Sony’s PlayStation 5: A Year of Stellar First-Party Expansions

Sony’s PlayStation 5 had a relatively quiet year regarding major full releases in 2023, with titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy XVI being the standout releases. However, it was a remarkable year for first-party expansions, with Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores and a surprise addition, God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla, taking the spotlight. These expansions brought new experiences and bridged God of War franchise gaps.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning shores

In April 2023, Sony released Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores, an exceptional expansion that left a lasting impression on players. The DLC featured an outstanding final boss fight, showcasing Guerrilla Games’ mastery of open-world design. 

The seamless transition between underwater exploration and soaring above the clouds set a new standard for gaming experiences.

God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla – A surprise treat

December 2023 brought a surprise to the PlayStation 5 community with the release of God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla. While rumors of an expansion were circulating, its sudden drop and the fact that it was offered for free delighted fans. 

Valhalla added a significant dimension to the God of War franchise by bridging the gap between the original hack ‘n’ slash trilogy and the recent Norse saga.

Balancing old and new

God of War’s shift to Norse mythology marked a soft reboot for the series, drawing in new players while potentially leaving long-time fans yearning for the depth of Kratos’ character history. 

Valhalla serves as the much-needed bridge, offering something for both groups of players. It takes place after the events of Ragnarök and presents Kratos with a personal journey that goes beyond defeating physical adversaries.

Valhalla’s unique combat

While described as a roguelike, Valhalla’s combat is more than a survival challenge. Players embark on permadeath runs leading to a final boss fight, but what sets Valhalla apart is the personal growth of Kratos intertwined with these encounters. 

It allows players to witness the character’s emotional evolution, addressing unresolved struggles from the hack ‘n’ slash era.

A trip down memory lane

Valhalla takes players on a journey through Kratos’ past, revisiting Greece, encountering familiar characters like Helios, and wielding the Blade of Olympus. For long-time fans, it’s a nostalgic trip, while newcomers gain a deeper understanding of the character. 

The expansion seamlessly integrates these elements with modern gameplay mechanics, avoiding the pitfalls of mere fan service.