic games, the first games I have finished in years. RDR2 has cemented itself as my third favorite game of all time, kicking out GTA:SA. God of War got me to read the actual Norse holy books. Both are fantastic, and I'm definitely not upset that GoW won, but I've gotta give it to Red Dead.

[@Nugg12]

What is your 1st and 2nd favorite video games?

[@soloRanger537]

@Jason 1. Super Mario Odyssey 2. Super Mario 64 All of my favorite games have worlds that are fun to explore, and they feel fun just to move around. The exception to that is The Walking Dead: Season 1. I've never read the comics or seen more than 1 episode of the show, but the game made me emotional, even though so much of the "exploration" was boring.

[@user-dg4pt5ez5o]

God of war is the average AAA game, its just insulting that it won

[@soloRanger537]

@user-dg4pt5ez5o I'd strongly disagree. It told a mature story, and brought a character and gameplay that were stuck in the PS2 era up to (and above) modern standards. I definitely understand if it didn't work for you, though.

[@JH-fp1lw]

I don't think anyone should have been upset with either of these taking the prize. They were both instant classics and treasures to the gaming medium.

[@senhorwendigo8016]

GOW is a good game RDR2 is a masterpiece.

[@huhhuh364]

@@senhorwendigo8016both games are masterpieces, I think what pushes gow forward for many is that it’s a nearly perfectly constructed game. I prefer rdr2 but that game is extremely flawed even in the story department with its pacing.

[@its_dey_mate]

@@senhorwendigo8016 I have heard people disliking RDR2 for a wide variety of reasons, for example how bloated it was with too much to do and yet too little actual content, while being extremely slow. Do you agree? Probably not, I sure don't, but that is the way some people think. On the other hand I have heard extremely passionate dislike for GOW ranging from disrespectful changes to "bad camera", being a bad copy of Devil may cry, along with many other things. Do you agree? Maybe yes, maybe not, but it is the way some people think. Many cried in RDR2 and from playing GOW many people found genuine ways to reconnect with their children, bond or learn how to be better parents. Can you elevate one over the other in *more* objectively based categories? No, because there is no such thing as a lot of objectively based criteria. To many GOW is a masterpiece, to many RDR2 is a masterpiece, but I think the correct answer is both. And I would have been happy with either winning the GOTY, they both have written with golden letters their names in gaming history.

[@crpse-qf6rh]

@@its_dey_mate yeah i had found RDR2 too slow i dropped it right after starting chapter 2. I really enjoyed the mechanics and the grapics but the gameplay was just dragging me

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

Agreed

[@rodynneyolyvver7959]

Imagine a world where ALL games comes with the level of quality and polish of these two... Only in a perfect Matrix, i guess.

[@kprocess9058]

if all games are good, no games are good

[@rodynneyolyvver7959]

@@kprocess9058 The exact words of someone used to only eat shit in life, and ask for seconds...🤣🤣🤣

[@galihkumara1742]

​@@rodynneyolyvver7959 No, he is right, because some must rise and others will fall. If all games are good, then what the sense of 'good' itself?, because for me there's always good and bad, you can't make everything good or everything bad. Am i too confusing or you can't understand?

[@rodynneyolyvver7959]

@@galihkumara1742 Hey, if that is the way you take things in life, that's on you. Don't get mad that not eveyone tolerates mediocracy like you... It's thanks to people used to get any shit in life like you that games like Cyberpunk, Fallout 76, Andromeda and so many others are released the way they were. Because they know that the dumb people that accept games being "good and bad" will buy them anyway. Enjoy it.😉

[@user-dg4pt5ez5o]

These two? God of war is fucking average as fuck, rdr2 is a masterpiece, there is so much diference its even cringe ti compare it

[@Daniel218lb]

I love both games! But RDR2, change my life! Love yah Arthur!

[@SyedAli-gl7jq]

I am a huge fan of god of war but rdr2 absolutely deserved game of the year

[@JohnJohn-pm9wq]

I'm always going to choose RDR2 over God of War since In enjoy RDR2 more but God of War was the better video game. RDR2 was inconsistent especially the Guarma section was so lackluster and unfinished. The story was phenomenal, the world was incredible, the details unmatched, but the core gameplay and missions were too much on rails. There was absolutely no variety in how you can approach a mission, I once accidently set on the wrong horse during a mission and the mission failed. It allowed for absolutely no freedom. This contradicted the open world sandbox nature of RDR2 whereas God of War embodied the action adventure perfectly with one of the most perfect combat balance I have ever seen in a video game

[@Daniel218lb]

​@@JohnJohn-pm9wq You Sr, spoke the truth!

