I strongly recommend: God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla (Review)

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Sure, it's really good and it's free - but that stuff isn't what makes God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla so special.
Video written and voiced by Ralph P, edited by Stuart K.
#Review #GodofWar #Valhalla
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[@SkillUp]

Thank you Manscaped for sponsoring this video. Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code SKILLUP at Manscaped.com. That’s 20% off with free shipping at manscaped.com and use code SKILLUP. Happy New Year to your Balls!

[@GeremyG]

Hard to argue with the price of free

[@penumbrum3135]

Not free if you have to buy a console and game to access it. 😉

[@regular-user]

Really? How else are you supposed to play a dlc of something if you don't own the platform and game, you entitled nutjob? Some people have the most ridiculous arguments 🤦‍♂️

[@ratchetryda]

And internet and a house while we are being pedantic @penumbrum3135

[@ninjakiwi2476]

​@@penumbrum3135so then literally every single game in existence that's labelled as "free" isn't free???? These devs straight up lying to us wtf

[@cairax23]

​@@ratchetryda don't forget the price of the food and water giving us calories that necessary in fueling us through our game session as we play this non-free game.

[@MikeHeldTheWorld]

Kratos- 12% body fat Skill up- "he's got a Dad bod"

[@Calafan87]

I literally said the same thing hahahah. I was like "He's go a dad bod?! What?! Kratos is hella ripped, lol".

[@LinktheSamoyed]

came to write something like this and you beat me to it... in the words of Joe Rogan "he is jaaaaaacked"

[@ihaveasecret9539]

Damn I need to become a dad PRONTO.

[@nailinthefashion]

Then I am an amoeba even though I curl 40lbs one handed hahahahah

[@joaniepepin4968]

Ralph is coping hard, haha!

[@sully408]

Fun fact: Santa Monica studios challenged themselves to make this DLC in a year, but they've managed to make it in 9 months instead. That is pretty incredible, it takes great execution in every department and careful planning to pull something like this off in such a short amount of time so hats off to them!

[@ChosenOne-il4bm]

Really lool It’s the same location You die And die again Doing th same shit For 5 cut scenes

[@eigmatic8166]

​@@ChosenOne-il4bm bro is salty be absent he can't beat it.

[@equinoxXIII]

@@ChosenOne-il4bm Game is free and people will still complain....

[@sully408]

@@ChosenOne-il4bm Some locations repeat yes, I have no idea if u were even paying attention at all but theres alot of encouragement for builds and experimentation that can be super fun and rewarding, I died 5 times my entire playthrough, its not that hard this DLC has alot to offer lol. If u don't like it that's fine too :>)

[@sully408]

@@eigmatic8166 tbh His point might be valid, I have a personal vendetta against the harpies in this game, for the life of of me i will not understand of all greek enemies why they brought THOSE back. 😭

[@dtanobo]

Delivering such a detailed epilogue about Kratos confronting his past through a free roguelite dlc is genius

[@alesdrobek2512]

Is the epilogue part confirmed? No more Kratos after this?

[@ozz2762]

​@@alesdrobek2512 no he will be back for part 3 100 percent. Its an Epilogue to the game not to His story

[@TheBigJame_]

@@ozz2762 There is no "part 3" The Norse saga is done. Whatever comes next is a new story. a new beginning.

[@JFTSwiertz]

​@@TheBigJame_ Ok, part 6.

[@XxWolfxWaRioRxX]

​@@TheBigJame_They've already showed what's next it's gonna be Egypt, Mayan and then Japan and I can't wait for all of em

[@yamradnong]

You know it great when free dlc gets chill up reviews

[@yelsu3358]

Wonder if they actually made more off of new sales than they would've off the DLC. Personally I only bought the game because of all the pre release hype around the Valhalla DLC and I'm currently working my way through the game so I can finally get to play it. I bought the game for about 40USD, so my purchase was worth 2 DLC sales if they had put it up $20 for example

[@nattobaby]

@@yelsu3358 they got that cash infusion from that live-action tv series they are brewing

[@Comicbroe405]

​@@yelsu3358If more ppl like you exist, definitely.

