October 26th 2024.
As a reader, I've always been amazed at how video games have the power to impact our lives in such a profound way. And I'm not the only one. Time and time again, we hear stories from gamers who credit their favorite hobby with helping them through the toughest times and getting them back on track. And I can definitely relate to this, as I have my own personal experience to share.
Two years ago, I was going through a really rough patch in my life. Between struggling with work and adjusting to being a new father, I was feeling completely overwhelmed. It all became too much for me to handle, and I found myself contemplating taking my own life. Thankfully, I didn't go through with it, but I did take some time off work to focus on my mental health. And it was during this time that God of War Ragnarök was released.
I had been eagerly anticipating this game, as I've been a fan of the series since the original came out in 2005. I grew up with the franchise and it's always been a big part of my life. So when the reboot was announced, I was ecstatic. I even shed tears when Kratos unleashed his Spartan Rage on that poor troll. Yes, I love this series that much. Little did I know how much this game would impact me in the future.
One of the things I love about the new God of War games is the theme of father and son. While I always enjoyed Kratos and Atreus' relationship in the first game, becoming a father myself gave me a whole new perspective on their bond. It made me want to be a better father for my own son and crawl out of the dark hole I had dug for myself.
In the game, Kratos blindly follows Atreus on their journey, trusting him to make the right decisions. It's a reflection of how he has grown from being cold towards his son, due to the trauma of his past. And I saw myself in this, as I was also struggling with my own guilt and emotions. Every time I looked at my son, I couldn't help but feel guilty for my attempt to end my life. While he was happy and carefree, I was in tears.
But as I played the game and reached its conclusion, I made a promise to myself to be the father my son deserves. I spent more time with him, and my love for him grew stronger while my guilt slowly faded away. I realized that I didn't have to constantly apologize for my actions, but I could work towards being a better father.
Of course, time does make things easier, but I still struggle with my guilt at times. However, whenever I look at my son and call him "boy" just like Kratos, he giggles and responds with "Daddy funny!". And I have the characters of Kratos and Atreus to thank for that. They have become more than just fictional characters to me, they have given me hope and strength to be a better person.
I want to take this opportunity to also mention the importance of mental health and seeking help when needed. As the original text mentions, Samaritans are always available to listen and offer support, no matter the time or day. It's crucial to remember that we can all go through difficult times, but we don't have to face them alone.
In conclusion, I want to thank GameCentral and Metro for giving me the opportunity to share my story. And to all the readers, I urge you to never underestimate the power of a video game. It may just have the ability to change your life for the better.
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