[@Aryan-MNV-2000]

Extremely well-crafted video essay. Masterfully edited.

[@KeithVonFabre]

Let's just all agree that 2018 was the best year for games.

[@Yokaigamerz]

4 bangers I remember! Red dead 2 god of war spider man and smash ultimate!

[@Xyz-ht6fr]

​@@Yokaigamerzyou forgot Detroit become human

[@gustavonascimento1157]

2018 and 2023 are just the best years.

[@WaylonElstad]

2007.

[@turtle1579]

God of war gave me chills and happiness. Rdr2 gave me chills and depression

[@AceOfAnarchy]

If these two games came out just a year apart, there's no doubt they'd both would have claimed the title of GOTY. As much as I enjoyed GOW, which was a lot, RDR2 gave me the greatest gaming experience I've ever had.

[@SyedAli-gl7jq]

Agreed as a god of war fan

[@renaigh]

Roger Clark won best performance, that's enough for me.

[@bigpig2709]

Kinda funny how this time God of War: Ragnarök didn't win goty but Chris Judge won Best Performance which repeats the cycle

[@talentroller4413]

@@bigpig2709 of course chris judge won the only contendor game wise to ragnarok was elden ring which is a game that is not narrative driven and is purely an action rpg with emphasis on breath taking boss fights and no hand holdy exploration.

[@SunguBub]

It's about time I voice how much I dig your videos - not only the sheer volume of knowledge I gather from them, but the style, the editing and the excellent narration. This one caught me especially, because I too was somehow disappointed by RDRII not winning this trophy. Even more so, because I loved the GoW-Series on PS2, but for a long time couldn't connect as well with the 2018 game. But friends insisted, that I should hang on and they were absolutely right. I loved the first one and being close to the end of ragnarök at the moment, I don't want this game to end. It won't surpass RDRII in my personal attachment, my feelings toward the game (I'm curious which game will make that happen, if ever there will be one) but I completely agree with your opinion in this vid. Thank you very much and a big cheer from Germany!

[@miss_petrolhead]

Amazing video, as always. Can't wait for more!

[@picklebruda]

I think the reason the boat rides in Gow are more enjoyable than the horse rides is because of Mimirs stories/tales and are a bit shorter while rdr2 simple just has some dialogue that sometimes has meaing

[@yasqueen2285]

Rdr2 focuses on letting u absorb the environment and get more invested into the world with its music and immensely realistic and beautiful world. GoW focuses on moving the story forward and letting u know more about the characters. Rdr2 focuses on that to, just not between travel. Proof of this is iconic riding scenes when u get back from guarma and or the last ride

[@brenobonfim5749]

lol boat rides in GoW are a fucking slog.

[@kprocess9058]

boat rides > horse rides? what

[@JohnJohn-pm9wq]

I'm always going to choose RDR2 over God of War since In enjoy RDR2 more but God of War was the better video game. RDR2 was inconsistent especially the Guarma section was so lackluster and unfinished. The story was phenomenal, the world was incredible, the details unmatched, but the core gameplay and missions were too much on rails. There was absolutely no variety in how you can approach a mission, I once accidently set on the wrong horse during a mission and the mission failed. It allowed for absolutely no freedom. This contradicted the open world sandbox nature of RDR2 whereas God of War embodied the action adventure perfectly with one of the most perfect combat balance I have ever seen in a video game

[@arshiaknight7317]

​@@JohnJohn-pm9wqbruh

[@Stubrok]

Excellent video, a pleasant surprise to see on my feed. Thank you.

[@richiestang-ix1pv]

You did such an amazing job on this video that you’ve made me have a bigger understanding of both stories mostly god of war but you’ve elevated the game so much more just from your words and now I have a greater appreciation for the game

[@kieranyt8484]

Wonderful video here, you completely expressed your opinion about both games and kept me here for the entire video.

[@DiamondLotus210]

As always, incredibly well stated. Your videos never fail to capture and impress me. Great work.

[@StereoHead2.0]

That was a quality video Keep up the great work man ❤

[@RezSniper37]

Loved both games and Characters so much but I have to give it to God Of War. As a man trying to be better and leave who I used to be I just loved the message in GOW4 and in RDR2 but idk just something about god of war got me

[@AdriElric]

That ending made me laugh so much haha

[@rayanabid1303]

The music at 13:50 gives me chills everytime. I love GOW. I'm replaying it again, I haven;t played RDD2 Seems like a good game. I'll play that next.