[@Wav03]

@@yelsu3358I mean maybe? I don’t really see people buying the game for this dlc if they weren’t already interested in the story of god of war

[@yelsu3358]

@@Wav03 you're probably right

[@TelicSyndrome]

i think the biggest thing this DLC made me realize is that the best DLC for a game happens when it tries to be different. Almost all DLC just adds more of the stuff you already know to a game. Like Horizon did with Forbidden Shores. It's nice, but you're going through motions you are very familiar with. This DLC pulls you out of what you've come to known for the past 2 god of war games, and tries something new for the series. I wish more games would do stuff like this.

[@goattea9080]

I agree. It helps keep us more invested this way. This was such a great dlc.

[@nailinthefashion]

It takes God of War budget though. They're millionaires and richer than most so they get to be more ambitious amd take risks. Zero Dawn did what was possible and even then there were a ton of glitches and limitations. Ironically, Burning Shores DID take risks but with the story. Tackling romance is hard. They did it perfectly. They gave players a choice, and told an incredible story.

[@zElement7]

Another great example of a DLC like this is Mooncrash for Prey, I absolutely loved my experience playing that!

[@giomjava]

Dishonored 1 and 2 did this as well -- freshen things up 👌

[@latima123ify]

I dont think a DLC has to be completely different from the main game to work though. There are instances where you can do something different but they dont always work. HFW burning shores did plenty different while having the core of the main game and it was great

[@TheWorldIsMineForTheTaking]

My absolute favorite line from GOW is "If you are to sail, do it toward somewhere" I feel like it's a lesson for them both in that moment.

[@elibeeblebrox1084]

My favorite is when Mimir says "you'd better start picking heavy things up and puttin' em back down" when Atreus asks when he'll have a physique like Kratos

[@chojthoj08]

So many wise words from Kratos... example. "If you are not better than me, then I had failed".

[@StillWeRide]

​@@elibeeblebrox1084😆

[@saud8620]

What an intro Ralph 👏🏼, your writing never stops to amaze me

[@kroth92]

He was amazing in this one

[@n8doggy733]

hit close to home for me, i was a troubled youth who messed up and ended up wearing the Blue and Gold of the CDC for seceral years. ❤

[@bluwzrdisgreedy234]

Nevermind that he got the description of rouge-likes and -lites backwards.

[@gavo7911]

@@bluwzrdisgreedy234Oh no, a tiny slipup that can be easily ignored in a 20 minute video, the horror

[@raphaelgarcia1985]

You also spelled rogue wrong so ...​@@bluwzrdisgreedy234

[@jeremyp5210]

This DLC made me appreciate Tyr as a character.

[@CQchaos7474]

Same. In the base game he was just an insufferable hippie. Even if it wasn't really him

[@chrishopkins6406]

Absolutely agree with it forcing you to use the skills. I learned more about the combat system in 6 hours than I did playing 100+ hours in 2018 and Ragnarok. Had such a great time I rebooted the main game, upped the difficulty and had a blast playing through the story again.

[@666slateran666]

Says more about you than the game

[@futuredozer1735]

Nah​@@666slateran666

[@Ouwesnuifduif1]

Gow is one of the few games i play on hardest dificulty. The combat sandbox is so much more rewarding and you are forced to play with multiple styles to overcome it

[@BrorFraNord]

This is the main reason why I always play these type of games on the hardest difficulty. It forces you to use and learn everything. You can't beat the berserkers on give me god of war just spamming R1.

[@luisalmanza119]

totally agree man. I’d say I had a good grasp on the combat before and always used al weapons, but Valhalla really encouraged me to “Master Myself”

[@Chispa9119]

Truly outdid yourself with the writing of that intro. As a person with a past you sold me on not just Valhalla and therefore Ragnarok, but also to look for the documentary itself. Keep it up!

[@neilk]

For real, probably his best opening monologue ever ngl

[@rainer516]

Came here to point this out. His best work yet.

[@GoodWill94]

Fun fact: This free DLC is actually longer than the last CoD campaign

[@Huzsar]

Last campaign? You mean nearly every CoD campaign.

[@Panthro-lo2lh]

If Kratos has a "dad-bod" I'm in trouble.

[@matthewsymington2646]

Was just thinking that bro

[@beck7607]

Same!

[@CQchaos7474]

Yeah man, I'm built like Thor. That's a dad bod.

