I personally saw Atreus slashing at the troll more tragic than terrifying. He was so scared outta his mind that anyone might’ve had that sorta response. He may have lost control, but I saw more fear than anger
@erwerewolf that's the idea. And Kratos has to show Atreus multiple times that the boy's lack of control has consequences. It's the greatest obstacle of a warrior to conquer himself.
@@MysticPaladin I just wish Yoda said it with better context, I love Episode 1, but him saying "What? This kid's afraid after being taken from his home, the only planet he's ever been on? He's DEFINITELY gonna turn to the Darkside..." Is kinda weird...
Something genuinely terrifying I noticed is when Atreus is saying that the knife that he used to kill Modi was better than Faye's, I think Atreus's regret about killing that cannibal in Midgard vanished, and how the only memorable part about that is how his new knife would have killed that Midgardian better, especially when you take into account both deaths accured from throat stabs
I personally think it had more to do with showing that he has started to ignore sentiment, as juxtaposition to Kratos being so unwilling to let anything of Faye’s exist without him revering it. Kratos cherishes those ties to her as if they are actually her and act as substitute, whereas Atreus becomes so detached that he will evaluate one of the only heirlooms of his recently departed mother as just another item to be upgraded.
Atreus is a very good character, people hate him because they don't consider him as edgy or violent as his father when he is just as how we'd behave in our childhood: bratty and stupid but kind and smart as well. A good reflection of our past and how we can become better as well.
It is pretty funny that people thinking a kid being a little bratty and stupid is a bad thing in a story. In excess it is, but Atreus isn’t excessively bratty or stupid, and when he is, it serves his arc and kratos pretty well.
I genuinely love the scenes in the end where Kratos and Atreus fight Baldur in sync. And the way Kratos trusted him to crash out right alongside him when he jumped off of the giant 💀
I think it’s also important to know in one side quest for legendary armor for the dwarfs later on after, kratos openly tells Atreus “I trust you, Atreus, I do not trust the legend”
I feel when Atreus was in his worse arc of GoW 4, we are given a glimpse of Atreus falling into the vicious cycle of becoming his father and in that same cycle where son kills father Heck, he even shoots at Kratos when contronting Baldur just before they get trapped in Helheim. I am glad that arc was fairly short lived.
Talking about that moment when Kratos saves Sindri from the dragon really magnifies what happened there in my eyes. Although on the surface it felt like "yeah, the OG God of War!" but upon looking into it more, Kratos RESCUED someone there, he HELPED someone and he succeeded. In that moment, Kratos is a hero to Atreus' eyes.
The fact that Kratos made Atreus steer away from the Loki in the original norse mythology shows even more how much Kratos can defy destiny. from GOW 2 to Ragnarok, his streak on breaking seemingly unbreakable fates is a statement to who he is. And he has passed down that knowledge to Atreus now that he has learned what it means to be a god.
I like to think that Atreus' emotional dynamics is so much more important when you realize that he might have actually been stunted while living with his parents in the woods. Once something new and different happens, he is suddenly now bursting with all these new emotions that he doesn't know how to feel, so he relates it to the two figures in his life and reflect them. We see his mothers influence in the light-hearted and fun parts of the story, because that's what she raised him with, stories that don't show the darker truth of what really happened. Atreus' reactions to Mimir's side of the tales show some understanding, but there is also a lot more questions, questions his mother possibly never answered being as secretive as she was as well. Then you have the ugly and harsh side of the story, the part that is possibly his most volatile due to his lack of encountering such things. So when he looks for guidance in how to process this, he's met with the emotionally disciplined and distant Kratos, who lacked the empathy and care Faye had when teaching Atreus about such things. So the entire arc of Atreus in God of War 4 is this harsh clash of who he was before, who he thinks he needs to be, and what his character is growing into. Waiting for that next vid eagerly, Atreus is one of my favorite examples of just how messy emotions can be.
The interesting thing about Atreus's abilities as a god being language, knowledge, and empathy (as well as shapeshifting) is that these things, if honed a certain way, would make him a master manipulator much like his namesake. Knowing someone or something's emotions and mental state means he can play a situation in his favor. Which he very often does, but often is more of a gambling dumb luck sort of way. Relying heavily on others underestimating him.
Even that skill of manipulation can be a good thing if tempered with his natural kindness and empathy. He can get people to be better versions of themselves, say what they need to hear to build their own confidence or empathy.
Almost like telepathy/mind reading, hypnosis and illusions... Brilliant observation! 👏🤔 It could also evolve in both story and gameplay into him confusing enemies with special moves and tactics, while in cutscenes, he easily talks his way out of situations and is later confronted over the moral ambiguity of his manipulations and how trustworthy can he be to others, specially allies.
Something I do like about the Lighting of the Atreus killing Modi scene is that, the way it's shot, the lighting makes Atreus look sickly. Just like at his lowest moments early on in the story, he looks like he's pale and thin and weak.
If Atreus ever got ahold of the blades of chaos. I'd Sh*t my pants, brok said in 2018 "that's gotta be a family heirloom" and since then I've had it in the back of my mind Atreus would eventually use them
And Kratos responded with slight anger "they're not nor will they ever be" though they're iconic with Kratos it's not for the right reason, those blades were the ones that killed his first family, they are in Kratos words "hateful things, but even they have uses"
If Atreus ever uses the blades of chaos Kratos loses everything he’s been trying to do. Make Atreus better than him. If he uses the Axe it would make sense, it was his mother’s and is a ranged weapon something he specialises in.
The blades literally would not leave Kratos alone. It's the bridle Ares used on Kratos. It is not nor will Kratos or the Blades ever let it be an heirloom. Kratos would not wish such a curse to befall Atreus and the Blades would not wish to leave their master. But I do see the vision, and it is badass as hell.
Something I see rarely pointed out is that Atreus is an avatar for the old God of War fans, who want the cold, violent Kratos who killed Gods with no remorse. Who want to play a power fantasy, not an interactable movie with sob stories. Especially during the Modi's death scene represents the viewpoint of the average God of War player back in the 2000s. As you said in your first God of War video, Kratos grew up with the audience. But despite that, there are some old fans who can't seem to move on, who do not want a calm and reasonable person but a monster, a God-killer, the Ghost of Sparta. Valhalla is a great DLC for both new and old fans alike. While old fans get nostalgia and see different viewpoints for moments they experienced years ago, new fans get to dive deep into the Greek saga and truly see Kratos' growth.
