WTMG's Leo Faria: "God of War: Sons of Sparta is a very interesting prologue to the series as a whole, and a welcome return to the franchise’s original Greek setting, but as a metroidvania… I mean, it’s good, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen and played dozens of times before, especially in a post-Silksong and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. But I still love the fact it exists. The fact it’s somewhat unambitious and smaller in scope might actually be my favorite thing about it. This is a type of game I missed from Sony, something more focused, streamlined, to the point. I’d rather have three or four games like Sons of Sparta a year then yet another live service whose servers will be shut off after just two or three months."
A 2D pixel-art Metroidvania developed by Mega Cat Studios with Santa Monica Studio oversight. Set during the Spartan Agoge, it follows a thirteen-year-old Kratos and his brother Deimos in a canon prequel written by the Ragnarok team. Carson's narration anchors a coming-of-age story about brotherhood and sacrifice. Combat starts simply but grows into a satisfying parry-and-combo system enhanced by the Gifts of Olympus. Bear McCreary's genre-bridging score is the standout. At £24.99/$29.99 with co-op roguelite mode included, the value is fair. Earns its place through narrative ambition rather than gameplay innovation.
VGChartz's Lee Mehr: "Ultimately, Sons of Sparta feels unsure about its size, its looks, and even its own voice. As a Metroidvania, it understands how to tease the next secret spot or occasionally tempt you with an intriguing challenge; but when looking at the particulars, from pacing to controls, engagement will fizzle out. As a story – even on its own terms, what's left is a confused tale about familial and societal duty that's layered with mawkish comradery. As a God of War adventure, this iteration of Kratos takes his character to uncharted territory: eliciting abject apathy. Even the Gods struggle to maintain attention."
"Announced and shadow drop released at the end of PlayStation’s State of Play livestream back on February 12th 2026, and to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise, God of War Sons of Sparta is a 2D Metroid Vania-inspired side-scroller and prequel to the famous God of War himself, Kratos." Kieran @ Thumb Culture