[@kewlbot]

dude that name drop of the documentary as the review begins was actually so good

[@TjinDeDjen]

7:53 I think you switched the definitions of rogue likes and rogue lites there. Rogue likes are the unforgiving ones, since they are closer to the original rogue formula without any meta progression etc. The different definitions of what makes a rogue like or lite seem to change a bit over time, but generally rogue likes are pretty much always the less forgiving ones.

[@sunrelease]

Yep, thank you, I thought I was going crazy for a second.

[@eggcitedbro]

Yeah that’s my impression too, was confuse by that point

[@R4MM3RNZ]

I caught that too but wasn't 100% sure

[@solipsist3D]

Indeed has mixed the definitions up

[@Girvo747]

Yep he got ‘em backward. Oh well, I think we knew what he was getting at anyway :)

[@Alex-ug9wx]

Santa Monica have not only produced a fantastic take on this franchise by GoW (2018), but, by Ragnarok and NOW THIS, have proven that it wasn’t just a fluke or a miraculous coincidence. What a great way to give some resolution and, more importantly, reassurance to all consumers- and overall just a great way to build rapport between the customer base and their every action from here on out. I feel genuinely privileged to be living during this period of high quality development that we get from this studio. Bungie should take notes.

[@Monox1de7]

I just wanna say how much i appreciate your Narration! whether its you alone or a crew making a script your narration is top tier.

[@stinsonboyz2]

It's videos like this that is at the heart of why I love your channel... This Crafted Work That You Gave Us Is A Masterpiece.

[@theveryrealbarto]

Hot damn, that intro was slick. Taking another, very different work and connecting it so elegantly to the topic at hand. Well done, Ralph!

[@zeruszephuros5419]

Not only the develolers are SO detailed throughout everything including the quest titles, you're also amazing for discovering them&conveying it to let us know!!

[@meizanmestech]

Played Ragnarok & Vahalla DLC. Resonate strongly with me to my core. "who you was not always who you have to be" is something i still struggle with. As sad & emotional the game make me, i able to finish them without shedding a tear. Until this video opening monolog. I'm a mess. It was cathartic. Thank you Ralph

[@NightRogue77]

That journey is the toughest you will take, and it can feel unrewarding and isolating as you uncover your own secrets and begin to understand the world around you better, for better and for worse. But I maintain that, regardless of difficulty, there is no more fascinating or rewarding a journey, than the one that can be taken within

[@nailinthefashion]

I hope you've played classics like Infamous, Second Son, Prototype that tackle similar themes!

[@iStayReddy]

I absolutely love your video making /essay writing style - that introduction and the way you linked that to your points about the game was truly a stroke of writing genius. 10/10 video ✨

[@Lucien135]

So went from ship metaphors to prison metaphors. This my friends is called character development.

[@xanderfulton3186]

So that Baldur’s Gate review coming out any day now right?

[@cristopher8186]

I’m still waiting for that starfield review

[@DragonHeart613]

I honestly don't get why he hasn't reviewed 2023's undisputed GOTY.

[@ollyhodges]

He spoke about that in the last podcast

[@DragonHeart613]

@@ollyhodges What did he say? Details Please?

[@jamiefroud633]

@@kidnamedfinger2625Actually no, he loved the game, but he doesn’t know how to talk about it. So many people have already done reviews so he doesn’t want to repeat the same thing. After multiple rewrites he’s not happy with his script, so he might just leave it be. He loves the game, that’s for certain.

[@Noah-yq5sy]

I never comment on videos, but that was so beautifully said. I'll for sure be checking this out before the end of the year. Thanks Ralph & team for all of your hard work always.

[@pierretadrus5285]

Uh slight confusion at around 7:55 where you mix up roguelites and roguelikes. Roguelites are the easier ones with meta progression where roguelikes usually lack that boost between run power. Seeing Hades there for rougelike might be from its marketing but it is a roguelite. @SkillUp. Edit:Spelling

[@rebotsomat]

im so glad someone else noticed that. Its even implied it the name: lite vs like. Likes try to be more like Rogue, lites kind of try to be like it. Hilariously enough, even though Ive played plenty of both, Ive never played Rogue.