[@Some_guy-on-the-internet]

Have you played it yet maybe not I’ll speed run 1 key factor it’s slow paced and the first chapter is Terrible because it’s more like a really long tutorial

[@NotTheRambo]

DId you play it yet

[@vrover_]

I loved this video and explanation I feel the same exact way but for god of war and elden ring. The game has moved me and connected with due to my relationship with my father growing up so the game speaks to me in so many ways I had to pay a tribute to it by making videos and montages that took months to make but I enjoyed it. The time spent in the world and story is amazing and ragnarok is my game of the year but I fully understand why elden ring won. So I relate to your quote “but _______ was my game of the year” well said 🙏

[@FFG_Lexa]

One thing. I love boating though Midgard and the other realms and if I played RDR2 I would love to ride the horse between missions. It’s calming to see how pretty the game looks. The sound of the water and mamirs tales along the way. In Spider-Man PS4 I would watch KZbin while doing the story but I never found myself turning on my phone because I was so hooked. Idk I like boating and looking at how pretty the world is. It’s why I love gow 2018

[@Mystic-Midnight]

Horse Riding between missions isn't entirely peaceful though cause open world events could have you getting robbed.

[@FFG_Lexa]

@@Mystic-Midnight bruh

[@rainbowcloudss_]

14:04 got a good laugh out of me 💀 I have to say that RDR2 SHOULD have won game of the year. I have played both and although I've enjoyed god of war thoroughly I personally am so much more connected to RDR2 and think the game has so much more to offer.

[@ironcladnomad5639]

The game that should've won did.

[@liquid1514]

@@ironcladnomad5639 what do you mean? rdr2 didn't win

[@kuro5041]

@@liquid1514 a game with clunky outdated shitty gameplay shouldn’t win an award about being the best game lmao simple as that

[@liquid1514]

@@kuro5041 good for you

[@davidcastanheira4361]

​@@liquid1514 exactly,he's right

[@highway_roadkill]

Rockstar Table Tennis has my 2023 GOTY vote

[@clint1144]

the engine that created GTA IV, Midnight Club LA, Red Dead Redemption, Max Payne 3, GTA V and Red Dead Redemption!!! truly the goat of games, game of the century.

[@Jeremy-bb1rq]

A truly amazing video as always. Have a nice day! :D

[@renaigh]

Salari has a great vid that goes into detail about Kratos & Arthur's identity as Men in video games.

[@iltisvlogt]

2018 was a great year of Video Games.

[@Crobian]

I haven't played GoW but even watching this video when you switched from the GoW footage to RDR2 it just evokes a feeling that no other game has achieved in terms of world building, immersion and sheer beauty. I would imagine what pushed GoW over the edge for the win in the eyes of game critics is that it had better gameplay than RDR2. The combat looks more nuanced, as well as the puzzles. As much as I love RDR2 it's more of an artistic masterpiece than a game. I found myself just slogging through the gunfights to get to the next cutscene because the story was so interesting while the actual game mechanics were pretty basic and tedious - follow the golden trail on minimap and then point and click to kill enemies. The world building, environments, weather effects, flora and fauna, animations, voice acting, music, characters, sound design and just sheer scope of the open world in RDR2 are unmatched and I think it is truly the best game ever made.

[@dedron7852]

I love your videos my guy your writing is unmatched

[@snnoop]

i only played gow a few months ago and found myself comparing it to rdr2 throughout the beginning bc i was salty that it won but later i forgot all about the comparisons and ended up loving the game

[@Yougotcaged102]

While my personal pick would have been RDR2, I can't say GoW winning Game of the Year was undeserved. So much effort was put into the game and the story and writing was superb. Both games have strengths and weaknesses, but either one could have been Game of the Year and I would say it was well earned

[@tomsin1417]

How about this year Elden Ring and God of war R. I heard Elden ring has the highest percent of GOTY award and the highest amount of awards. Does it desever it ?