@@MyDemon32 I'll never understand people who don't want their favourite characters to develop and just want them to stay the same forever, not be affected by anything that happens in their series, never age and be exactly the same when it ends as when it started.
@@MyDemon32 Turn a masculine character and a game into emasculated one isn't really the developing we seek, kid. Boys like you wasn't even born yet when the first GoW were released.
Supposedly, there was going to be another section of the game between Atreus finding out he's a god and where he starts acting like a little shit, but it got cut due to development time constraints. It would've made his shift in behavior more gradual and feel a bit more natural rather than the flip of a switch that it ended up being.
At first I had this sentiment but then I realised that Atreus is a kid in these games so his emotions swaying drastically throughout this game isn’t so far fetched. Especially given who his father is, that hatred and grief is literally in his blood. Also Atreus’ arc isn’t complete by the end of this game as his emotions continue to sway in Ragnarok.
Another thing that I love about Ateus killing Modi is that it is NOT a clean kill. Kratos probably jas teached Atreus the ways to kill without influcting unnecesary pain, yet Atreus makes Modi choke on his own blood before kicking him down
i think that scene with modi is really fascinating, something significant that i haven't seen mentioned is the way that kratos calmly stands back and allows his son to have full control of the situation. i think from kratos' perspective the idea that his son would stoop so low as to murder a defenceless person who posed no threat was impossible, and he wanted to use the opportunity to teach his son the importance of life, but obviously he completely misjudged the situation so it ended in tragedy (and we see in kratos' reaction how incredibly shocked and disturbed he is). i think kratos throughout the game was trying to teach atreus in a more indirect manner, he wanted to subtly guide him towards things or allow him to make his own mistakes whenever possible (which would usually be good parenting btw), but he has far less understanding and control of his son than he realises so this approach consistently fails. he tries to gently demonstrate atreus' lack of control with that punching exercise but all he managed to do was p*ss him off, then he allows atreus to be a brat since he thinks he'll quickly realise that everyone hating you is unpleasant which again doesn't work, and this lack of control and understanding culminates in modi's death. kratos should've been completely in control in that scenario, atreus had consistently demonstrated a lack of control around modi, had been acting very entitled and violent up to that point, and the stakes were just too high for everyone involved for kratos to take such a risk, but he arrogantly assumed that his parenting must be working and continued with the same approach. modi's death was atreus' crime but kratos will always bear some responsibility for it, along with the lasting impact it had on his son (although this seemed to magically disappear in ragnarok so maybe not that part), but at the very least it finally drove the point home that kratos' style of teaching just wasn't working on his son so he quickly changes tactics next time he acts out
To be perfectly fair, I think people overstate the emotional weight of killing Modi. This is the GoW universe, not our own, in there, people fight and kill ALL the time. To one of us, yea, stabbing a guy in the throat and kicking them off a cliff would probably leave a life long impact. To them, however, it's just another day ending in y. It doesn't mean that the characters don't have any emotions relating to death, they clearly do, but Modi's death probably boils down to a "yea that was a pretty bad thing to do" before he shoots down another raider trying to kill him. If Modi wasn't a completely horrid person with not a single positive trait to their name, that'd probably be incredibly different, but he WAS a completely horrid person with not a single positive trait to their name. In the long term, there is no reason to regret killing him over literally any of the other monstrous people (and literal monsters) he kills on the daily.
@@theoreticalexistence9630 "yea that was a pretty bad thing to do" is a pretty massive understatement lol, and i think saying oh this is gow it's fine to kill is just misunderstanding the point of these games. even when someone arguably deserves it or it's necessary it's still a huge deal to actually take their life, you see that clearly in the scene where atreus kills his first man or when kratos kills heimdall, both of those kills were justified but it can absolutely wreck you. i also don't think you appreciate just how unnecessary this was, modi wasn't some broken monster he was just a weakling who got raised by his raging drunk father and psychopathic grandfather to be a tool, beyond being a bit of a d*ck and following odin's orders we don't even know of any crimes he's committed and i'd say he's surprisingly well adjusted, so the idea that he was somehow hopeless when characters like kratos and thor could redeem themselves is pretty ridiculous. he absolutely could've become a better person at some point, but atreus robbed him of that opportunity for no reason at all. if atreus were in a better place at the time he might even have been able to help modi, this is the same kid who tried to connect with thor and risked his life to get freya to come back, it would be totally in character for him to say sorry about magni and show some compassion
@@aldrichunfaithful3589 Kratos wasn't wrecked when he killed Heimdal because he killed Heimdal, he was wrecked because he lost control doing it. Much like his fight with Thor, where he's ALSO devastated when he loses control. Kratos was planning to kill Heimdal from the very first time he heard that he was considering killing his son. (100% understandable) He already worked it out in his head that even if killing Heimdal 100% starts a massive war, that is his SON. I didn't say Modi's death had no emotional weight; I said that it wouldn't hold Atreus down for very long at all given his daily life of slaughtering people trying to kill him.
@@theoreticalexistence9630 that first bit is pretty much the same thing i was saying lol just with different wording, it's the manner in which atreus killed modi that's a problem since he lost control and did it for no reason, if he'd killed modi to protect himself in their battle i wouldn't think twice. regardless i disagree on the last bit, atreus is a naturally kind hearted and generous person who pretty much considers it his personal duty to help everyone he comes across, that kind of person doesn't just get over brutally murdering someone and never think about it again. he understands that he has to kill in self defence sometimes, but he's someone who strives to find a peaceful, kind solution to every problem and his failure to even try doing that in modi's case goes against everything he stands for. this is the same kid who begged odin to surrender then refused to kill him and put his soul in a marble, which he did after watching him brutally murder his own son and seeing him use atreus' friends as cannon fodder, but he goes out of his way to kill modi just because modi made fun of his mother
Pleeeeaaassseeee make some content on the characters and story of Ghost of Tsushima. With the sequel coming out next year, now would be the perfect time. And you’re the perfect man for the job! Love the content, keep up the great work!