[@zapspeed]

THIS. I mean, I'd argue that neither genre is any indication of the difficulty per-say. But the meta-progression in Rogue-lites can indeed often give a way to build your way up to overcome challenges that you may be lacking the skill to beat. And yeah, as you say, for some reason games often get mislabelled as Rogue-likes when they're very clearly Rogue-lites, or labelled as both. I wonder if it's to do with marketing departments not liking the word "lite" in the name, maybe they think it implies that it's not a full game or something... Or maybe they just honestly don't know any better. That said, the official PlayStation website's page for this game does very clearly say: "[...] replayable adventure that blends the beloved combat from God of War Ragnarök with brand new elements inspired by the **roguelite** genre." so... maybe it was just a simple mixup when writing the script.

[@pierretadrus5285]

@@zapspeed yeah I am fairly certain it was a script mixup. My theory is he checked out Hades again and got confused by the trailer calling it a godlike roguelike. But yeah could also just be a simple typo/mixup while scripting. Though on the other point I do somewhat disagree. Part of the meta progression elements basically guarantee eventual success (given a high enough ceiling) while I have played roguelikes that I suspect I will never beat without copious amounts of luck or practise. Sure you can have roguelites that can be harder than roguelikes but the meta progression elements I think will almost always eventually make the roguelite easier.

[@nopenope7777]

You deserve every subscriber you get including myself. Stellar work for everyone at skillup. Might be one of the best intros ive ever seen to a review.

[@aiwash2766]

The correlation of The Work was absolutely brilliant I dint even know about this till this video

[@brandond40]

The way you connected your intro to the DLC at 5:50 was pretty epic

[@FreemanEffect]

Valhalla Kratos is basically facing his own teaching to Atreus in the first game: "Do not be sorry. Be Better"

[@aspinnycracker]

Finished it tonight. The fact that this DLC is free and made in 9th months is absolutey amazing

[@Stealthoneill]

I was worried when Ragnarok ended the Norse sage but playing this reminded me of just how great that studio can be with what they create and I know I’ll be along for the ride.

[@MtlRocker]

I also respect that Santa Monica didn't try to squeeze a trilogy out of the Norse Saga. The story across the two games was well paced.

[@StillWeRide]

Same here. Being able to see real Tyr and Kratos together is just amazing. The world they built in these games is just sl addictive.

[@buddhistpossum3462]

I always thought "rogue-lites" where the forgiving ones, allowing for meta progression, and "rogue-likes" are the brutal ones, do to them being like their namesake, Rogue. Have I been wrong this whole time?!

[@DoomsdayMayBeOkay]

Pretty sure he misspoke there, you are right.

[@largebaboon5559]

nope you are correct, rogue lites retain elements that make each run a bit easier than the last, rogue likes usually throw you in the mix with the same starting point every run, or at the very least no possible upgrades

[@gabeh711]

Ralph you purveyor of sweet serenader of game reviewers. You almost lost me with the jail reference at the beginning, but DAMN at the end your review struck gold in my heart my friend!! You're a bloody genius, please don't ever change. 🙂

[@johncra8982]

that final monologue man... Chris Judge delivering the year's best performance and it's in a free DLC at the end of December 🤌 also love how they keep hinting at stuff between Kratos and Freya, I'd love to see the next game feature them as King and Queen, maybe intervening in a war between multiple other pantheons as a peacemaker power couple.

[@chrishackney9512]

Excellent, excellent analysis. One of your best reviews to date.

[@mkdmc]

This doesn’t feel like a review, this is one of your most well written videos ever. Cheers ralph, I had a great time with Valhalla too.

[@ClipperFanW]

Bro you didn't even watch the full video yet💀. Guess you gotta farm your likes lmao

[@mkdmc]

@@ClipperFanWi had written this comment about half way through, after i had finished the intro which i felt to be well written and expressive, moreso than his normal videos, but go off i guess ? be miserable?

[@ClipperFanW]

@@mkdmc Whatever helps your jobless self sleep at night. Keep making excuses I guess?

[@ami4040]

Great review. I really like the story analysis rather than just focusing on the directly visible game elements. Really adds value to the game itself.

[@chickenmonkey6526]

What a fantastic and expertly written review. The work tie-in was awesome! Skillup is at the top of the game.