[@gudboah4688]

That thumbnail deserves game of the year

[@josezepeda3253]

To be fair though I think what killed RDR2 was the studio rockstar itself. The lack of support of RDR online and the fact that many people have said they hated how much is in RDR2 to the point that they were playing sims. Granted i know this vid is a biased opinion but the level of detail is still astonishing for GOW plus you can just go into as much historical depth as you can just like the RDR vids you put up. Mythology played a huge role in early human history. I dont think its completely fair to compare these two games since theyre entirely different style wise. I imagine your opinion would be different if GOW got the RDR treatment of an open world GOW would easily blow RDR out of the water because now not only are you able to add some realistic depth to the game but with a flavor of Mythology wouldve been a sight to behold. But either way these games are well deserving of GOY

[@azuolasjarutis9211]

I played both of the games and both are great games but Red Dead Redemtion 2 was for me the best game i have played and i think it deserved game of the year

[@Jakeyisdead]

God of War, Spider-Man PS4 and RDR2 I remember that year and it was the best year for gaming I had ever experienced I usually base my game of the year rankings on what made me feel the widest range of emotions while also having great gameplay and I remember I felt so many things with all 3 of those games and while i would probably end up giving it to God of War they would have all been #1 if the others didn't come out that year

[@LEVEL_UP_SHOW]

RDR II definitely one of the 10 greatest games ever

[@arthuriii1638]

GOW did deserve it but it could have also gone to RDR2. They are both amazing and very different games. They both deserved and I am not angry about either one. Same as with GOW:Ragnarok and Elden Ring, both are amazing and deserve the hype they have.

[@shalimhasanrakhimhabibi4783]

From a huge gow fan, rdr2 deserved it and ragnarok deserved it over elden ring. Elden ring is my favorite rpg of all time and I’ve got way more hours on it but ragnarok is just as good with a perfect closure to a beloved character

[@semweerts]

I love both games but rdr 2 should have won Ps real pixels you content is amazing keep doing what you're doing

[@FernandoGarcia-rl6gj]

I played every gow game and when gow 2018 was announced and the teaser trailer was released it had me super hyped as im sure alot of people were especially sense it had been a while before we'd seen a gow game. The whole switch the norse mythology was genius, kratos has always had a strong character arc but in this game we see him trying to be better as kratos would say. Definitely deserved to win game of the year

[@walkmanboi465]

Got me wit that ending 🤣

[@slugintheclub]

the table TENNIS 🤪 … I’M THE FKN GOD OF WAR 😂 great analysis - i agree with you, ragnarok was also outstanding, i just wish the battle sequences during the war had more of a helms deep epic tier, it just didn’t scratch my itch 🌻

[@dssd7685]

ragnarok was a mess not epic odin was dumb he saw real prophecy about his dead and still didn't do anything lol

[@slugintheclub]

@@dssd7685 sequel - the next instalment will bring something on a bigger scope i am sure of it

[@dssd7685]

@@slugintheclub I hope so

[@ETibbs11]

Look, I watched my husband play both games first. I loved seeing both games. And then I started playing both games for myself. Then I finished RDR2. And then I played through RDR2 multiple times after. I haven't gone back to God of War even once and still haven't completed it. I think that says a lot. Yes, I loved God of War and continue to. But I go back to RDR2 almost whenever I can because even just riding around in that game is both parts relaxing and exciting. I don't want to go back to God of War when even just exploring still feels like checking things off of a list.

[@Novanityyy]

you know it's a good game when you can just roam the open world and take it all in

[@chester9718]

People : fight over games me : enjoy all of them

[@tigrispanthera5496]

fr

[@HelloMyNameIsZON3]

Both games are quite literally some of the best games ever made and that is what truly matters, these are two games all gamers should experience.

[@jackmorgan8914]

Yeh it did. I’m a massive fan of RDR and GoW but I have to say the RD community seems to be quite delusional when talking about how good they think RDR2 is. I suspect it comes from RDR2 being the first “top tier” game most people in that community have played and so have no reference point for what makes a game good or bad They haven’t played much else other than FIFA, cod etc etc. the fact is RDR2 has painfully limiting movement and gameplay mechanics. It tries to sell you on freedom of control but, at the same time, seeks to take control away from the player at every chance it gets. Every action you do results in a painfully slow animation sequence and the input delay tanks the game when it comes to more intense scenarios. I love RDR2 to bits but it’s far from GoW’s standards and as for it being “one of the best games of all time”? No. Haha The intro to the game alone debunks that claim

[@mujahidulislamsamy]

stop making me cry with every video of yours pls T_T

[@johnnysilverhand7774]

God of war 2018 is nothing short of a masterpiece, but rdr2 is genuinely perfect

[@RRC6490]

I’m perfectly fine with either GoW or RDR2 getting GOTY. Played both as soon as they released and one didn’t stand out above the other for me. If I ABSOLUTELY HAVE to pick one, I’d say GoW.

