Ratatoskr is one of the cutest and funniest characters in God of War Ragnarok, but the mythic figure was apparently at risk of being cut from the game completely. The epic sequel introduces a number of new mythic Norse characters, including the villainous gods Thor and Odin. Ratatoskr has become a fan-favorite addition to the God of War cast, but his presence was apparently resisted by some developers.
A report from Game Informer reveals that Ratatoskr was nearly left out of the game, with God of War Ragnarok director Eric Williams fighting hard for his inclusion. During an interview with Game Informer, Williams reveals that other developers wanted to cut Ratatoskr due to his overtly comedic role and the title’s already large cast. However, Williams remained firm that Ratatoskr’s comedic relief would be important in the game’s otherwise somber narrative. YouTube comedian and talented voice actor SungWon Cho was chosen to portray Ratatoskr, and SungWon apparently wrote much of the squirrel’s dialogue along with performing voice and motion capture.
Ratatoskr Is God Of War Ragnarok’s Most Charming Creature
Ratatoskr is an important figure in Norse myth, serving as the messenger of the World Tree Yggdrasil, and 2018’s God of War features a distinct version of the character in the form of an Atreus summon. Ratatoskr in God of War Ragnarok is significantly different from the rude and vulgar version from the previous title, who was voiced by Troy Baker instead of SungWon Cho. However, the action-packed sequel does explain the change by having the true Ratatoskr separate aspects of his personality into smaller spectral versions of himself. Troy Baker returns as the blue Bitter Squirrel, while SungWon portrays the physical Ratatoskr and his other variants.
While God of War Ragnarok is based on Norse mythology, the game takes creative liberties with many aspects of ancient tales. For example, the presence and significance of the Greek character Kratos is obviously a major difference from the stories told by North Germanic cultures. GoW Ragnarok’s mythology also reinterprets the Aesir gods like Thor and Odin, portraying them as cruel killers and manipulators rather than heroic warriors and kindly rulers. The version of Ratatoskr in God of War Ragnarok is similarly unique, assuming the role of Yggrasil’s charismatic caretaker rather than a mere messenger.
Ratatoskr is one of the most memorable characters in God of War Ragnarok, with SungWon Cho’s hilarious performance helping the squirrel stand out from the rest of the cast. Many developers surprisingly wanted to the cut the comedic creature, but director Eric Williams thankfully resisted the character’s removal. Ratatoskr helps lighten the mood throughout God of War Ragnarok and makes Sindri’s House an exciting location to revisit.
Source: Game Informer
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God of War RagnarokFranchise: God of War
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Released: 2022-11-09
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Adventure, Action
ESRB: M
Summary: Ragnarok has arrived in God of War Ragnarok, the sequel to the 2018 game of the year released on PlayStation 4. Three years have passed since Kratos and his son, Atreus, completed their quest across the realms while facing a small handful of Norse gods. However, their actions come with consequences. The Allfather, Odin, is ready for vengeance, and his son, Thor, leads the charge. Atreus, looking to find more answers about his lineage on his mother’s side, embarks on another quest with his father to discover the truth while contending with the wrath of Odin’s realm in this conclusion to the Norse God of War Saga.
How Long To Beat: 26 Hours
Prequel: God of War
God of War Ragnarok