[@Starpluckr]

I remember before its release, one of my very few hangups with the 2018 reboot of GOW was the recasting of Kratos. I liked TC’s performance and wondered why they didn’t bring him back. Well it became evident the moment the opening sequence played out. No disrespect to TC of course. I think he was perfect for the younger, louder, outwardly angry Kratos. Chris Judge was the PERFECT casting for Kratos as an older man, equally burdened by the consequences of his past and the weight of responsibility for raising his son to never repeat his mistakes. A man already carrying the loss of one child, and trying desperately not to experience that loss yet again. The subtle deconstruction of masculinity that SMS created might be one of the greatest storytelling achievements in all of AAA gaming.

[@saniakshay12]

What happens when you have a team of creatives who have been involved with character since the beginning. It is incredible. 10 years agon Kratos was the butt of jokes for being an angry man, now he is one of gamings most focused and well written characters.

[@ACivilizedGorilla]

This is incredible journalism, beyond the typical gaming journalism. Skillup made that connection between the documentary and the game and described them beautifully

[@heinzwitdasauce4710]

Yh that was so fucking cold

[@Scarecr0wn]

This intro was a nice throwback to days of Ralph talking about ships and whatever before getting to the gamz

[@WendlerTV]

The fact theres meta progression that rewards you to play another game playthrough, is absolute genius

[@ModestPavement]

That's every rouguelike.

[@sunrelease]

Yeah idk what this dude is talking about, this is literally a *defining* feature of what makes a game a rogueLITE vs. a roguelike (skillup got it backwards lol)@@ModestPavement

[@Evanz111]

Being able to shoot bullets in an FPS is genius according to your metric :’)

[@WendlerTV]

@@ModestPavement i was being vague intentionally to avoid spoilers. But the fact theres rewards specifically tied to this DLC, that you unlock on completion to go back to the core game with is nice. im not talking about the basic roguelike mechanics

[@WendlerTV]

@@Evanz111 the point wasnt talking about how rogues work, it was me being vague to avoid spoiling rewards that you unlock going back to NG+ of the core game. But you got me!

[@serjofcinder8925]

It's one of the best experiences I've had this year, ridiculous that this was free and that borefest dlc for horizon was 25quid. Great job Santa Monica

[@aspinnycracker]

Activision's borefest DLC was even more expensive!

[@jonascelentano9251]

Hey, burning shores was awesome! But ,yeah compared to Vallhalla its hilarious it wasn't free

[@Coldstone666]

Santa monica are in a better position to not charge. I’d gladly spend &25 to support Guerrilla games .

[@DanteRU0312]

I wonder if there was ever a time when people could praise one good thing without insulting another good thing.

[@BlackJeww2]

Burning Shores was pretty good. Mostly.

[@antisocialgamer1599]

Great review. The intro was particularly insightful

[@FluxCrush]

We haven't had a "boat metaphor" intro in awhile, a welcomed throwback 😎

[@punishedvenomsnake716]

Such an incredible DLC and I totally wasn't expecting its release or formatting but it was perfect. The story fit perfectly with the recurring journeys of Valhalla, covering more and more of Kratos' past and figures from it with each.

[@moshpiler123]

Masterful review! Mate u are the only person I've found doing this who truly elevates game reviews into an art form

[@StephenFord]

Ralph’s writing is just on another level. Every time he drops a video like this I’m like, begging him to write movies.

[@DanielShawCosman]

You, sir, are a genius. Your content is often so well constructed that I am reminded of my University days writing essays. Well done!

[@Synchro789]

What a well-made, thoughtful review. Appreciate the depth! New subscriber sent from MrMattyPlays, but loving the content and the community. Keep up the great work! 🔥

[@elemde689]

This might be one of the best videos you have ever done Ralph

[@FrankDAlvarezB]

Your writing keeps getting better and better, Ralph.

[@braytastic]

These are the best written game reviews on KZbin, hell some of the best written reviews in general. Actually mind-boggling you can make a grown man cry in a review for free DLC from a year old game. You're a creative inspiration and a hell of an artist Ralphie. Thank you big time, wasn't going to bother going back and just watch a lets player go through it but here I am installing it right after.

[@habibainunsyifaf6463]

The final monologue and when Kratos sat then flinched a bit before relaxing... I teared up.

