Get ready to revisit the brutal world of Kratos, but with a twist that’s sure to spark debate: God of War goes 2D in Sons of Sparta, a pixelated adventure that’s available right now! While fans have long cherished the epic scale of the series, this retro-style side-scroller takes a bold leap into uncharted territory. But here’s where it gets controversial: does this pixelated approach honor the franchise’s legacy, or does it risk diluting its iconic intensity? Let’s dive in.
Santa Monica Studio, in partnership with Mega Cat Studios, has unveiled God of War: Sons of Sparta, a 2D side-scroller that explores Kratos’s early years. Set during his grueling training at the Spartan Agoge alongside his brother Deimos, the game promises a canon story that delves into the brothers’ bond and their struggle to define duty and honor. It’s a fresh perspective on a character we thought we knew, but this is the part most people miss: the game’s pixelated art style might feel like a departure, yet it adds a nostalgic layer that could appeal to both old-school gamers and newcomers alike.
Sons of Sparta is out now on PS5, with two editions available digitally on the PlayStation Store: the Standard Edition for $29.99 USD / €29.99 / £24.99 / ¥3480, and the Digital Deluxe Edition for $39.99 USD / €39.99 / £32.99 / ¥4480. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this game offers a unique way to experience Kratos’s origins.
But that’s not all—the original PS2 trilogy is also getting the remake treatment, though it’s still in the early stages of development. In a recent PlayStation blog post, the team emphasized their commitment to honoring the series’ roots: “As we look to the future, we also want to invest in the past and tend to the series’ roots that got us to where we are today.” They acknowledged the fan demand for these remakes, calling it a “genuine, passionate interest” they’re eager to fulfill. Yet, this raises a question: will these remakes stay true to the originals, or will they introduce modern twists that divide the fanbase?
While we wait for more details on the remakes, you can enjoy a special introduction from Kratos’s voice actor, TC Carson, or catch up on all the announcements from the latest PlayStation State of Play via Connor’s roundup here.
Now, here’s the real question for you: Does the 2D pixelated style of Sons of Sparta enhance or detract from the God of War experience? And what changes would you like to see—or avoid—in the remakes of the original trilogy? Let’s debate in the comments!