I think making Kratos a father was an incredibly cool decision, especially for all those who know him since PS2 and have played all or almost all of his games (like me). I loved seeing that in this game he wasn't as driven by hatred or spite as in all the previous games, he's a much more serene but much stronger Kratos.
Plus that long bushy beard gives him more respect in my opinion, haha 😍.
I agree. It took some getting used to at first because it wasn't the Kratos that I was used it, but his relationship with his son is awesome and it seems like he wants to be super careful not to hurt his family ever again.