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The new 'God of War' is the latest example that video games are growing up

In the last decade or so, video games have grown up.

Yet, even the notion that games can tell stories is relatively new. "Rescue the princess" is little more than a trope to be goofed on nowadays, but it was a standard not so long ago.

One of the best examples of this evolution in storytelling comes from Naughty Dog, a game development studio responsible for some of the world's best games.

"Super Mario Bros."
The story of "Super Mario Bros." is far from complex. Nintendo

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Naughty Dog mostly made silly, cartooney platformers like "Crash Bandicoot" and "Jak and Daxter." Great games, no doubt, but not intended as complex emotional experiences.

The studio's recent games, like "The Last of Us" and "Uncharted 4," have told affecting stories that rival those told in film.

last of us
"The Last of Us" told the story of Ellie and Joel, two strangers fighting for survival together in the wake of a terrible virus that thrusts the world into anarchy. The Last Of Us

When you think about the "God of War" series, you're probably reminded of its main character, Kratos, who communicates primarily through beheadings and growling under his breath. He's got one mood, and it's angry.

That's about to change.

kratos god of war
Kratos: not a guy you generally associate with fatherhood. Sony

Historically, Kratos hasn't been the most three-dimensional character. You're forgiven if you've never thought, "Yes, he can slaughter a group of demons in ten seconds flat, but what kind of a dad is he?

The new "God of War" is changing things up as it looks to answer that very question.

In response to this trend of games telling more complicated and mature stories, Cory Barlog, who's directing the fourth entry in the "God of War" series, wanted to re-imagine just about everything about the new "God of War" from the ground up.

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Barlog said he wants to "explore the compelling drama that unfolds when an immortal demigod makes a decision to change."

god of war e3 2016 sony
YouTube/PlayStation

The story the game will tell, Barlog said, was inspired by the birth of his son and how fundamentally it altered his worldview. In a way, this new chapter of Kratos' life is sort of a mirror for Barlog's own life (but with more trolls and ghosts and magical axes).

Here's what Barlog's bringing over to "God of War":

"It is hard for human beings to truly change, but one thing that can really motivate us is the thought of being responsible for a life, and especially the life of our child. The weight of that responsibility drives the instinct to protect, to want to prevent the mistakes of our past being delivered upon them. There is no end to the lengths we will go, no adversity we will not overcome, to be better… for them."

Since Kratos' relationship with his son is so integral to game, the two characters will chit-chat as they explore the snowy mountains of Scandinavia. There's even a dedicated button you can hit at any time to interact with him: during a fight, for example, hitting this button will cause your son to help to the best of his ability. 

Like this:

Much like in real life, though, having a less-than-physically-imposing pubescent boy try to help in decidedly grown-up situations doesn't always go as planned.

In the trailer for "God of War," Kratos needs some help taking down a massive troll creature. He asks his son for an assist, who accidentally shoots Kratos in the shoulder with an arrow.

Though it's not an overly complex moment, it feels rooted in the realities of raising a kid. I like to imagine that it was inspired by Barlog asking his son for help hanging up a picture frame, but in the process, got his thumb smashed by a not-so-carefully-aimed hammer.

Little vignettes like these are signs that "God of War" is going to more closely investigate the intricacies of the bond between a father and his son, but it definitely doesn't mean the game will be any less violent or over-the-top as a result.

god of war
"God of War" won't be short on action, despite its more intimate story. Sony

After taking an arrow to the shoulder — rather than yell at his son for being a klutz — Kratos smashes that troll in the head with an axe himself, rips the arrow out of his shoulder, and moves on. Just like a good dad should.

In the few short minutes of the new "God of War" that we've seen, Kratos arguably shows a wider range of emotions than he did throughout the entire series prior. When his son is reluctant to kill a deer they've been tracking throughout the whole trailer, Kratos patiently — if not a bit tensely — instructs him on how to proceed, guiding his youthful hands with his own that are aged and weathered.

When the time comes for Kratos to congratulate his son for conquering his fears, he reaches out to give him a nice pat on the back, but stops just short of doing so, showing that he's still growing, too, and not quite sure how to be the father his son needs him to be.

god of war e3 2016
PlayStation

It's a brief moment, but it's a sign that even the silliest action games can change with the times.

Don't worry. You'll get your chance to grow up, too, Kratos.

Gaming Sony PlayStation 4
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