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Frustrated with god of war's gameplay mechanics

Players Debate God of War's Combat | Frustration vs. Narrative Admiration

By

Liam Johnson

Dec 14, 2025, 10:19 PM

Updated

Dec 15, 2025, 06:10 AM

2 minutes of duration

A player frustrated with God of War's controls and loot, holding a controller with a displeased expression
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A growing coalition of players is voicing discontent over God of War (2018), highlighting significant gameplay frustrations alongside praise for its storyline. As discussions echo through gaming forums, many wonder if developers will heed these concerns and adapt future titles accordingly.

Complex Relationship Between Gameplay and Story

Discussions surrounding God of War (2018) reveal a complex mix of sentiments. "I really enjoy the narrative, but I kinda hate playing it," one player expressed, emphasizing the disconnect between engaging storytelling and clunky gameplay mechanics. This sentiment summarizes a significant number of players who feel torn between the rich story and frustrating controls.

Combat Challenges Persist

Critics primarily focus on combat mechanics, particularly the erratic enemy scaling and poor camera angles. One player noted, "I feel like Iโ€™m just getting tired of all the friction this game has," indicating a shared sense of annoyance. Another echoed similar frustrations, stating, "Man, I didnโ€™t even like 2018 that much, so if itโ€™s even worse than that, it might be a pass for me."

Players feeling fatigued by combat have suggested considering difficulty adjustments. One commenter mused about lowering the difficulty just to engage with the narrative, pondering, "Iโ€™ll probably just watch a playthrough of Ragnarok instead of playing it myself."

Loot System Disappointments

Discontent with the loot system remains prevalent among players. Many express dissatisfaction, referencing rewards that feel unearned: "I get a low-level item after spending 5 minutes on a puzzle." This sentiment reflects a call for more gratifying rewards that match players' time and effort.

Shifting Player Preferences

Interestingly, some gamers attribute their frustration to evolving tastes. Another player noted their struggles mirrored experiences with other titles, particularly with how "you basically have to redo all of Geralt's progression" in the Witcher series. This suggests that some of the dissatisfaction might not solely stem from God of War's mechanics but also from personal growth in gaming preferences.

Key Points of Concern

  • Combat Issues: Players report frustrations with enemy scaling and camera positioning.

  • Loot System: A common theme of disappointment arises from the perceived lack of meaningful reward.

  • Changing Tastes: Some attribute negative experiences to their evolving preferences in gaming.

"This game feels like a messy combination of RPG mechanics and the old hack-and-slash gameplay of the originals," one player concluded, capturing the sentiment that the game struggles to balance its dual nature.

The community remains invested in discussing their frustrations, hoping these dialogues spark a response from developers. Could acknowledging these gameplay flaws push for a more engaging sequel?

Looking Ahead: Community Feedback Matters

Developers in the gaming industry may soon find themselves under pressure to adapt to player feedback more effectively. With a significant portion of players calling for enhancements to both combat mechanics and loot systems, thereโ€™s a strong possibility future entries in the God of War series will prioritize these adjustments. Time will tell if developers not only hear but respond to these vocal concerns, ultimately shaping the franchise's evolution.

Conversations around God of War resemble those in gaming history where player experiences have shaped future developments. As players share their challenges, the balance between storytelling and gameplay remains vital for the God of War franchise's future.