It has been a mixed time for the God of War franchise. With a polarizing first look at the upcoming TV series and the reveal of a new game featuring Kratos’ wife Faye, the surprise launch of God of War: Sons of Sparta arrived with little fanfare. Unfortunately, this side-scrolling adventure exploring a young Kratos is a competent but ultimately forgettable detour.
While it offers a decent story for lore enthusiasts and boasts absolutely stunning pixel art, uneven pacing, uninspired combat, and a general lack of memorable moments prevent it from reaching the heights of its legendary predecessors.
A Tale of Two Brothers
Sons of Sparta is framed as a story told by an older Kratos to his daughter, Calliope. It takes us back to his calmer teenage years, where he and his brother Deimos take part in the famed Spartan Agoge – the brutal training program designed to forge elite warriors.
The plot kicks off when their comrade goes missing, prompting the brothers to embark on a mission to find him. For fans of the 2010 PSP spin-off Ghost of Sparta, seeing these two brothers reunited in happier times is genuinely one of the game’s highlights. Deimos has always been a compelling character, and his dynamic with a less-rage-fueled Kratos provides some genuine emotional weight.
What Works: Art and Atmosphere
The single greatest strength of Sons of Sparta is its visual presentation. The game is told in a rich, hand-painted pixel art style that looks like it leapt straight out of an ancient Greek children’s storybook. The organic colour palettes and beautiful backdrops create a genuinely special atmosphere that sets it apart from almost any other game in the genre.
Coupled with a soundtrack by Bear McCreary (known for his work on the main God of War games and Outlander), the audio-visual experience is top-notch. For someone who appreciates unique graphical styles, this is easily the best part of the package.
What Doesn’t: Pacing, Combat, and Missed Potential
Unfortunately, the gameplay and story execution don’t match the artistic highs.
| Aspect | Critique |
|---|---|
| Story & Pacing | Uneven pacing and moments that feel like padding to add “meaningful interactions.” Missed opportunities for foreshadowing that fans would have appreciated. |
| Combat | For a franchise that redefined action combat, Sons of Sparta falls short. It’s functional but not remarkable, with nothing special about the powers you unlock or the fights themselves. |
| Genre Execution | As a Metroidvania, it’s a competent game, but it doesn’t redefine the genre the way Hollow Knight or Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown have. |
| Voice Acting | Seems to struggle with the padded, uneven script, failing to elevate the material. |
The Verdict
God of War: Sons of Sparta is not a bad game. It is simply a normal game that relies heavily on the prestige of its franchise. It weaves a decent enough story, especially for those who want to delve deeper into the series’ version of the Greek pantheon and Kratos’ youth. The pixel art is genuinely gorgeous, and the music is excellent.
However, in a genre filled with standout titles, “competent and forgettable” is a disappointing outcome for a God of War game. It’s a missed opportunity to create something truly memorable.