Atreus sobbing after killing that guy was the most heart wrenching bit. It’s no mistake that this part is so early on. It’s almost like the developers are saying “this isn’t gonna be just another GOW game.” Looking back on the amount of casualties in the old games, then seeing this one, it’s pretty jarring.
I love your videos. Thank you for making these analysis. It made me love a game I've never played and sparked new insights in psychology. I would just like to add an insight about how Atreus' "illness" can happen even in real life. So recently, I've had my first panic attack. I'm honestly very lucky because I've been reading and learning about human development and psychology so much that I was curious about the reason why it happened to me. Turns out, I noticed my "inner voice" telling me it's my fault and the consequence is, what my body processed as, life and death. But the truth is, I did fail to handle the situation properly, but it wasn't my fault because it was the first time I've encountered that situation. Why should I expect myself to "know" how to answer it? And after experiencing the attack and the realizations, my body felt feverish and I was on bed all day. It made me think that maybe this also happened to Atreus. Just as I had 2 'truths' fighting inside me: 1. I failed, 2. It wasn't my fault. Although this is just my theory, Atreus' illness isn't really about "not knowing that he's a god", but that 1. He knows his dad cares for him genuinely. (maybe from the few bonding times they had before, or maybe how his mom keeps on reminding him that his dad cares even though he's like that) 2. His dad is distant at the same time expects so much from him (that's why he was very much insistent on proving he's ready). So does his dad really love him or not? Dad seems like a person with integrity at the same time he's not kind. Is it my fault or not? What's the truth?... And thus Atreus confusion grew. That's why in the end, it's Kratos' real truth (expectations and reasons for his actions) that added context and helped heal Atreus' confusion. It gave Atreus clarity as to how these 2 truths are true at the same time. Anyways, long story short, my experience of my war with myself made my body sick thus proved how plausible Atreus having weak body constitution was due to his war with himself. And it's not just some plot device that needed to happen.
Upon thinking deeper on the scene of Atreus killing Modi I now see Atreus as a young Kratos. But this time there is no grandeur, no music to “amp” the player to align positively with the scene. What it does have is a man who knows the path Atreus is watching, and the player knows he is right to be disappointed in this action.
It is a shame that Sinmara quest in GoWR was cut. It would be an interesting character development Atreus/Loki lying to Sinmara about Surtr's death. Regardless, Atreus saga searching for other giants will be a hell of game.
Another thing about how Atreus reacts to death/killing. Atreus comments on when you kill 2 (?) wolves near Kratos' home during the hunt for the deer. "They were just hungry." (Or something like that)
Faye must’ve been such a good and pure person in order to convince kratos to have a child again. And Faye also “knew” that same child would be the catalyst to unite the realms. I love how much she haunts the narrative.
Atreus is what I believe to be what Kratos should've grown up to be. Going through all the good and bad that Atreus experiences is both understandable, frustrating, enlightening, and...satisfying. Seeing him grow up into his own person and into what Kratos desired him to be, makes the player feel like you're also along for the ride, being very proud of him as well.
i always thought Atreus is such an interesting and deep character. I never understood the "omg hes so annoying" complaint even in Ragnarok. Like, hes a kid! His mom just died and he found out hes a god, of course hes going to go crazy with power!! He feels like his life is out of control and now suddenly he has a "solution" to be able to regain some of that control (or so he thinks). It makes perfect sense for his character, as it also makes perfect sense for the character to lash out and want to find his path despite Kratos holding on to him so hard in the second game. I thoroughly enjoyed his character development and even playing as him to see more of his point of view on things was refreshing. Not to mention the flavor dialogue between him and Kratos we get in the overworld is one of my favorite things in these games.
I remember when the teaser trailer for GOW4 first came out and I saw Atreus and my first reaction was "oh no, not another child companion" Now after playing through both games, I'm waiting on bated breath for the next chance to reconnect with Boy.
What some people don't understand is that to have good growth you have to change from something that may not be the most relatable. Atreus becoming a brat is in character for him because he didn't know any better before hand. He _couldn't_ have known any better considering his relationship with his father. His growth into a better person is all the better _because_ he was stuck in a moment of being horrid. You only become better when you recognize how much you're lacking.
the illness was kinda-sorta his body being confused with itself, it's a common trope used to explain why small or child characters become ill and not really knowing why -- it needed an outlet for the power in it but the character has no idea how to use it or what's wrong exactly
26:13 - 26:18 - 26:45 - 27:06 Wait, you always said that both Baldur was both Kratos and Atreus's antagonist. He was a foil to Kratos because he represents Kratos's past. And that he's a foil to Atreus because he represents a future for him.
Love those video's and love yours content. As I'am listening to this essay, I'm thinking that even Faye deserves her own video. Even thou she is not present in any games physically, she has the biggest impact on the story of all characters in my opinion.
“God of War: Legacy” is a better name. Also, I don’t think that would be a spin off game. That would just be a straight up sequel. Which I WANT SO BAD!😂
Nothing gets me more excited these than seeing a new vid from my boy FatBrett! Great video as usual. This video reminded me that you posted a very similar video of Ellie from the last of us about a year ago and I have been waiting patently waiting for part 2 of that video. My OCD has to mention it.
Jeff Chaffe still has the gall to say that Atreus is “still a terrible character” and doesn’t deserve the spotlight. After he made his comments that Santa Monica ruined Kratos and the franchise, I’ve since learned that he has no further credibility.
This man genuinely changed my entire perspective of life with the amount of detail he notices from the small actions that characters do and how he understands it
No matter what your opinion of Dad of Boy is, you'll have to admit that the premise itself of Kratos becoming a father again and raising a son was a really damn good idea. You know you want to see where that's going, you can't deny it.
As much as I admired the time that Kratos said "Watch your tone, boy" to Atreus to silence the arrogance, I can't ignore the fact that a lot can be avoided by just saying the consequences he is referring to.