[@oliiverbetts]

The sequel feels less bloated when you take time to explore, particularly in Svartlheim or Vanaheim. It’s encourages not just by the game’s design but subtle prompts by Mimir or your companion such as Atreus to explore. The game constantly enforces this ‘return to Sindri’s house’ checkpoint system for progressing the main quest. Which can seem repetitive and less immersive and not as tightly paced as the first game. But I think it was probably done deliberately to make it so you have certain points throughout the game to take an hour or so to explore a realm or two before you continue on the quest of uncertain fate. Where as in the first game it made more sense to explore the open world once you finish. In fact I didn’t even realize there was an open world until a few hours into God of War 2018. I think one of the reasons the second game is paced this way is obviously due to Kratos’s apparent prophecy. Why would he rush to meet a fatal end? But also I think the second game is paced this way because once you finish a game I think you sometimes feel less inclined to delve right into to side quests.

[@harz4039]

I have said this many times before and i will say it again. God of war 4 literally changed my life. The reinvented combat and mechanics along with Kratos' path of redemption and all the heartless bloodshed from the past games and now trying to be better for his son touched me deeply in my heart and soul. It definitely deserved GOTY imo.

[@get-memed]

Gow hit different man. I played both and damn gow is good

[@obnoxiouszk3171]

i didn’t play god of war til 2022 just now starting rdr2 god of war has been my favorite game since playing it and god of war ragnarok is a super close 2nd but i’m liking rdr2 rn for sure

[@bondbarrybonds5774]

RDR2 is the best western medium of any kind, ever. The only negative thing I can say about it is it’s a prequel so I already know where the story is headed BUT the journey along the way is what makes this game. No other game in history was I so attached to its characters and once I got my footing it didn’t even feel like gameplay, I was living in this world as Arthur 😂 idk…some people told me it bored them

[@partlycloudy9443]

I have been playing video games since the Atari 2600 came out, and I have never played a game as immersive as RDR2. RDR2 is a game you have to take your time with in order to fully experience it's glory, sure some of its animations are long but, that's part of it's charm to me. You really feel like a gunslinger in the old west. If you are looking for a game to finish in a weekend this is not that game. If you take your time this game is an emotional roller coaster, you will laugh, cry and get angry. Best game I've played in the 40+ years of my gaming experiences.

[@Skills180cc]

Well quite a few years have passed now and the game with more replayability the one that isn't linear and has a lot of replay value is rated higher now but the 1 time experience we got from God of War is something special. The incredible music, amazing mythological world, refreshing combat, epic story and of course Kratos and boy. This was a 10/10 game first time playing.

[@user-bg1ls5cd1h]

Fr red dead aged so much better. I still see people talking about Arthur and the game way more than I have gow and kratos

[@doctormahrio5226]

Y'know something, once i got a PS4 the only 2 games i bought on it, and what were the only games i had on it was Red Dead 2 and God Of War.

[@LEVEL_UP_SHOW]

God of War 2018 saved a studio from shuting down, RDR 2 It was just more money for Rockstar My vote is both games

[@skubo]

Oh man, what a great conclusion to come to. There is always a lot of nuance in those topics and some people seem to have either forgotten or never learned that not getting an award does not lessen the experience we had with a game. They tend to defend their personal favorite in a way that tries to push down something else, which is kind of out of touch if you ask me. My number 1 priority when gaming is fun, at all times. Where is the fun in obsessing in a negative way like that.

[@bricelevai8520]

I think both stories are absolutely outstanding. Gameplay in god of war and the fact it reinvented itself so successfully takes the cake for game of the year. Deserved, but very close

[@nomorepartiezz]

Both are absolute 10/10s but God of War is better as a *video game* in my opinion. The combat is more varied and complex. The world and level design is so intricate, the way the lake grows and changes and unlocks over time is magnificent. RDR2 is more immersive and is basically a cowboy simulator with an incredibly written slow burn story. God of War’s story might not be as impressive but on top of everything I mentioned we have to remember how impressive it is that God of War completely reinvented a dormant franchise from the top down within five years. Absolutely stunning accomplishment.

[@StarlightLancer01]

I love how the thumbnail is just two big bearded men grappling.

[@badgerpatcher]

As much as I love RDR2, the greek old fart steals the gas for me.

[@sarmento5332]

As much as I love Read Dead 2, Gow is my favorite game of all time for a reason, so I think it deserved it 100%

[@chrisjohnson1561]

Between God of War, Spider-Man, and RDR2, 2018 was the last year of truly great games.

