A PC Port with Performance Enhancements and Minor Flaws
God of War Ragnarok has finally arrived on PC, bringing Kratos and Atreus's epic journey to a new audience. Developed by Sony Santa Monica and ported by Jetpack Interactive, this PC version boasts several enhancements, including ultrawide support, upscaling options, and improved frame rates.
The performance boost is noticeable compared to the console version. On a high-end PC, the game runs consistently above 80 frames per second at 1440p resolution with the highest settings. DLSS further enhances performance, pushing frame rates beyond 100 fps with minimal visual impact. AMD's FSR 3.1 and Intel XeSS are also available, providing flexibility for various PC configurations.
Surprisingly, God of War Ragnarok performs well on the Steam Deck, achieving a locked 30 fps at the "Quality" preset with FSR 3.1 and mostly Medium settings. This portable performance surpasses the base PS4 version, showcasing the port's optimization efforts.
However, the PC port is not without its flaws. Several graphical glitches were observed during testing, including incorrectly rendered UI elements and instances of forced slow movement. Occasional crashes also marred the experience, though these were mostly confined to the opening sequences and could likely be addressed in future patches.
Despite the graphical upgrades and performance improvements, the PC port lacks more substantial enhancements like ray tracing. This omission is somewhat disappointing, considering the extended wait for the PC release.
Overall, the PC port of God of War Ragnarok is a solid offering that allows PC gamers to experience this exceptional title with enhanced visuals and performance. While minor technical issues and the absence of more advanced features detract from its overall polish, it remains a worthwhile experience for those who haven't played the game on PlayStation. For those who have, the PC version offers a visually enhanced and smoother experience, but it may not warrant a replay unless you're seeking the ultimate performance and visual fidelity.