God of War’s new Enhanced Mode has been out a couple weeks now, and during my most recent playthrough of the game there were a few things I noticed. For those who don’t know, with the PS5 release, Sony Santa Monica released a new settings mode exclusively for the platform that includes updated visuals and performance. I’ve gotta say, for someone who’s played through the full game five times, I’m definitely noticing some things I had never seen before. Or maybe I’m just dumb.
Anyway, here’s like nine things I didn’t notice until playing God of War’s new Enhanced mode. *SPOILERS* for basically anything God of War 2018 from here on out.
1. That Dope Strap Doesn’t Just Look Cool
First and foremost, this little metal strap in the shape of a Ω. I thought this was some kind of homage to Kratos’ time in Greece. But it turns out, it’s to HOLD THE DAMN AXE.
2. Markers that are Definitely Not Just Yellow Snow
You can get back down to the temple’s inner sanctum from here. I never saw these yellow markings in the standard mode.
3. All Leaves Matter
Pretty cool how Sony Santa Monica took the time to really give every leaf in the game equal screen time. I’m sure it’s just adding to the atmosphere, but it really is cool to see all these leaves rendered in a way that feels natural and random.
4. Alfheim is F’n PRETTY.
Look at it Hector.
5. The Axe whose Size is Up for Interpretation
Is it just me or does the size of the axe seem to change a lot? Here it is literally bigger than the Boy.
6. Not Just a Pretty Corpse
From the top of the Mountain, if you look you can actually see Thamur’s Corpse off in the distance. And what looks like other areas farther out. Perhaps teases for the next game?
7. Beards A Mighty
The statues to the left and right of Mimir actually look somewhat like him, scraggly beard and all.
8. This Dumb Guy’s Sick Tats
The intricate tattoos around Magni’s nose. At first I thought this was some kind of head wound he’d endured, but it’s actually some kind of marking that seems to run down his chest and across his shoulders. I’m probably not going to look up what these mean.
Anyway, that’s all the stuff I noticed, at least up until Thamur’s Corpse. I’m sure I’ll notice more as I go. Maybe stick around for a part 2!