[@Shawnpo76]

Damn that was an amazing review,, thoroughly enjoyed it and thanks for doing all the work

[@RobSomeone]

This review sounds more like Ralph not being able to play on hard mode or be a completionist in the base game because he's a reviewer and learning how deep the combat actually was.

[@NickHunter]

if that's all you took away from this review I feel pretty bad for you

[@Gainersy]

The depth doesn't matter if the sandbox doesn't ask you to explore that depth, which it really doesn't even on the hardest setting.

[@maxray29]

how am i getting chills watching a review for a DLC of a game that i've never played? awesome work on this, Ralph; you might have just sold me a playstation.

[@shujima4429]

Another amazing video by the king of video game reviews 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@casthedemon]

I find it absolutely hilarious that we have AC Valhalla with Ragnarok DLC. And now we have GoW Ragnarok with Valhalla DLC. Its like they planned it. Two of my favorite games too lol.

[@abraxis59]

This was a fantastic review! I am a pure PC player and I very rarely feel like I am missing something that really matters because I do not have a console. Your review of this DLC was so good that I truly feel like I am missing something special.

[@hamzashaikh9310]

Its coming in a year to pc.

[@yomamasohot6411]

​@hamzashaikh9310 good to know you have a Sony insider

[@DoomiePookie]

As strictly a PC gamer you actually miss out on quite alot. This is why i also have a PS5 and Switch.

[@abraxis59]

@@DoomiePookie It's all a matter of perspective. There are only 2 games in the HISTORY of the switch that I would have had much interest in (I bet you can guess which 2 games) and for the PS4/5 era there are I think 3. That is not worth the investment for me as I already have a huge backlog 😀

[@antagonist7]

We all have our preferences but playing 1st party sony games is one of the best gaming experiences i ever had, bloodborne, ghost of tsushima, god of war, returnal, spiderman and a lot more and playing 3rd party games here are always optimized, hopefully you will take interest someday

[@b20di3]

G'damn Ralph, you rocked the hell out of this review! Extremely compelling and well put together. Top tier work. Keep it up boss!!

[@user-vk8hh7jm1f]

Holy shit, i became one big goosebump on THE WORK moment of the video. You are so good man

[@SomP0]

Damn Ralph you lied. This isn’t a review. This is a deeply analytical and beautiful video essay on this great dlc. You never miss. Inspiring me to make content like this someday.

[@sicksteenwolves5318]

Saying Kratos has a Dad Bod is basically saying you can See John Cena, A LIE!

[@fene2899]

Man, referencing that documentary made for a powerful intro. Excellent and thoughtful review/overview, sir.

[@spiritandsteel]

Boat intro is BACK BAYBEE!! But for real: exceptional review, Ralph. Great to see you grounding the meaning of art in a real-world simile again.

[@samulityyska2269]

I've just started playing God of War (2018). Can't wait to play Ragnarök and Valhalla DLC!

[@WizzlyBearW0rms]

Kratos has a baby with wood elf

[@martijn769]

Be wary of spoilers bud it's an epic tale of father and son, hope you experience it without getting spoiled

[@Contractor48]

@@WizzlyBearW0rmswasn’t she a Druid? Freya is Druid as well right? Everyone looks Druid to me in God of war.

[@marcusclark1339]

don't its bad - just casual appeal game made for broad design better games exist and its story is bad

[@WizzlyBearW0rms]

@@marcusclark1339 name a better game

[@henrynott3268]

You are a great reviewer. You not only do a great job telling actually reviewing, you help me appreciate games in different ways. Keep it up yo.

[@Chessheromusic]

Oh skill up You will definitely make Cory cry with this therapeutic review You made a life long fan with your review of gow 2018 And you know he’ll love your analysis here

[@acecel]

You are an amazing writer and narrator, and i really like your way of presenting and explaining things, one of my preferred channel on youtube by far, please never stop.

[@shierubea]

Amazing writing as always. You really know how to drive home points in the most earnest way possible.

[@beyoshida]

Brilliantly structured and written review

[@Ooqi]

Years practically over but Ralf still out here knocking out some of his best reviews

[@bushies27]

Was literally just talking to my family about The Work. Highly recommended doc that I didn't expect to see on Skillup's GoW review lol

[@Thallium212]

Hell of a script, Ralph; Engaging, entertaining and to the point (without spoiling detail). Good shit, Shill up!

