《戰神4》（God of War，又稱2018《戰神》）是由Santa Monica Studio開發，於2018年4月在PlayStation 4平台上發售的動作冒險遊戲，之後移植到PC。作為該系列的重啟之作，將克雷多斯（Kratos）的故事從希臘神話延續至北歐神話，並以嶄新的敘事方式與遊戲機制展現全新的深度與情感層次。是兼具技術創新與敘事藝術的傑作，被認為是遊戲史上的里程碑之一。

故事發生在希臘神話篇章結束多年後，克雷多斯離開希臘，來到北歐的世界，並試圖過著隱居的生活。遊戲開場時，他的妻子芬布爾之森（Faye）已經去世，克雷多斯與他的兒子阿特柔斯（Atreus）為完成妻子的遺願，展開將其骨灰撒於九界最高山峰的旅程。

儘管克雷多斯試圖擺脫過去的暴力與仇恨，他仍不得不面對自己的內心掙扎以及與兒子的關係。克雷多斯對於如何成為一位父親感到困惑，而阿特柔斯則因父親的冷漠與嚴苛態度而感到迷惘。這對父子的關係成為遊戲核心，隨著旅程的推進，他們逐漸加深彼此的理解與信任。然而，這場旅程並不平靜。北歐神話中的神祇與生物接連登場，阻撓克雷多斯與阿特柔斯的前進。主要反派是奧丁的兒子─不死的巴德爾（Baldur），他受奧丁與弗蕾亞（Freya）之命追捕克雷多斯，但其真正的動機則源於弗蕾亞對巴德爾施下的詛咒，使其無法感覺到任何疼痛或快樂。

隨著劇情展開，發現更多關於阿特柔斯身世的真相。他的名字「阿特柔斯」源於克雷多斯對人性的一絲希望，而他在北歐神話中的真正名字是「洛基」（Loki），這一揭示為整個系列未來的發展埋下深遠的伏筆。最終，克雷多斯與阿特柔斯攜手對抗巴德爾，並在巴德爾死後與弗蕾亞交惡，為後續的故事埋下新的衝突。

系列的操作與遊戲機制進行徹底的革新。傳統的固定視角被第三人稱越肩視角取代，提供更具沉浸感的體驗。克雷多斯不再使用標誌性的「混沌之刃」，而是採用具有魔法屬性的「利維坦之斧」（Leviathan Axe）。這把斧頭可以投擲並召回，為戰鬥加入全新的策略性。戰鬥系統更加注重節奏與戰術，要靈活運用攻擊、格擋與閃避來對抗敵人。此外，克雷多斯可以使用盾牌進行防禦和反擊，還能激發「狂怒模式」（Spartan Rage），展現希臘時期的野性力量。阿特柔斯則成為玩家的重要輔助角色。他會使用弓箭攻擊敵人，並能學習各種技能來協助克雷多斯戰鬥。此外，阿特柔斯的行動由AI控制，但可以指揮他進行特定的攻擊或互動。這種父子合作的戰鬥方式不僅豐富遊戲的玩法，也增強情感連結。

解謎與探索也是重要的部分。利用斧頭的冰凍能力或阿特柔斯的箭矢來解開各種環境謎題。遊戲的九界地圖設計精巧，鼓勵玩家深入探索，發現隱藏的寶藏、支線任務與神話故事。關卡設計以北歐神話的九界為基礎，每個界域都有其獨特的風格與氛圍。例如，米德加爾特（Midgard）充滿壯麗的自然景觀與古老的遺跡，亞爾夫海姆（Alfheim）以其光與暗的對比呈現出夢幻般的景象，而穆斯貝爾海姆（Muspelheim）則是一片燃燒的火焰地獄。

畫面表現達到極高的水準。從角色的面部表情到場景中的光影效果，所有細節都經過精心打磨。克雷多斯的肌肉紋理、阿特柔斯的服飾以及環境中的自然元素，如風雪與流水，都展現出極致的視覺效果。音樂方面，作曲家Bear McCreary為創作一系列恢弘的管弦樂曲，搭配北歐風格的吟唱，成功營造出史詩般的氛圍。音效設計也同樣出色，特別是在戰鬥中，武器碰撞與怪物咆哮的聲音大大增強臨場感。

在發售後獲得業界與玩家的一致讚譽，並榮獲多項年度最佳遊戲獎項，包括2018年The Game Awards的年度遊戲（Game of the Year）。評論家特別讚揚遊戲的敘事方式、角色塑造以及重新設計的戰鬥系統。克雷多斯的角色轉變被認為是一大亮點。從過去的憤怒戰神到如今的嚴厲父親，他展現出更加複雜的人性面貌，而父子關係的描寫則讓人感受到深刻的情感共鳴。此外，阿特柔斯的角色成長與洛基身份的揭露為系列未來發展帶來巨大的想像空間。畫面、音樂與關卡設計也廣受好評，特別是次世代畫質的展現，被認為是PS4平台的技術巔峰之一。缺點則集中在部分玩家認為節奏稍慢，某些解謎與支線內容可能過於冗長，但這些問題並未影響整體評價。

總體而言，《戰神4》不僅成功重啟經典系列，還為動作冒險遊戲樹立新的標杆。它重新定義戰神系列的方向，並以其深刻的劇情與出色的遊戲性贏得全球玩家的心。

God of War (2018), also referred to as God of War 4, is an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and released on April 2018 for the PlayStation 4, later ported to PC. As a soft reboot of the series, it transitions Kratos’ story from Greek mythology to Norse mythology, showcasing a fresh narrative style and gameplay mechanics that bring new depth and emotional complexity. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of both technical innovation and storytelling, it is considered a milestone in gaming history.

