Kratos' New Arm Shields Will Add Another Layer of Strategy to God of War Ragnarok's Combat

gamerant.com:

Ahead of its launch later this year, God of War Ragnarok is slowly beginning to reveal new details. Recently, Santa Monica Studios shed light on some new gameplay innovations that have been created in order to enhance God of War Ragnarok's combat.

Offensively, Kratos has a ton of options returning from the last game including light and heavy attacks, magic use, and ranged attacks by throwing his Leviathan Axe. With his son Atreus providing additional ranged support, God of War offers a variety of ways to tackle its monstrous enemies. In terms of defense though, Kratos' options are a little more limited. He has the standard roll and the Guardian shield, which he can use to block or parry, but nothing really past that. A recent Game Informer interview with the developer has revealed a couple of new tools in Kratos' defensive arsenal though, which should offer players who like to play defensively some extra options.

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God of War certainly shifted Kratos' attacks and animations away from the quick, button-mashing hack and slash style of his previous outings. The battle-hardened veteran now moves much more purposefully and fluidly than ever before, and the over-the-shoulder camera ensures players get to experience his visceral power up close and personal. Ragnarok is looking to build on this by enhancing his combat options across the board, including the ability to imbue the Leviathan Axe with Ice or the Blades of Chaos with fire.

The most interesting changes look to be with Kratos' defensive capabilities, however. InGod of War Ragnarok, he will have access to multiple shields, all offering something a little different. Only two have been revealed by Santa