[@ionseven]

Proof that AAA absolutely CAN overdeliver but normally chooses not to.

[@TonyScimeca]

Merry Christmas Ralph! Kicking off the post holiday season with a banger of a review

[@christina.morris]

I forgot all about this, I'm so glad you reviewed it so I could remember to go download it!

[@thatonepenguinperson618]

The intro you made with "The Work" is the reason I watch your reviews. I know a lot of people make fun of your boat analogies back then, but they really set the tone and theme for the rest of the review. I know the shorter form content will be the main stay of the channel and I think that'll be for the best, but a video like this where the analogy permiates from beginning to end is masterclass.

[@Raytheus]

Sony Santa Monica knows how to honor this character and his story. I have deep respect for the way they treat their characters. I LOVE this series and DLCs.

[@DYNB]

It's been a while since we got a proper shillup intro. Love it!

[@regular-user]

The god of war music is just gold. That ending gave me chills again.

[@artemkoropotkin3047]

Did skill up just call older Kratos having a dad bod? God damn, standards have been raised.

[@aleczanderg8765]

This review just hit different. A+ work as always.

[@ehff_]

man. thank you. that intro alone is so fucking deep and that is why I follow you. there’s just nothing quite like it in here. keep it up

[@sneeperysnoopery6716]

Just like with 'Prey - Mooncrash', amazing things happen when a team at the top of their game try to tackle something new they have passion for. Such a great six or so hours of content, with yet again amazing performances from Christopher Judge, make this a must play.

[@noah9942.]

7:53 rogue-lite is what this is. It's more forgiving, mainly due to having meta progression. Think Hades, Rogue Legacy, or EtG. Rogue-like is more similar to the original game "Rogue", which generally means no meta progression. These are generally more brutal as you are entirely reliant on personal knowledge and skill to win. Some traditionalists also include turn based, grid based gameplay, but that's rare.

[@profofgames]

Yeah, this is a minor, but important point in an otherwise flawless review.

[@bobsteel1981]

Saves me from writing those exact words. :D

[@gunnarschlichting9886]

Where would you put something like Binding of Isaac, where you don't get stronger but do unlock more items (that are often strong)? Ignore other characters who might be/are better for a second.

[@Miriam_J_]

Eh, it gets harder and harder to assign genres. It ultimately doesn't matter much, since most people will call this a rough-like instead. I blame how similar "like" and "lite" are. There had to have been a better name than one that sounds nearly identical.

[@noah9942.]

@alexandriasmothitel1243 I agree that the names are too similar, and I feel like that's a large part of why people get them mixed up all the time.

[@Kinos141]

I was just calling this game "therapy through combat" The work. that's interesting.

[@t-rexreximus359]

A spin off prequel/ origin story GoW game would be really cool! - with young human Kratos - rising through the Spartan army ranks, ruthless, fighting barbarians & meeting his wife etc ⚔️

[@middlecee_7079]

this review was amazing, ralph. that intro alone was really outstanding. keen to give this dlc a go!

[@nimbleshadow]

Modern western author 1: "Let's make a viking themed product. But what do we name it?" Modern western author 2: "Well, it can either be Ragnarok or Valhalla, there is literally no third option that I am aware of." Modern western author 1: "How about "Ragnarok: Valhalla"?" Modern western author 2: "You are a genius! Jackpot!"

[@treebush]

its honestly insane this dlc was free i would have been fine paying 40 bucks for this. Its basically a sequel thats replayable and really shows why GoW combat is so good.

[@ZRAGE6]

Well f-ing said my dude I’m definitely jumping into this later this week

[@heavenly2k]

Your reviews are so good. Youre a great writer Ralph!

[@lefteris797]

The first five minutes of the review is why we go so attached to this channel. Insight

[@MrZer013]

The best review of 2023 great job 👍🏾

[@munazilrahman7001]

You Sir, are simply the best videogame content creator. Thank you for a great year.

[@GriffinWiebel]

Absolutely fantastic review. You found a way to perfectly describe this game without having to delve into spoilers. Great video!