Ya know I kinda just realized kratos in the norse games is very similar to a fugitive off the grid and how that would affect his kid. Did something terrible, lost everything, fled and is on the run or escaped prison, restarted and pretends to be a completely different person, avoids the attention of anyone and other people, self isolates himself and his new family, hides himself from his own kid and it has huge effects on his kid. Almost like Barry S4. Meanwhile his service to the gods was basically community service and then his war against them was a shootout and stand off against the authorities and govt, and any time spent dead was prison time before he escaped the underworld/prison. And it’s almost comical how many problems between them are solved fairly easily and quickly just by them simply talking to each other. And I’ve said this before but I truly believe if kratos messed it up, Atreus would just end up like myth Loki switching from a prankster to an evil murderer who killed someone cuz he simply didn’t like them (baldur), if he didn’t already get himself killed thinking he was all powerful. He’s already surprisingly treacherous when he got mad, willing to shoot his own dad and ran away to try and be a spy and find ways to destroy Asgard and odin and that’s after sneaking out to find horcrux marbels. Even showing sociopathic tendencies when he thought he was free of consequences cuz he was a god. And kratos would prob not have the strength to kill his own son if it meant stopping a monster and he knows it. Hell he basically admits it. It is also a lil funny how kratos says “one of us has to stay focused” and talk about how boy is not ready but then boy has to snap kratos out of his own trances and pull him from distractions multiple times
Can’t get enough of these GOW essays Brett thank you !…. You think we could get one on Asuras wrath ? Similar character & story (maybe too similar?) . I’d love to see you breakdown some aspects of that game
When Atreus said, "no cared about him anyway", I thought if Sif in Ragnarok having that heart-to-heart conversation with Thor referring to Magni and Modi as, "our boys" 💔
22:29 Which is just brilliantly ironic, his ignorance of his status led him to acting as a benevolent would, but his knowledge of his status turned him into an indulgent brat. Almost like he had opened a certain box that gave him detrimental knowledge.😮
Soo long comment i guess lol The game was on sale on steam and i decided to buy it, Knowing what i know from watching all the videos you made about the game and since i dont care about spoilers its making me appreciate the game even more just got past the mission off finding Tyr knowing that its really Odin i still look for when he slips up and makes himself sus but i dont really notices Sooo Odin is a good actor?? and now i just started the next main mission with Atreus and the first thing i see him do is trying to push through a loot chest like Kratos does and failing really hard sooo funny Keep it up with these videos love your narration :D
one thing that always stuck with me was how everyone accused atreus of wanting to go to asgard but people forget that one of the main reasons was kratos refusal to help his son in something HE needed for personal closure (finding the answers to their questions), even if he doesn't admit it kratos put his fears and needs above his son, just like freya with baldur
Great video, as always. If you ever find the time, might I suggest dipping your toes into the Legacy of Kain series. There's so much potential material in there for you.
Atreus being centered around communication is so cool to me when you look at Loki in mythology. Loki takes action and attempts to worm out of reaction constantly until a breaking point is reached. But he is also Utgard-Loki, king of the jotun, Skrymir. He keeps hospitality laws while still tricking Thor. All stories end with his words failing and his being bound. If they decide to do another game with Atreus, im interested to see if this binding will be true or metaphor. If the inaction, refusal of violence, in Ragnarok will cause ripples via Sindri.
FatBrett, God of Analysis
Get this man more likes he is funny
Legit
:)
fr
I personally saw Atreus slashing at the troll more tragic than terrifying. He was so scared outta his mind that anyone might’ve had that sorta response. He may have lost control, but I saw more fear than anger
As Yoda says, fear leads to anger.
Anger leads to hate.
Hate leads to suffering.
@@MysticPaladinand Atreus goes through all those things.
@erwerewolf that's the idea. And Kratos has to show Atreus multiple times that the boy's lack of control has consequences.
It's the greatest obstacle of a warrior to conquer himself.
Yeah, I don't think they're mutually exclusive. He was definitely scared, but it's silly to suggest he wasn't angry. His fear led to his anger.
@@MysticPaladin I just wish Yoda said it with better context, I love Episode 1, but him saying "What? This kid's afraid after being taken from his home, the only planet he's ever been on? He's DEFINITELY gonna turn to the Darkside..." Is kinda weird...
Something genuinely terrifying I noticed is when Atreus is saying that the knife that he used to kill Modi was better than Faye's, I think Atreus's regret about killing that cannibal in Midgard vanished, and how the only memorable part about that is how his new knife would have killed that Midgardian better, especially when you take into account both deaths accured from throat stabs
I personally think it had more to do with showing that he has started to ignore sentiment, as juxtaposition to Kratos being so unwilling to let anything of Faye’s exist without him revering it.
Kratos cherishes those ties to her as if they are actually her and act as substitute, whereas Atreus becomes so detached that he will evaluate one of the only heirlooms of his recently departed mother as just another item to be upgraded.
Kratos: “Did I teach him how to Woo? Does Atreus understand the importance of the circle button?”
When in doubt, button mash
Atreus is a very good character, people hate him because they don't consider him as edgy or violent as his father when he is just as how we'd behave in our childhood: bratty and stupid but kind and smart as well. A good reflection of our past and how we can become better as well.
It is pretty funny that people thinking a kid being a little bratty and stupid is a bad thing in a story. In excess it is, but Atreus isn’t excessively bratty or stupid, and when he is, it serves his arc and kratos pretty well.
I’ve never hated Atreus. I hope we get to see more of him down the road someday maybe meeting up with Kratos in ancient Egypt.
Don’t speak for us. Most of us find him incredibly annoying, regardless of him being a kid.
@@Frey-Doh That means you're annoyin' as hell.
People hate Atreus? How??
I genuinely love the scenes in the end where Kratos and Atreus fight Baldur in sync. And the way Kratos trusted him to crash out right alongside him when he jumped off of the giant 💀
I think it’s also important to know in one side quest for legendary armor for the dwarfs later on after, kratos openly tells Atreus “I trust you, Atreus, I do not trust the legend”
As well as Kratos admitting that Atreus would know more about him about these lands, showing humility but also boosting Atreus up.
I feel when Atreus was in his worse arc of GoW 4, we are given a glimpse of Atreus falling into the vicious cycle of becoming his father and in that same cycle where son kills father
Heck, he even shoots at Kratos when contronting Baldur just before they get trapped in Helheim.
I am glad that arc was fairly short lived.
