Some PC players are frustrated with Sony’s decisions.
The long-awaited God of War Ragnarok has recently faced a wave of negative reviews on Steam. The source of frustration for many players? The requirement to log in with a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, even for playing the game’s single-player mode. For a game that is primarily designed for solo play, many PC gamers feel this extra step is unnecessary and intrusive.
As a result, God of War Ragnarok currently has a “Mixed” rating on Steam. Players have review-bombed the game, leaving many negative reviews focused solely on the PSN login requirement. According to PC Gamer, one sarcastic review reads: “I love having to sign in to PSN to play a single-player game. Glad you didn’t learn from what happened with Helldivers 2.”
Sony’s History with PSN Requirements on PC
This situation isn’t the first time Sony has faced backlash over mandatory PSN sign-ins for PC games. Earlier in 2024, Sony encountered similar outrage with Helldivers 2 on Steam. After receiving numerous complaints, Sony ultimately removed the mandatory PSN login requirement from the game. However, the circumstances surrounding God of War Ragnarok are slightly different.
With Helldivers 2, the PSN requirement was introduced after the game was already available on Steam. In contrast, God of War Ragnarok was clear from the beginning that a PSN account would be necessary to play the game on PC. When Sony Santa Monica, the developers behind the God of War franchise, announced that Ragnarok was coming to Steam, the company also confirmed that logging into PSN would be required for playing on the platform.
Sony has been gradually bringing more of its popular PlayStation exclusives to PC, including titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, Spider-Man, and The Last of Us Part 1. While this move has excited many PC gamers, the inclusion of the PSN account login requirement has been a controversial aspect for those who prefer the freedom of PC gaming without being tied to a console platform.
Features and Improvements in God of War Ragnarok PC Version
Despite the controversy over the PSN requirement, God of War Ragnarok offers an impressive experience for PC players. The PC version comes with several notable improvements and features that cater to the capabilities of modern gaming rigs. These enhancements include:
- Unlocked Frame Rates: PC players can enjoy the game with an unlocked frame rate, allowing for smoother gameplay experiences if their hardware supports it.
- Ultra-Widescreen Support: For those using ultra-widescreen monitors, Ragnarok offers a more immersive experience with support for ultra-widescreen resolutions.
- Graphical Enhancements: The game features enhanced visuals, including improved textures, better shadows, and more detailed environments when compared to its PlayStation counterparts.
- Customizable Settings: Players on PC have the option to customize various graphical and performance settings to match their hardware setup, ensuring optimal performance across different rigs.
These additions make the game visually stunning and adaptable to a wide range of PC builds, offering players a highly customizable and optimized experience.
Gameplay and Story Overview
God of War Ragnarok continues the story of Kratos and his son, Atreus, as they face the impending doom of Ragnarok – the prophesied end of the world in Norse mythology. This installment builds upon the successful 2018 God of War reboot, which shifted the series to a more narrative-driven, third-person action-adventure format.
The game offers a mix of intense combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, with a rich and emotional storyline. Kratos, known for his brutal combat style, wields the iconic Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos, allowing players to switch between these two weapons in battle. Atreus, who was more of a supporting character in the previous game, takes on a more prominent role in Ragnarok, both in combat and in the narrative.
Key features of the gameplay include:
- Seamless Combat: The game features fast-paced and fluid combat, allowing players to string together combos and switch between weapons on the fly.
- Companions: Atreus and other companions assist in battle, helping with ranged attacks or distracting enemies. Players can also command Atreus to perform specific actions during combat.
- RPG Elements: As players progress through the game, they can upgrade Kratos’ and Atreus’ abilities, unlock new moves, and improve their weapons and armor.
The PSN Requirement Controversy
The PSN login issue has drawn criticism because PC gamers, by and large, prefer freedom and flexibility in their gaming experience. Many of them are not fans of having to link or rely on console-based services to access their games. For players who don’t own a PlayStation, this requirement feels like an unnecessary hurdle, especially when it’s just for a single-player experience.
In the past, PC players have generally enjoyed the lack of platform constraints. They don’t have to log in to an external network like PSN or Xbox Live unless they’re playing a multiplayer game. The fact that a PSN account is needed for God of War Ragnarok, despite being a single-player game, has understandably caused frustration.
This isn’t to say that Sony’s games haven’t been a hit on PC – on the contrary. Titles like Horizon Zero Dawn and Spider-Man have been well-received, largely due to their strong stories and fantastic gameplay mechanics. But for some, the mandatory PSN login might be enough to deter them from fully enjoying the experience.
What’s Next for Sony and PlayStation on PC?
Sony is not backing down from its plans to bring more PlayStation exclusives to PC, and it’s clear that future releases will also require a PSN account. In addition to God of War Ragnarok, the upcoming remake of Until Dawn is set to have a mandatory PSN login for both Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Looking beyond God of War Ragnarok, fans of Sony Santa Monica’s work are eager to see what’s next from the studio. It’s rumored that they are working on a new IP outside of the God of War franchise. However, Sony has not officially revealed any details about this project.
Conclusion
While the PSN login requirement has led to some negative reviews on Steam, God of War Ragnarok remains an impressive and enjoyable game for those willing to log in. With its rich story, breathtaking visuals, and satisfying combat mechanics, the game delivers a high-quality experience that lives up to the standards set by its predecessors.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the God of War series or new to the franchise, Ragnarok offers a powerful and emotional journey that stands out as one of the best action-adventure games available on PC – PSN login requirement or not.
Leave a comment