God of War Sons of Sparta is the new God of war game that many fans had not expected. In the past there have been rumors of a 2D Metroidvania God of war games, and Sony's latest State of Play proved that they were indeed true. Regardless of rumors, God of War Sons of Sparta was still a big surprise to many players. What surprised me the most was that it was casually shadow muted. I love a good drop shadow, and even though God of War Sons of Sparta isn't my ideal way to experience Kratos' story, it's a fun Metroidvania that expands on the franchise's lore. So things could definitely be worse.
The God of war franchise has been incredibly quiet since then Ragnarökpp Valhalla DLC. Except live-action God of war show produced by Amazon, the future of the series has been a total mystery. Thankfully, the State of Play exhibit got some things right. Sons of Sparta gives a glimpse of Kratos' teenage years, but that wasn't the only big reveal. The God of war trilogy remake will also become a reality, only further down the line. There's still no word on the next headliner God of war game, though Sons of Sparta has proven to be a solid way to mix up the series. Playing as teenage Kratos honestly took some getting used to, but seeing the relationship between him and his brother Deimos in a new light has also been compelling. However, there is one major downside to this duo. Deimos is a pretty useless companion.
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God of War: Sons of Sparta has the opposite companion problem that Ragnarok did
Total, Ragnarök was a fantastic post in God of war series. Kratos grew into an even stronger father and overall person, and Atreus began to forge his own path, often separating the father and son duo. However, that didn't stop Atreus from helping Kratos on missions. Frankly, he helped out a little too often. IN God of war In 2018, Atreus' annoying attitude after he found out he is a god was important to the story. He eventually grew out of his arrogance, making him a more layered character. But he can still be annoying Raganarokjust for a completely different reason. Kratos' son may not be as arrogant, but he certainly helps too much with puzzles. Atreus' constant tips for God of War Ragnaroks puzzle frustrated fans so much that Santa Monica Studio finally had to offer a solution.
Kratos' original voice actor TC Carson returns Sons of Sparta to voice the older version of Kratos.
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Atreus and the other companions proved too helpful in God of War Ragnarok
When God of War Ragnarok on PC dropped, the developers included an additional upgrade for players. A new option called “Reduced Puzzle Hints” was added to the game, making companions like Atreus, Freya, and Mimir much less yappy when dealing with obstacles. RagnarökThe characters are great, but their eagerness to help Kratos get from point A to point B can be downright infuriating at times. They just did too much, so “Reduced Puzzle Hints” was a welcome inclusion. It doesn't completely silence companions, but it's a small change that makes a huge difference.
Atreus can be too helpful, but Sons of Sparta's Deimos isn't really helpful at all
Don't get me wrong. I love that Deimos is in it Sons of Sparta. Kratos' relationship with his brother is a fascinating way to go, but a lot of the game left me wondering where Deimos was or why he wasn't helping out. Deimos enters Sons of Sparta is a bittersweet version of the character, as it shows how he was before he was tortured for years by Thanatos. He is a headstrong Spartan with a good heart who wants to do what is right. So why is he just standing there?
Most of the time, Deimos either does nothing to help or is nowhere to be found until checkpoints and cutscenes bring him back into existence. At the end of the Ioke boss fight near the beginning of the game, Deimos saves Kratos from certain death in a scripted sequence, but he's really not useful as a proper companion. For example in Sons of Spartas Alastor boss fight, Deimos hacks and slashes where he can, but it's nothing major. His presence in battle doesn't feel like a game changer like Atreus does. It just feels like he's going through the motions. Sometimes he'll even be on the opposite end of the boss scene, not chopping anything while Kratos fights for his life. Personally, I'd rather have no companion at all than the illusion of one.
Despite his shortcomings as a companion, Deimos at least adds more to Sons of Sparta's story
Deimos might not be the most helpful brother, but it's great to get a glimpse of what life was like for him and Kratos before everything fell apart. As optimistic and sentimental as some of Sons of Spartamoments can be, it's hard to ignore the tragedy that's brewing. Each God of war the game has expanded Kratos lore, and Sons of Sparta may be one of the most bittersweet posts.
Sons of Sparta is a brief cure for growing God of War Cravings
Not all God of war hell will connect to a Metroidvania, but it's a fixed chapter in Kratos' life. Sons of Sparta definitely doesn't reinvent the wheel when it comes to Metroidvanias, but that doesn't stop it from being a strong take on the genre. Sons of Spartas young version of Kratos takes some getting used to. Seeing the dynamic between him and Deimos develop as the story progresses makes it well worth it.
Until the next main God of war the game is announced, Sons of Sparta is a new adaptation that could help hold fans over. The story is interesting, and the game has classic Metroidvania qualities that are fun to see used God of war universe. When it comes to battle, however, Kratos stands alone.

- Released
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February 12, 2026
- ESRB
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Teenager / blood, violence
- Publisher
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Sony Interactive Entertainment