Talking about that moment when Kratos saves Sindri from the dragon really magnifies what happened there in my eyes.
Although on the surface it felt like "yeah, the OG God of War!" but upon looking into it more, Kratos RESCUED someone there, he HELPED someone and he succeeded.
In that moment, Kratos is a hero to Atreus' eyes.
The fact that Kratos made Atreus steer away from the Loki in the original norse mythology shows even more how much Kratos can defy destiny. from GOW 2 to Ragnarok, his streak on breaking seemingly unbreakable fates is a statement to who he is. And he has passed down that knowledge to Atreus now that he has learned what it means to be a god.
I like to think that Atreus' emotional dynamics is so much more important when you realize that he might have actually been stunted while living with his parents in the woods. Once something new and different happens, he is suddenly now bursting with all these new emotions that he doesn't know how to feel, so he relates it to the two figures in his life and reflect them. We see his mothers influence in the light-hearted and fun parts of the story, because that's what she raised him with, stories that don't show the darker truth of what really happened. Atreus' reactions to Mimir's side of the tales show some understanding, but there is also a lot more questions, questions his mother possibly never answered being as secretive as she was as well.
Then you have the ugly and harsh side of the story, the part that is possibly his most volatile due to his lack of encountering such things. So when he looks for guidance in how to process this, he's met with the emotionally disciplined and distant Kratos, who lacked the empathy and care Faye had when teaching Atreus about such things. So the entire arc of Atreus in God of War 4 is this harsh clash of who he was before, who he thinks he needs to be, and what his character is growing into.
Waiting for that next vid eagerly, Atreus is one of my favorite examples of just how messy emotions can be.
The interesting thing about Atreus's abilities as a god being language, knowledge, and empathy (as well as shapeshifting) is that these things, if honed a certain way, would make him a master manipulator much like his namesake. Knowing someone or something's emotions and mental state means he can play a situation in his favor. Which he very often does, but often is more of a gambling dumb luck sort of way. Relying heavily on others underestimating him.
Even that skill of manipulation can be a good thing if tempered with his natural kindness and empathy. He can get people to be better versions of themselves, say what they need to hear to build their own confidence or empathy.
Almost like telepathy/mind reading, hypnosis and illusions... Brilliant observation! 👏🤔
It could also evolve in both story and gameplay into him confusing enemies with special moves and tactics, while in cutscenes, he easily talks his way out of situations and is later confronted over the moral ambiguity of his manipulations and how trustworthy can he be to others, specially allies.
Unrelated, but I read Shapeshifting as Shoplifting, and now I can't help but picture him as he steals a t-shirt from hot topic or something
Something I do like about the Lighting of the Atreus killing Modi scene is that, the way it's shot, the lighting makes Atreus look sickly. Just like at his lowest moments early on in the story, he looks like he's pale and thin and weak.
Me when a new God of war and god of war ragnarok video drops:
Fr same
me when i get rizzed and gyatted:
Too bad it’s about Atreus.
Yep
@@RizzyGyatt omg yes!!!
If Atreus ever got ahold of the blades of chaos. I'd Sh*t my pants, brok said in 2018 "that's gotta be a family heirloom" and since then I've had it in the back of my mind Atreus would eventually use them
And Kratos responded with slight anger "they're not nor will they ever be" though they're iconic with Kratos it's not for the right reason, those blades were the ones that killed his first family, they are in Kratos words "hateful things, but even they have uses"
If Atreus ever uses the blades of chaos Kratos loses everything he’s been trying to do. Make Atreus better than him. If he uses the Axe it would make sense, it was his mother’s and is a ranged weapon something he specialises in.
Atreus getting bound to the blades by the will of a dead god...sins of the father etc.....sounds depressing honestly
The blades literally would not leave Kratos alone. It's the bridle Ares used on Kratos. It is not nor will Kratos or the Blades ever let it be an heirloom.
Kratos would not wish such a curse to befall Atreus and the Blades would not wish to leave their master.
But I do see the vision, and it is badass as hell.
@@X-SPONGED it's a cool idea but not something i would want to see in future entries
Something I see rarely pointed out is that Atreus is an avatar for the old God of War fans, who want the cold, violent Kratos who killed Gods with no remorse. Who want to play a power fantasy, not an interactable movie with sob stories. Especially during the Modi's death scene represents the viewpoint of the average God of War player back in the 2000s. As you said in your first God of War video, Kratos grew up with the audience. But despite that, there are some old fans who can't seem to move on, who do not want a calm and reasonable person but a monster, a God-killer, the Ghost of Sparta. Valhalla is a great DLC for both new and old fans alike. While old fans get nostalgia and see different viewpoints for moments they experienced years ago, new fans get to dive deep into the Greek saga and truly see Kratos' growth.
Seeing how people react to the new games is evidence enough to know that people don't want grow and stay stuck in their ignorance.
@@MyDemon32 I take it you loved dragon age veilguard then?
@@MyDemon32 I'll never understand people who don't want their favourite characters to develop and just want them to stay the same forever, not be affected by anything that happens in their series, never age and be exactly the same when it ends as when it started.
@@LeonBelmont1000 so what if they did?
@@MyDemon32 Turn a masculine character and a game into emasculated one isn't really the developing we seek, kid. Boys like you wasn't even born yet when the first GoW were released.
Supposedly, there was going to be another section of the game between Atreus finding out he's a god and where he starts acting like a little shit, but it got cut due to development time constraints. It would've made his shift in behavior more gradual and feel a bit more natural rather than the flip of a switch that it ended up being.
At first I had this sentiment but then I realised that Atreus is a kid in these games so his emotions swaying drastically throughout this game isn’t so far fetched. Especially given who his father is, that hatred and grief is literally in his blood.
Also Atreus’ arc isn’t complete by the end of this game as his emotions continue to sway in Ragnarok.