[@herobrinegreek9493]

I haven't played RDR2 and i don't plan to, it doesn't seem interesting to me so i cannot say who deserved GOTY, what i know is that this accomplishment made Santa Monica work even harder for GOW: Ragnarök, making it the masterpiece we all loved

[@madnessmp4]

Both are two magical games. I think both deserved it, and it’s the only game awards where I didn’t mind which one won. I do believe red Dead probably would’ve won if the judges had more time. It’s not just the story in red dead but the world building and all the interactions that truly make it so fantastic. God of war is more streamlined so I guess they got more out of the game in the timeframe they had to play it. 2018 was a great year for gaming, so was 2015😊

[@live_kaito_reaction]

If you're into more realistic/grounded stories, you should definitely check out the yakuza/like a dragon series. They can have some absurd elements, but they tend to balance it really well with the gritty crime drama-ness and tell a really captivating story with them

[@chris_player2995]

yeah most of the absurd stuff is in the side missions

[@AaronBiswas]

I hate japanese culture

[@Yougotcaged102]

I did not just hear "realistic/grounded" and "Yakuza" in the same sentence

[@John-996]

I Think Kingdom Come Is good one to check out if you Love RDR2.

[@temp1326]

@@Yougotcaged102 I was just about to say

[@paladinsteele]

As a fan of gow and rdr since revolver and gow 1 i think both deserved it honestly

[@lukebocko]

I had a very similar experience to you, finally sat down and played Gow and Ragnarök this year, that same curiosity drove me to play those terrific games. While Rdr2 slightly outranks both of the newer god of wars for me, all three games are masterpieces. Thank you for putting in the time to review GOW.

[@josh043p6]

GoW deserved it more. Both are equally great in story, characters, and world design. But GoW has vastly better gameplay. In fact, I'd say RDR2 has terrible gameplay. Controlling Arthur was awful and the missions were so on rails, you might as well have been doing a shooting gallery at the carnival. The shooting felt worse compared to the original. Rockstar really needs to work on their mission design. There's very little player agency or improvisation

[@captainjacksparrow1518]

I think RDR2 is good on its own. GoW however goes all out to impress its fanbase. Me being one of them. That's why I pick GoW

[@tomhasflow2562]

If you like norse mythology try out assassins creed valhalla! I really enjoyed the mythology stuff in that one

[@AH-co9fs]

I prefer rdr2 but gow deserved goty because it innovatived more/took bigger risks, compared to rdr which is very similar to rockstar's other successful games

[@John-996]

RDR2 pushed the bar more for open worlds, The NPC interaction and reactions, Level of detail. During My second playthrough i Came across a Random event With a woman I had the choice to help her or decline but there was also another hidden Option to turn her in. once I turned in a some time later I Saw Her about to hanged I killed the lawmen. As I went to free her I saw an option to hang her and she actually reacted when I got Close. The open world is increable reactive and alive even seeing Wolf mourn its dead friend or a bird pick a fish out of water. God of war had Know choice but to change the game before Ot failed badly. RDR2 felt more unique with it being like a wild west simulator it feels differnt from the first game as also take inpriation from more modern westerns than RDR1. RDR2 was a better sequel than Ragnorock as it really surpassed RDR1 in many areas. Ragnorock was great but it did not feel like a huge jump over 2018. God of war 2018 was great in the sense that they did something new With it. But that was After 4 God of war games Plus spin offs. On top of that RDR1 was already open world. While God of war 3 was not So 2018 had more ways to innovate by making it open world. Sure you could say 2018 changed did more for innovation. But RDR2 set the bar higher for open worlds. God of war did not really do much to set the bar in any area it was great but it really did not do much for the industry.

[@robyfaraa4105]

@@John-996 it pushed the bar of immersion but not gameplay at all. Good examples of open worlds reinventing open worlds are zelda botw and elden ring. Gow not only completly change their prevous games formula and succeeded, it also had good story, graghics, gameplay, combat etc but redr2 only had a good story and immersion. While i did prefer rdr2 to win, you cant deny gow 2018 as a overal package of a game is better

[@John-996]

@@robyfaraa4105 It also pushed the bar for gameplay as far as interactivity Goes the way you can talk interact With the world. Also really set a new bar for horse riding gameplay. Maxpayne 3 set The Bar for TPS games so RDR2 was hardly going to reach that The Warriers is one of the best beat em ups and Manhunt has some of the best stealth executions in any game so of course RDR2 is not going to match But the Physics in RDR2 are top Notch. At the end of the day the open world in an open world is the most important. On Top that the story of arthur is tied into how you act in the open world which changes who he is as a person. In works better as a video game story than God of war. There is so much RDR2 does that just make it better game over all than God of war there is so much more than just combat in RDR2. While God of war is more of a pure combat game which is fine. Honestly comparing The Two is Hard as they focus on differnt things. RDR2 is better compared with Kingdom Come while God Of war is better compared to the souls games and Devil May Cry games.

