God of War: Ragnarok is the upcoming eleventh installment in the action-adventure series that started in 2005. Since then, the franchise has become Sony’s flagship. The highly anticipated title is set to release on November 9, and the developers have released a short trailer showcasing the immersive gameplay.
The sequel to 2018’s God of War, the upcoming installment will see players control Kratus and Atreus in a fantasy kingdom ruled by Norse gods. While everyone eagerly awaits Ragnarok, here are some options to try and get into the groove of things before Sony’s main course offering launches next month.
Note: This article solely reflects the opinions of the author.
5 God of War: Ragnarok Alternatives You Should Check Out Today
1) Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Developer: Ninja Theory, QLOC
- Available at: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming and Microsoft Windows
A dark and gloomy story-driven title, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice has a lot of influence from Norse mythology, which is evident from its story. However, it is the game’s brutal hack-and-slash combat through which this entry has made its name.
Aside from heavy storytelling and fast-paced combat, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice also has some puzzle-solving elements, making it an interesting option to try while you wait for God of War: Ragnarok.
2) Darksiders
- Developers: Vigil Games, THQ Nordic, Airship Syndicate, Gunfire Games, KAIKO
- Available at: Linux; Microsoft Windows; Nintendo Switch; PlayStation 3; PlayStation 4; Wii U; Xbox 360; Xbox One; Stadia; and OnLive
Released way back in 2010, Darksiders is an incredibly well made action adventure game. It has a ton of hack-and-slash-based combat and offers combos and combat mechanics similar to the God of War games.
In addition to its GOW-inspired approach to combat, Darksiders features dungeons and puzzles reminiscent of the Legend of Zelda series. The title has a stunning cartoon style that really stands out from other hack-and-slash action adventure games.
3) Dante’s Inferno
- Developer: EA
- Available at: PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PlayStation Vita
Inspired by legendary Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s poem, HellDante’s Inferno is an action-adventure title that reenacts the exploits of the Crusader Knight described in the poem.
This particular action-adventure thriller has almost the same gameplay and combat mechanics as older titles in the GOW series. The only difference is that the Greek and Norse pantheons in the God of War games are replaced by some of the most prominent heroes from Christendom.
4) Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
- Developers: Mercury Steam, Kojima Productions, Climax Studios
- Available at: PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360
Another title released in 2010, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow gets a lot right. It offers massive boss battles, a gorgeous gothic art style and an intense hack-and-slash combat system.
Coupled with a compelling story and an equally likable protagonist in Gabriel Belmont, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is an ideal option to try while you wait for God of War: Ragnarok.
5) Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Available at: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia and Amazon Luna
This is a game that needs no introduction. Still, here’s one. A legendary action-adventure title that truly embraces the open world genre, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey takes players on an epic journey to ancient Greece. Players will experience the tension between the powerful Greek city-states of Sparta and Athens in what later became popularly known as the Peloponnesian Wars.
Players can choose a faction of their choice and turn the course of the Peloponnesian War itself through their covert actions. The story is vast, with many side quests on offer. If players pick up the title now, they may have to play God of War: Ragnarok at the same time as the Ubisoft offering.