Another thing that I love about Ateus killing Modi is that it is NOT a clean kill. Kratos probably jas teached Atreus the ways to kill without influcting unnecesary pain, yet Atreus makes Modi choke on his own blood before kicking him down
i think that scene with modi is really fascinating, something significant that i haven't seen mentioned is the way that kratos calmly stands back and allows his son to have full control of the situation. i think from kratos' perspective the idea that his son would stoop so low as to murder a defenceless person who posed no threat was impossible, and he wanted to use the opportunity to teach his son the importance of life, but obviously he completely misjudged the situation so it ended in tragedy (and we see in kratos' reaction how incredibly shocked and disturbed he is). i think kratos throughout the game was trying to teach atreus in a more indirect manner, he wanted to subtly guide him towards things or allow him to make his own mistakes whenever possible (which would usually be good parenting btw), but he has far less understanding and control of his son than he realises so this approach consistently fails. he tries to gently demonstrate atreus' lack of control with that punching exercise but all he managed to do was p*ss him off, then he allows atreus to be a brat since he thinks he'll quickly realise that everyone hating you is unpleasant which again doesn't work, and this lack of control and understanding culminates in modi's death. kratos should've been completely in control in that scenario, atreus had consistently demonstrated a lack of control around modi, had been acting very entitled and violent up to that point, and the stakes were just too high for everyone involved for kratos to take such a risk, but he arrogantly assumed that his parenting must be working and continued with the same approach. modi's death was atreus' crime but kratos will always bear some responsibility for it, along with the lasting impact it had on his son (although this seemed to magically disappear in ragnarok so maybe not that part), but at the very least it finally drove the point home that kratos' style of teaching just wasn't working on his son so he quickly changes tactics next time he acts out
To be perfectly fair, I think people overstate the emotional weight of killing Modi.
This is the GoW universe, not our own, in there, people fight and kill ALL the time.
To one of us, yea, stabbing a guy in the throat and kicking them off a cliff would probably leave a life long impact.
To them, however, it's just another day ending in y.
It doesn't mean that the characters don't have any emotions relating to death, they clearly do, but Modi's death probably boils down to a "yea that was a pretty bad thing to do" before he shoots down another raider trying to kill him.
If Modi wasn't a completely horrid person with not a single positive trait to their name, that'd probably be incredibly different, but he WAS a completely horrid person with not a single positive trait to their name.
In the long term, there is no reason to regret killing him over literally any of the other monstrous people (and literal monsters) he kills on the daily.
@@theoreticalexistence9630 "yea that was a pretty bad thing to do" is a pretty massive understatement lol, and i think saying oh this is gow it's fine to kill is just misunderstanding the point of these games. even when someone arguably deserves it or it's necessary it's still a huge deal to actually take their life, you see that clearly in the scene where atreus kills his first man or when kratos kills heimdall, both of those kills were justified but it can absolutely wreck you. i also don't think you appreciate just how unnecessary this was, modi wasn't some broken monster he was just a weakling who got raised by his raging drunk father and psychopathic grandfather to be a tool, beyond being a bit of a d*ck and following odin's orders we don't even know of any crimes he's committed and i'd say he's surprisingly well adjusted, so the idea that he was somehow hopeless when characters like kratos and thor could redeem themselves is pretty ridiculous. he absolutely could've become a better person at some point, but atreus robbed him of that opportunity for no reason at all. if atreus were in a better place at the time he might even have been able to help modi, this is the same kid who tried to connect with thor and risked his life to get freya to come back, it would be totally in character for him to say sorry about magni and show some compassion
@@aldrichunfaithful3589 Kratos wasn't wrecked when he killed Heimdal because he killed Heimdal, he was wrecked because he lost control doing it.
Much like his fight with Thor, where he's ALSO devastated when he loses control.
Kratos was planning to kill Heimdal from the very first time he heard that he was considering killing his son. (100% understandable)
He already worked it out in his head that even if killing Heimdal 100% starts a massive war, that is his SON.
I didn't say Modi's death had no emotional weight; I said that it wouldn't hold Atreus down for very long at all given his daily life of slaughtering people trying to kill him.
@@theoreticalexistence9630 that first bit is pretty much the same thing i was saying lol just with different wording, it's the manner in which atreus killed modi that's a problem since he lost control and did it for no reason, if he'd killed modi to protect himself in their battle i wouldn't think twice. regardless i disagree on the last bit, atreus is a naturally kind hearted and generous person who pretty much considers it his personal duty to help everyone he comes across, that kind of person doesn't just get over brutally murdering someone and never think about it again. he understands that he has to kill in self defence sometimes, but he's someone who strives to find a peaceful, kind solution to every problem and his failure to even try doing that in modi's case goes against everything he stands for. this is the same kid who begged odin to surrender then refused to kill him and put his soul in a marble, which he did after watching him brutally murder his own son and seeing him use atreus' friends as cannon fodder, but he goes out of his way to kill modi just because modi made fun of his mother
Pleeeeaaassseeee make some content on the characters and story of Ghost of Tsushima. With the sequel coming out next year, now would be the perfect time. And you’re the perfect man for the job! Love the content, keep up the great work!
Agreed! There is a lot to unpack in that game, from Ryuzo to Kenji
This would be awesome. I would watch a video about jin sakai and his uncle anyday of the week.
Agreed
Please listen to this man. I’d also like to see some red dead redemption
That'd be perfect timing, I just finished replaying it!
Atreus sobbing after killing that guy was the most heart wrenching bit. It’s no mistake that this part is so early on. It’s almost like the developers are saying “this isn’t gonna be just another GOW game.” Looking back on the amount of casualties in the old games, then seeing this one, it’s pretty jarring.
Atreus really is the making of a hero he just needs his own free will and his own way to choose
Honestly, I don't mind ya repeating cut scenes in these videos. I can never get enough of them. Still a great video either way!
At 28:06 Kratos actually shivers in his idle animation when in Helheim. Pretty cool.
Atreus killing a bunch of Dark Elves with nothing but a bow and arrows for hours on end is metal AF
I love your videos. Thank you for making these analysis. It made me love a game I've never played and sparked new insights in psychology. I would just like to add an insight about how Atreus' "illness" can happen even in real life. So recently, I've had my first panic attack. I'm honestly very lucky because I've been reading and learning about human development and psychology so much that I was curious about the reason why it happened to me. Turns out, I noticed my "inner voice" telling me it's my fault and the consequence is, what my body processed as, life and death. But the truth is, I did fail to handle the situation properly, but it wasn't my fault because it was the first time I've encountered that situation. Why should I expect myself to "know" how to answer it? And after experiencing the attack and the realizations, my body felt feverish and I was on bed all day.
