God of War Sons of Sparta Review

IGN

by Rachel Weber

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article reviews *Sons of Sparta*, a lesser-known title in the *God of War* series that delves into Kratos’s teenage years before his rise as a god. The game attempts to redeem Kratos by portraying him as a well-meaning, duty-bound Spartan who is learning the value of responsibility alongside his brother Deimos. However, the narrative is bogged down by a slow-paced, repetitive adventure that fails to engage players on par with other *God of War* titles. While the game features colorful environments and decent combat mechanics, it struggles to capture the intensity and innovation of its predecessors. The story focuses on Kratos and Deimos leaving Sparta to protect surrounding lands, with the game highlighting their bond and interactions with other young characters in the Spartan agoge. These characters bring depth to Kratos’s development, showcasing a more introspective and even humorous side compared to his later self. The game’s dialogue is well-written, but it often feels overshadowed by the lackluster gameplay mechanics. As a metroidvania, *Sons of Sparta* leans heavily on exploration, item collection, and combat. While Kratos has various offensive options, they feel underwhelming compared to his signature brutality in other games. The game’s slow pace makes traversal feel tedious, and its environments, though visually appealing, lack memorable features. Many locations seem content with checking off Metroidvania tropes without offering anything truly novel or engaging. Ultimately, *Sons of Sparta* is

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Originally published on IGN on 2/19/2026