[@John-996]

@@robyfaraa4105 Also Elden Ring has done Has done Nothing For Open world games BOTW wild has but it did not do anything just really pushed the bar for environment interaction same with Witcher 3 which pushed the bar for side quests. Elden Has not done anything New Morrowind did the no map makers years ago. There are open worlds that are more alive, More dynamic, Better Quests, Open worlds with more things to do, worlds that are more interactive, open worlds with better stories. Kingdom come was innovative in allot ways having to spend hours training to get good at the combat, Also the side quests and quests have so many ways to compelete them you can follow any enemeie home wait for them to fall alsleep pick their lock and kill them while they are sleeping. On Hardcore mode you actually have to follow the Starts to Find your way. You also need to use blunt weapons on some people as swords while noy ways be effective. Honestly no game at this point is going to be GTA3 but RDR2 sets a high bar in many areas as does witcher 3, Kingdom come, BOTW and so. Honestly being able to talk your self out trouble with a random witness in RDR 2 with out being trapped in cutscene like in Kingdom come or skyrim is something that has so much potentail in the future allot games like Witcher 3 have dialogue in quests but once in the open World non of this is possible so you can never diffuse these situations. The camp system in RDR2 is allot innovative for story telling it adds so much to chracters without the need for cutscenes. Also haing the camp react when you have been gone to long and come to find you. Or having random encounter side quests linked to the camp like bill being captured by bounty hunters shows you can have side quests That are more dynamic and less static. Having evolving events that you can impact or not geting involed like on my first playthrough a house was never bulit because he needed the funds to do which I was able to help out with on my second playthrough. Having NPC that also react to yoy differently if you are drunk or carry a dead body or wear a silly outfit puts RDR2 so far ahead of Other open worlds. Killing a rabbit and having Stolen by an eagle or kill a bird and seeing vultures come down on my for another aminals to chase them off, going to shows amd actually being able to get involed or mess them up. Feeding some one to a gator or seeing a prisoner and wondering if you can turn them in only to find out you can. The fact the game does not even tell you this. Or fact that some encounters have mutiple outcomes and NPCs React to so many different things like an NPCs slow bleeding out and I pull a revolver and he begs me to kill him I then switch to a shotgun and he begs me not to do it. Even the way you can interact with your horse and how the horse Ai reacts to the world. RDR2 is far ahead of other open worlds With how it respones to tje player it does so much more for the open world genere than a game like Elden Ring that has incredibly lifeless NPCs. Dont get me Wrong Eden ring has done something New for souls Type games but for open worlds as whole it has done nothing New and has also not pushed the bar higher. It is not about doing something New With Open worlds but more so pushing the bar for interactivity in open worlds videogames are all about interactivity and games like RDR2 and BOTW push this bar in different ways. I hope open wolrds canà go much further i Think the nemesis system has potential with some improvments.

[@robyfaraa4105]

@@John-996 again, immersion lmao. All you said proved my point, red dead raised the bar for emersion not gameplay. The gameplay of red dead is bland as hell, so if we are talking about game of the year would a game with bland as hell gameplay win? And you talking about how other games didnt raise that bar really says what needed to be said about your very biased opinion. ill say it again, you are only talking about immersion lol.

[@lenny_boxx4206]

The thing that made me Love God of War tge Norse saga is the fact that you have a fantasy setting with fantasy races yet these characters act like people ypu see everyday from Brok to Mimir its like listening to them talk is what made me love the Norse saga story wise I just love the idea of fantasy settings and characters with the tone and writing style of shows like Better Call Saul, The Sopranos and Breaking Bad

[@Some_guy-on-the-internet]

Breaking bad and Bcs are written by the same bince villigan

[@aaronlitchfield2341]

Both stories are about redemption. Both protagonists are violent men trying to amend for what they’ve done. Both protagonists strive to provide a better life for the people they care about. I’d say the pacing is more palatable in God of War and the world is more enthralling in Red Dead, but you could honesty just chalk it up to their respective genres. Honestly both games were neck and neck for me until the epilogue of RDR2, but John himself is one of the best protagonists of all time. The fact that the epilogue gives the right amount of fan service, ties up loose ends, and sets in motion John’s eventual death as a consequence for his violent actions the SAME way Arthur’s death was set in motion by his violent actions is what really sets them apart for me. That being said, Kratos hasn’t finished his character arc yet, which I’m very excited for.

