God of War: Sons of Sparta has officially launched on PlayStation 5, but early reviews suggest the retro experiment has not hit the same heights as the rest of the franchise.
The 2D Metroidvania spin-off currently holds a 69 score on Metacritic, placing it in the “Mixed or Average” category . That makes it the lowest-rated God of War title in the series’ history — a surprising milestone for one of Sony’s most critically acclaimed franchises.
God of War’s Retro Spin-Off Struggles to Impress
Developed by Mega Cat Studios, Sons of Sparta takes Kratos back to ancient Greece in a side-scrolling format. Instead of the cinematic, over-the-shoulder combat seen in the 2018 reboot and Ragnarök, the game embraces a classic 2D structure with exploration, color-coded enemy attacks, and ability-gated progression.
Critics describe it as a “good but not great” Metroidvania . While the concept intrigued fans, many reviews point to:
- Floaty and slow combat
- Repetitive enemy encounters
- Underwhelming boss fights
- Tame brutal finishers lacking impact
- A story that interrupts action with heavy dialogue
Several outlets argue that in a crowded genre filled with polished competitors, simply being “solid” may not be enough.
Series Creator David Jaffe Slams the Game
The criticism didn’t stop with reviewers. David Jaffe, the original creator of the God of War franchise, openly criticized Sons of Sparta in a recent YouTube video.
Jaffe described the younger version of Kratos as unrecognizable and criticized the lack of brutality that defined the original trilogy. He also questioned why the project exists at all, stating after roughly an hour of play that he would not return to it.
He has previously criticized the direction of the 2018 reboot, and his comments here continue that trend. However, he did admit the game is “not bad,” even if he doubts it justifies its $30 price point.
Fans Are More Divided Than Critics
While professional reviews lean toward “mixed,” user reception tells a slightly different story.
On Metacritic, the game holds a solid 7.5 user score , suggesting many players are enjoying the experiment. However, even supporters admit the game struggles to stand out among modern Metroidvania heavyweights.
Despite the lower critical score, sales appear strong. The game has reportedly climbed PlayStation Store best-seller charts , which could encourage Sony to explore more compact spin-offs in the future.
For context, even the previously lowest-rated mainline entry, God of War: Ascension, holds an 80 on Metacritic . That shows just how high the bar sits for this franchise.
The modern era, beginning with 2018’s reboot, reinvented Kratos as a more restrained and reflective character. Sons of Sparta attempts to bridge that gap by revisiting his youth. However, critics argue the game lacks the raw intensity that once defined the brand.
Fdaytalk Review: Is God of War: Sons of Sparta Worth Playing?
God of War: Sons of Sparta is not a disaster — but it is the franchise’s first clear stumble.
For fans craving classic Kratos in a retro format, it offers a serviceable adventure. For those expecting the cinematic intensity and crunch of the mainline series, it may feel underwhelming.
With strong sales and divided opinions, the real question now is whether Sony doubles down on smaller God of War projects — or retreats back to the blockbuster formula that made the series legendary. Play Now!