It made me think that maybe this also happened to Atreus. Just as I had 2 'truths' fighting inside me: 1. I failed, 2. It wasn't my fault. Although this is just my theory, Atreus' illness isn't really about "not knowing that he's a god", but that 1. He knows his dad cares for him genuinely. (maybe from the few bonding times they had before, or maybe how his mom keeps on reminding him that his dad cares even though he's like that) 2. His dad is distant at the same time expects so much from him (that's why he was very much insistent on proving he's ready). So does his dad really love him or not? Dad seems like a person with integrity at the same time he's not kind. Is it my fault or not? What's the truth?... And thus Atreus confusion grew. That's why in the end, it's Kratos' real truth (expectations and reasons for his actions) that added context and helped heal Atreus' confusion. It gave Atreus clarity as to how these 2 truths are true at the same time.
Anyways, long story short, my experience of my war with myself made my body sick thus proved how plausible Atreus having weak body constitution was due to his war with himself. And it's not just some plot device that needed to happen.
Upon thinking deeper on the scene of Atreus killing Modi I now see Atreus as a young Kratos. But this time there is no grandeur, no music to “amp” the player to align positively with the scene. What it does have is a man who knows the path Atreus is watching, and the player knows he is right to be disappointed in this action.
It is a shame that Sinmara quest in GoWR was cut. It would be an interesting character development Atreus/Loki lying to Sinmara about Surtr's death. Regardless, Atreus saga searching for other giants will be a hell of game.
Another thing about how Atreus reacts to death/killing. Atreus comments on when you kill 2 (?) wolves near Kratos' home during the hunt for the deer. "They were just hungry." (Or something like that)
Faye must’ve been such a good and pure person in order to convince kratos to have a child again. And Faye also “knew” that same child would be the catalyst to unite the realms. I love how much she haunts the narrative.
Atreus is what I believe to be what Kratos should've grown up to be. Going through all the good and bad that Atreus experiences is both understandable, frustrating, enlightening, and...satisfying. Seeing him grow up into his own person and into what Kratos desired him to be, makes the player feel like you're also along for the ride, being very proud of him as well.
i always thought Atreus is such an interesting and deep character. I never understood the "omg hes so annoying" complaint even in Ragnarok. Like, hes a kid! His mom just died and he found out hes a god, of course hes going to go crazy with power!! He feels like his life is out of control and now suddenly he has a "solution" to be able to regain some of that control (or so he thinks). It makes perfect sense for his character, as it also makes perfect sense for the character to lash out and want to find his path despite Kratos holding on to him so hard in the second game. I thoroughly enjoyed his character development and even playing as him to see more of his point of view on things was refreshing. Not to mention the flavor dialogue between him and Kratos we get in the overworld is one of my favorite things in these games.
I remember when the teaser trailer for GOW4 first came out and I saw Atreus and my first reaction was "oh no, not another child companion" Now after playing through both games, I'm waiting on bated breath for the next chance to reconnect with Boy.
"Close ur heart to it" is more human then u think
I just got bit in the face by a dog but Fatbrett dropped, im instantly healed
What some people don't understand is that to have good growth you have to change from something that may not be the most relatable. Atreus becoming a brat is in character for him because he didn't know any better before hand. He _couldn't_ have known any better considering his relationship with his father. His growth into a better person is all the better _because_ he was stuck in a moment of being horrid. You only become better when you recognize how much you're lacking.
the illness was kinda-sorta his body being confused with itself, it's a common trope used to explain why small or child characters become ill and not really knowing why -- it needed an outlet for the power in it but the character has no idea how to use it or what's wrong exactly
Just to add on to the cycle of violence theme between sons and fathers, even Kronos killed his own father Uranus on the greek mythos.
Every time I'm reminded that Atreus has known 2 people in his life and socialized with one it astounds me. How is this kid sane?
Probably why he went coco so quickly.
26:13 - 26:18 - 26:45 - 27:06 Wait, you always said that both Baldur was both Kratos and Atreus's antagonist. He was a foil to Kratos because he represents Kratos's past. And that he's a foil to Atreus because he represents a future for him.
Both Modi and Baldur can be a foil for Atreus
Loved this game so much that I named my son “Atreus”
12:49 Excellent Atreus impression
I think the reason Freya needed the Heart of the Gatekeeper, was to try and delay/suppress the effects for Atreus' illness.
Love those video's and love yours content. As I'am listening to this essay, I'm thinking that even Faye deserves her own video. Even thou she is not present in any games physically, she has the biggest impact on the story of all characters in my opinion.
Santa Monica Studios not making a spin-off game following Atreus/Loki called "God of Mischief" is a missed opportunity.
Son of War sounds better to me
“God of War: Legacy” is a better name. Also, I don’t think that would be a spin off game. That would just be a straight up sequel. Which I WANT SO BAD!😂
An AU where Odin got to Atreus' head and he sided with Asgard in Ragnarok. He became Loki, God of Mischief.
With how Ragnarok ended I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Atreus is the main character of the next game
It’s only been a couple years since Ragnorok so there’s still time
Always a great day when you post
Thanks you!! Gonna have something to listen to at work now!!
Man, I freaking love this channel. You're an amazing artist, youtuber, writer. Keep it up!
I have genuinley been wating for an atreus analysis for over a year
So good to finally have it
Nothing gets me more excited these than seeing a new vid from my boy FatBrett! Great video as usual. This video reminded me that you posted a very similar video of Ellie from the last of us about a year ago and I have been waiting patently waiting for part 2 of that video. My OCD has to mention it.
Thank you for making these videos. I really enjoyed your analysis and pointing out the many elements that went into making these amazing games!
Jeff Chaffe still has the gall to say that Atreus is “still a terrible character” and doesn’t deserve the spotlight.
After he made his comments that Santa Monica ruined Kratos and the franchise, I’ve since learned that he has no further credibility.
Man we were due for an Atreus deep dive. He's got a lot of potential.
This man genuinely changed my entire perspective of life with the amount of detail he notices from the small actions that characters do and how he understands it
What good timing I just finished my series marathon just yesterday
Atreus reminds me so much of myself when I was younger. I’m glad he got the best ending he could’ve.