[@jamesharrington6736]

God of war was a masterpiece,, well deserved of GOTY

[@PolarbearYGT]

Gameplay is King. Visuals and story can be achieved with movies as well. God of war deserved it

[@John-996]

RDR2 has more on other from a gameplay perspective. Juat being able to rob someone without having to pull a gun or defuse a situation or tie someone up or stealth take down or hand to hand, kinfe fight gun fight or dynamite or other gameplay features like fishing, poker and so on.

[@gtmo55mack20]

@@1DiXXIe1I care about story more why play it if the story isn’t good

[@ncn3449]

@@gtmo55mack20 Than watch a movie, a game should have gameplay first before story since well its a game Gow4 gameplay felt wayyyy better than Rdr2 and u can't deny unless you are a real fanboy thats why gow4 won it felt more like a game than rdr2 but if rdr2 won it still whould be a dub in my books its an amazing game with an amazing story but gameplay was lacking

[@gtmo55mack20]

@@ncn3449 nah

[@Soldierboytrey]

I think because rdr2 came out so late in 2018, they didn’t have enough time to fully explore and appreciate the massive world rockstar created.

[@CooldonkeyK31]

The vikings is a perfect setting for a game in my opinion

[@Shtummyyy]

I think the kicker for who deserves it really goes towards the legacy of the dev teams. Rockstar has done very little to change up their formula.. from a mission standpoint rdr2 has extremely lackluster gameplay however it does a good job immersing you in the world. The narrative is what really makes it goty. However god of war completely changed formulas. from a hack and slash genre to a semi linear open world rpg. The narrative was amazingly crafted and the greater world building was amazing. rdr2 feels like a very safe game in comparison.

[@mickeynotmouse]

At that time, I thought they were both deserving of GOTY. But in hindsight, I still find myself replaying and thinking about RDR2 to this day, even more so than GOW2, which came out even more recently

[@AokoEnjoyer]

I personally love both and while I think that overall rdr2 had the better story and writing, gow 2018 was the return of a very beloved series(a very ambitious one as well with the big changes), had better gameplay with combat, movement, mechanics, and the one shot camera. As well as brining massive development to a character who in the original games was seen as a mindless brute(even though he was much more that that) and a great antagonist being baldur, strong opening fight with him as well, and great final act, it definitely deserved the goty award in my opinion. But this argument is the exact same as discussing which should have won goty 2022(GoWR & Elden Ring) where 2 damn near perfect games are contenders where it can go one way or the other and I’ll be happy either way Boy this was wrong but I felt it a good place to write my feelings on this topic

[@ashtontaylor5009]

Rdr 2 aye classic it will never be matched but I like the way you broke it down it the video

[@bobbyshmurda4945]

Rdr2 is def in top five if not top three games of all time. It’s for sure the best game i will probably ever play.

[@Omnicortisol]

never has a game jumped so easily and immediately into my top 10 than RDR2. GOW was good too, but the emotions I felt during RDR2 are incomparable

[@spotpotama6261]

Red Dead Redemption 2 is literally my favorite single player game. The world’s details, the music, the amazing characters, and beautiful story take my breath away. I’m still learning new things about Red Dead 2 almost daily with new interactions and secrets found in KZbin videos in my feed. I love God of War, but I think Red Dead Redemption 2 should’ve gotten game of the year.

[@farel6406]

2018 had a Battle between two Great Game

[@farel6406]

Played both, but Rdr2 stil got place in my heart

[@Mike23443]

red dead redemption 2 didn't win over god of war because it is not the game of the year. It wasn't then. It ages like a fine wine. When I first played it I liked it, but it didn't blow my mind. It wasn't until later that it did. Because when I played it again, I liked it even more, and I saw it in a completely different light. I understood so much more. I related with so many more things. The things I at first thought tedious became wistful indulgences. For a large part of the first game, if you play it blind, you get annoyed by all the time consuming bloat and travel. Then when you play it again, you appreciate it for what it is, which is time spent with Arthur. Time spent with the gang before everything went to shit. The game just gets better with time, and it helped that after a few years of patches, optimization, better hardware releases and addition of DLSS it became that much more accessible and beautiful. I couldn't extract all of its value in the first year of its release. It wasn't physically possible. And the people who made the game knew that this was going to be a factor. They created a game so good and solid that the world had to catch up to its quality. But you can't win game of the year a year or two after release. And it released in October. If it had been pushed to January 2019, released into the first wave of covid, it would have swept the award with a higher margin than any other game ever has. Probably.