Story Overview

Set years after the conclusion of Kratos’ Greek mythology saga, the game follows him as he seeks a secluded life in the Norse world. The story begins with the death of his wife, Faye, and Kratos embarking on a journey with his son, Atreus, to fulfill her last wish: to scatter her ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms.

While trying to leave behind a past filled with violence and vengeance, Kratos grapples with his inner struggles and his evolving relationship with Atreus. Confused about how to be a father, Kratos often comes across as distant and stern, leaving Atreus feeling bewildered. Their father-son dynamic forms the emotional core of the game, gradually evolving as they develop mutual understanding and trust throughout their journey.

The journey, however, is fraught with challenges. Gods and creatures from Norse mythology frequently obstruct their path. The primary antagonist is Baldur, the immortal son of Odin, sent by Odin and Freya to hunt down Kratos. Baldur’s true motivation stems from a curse cast by Freya that prevents him from feeling pain or joy.

As the story unfolds, revelations about Atreus' true identity emerge. His name, Atreus, reflects Kratos’ hope for humanity, but his Norse name, Loki, hints at his deeper significance in the mythology, setting up a pivotal direction for future installments. The game concludes with Kratos and Atreus defeating Baldur, leading to a falling out with Freya and planting seeds for future conflict.

Gameplay Innovations

The game features a complete overhaul of the traditional gameplay mechanics. The fixed-camera perspective is replaced by a third-person, over-the-shoulder view, creating a more immersive experience. Kratos no longer wields the iconic Blades of Chaos but instead uses the magical Leviathan Axe, which can be thrown and recalled, introducing a new layer of strategy to combat.

Combat emphasizes rhythm and tactics, requiring players to balance attacks, parries, and dodges. Kratos can also use a shield for defense and counterattacks and activate Spartan Rage, showcasing his raw power from his Greek past.

Atreus plays a crucial role as a companion, aiding in combat with his bow and learning abilities to assist Kratos. Although AI-controlled, Atreus can be directed to perform specific actions, adding depth to the cooperative dynamic. This father-son combat partnership not only enriches gameplay but also strengthens the emotional connection between the characters.

Exploration and puzzle-solving are equally vital. Players use the axe’s freezing ability or Atreus’ arrows to solve environmental puzzles. The intricately designed map of the Nine Realms encourages exploration, offering hidden treasures, side quests, and mythological lore to uncover.

World and Level Design

The levels are based on the Nine Realms of Norse mythology, each with a distinct aesthetic and atmosphere. For example:

Midgard: Features stunning natural landscapes and ancient ruins.

Alfheim: Depicts a dreamlike realm of light and darkness.

Muspelheim: Represents a fiery inferno of volcanic landscapes.

The attention to detail in the environments enhances immersion, from flowing water and snowfall to the characters’ intricate designs, such as Kratos’ muscular build and Atreus’ clothing.

Audio and Visual Excellence

The game’s visuals set a new benchmark for the PS4 platform, with breathtaking character models, environmental details, and lighting effects. Every aspect, from Kratos’ facial expressions to the interplay of light and shadows, has been meticulously crafted.

The soundtrack, composed by Bear McCreary, features sweeping orchestral themes with Nordic-inspired chants, perfectly complementing the epic atmosphere. The sound effects, particularly during combat, further amplify the visceral experience, from the clash of weapons to the roars of monsters.

Critical Acclaim and Legacy

God of War (2018) was universally acclaimed upon release, earning numerous awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2018. Critics praised its narrative depth, character development, and revamped combat system.

Kratos’ transformation from an enraged demigod to a stern yet conflicted father was a standout element, showcasing a more human and multifaceted side to his character. The portrayal of the father-son relationship resonated deeply with players, while Atreus’ growth and the revelation of his identity as Loki offered intriguing possibilities for the series’ future.

The visuals, music, and level design received widespread praise, with many hailing it as a technical masterpiece for the PS4. Some minor criticisms included the slower pacing and occasional overextension of puzzles or side content, but these did little to detract from the overall experience.

Conclusion

God of War (2018) successfully reinvigorated a classic franchise, setting a new standard for action-adventure games. With its profound storytelling, innovative gameplay, and striking presentation, it redefined the series’ direction and captured the hearts of players worldwide.