Out of nowhere, I found myself playing a brand-new God of War game this week. Somewhat overshadowed by the behemoth announcement of God of War Trilogy Remake, the shadow-dropped Sons of Sparta gave players a fresh perspective on Kratos’ past, specifically his younger years and his relationship with his brother, Deimos. Developed by Mega Cat Studios, Sons of Sparta shifts its perspective to a 2D Metroidvania platformer – a stylistically bold choice for the series, but not a genre-shift we’re completely unfamiliar with. Sons of Sparta keeps it safe and simple, telling a well-rounded origins story about brotherly bonds while sort of re-energizing the franchise with a pixelated new coat of paint.

God of War: Sons of Sparta takes place before the events of the first God of War game, long before Kratos became a god-slaying one-man army raging against Olympus. Instead, we find a younger Kratos in a tale focused on his relationship with his brother Deimos, who has not played a significant role in the series outside of Ghost of Sparta. Kratos embarks on a journey across Sparta to find a missing comrade – a journey that opens his eyes to the dangers of the world.



Sons of Sparta’s easily digestible story is a welcomed change of pace from the more character-driven, introspective Norse saga God of War games. Kratos hasn’t developed his bloodthirsty god-killing persona yet. Instead, he’s a snarky, unsurprisingly short-tempered young man here, helped by some pretty spot-on voice work by Anthony Del Rio. On that note, TC Carson returns as the voice of older Kratos who narrates the story. I can’t tell you enough how great it is to hear Carson back in the role – his more sombre recollection of the game’s events taking inspiration from Christopher Judge’s subdued take of the character at times.

TC Carson returns as the voice of older Kratos who narrates the story. I can’t tell you enough how great it is to hear Carson back in the role...

God of War: Sons of Sparta switches the gameplay up as a 2D Metroidvania platformer, which took me a while to get used to – not because I’m not familiar with Metroidvania games, but because one wouldn’t think this style of gameplay would suit the series all too well. For the most part, Mega Cat Studios succeeds in delivering a 2D platformer that doesn’t really colour outside of the lines. It’s fairly safe and straight-forward, sometimes to a fault, but it also serves as a great entry-point into the genre. Borrowing elements from the usual suspects like classic Prince of Persia and Castlevania, Sons of Sparta doesn’t bring any new ideas to the table, though its iconic setting and characters will keep fans locked in for the ride.



The Blades of Chaos have yet to curse Kratos, so the young Spartan wields a spear that can be fully upgraded. Taking a few notes from the newer God of War games, players can change the spear tip, handle and frame which come with various buffs and perks. It’s a simple system that gradually offers greater damage output or defensive capabilities as you progress, urging you to go off the beaten path to explore the large map and discover vital resources required for these upgrades. I wish the rewards were a little better though. I often spent a long time scouring levels for unexplored paths and secret areas, only to find more resource points or new spear utilities at the end – utilities that are often useless if you’ve already committed to upgrading specific gear.

A skill tree also gives Kratos greater versatility with upgrading his defence and offence, so there’s a bit more incentive to hunt for red orbs. Realistically, you’ll only be motivated to keep exploring and fighting enemies for these reasons, but they’re meaningful enough that you don’t fall behind the game’s tougher foes. On that note, seeing specific monsters and creatures from Santa Monica Studio’s Greek mythos put a smile on my face. Kratos trades blows with the Cyclops, minotaur, and other mythical menaces – likely for the first time, technically speaking – but it doesn’t fail to deliver nostalgia. Mega Cat Studios also thoughtfully places hidden details in the game’s backgrounds that sometimes tease future events as little Easter eggs and references, so that’s a nice touch.



Combat in God of War: Sons of Sparta was a little more challenging than I anticipated. On lower difficulties, it’s a worthwhile gateway into Metroidvania’s but I strongly urge players already well-versed in the genre to consider the higher difficulties, which makes it feel much more at home. Kratos’ combos are a little more restrained with a spear and his attack patterns are simple enough to wrap your head around instantly, though spacing, analysing patterns and knowing when to attack or retreat is essential, especially in some of its challenging boss encounters. This isn’t Hollow Knight: Silksong levels of bash your head against a wall, but it poses a fair challenge that feels rewarding in its own rights.

It’s fairly safe and straight-forward, sometimes to a fault, but it also serves as a great entry-point into the [Metroidvania] genre.

Sons of Sparta’s sprites, animations and art direction are fantastic, giving the game a unique presentation. It’s only occasionally let down by a few levels that feel a little bland and rushed – not something you’d expect to see in a franchise crammed with imaginative Greek mythological locations and décor. Mega Cat Studios could’ve leaned a bit more into exploring the darker aspects of this world and doubled down on some of its violence and mature content, but understandably, Sons of Sparta is a stepping stone to that.



As for performance, I reviewed God of War: Sons of Sparta on PS5 Pro and encountered little to no issues at all. The game runs incredibly smooth with a consistent framerate that doesn’t buckle, even under the stress of busier action on-screen. The sound design is excellent and the soundtrack sways and booms with notes that hit that nostalgic sweet spot.

God of War: Sons of Sparta is a safe 2D Metroidvania platformer that doesn’t innovate as much as it plays to the strengths of the genre, and unfortunately a couple of its weaknesses too. The story is gripping and thankfully doesn’t attempt to retcon any important details from Kratos’ shady past, nor his present and future. It fits snuggly into the overarching narrative of the games, but I wouldn’t say it’s entirely quintessential for God of War fans outside of the nostalgic rush it provides with its return to the Greek world.

PS5 Review code provided by PlayStation