The upcoming entry into the God of War franchise is well on its way to becoming a Game of the Year contender. With brief looks at gameplay, all of the glorious details being released, and so much more, there’s no denying that Kratos will be fighting his way to the top. That being said, the new God of War combat system was highlighted in a recent video, giving players a good look at what has changed since the last time we saw The Ghost of Sparta in action.

Game director Cory Barlog and lead combat designer Jason McDonald are both featured in the video, in which they go over what it took to basically rewrite the rules when it comes to the combat in the God of War realm. Seeing as Barlog will be taking players on an adventure that’s off the franchise’s beaten path, it would only make sense that the combat itself would evolve. Kratos won’t have his Blades of Chaos/Athena/Exile this time around, but will be wielding his Leviathan Axe instead. When the axe is thrown at an enemy, Kratos will be able to use his shield to take on the opposition. In addition to this, Atreus will be nearby to launch arrows at the combatants, which offers many possibilities in itself. Check all of this out and more in the God of War combat system video below:

Just in case you’ve been out of the loop on the upcoming title, here’s a bit more on what to expect:

From Santa Monica Studio and creative director Cory Barlog comes a new beginning for God of War. Living as a man outside the shadow of the gods, Kratos must adapt to unfamiliar lands, unexpected threats, and a second chance at being a father. Together with his son Atreus, the pair will venture into the brutal Norse wilds and fight to fulfill a deeply personal quest.

His vengeance against the Gods of Olympus years behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the realm of Norse Gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive…And teach his son to do the same. This startling reimagining of God of War deconstructs the core elements that defined the series—satisfying combat; breathtaking scale; and a powerful narrative—and fuses them anew.

Kratos is a father again. As mentor and protector to Atreus, a son determined to earn his respect, he is forced to deal with and control the rage that has long defined him while out in a very dangerous world with his son.

From the marble and columns of ornate Olympus to the gritty forests, mountains, and caves of Pre-Viking Norse lore, this is a distinctly new realm with its own pantheon of creatures, monsters, and gods. With an added emphasis on discovery and exploration, the world will draw players in to explore every inch of God of War’s breathtakingly threatening landscape—by far the largest in the franchise.

With an over the shoulder free camera that brings the player closer to the action than ever before, fights in God of War mirror the pantheon of Norse creatures Kratos will face: grand, gritty, and grueling. A new main weapon and new abilities retain the defining spirit of God of War while presenting a vision of violent conflict that forges new ground in the genre.”

God of War is expected to launch on April 20, 2018 for the PlayStation 4. Keep it tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers as this story develops, and for other gaming news going on right now, check out the following:

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What say you, gamers? Does the new God of War combat system offer enough to keep players coming back for more? Will you be picking this title up when it drops next month? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!