Your god of war videos are my favorite content on UA-cam. Thanks for adding depth and helping me better understand these games
THANK YOU!!! I WAS WAITING SO LONG FOR AN ARTREUS/LOKI VID.
We got 2 uploads??! Love the hard work you’re putting in Brett!
I really apreciate you deconstructing heroism so to speak.
There is only so much I can learn from and about villains
You don’t know how long I’ve been wondering if you were gonna drop an Atreus focused analysis video. Brett has cooked yet again.
No matter what your opinion of Dad of Boy is, you'll have to admit that the premise itself of Kratos becoming a father again and raising a son was a really damn good idea. You know you want to see where that's going, you can't deny it.
Yay!! Ive been waiting for you to do a video about atreus!! I would love a part two about his arc in Ragnarök :)) love your channel
As much as I admired the time that Kratos said "Watch your tone, boy" to Atreus to silence the arrogance, I can't ignore the fact that a lot can be avoided by just saying the consequences he is referring to.
Finally a video about him, was really looking forqard to see your visions about him
I just logged on and got so excited to see this. I've been waiting !! OMG
Bro really makes watching analysis videos of shit fun whether I care for the specific topic itself or not. Keep up the good work bro 💪
This is What ive been Waiting for!!!
Making of a hero is what i feel is exceptionally important in life.
If Atreus knew who Kratos was before all this, I'd reckon he'd probably listen more out of fear that Kratos might turn him into Calliope 2.0
GOOD GOD THE VIDEOS YOU MAKE ARE SO ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!
Ya know I kinda just realized kratos in the norse games is very similar to a fugitive off the grid and how that would affect his kid. Did something terrible, lost everything, fled and is on the run or escaped prison, restarted and pretends to be a completely different person, avoids the attention of anyone and other people, self isolates himself and his new family, hides himself from his own kid and it has huge effects on his kid. Almost like Barry S4. Meanwhile his service to the gods was basically community service and then his war against them was a shootout and stand off against the authorities and govt, and any time spent dead was prison time before he escaped the underworld/prison. And it’s almost comical how many problems between them are solved fairly easily and quickly just by them simply talking to each other. And I’ve said this before but I truly believe if kratos messed it up, Atreus would just end up like myth Loki switching from a prankster to an evil murderer who killed someone cuz he simply didn’t like them (baldur), if he didn’t already get himself killed thinking he was all powerful. He’s already surprisingly treacherous when he got mad, willing to shoot his own dad and ran away to try and be a spy and find ways to destroy Asgard and odin and that’s after sneaking out to find horcrux marbels. Even showing sociopathic tendencies when he thought he was free of consequences cuz he was a god. And kratos would prob not have the strength to kill his own son if it meant stopping a monster and he knows it. Hell he basically admits it. It is also a lil funny how kratos says “one of us has to stay focused” and talk about how boy is not ready but then boy has to snap kratos out of his own trances and pull him from distractions multiple times
keep em coming these are really well done and entertaning videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can’t get enough of these GOW essays Brett thank you !…. You think we could get one on Asuras wrath ?
Similar character & story (maybe too similar?) . I’d love to see you breakdown some aspects of that game
You were my top UA-camr on my recap!!!
This is awesome, can’t wait for part 2!! 🔥
Finally, a video from this man that I would actually even consider watching, great content. ♥️
It's about time FatBrett LOL LOVED this and all your analysis content.
BABE WAKE UP. FATBRETT POSTED A NEW GOW VIDEO
Been waiting for this video, thank you 😊 🙏
I know it wasnt because of my comment but I'm glad he finally did an analysis on one of the most important characters.
I wonder how Atreus might've gotten along with Calliope, his half-sister...
When Atreus said, "no cared about him anyway", I thought if Sif in Ragnarok having that heart-to-heart conversation with Thor referring to Magni and Modi as, "our boys" 💔
I've been WAITING for this!
Oh nice, you always have the best videos.
"This is a much better knife than mother's" is a cold line
I've been waiting for this video 🎉🎉🎉
Excellent analysis. I love his videos.
22:29 Which is just brilliantly ironic, his ignorance of his status led him to acting as a benevolent would, but his knowledge of his status turned him into an indulgent brat.
Almost like he had opened a certain box that gave him detrimental knowledge.😮
Now I just notice, Atreus enters for the first time from the right, and makes his last exit to the left.
finally, a one on atreus!!!
18:53 Yeah, we need a horde minigame about that honestly.
Hell yeah that would be good
Soo long comment i guess lol
The game was on sale on steam and i decided to buy it, Knowing what i know from watching all the videos you made about the game and since i dont care about spoilers its making me appreciate the game even more just got past the mission off finding Tyr knowing that its really Odin i still look for when he slips up and makes himself sus but i dont really notices Sooo Odin is a good actor??
and now i just started the next main mission with Atreus and the first thing i see him do is trying to push through a loot chest like Kratos does and failing really hard sooo funny
Keep it up with these videos love your narration :D
one thing that always stuck with me was how everyone accused atreus of wanting to go to asgard
but people forget that one of the main reasons was kratos refusal to help his son in something HE needed for personal closure (finding the answers to their questions), even if he doesn't admit it kratos put his fears and needs above his son, just like freya with baldur
Nowadays seeing new God of War videos is like finding diamonds in the yard
A banger video after a match and while in dinner
Fabulous!
Best youtuber at disecting videogames
Great video, as always. If you ever find the time, might I suggest dipping your toes into the Legacy of Kain series. There's so much potential material in there for you.
FINALLY!!!!!!! THE ONLY VIDEO I CARED ABOUT ALL THIS TIME!!!!!!
Atreus being centered around communication is so cool to me when you look at Loki in mythology. Loki takes action and attempts to worm out of reaction constantly until a breaking point is reached. But he is also Utgard-Loki, king of the jotun, Skrymir. He keeps hospitality laws while still tricking Thor. All stories end with his words failing and his being bound. If they decide to do another game with Atreus, im interested to see if this binding will be true or metaphor. If the inaction, refusal of violence, in Ragnarok will cause ripples via Sindri.