Latest Behind The Scenes Video For GOD OF WAR Focuses On Kratos' New Weapon, The Leviathan Axe

It is no secret that the new God of War game has changed the formula seen in previous games, almost in its entirety, and all these changes made the developers want to give Kratos a new weapon. The decision came from the fact that since this is a fresh start for the franchise, it would be fitting for Kratos to also wield a new weapon and they decided that an axe would be the best choice.

In this new behind the scenes video we see the developers talking about the Leviathan Axe. How it came to be, what makes it a unique addition to Kratos' new arsenal and how it adds a new layer to the combat in terms of dynamics. Check it out.



"This God of War game is definitely a fresh start for the team" says Lead Gameplay Designer, Jason McDonald, "and we knew we had to change the weapon as well. We had to bring something new to the table."

When talking about the blades that Kratos wielded in previous games, Creative Director Cory Barlog mentions that the blades are very iconic but there was only so much they could do that hasn't been seen without "going super extreme". Barlog was the one that came up with the idea of an axe. He always pictured Kratos with an axe and that was the only cue given to the designers.

When thinking about the use this new weapon could have, McDonald says that they "had to decide, well, what can be special about this axe and...as we previewed animations and did a lot of tests ...there was always this animation of Kratos throwing the axe that seemed like it would be cool but he's going to throw his weapon away. What use is that going to be?" And that's when they came up with the idea of actually having Kratos calling the axe back after throwing it. 

They even gave the axe some backstory and have in-game characters Brok and Sindri modify the axe in the same fashion they forged Thor's mighty hammer Mjolnir.

Rafael Grassetti, who is the Principal Character Artist, comments about the way the axe will be upgraded and compares it to upgrading a car. "So all the parts come out and you can swap and add on different things. The specials."

And the upgrades will also enhance your specials as you combine the ones that you like and make up your own specials that adjust to your own needs.

"You're able to mix and match so you can say 'I really like this move, I want to put that move in' ", explains Cory Barlog. "As you collect different ones [moves] you can say, 'I really like this one. This is the only one I want to use', or 'Ooh, no, now I'm going to swap this out.' "

So, it definitely looks that there will be a lot of moves that the player can customise into the axe, which will offer a wide variety of choices and will never make a fight feel dull. McDonald says that "depending on if you like being up close to enemies or far range, there's a runic attack for you."

His vengeance against the Gods of Olympus years behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the realm of Norse Gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive…And teach his son to do the same. This startling reimagining of God of War deconstructs the core elements that defined the series—satisfying combat; breathtaking scale; and a powerful narrative—and fuses them anew.