God of War: Sons of Sparta Review

God of War: Sons of Sparta is the latest addition to the acclaimed God of War franchise, created by Santa Monica Studio in collaboration with Mega Cat Studios. This new chapter explores the early adventures of Kratos, before his transformation into the Ghost of Sparta, and his brother Deimos, as they embark on a perilous quest to find a missing Spartan youth named Vasilis.

Departing from the series’ traditional 3D action-adventure roots, Sons of Sparta embraces a retro-inspired 2D action-platformer with metroidvania elements. Players will journey across the lands of Laconia, uncover clues about their lost comrade, and earn the favor of the gods to aid them in their mission.

Will the brothers seek what they are searching for? Strap your spear and shield and start your search with God of War: Sons of Sparta!

Growing Pains

God of War: Sons of Sparta takes the franchise in an unexpected direction, offering a rare glimpse into Kratos’ youth before the Ghost of Sparta moniker defined him. Instead of the fearless warrior we’ve come to know, the game presents a boy with dreams of joining the Vanguard Circle, a portrayal of innocence and naivete that feels almost foreign to the series.

The decision to frame this story through a 2D metroidvania lens is bold, and on paper, it’s a clever way to reimagine Kratos’ early years. The familiar mechanics like colored orbs, crafting systems, and brutal finishers remain, but the tonal shift is striking. Where God of War traditionally thrives on vengeance and redemption, Sons of Sparta leans into lighthearted themes of coming-of-age and youthful discovery. The result is intriguing, but the disconnect between boyhood Kratos and the character fans know creates a jarring sense of cognitive dissonance.

Unfortunately, there were some roadblocks along the way to make that vision a reality.

Narratively, the game struggles to balance its lighter tone with the weight of the franchise’s legacy. While themes of innocence lost and the tension between personal choice and expectation are present, the playful voice acting undermines the gravitas. Kratos’ delivery often veers into whiny territory, while Deimos’ performance, though sharper, lacks distinction, making the brothers’ dynamic less compelling than it could be.

Gameplay, unfortunately, mirrors this unevenness. While this is overall a very competent Metroidvania, the opening hours feel bogged down by extended tutorials and excessive handholding, leaving exploration linear and uninspired. Enemy variety is limited, boss battles lack tension and feel pretty basic, and early-level design feels overly straightforward.

It isn’t until the midgame that Sons of Sparta begins to find its footing, introducing richer mechanics, more diverse enemies, and layered environments that elevate the experience. By then, however, some players may have already lost interest. This is an unfortunate reality of the game: the opening hours are tedious and straightforward, so the churn rate could be pretty high until mid-game, when the game starts to get really good.

The Boys of Sparta

Clocking in at roughly 10–12 hours, God of War: Sons of Sparta delivers a compact adventure that takes its time to hit its stride. The game doesn’t truly open up until the halfway mark, which is around 5–7 hours in, something that is fairly standard for metroidvania titles. However, for a franchise known for spectacle and immediacy, the slow burn may test players’ patience who expect fireworks from the outset.

Once it settles into rhythm, though, Sons of Sparta reveals a solid metroidvania foundation. Combat, exploration, and progression gradually evolve into a satisfying loop. Kratos begins with a simple spear-and-shield setup, but as players collect blood orbs, iron, and monster loot, they unlock new skills, craft upgrades, and refine gear. This progression adds depth, especially as stronger enemies and bosses demand more tactical play.

The combat system encourages experimentation beyond raw damage. Force and stun mechanics allow for brutal one-shot executions when meters peak, while spirit energy fuels gear-based skills and healing. These layered systems add more texture to encounters, rewarding players who balance aggression with control.

Godly boons further expand both combat and traversal. Apollo’s sling and Demeter’s sickle, for instance, echo classic metroidvania tools, offering ranged utility and environmental access. Meanwhile, the Lycurgus busts, which are gifts from Kratos’ mentor, introduce unique mechanics like revealing hidden areas and communing with the dead, deepening exploration alongside Deimos.

By the endgame, Sons of Sparta finally blossoms. Secret areas, stat boosts, and leveled-up boons transform Kratos and Deimos into formidable fighters, hinting at the warrior Kratos will one day become. Side missions, deity favors, and rift closures add variety, while crafting and hidden chest puzzles inject replay value reminiscent of modern God of War entries.

Narratively, the game evolves from lighthearted beginnings into something darker and more heartfelt. At its core, it’s a story of two brothers navigating duty, family, and identity. Deimos emerges as the emotional anchor, while Kratos’ journey offers glimpses of the boy who will become the Ghost of Sparta. It’s a satisfying arc, though buried deep enough that some players may never reach it.

Verdict: Wait For It…

If given a chance, God of War: Sons of Sparta proves itself to be a capable metroidvania, offering a layered combat system, an engaging quest line, and a rewarding narrative. That said, it demands patience from players, as the experience takes several hours to fully hit its stride. Once it does, the depth becomes clear, but those seeking instant gratification may find the slower build-up discouraging.

Mega Cat Studios deserves credit for tackling the challenge of reimagining an established franchise like God of War. By exploring untold chapters of Kratos’ life, the studio delivers a fresh perspective while staying true to the series’ spirit. The journey requires trust and perseverance, but those willing to invest the time will find themselves rewarded with a distinctive and memorable experience.

*God of War: Sons of Sparta was reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the Publisher.