Key Points
- God of War: Laufey stars Kratos' late wife, Faye, in the mythological afterlife Everywhen.
- A new character, Phranque, is a talking gelatinous cube that assists Faye in combat.
- Jack Quaid provides voice acting and motion capture for the Dungeons & Dragons-inspired Phranque.
- Player reception to Phranque is mixed, with some expressing affection and others wanting the character destroyed.
The latest entry in the God of War series, titled God of War: Laufey, is set to explore the afterlife through the eyes of Kratos' late wife, Faye. This new journey takes players to Everywhen, a unique mythological realm that blends various pantheons. Central to this new narrative is the introduction of Phranque, a talking, gelatinous cube character who aids Faye in her battles by crushing her enemies.
Phranque's design and concept are clearly a nod to the iconic Gelatinous Cube enemy from Dungeons & Dragons. The character is brought to life by Jack Quaid, who not only lends his voice but also performed motion capture for the cube. This unique approach to character creation has generated considerable discussion among players.
Player Reactions to Phranque
Following a recent showcase, the internet has seen a wave of reactions to Phranque. While many players have embraced the character, finding him endearing and even humorous, others have expressed less positive sentiments. Social media platforms show a divided fanbase, with some users enthusiastically supporting the "gelatinous cube" and others voicing a desire to see the character melted down or destroyed. Despite the differing opinions, the character's distinctiveness has undeniably made an impression, with some appreciating the inclusion of such "stupid" elements in a serious franchise.
Character and Narrative Context
Phranque is described as a "curious cosmic cube with an earnest disposition," offering a stark contrast to the more somber tone often associated with the God of War series and the character of Laufey, a giantess Faye encounters. This contrast, coupled with Phranque's unique combat role, highlights a potential shift in narrative approach for the franchise. The game's setting in Everywhen, a place where different mythologies converge, provides a fertile ground for introducing such unconventional characters.
The inclusion of characters like Phranque also prompts a broader conversation about the industry's trajectory. Developers have previously noted the influence of titles like The Last of Us and God of War in pushing the boundaries of serious, emotional storytelling in games.