Only few enemies you fight resemble human. There is a lot of battling and slashing and ripping your enemies, but it is not done in realistic manner at all. its more like cartoon violence, the atmosphere gives you a feeling of platform game for teens/adults, i would imagine the main audience for this is boys age of 12 to 19. Uhh yeah this game contains violence, but its not realistic at all. I'm still not sure if I will get the time or motivation to actually wrap it up myself. It may become exhausting to many, it definitely did for me. HOWEVER, be forewarned that bosses are repeated, especially in the later half with 9 of a very similar type are needed to be tracked down, each of which will test your knowledge of the game mechanics and ability to discern patterns, openings and tactics.
This is not a hyper paced hack and slash or DMC/Bayonetta style game, but if you enjoy those then there's a good chance you may enjoy this one as well, the change of pace might do you good.
The somewhat slower pace but more visceral execution of combat sets it apart from the series prior entries and Kratos' engagement strategies have a larger arsenal with a more thoughtful and gritty interaction that makes it feel all the more real and threatening. To sum it up, the best description I've heard is that this game is "Dark Souls would be if it was approachable and accessible". The fact that the game has a 4 tiered difficulty setting which you can change at any time is a nice and welcome touch making it accessible to everyone and challenging for those who want it. There is also a dodge, a 2 stick button 'god rage' mode for overwhelming situations and a block, parry mechanic that is also used in Kratos' hand to hand combos. There is no "jump" button, but Kratos traverses with an action button which causes him to leap or climb when needed. The right trigger buttons are the attack buttons and holding the left trigger gives you a reticle to throw and shoot with using those same action buttons. One "gripe" I had initially was that the controls cannot be customized. It truly feels like a expansive, very cinematic journey. It is interesting, gritty and and seems to bring to life and encompass it's beautiful, yet often harsh surroundings. I think the one thing I truly loved is the father, son dynamic. To tie it all together the story in surprisingly very well done, heartfelt and engaging which drives you to experience each step. In battle, Atreyu will frequently yell out warnings to incoming attacks which is complimented by onscreen, directional reticles that turn color as enemies approach. Later on you obtain Kratos' traditional GoW weapon as well adding a "fire element" weapon to your Frost Axe, which later comes into play with elemental enemies.
Kratos also uses his bare hands and retractable shield for attacks and combos while Kratos son, Atreyu, fires sometimes by himself, but also on your command with the same onscreen reticle as your axe. Kratos axe reacts like Thors hammer from the Marvel franchise and returns to his hand when thrown with a single button press. There are many moves and attacks to attain along the way with plenty of ways to dispatch enemies with multiple skill trees. To equip for your questing, Kratos' armor & weapons as well as his sons clothes and bow are upgradable along the journey. There is a more one on one approach to combat this time instead of mowing down hordes, ala Dynasty Warriors, with the enemy types being detailed and gritty, although repeats and repaints are frequent. The action is more engaging, grounded and visceral than ever with a third person 'over the shoulder' camera angle. Gone are the days of Kratos over the top, cartoonish anger issues along with the gratuitous vulgarity and offputting nudity of past games.And THAT is a very good thing.