God of War: Sons of Sparta reimagines Kratos' past as a side-scrolling Metroidvania, and an early hands-on suggests the experiment largely succeeds. Developed by retro specialists Mega Cat Studios with guidance from Santa Monica Studio, the game blends detailed pixel visuals with a combat system that feels tight and satisfying.

  • Visuals: Gorgeous pixel art and expressive sprite work give the world a classic-yet-polished look, with animation that sells every hit and enemy reaction.
  • Combat: Encounters land with clear weight and rhythm; attacks feel impactful and the game encourages aggressive, well-timed play rather than button-mashing.
  • Design: Built as a proper Metroidvania, exploration and progression play a core role, with interconnected areas and upgrade-driven traversal that reward curiosity.
  • Collaboration: Mega Cat’s retro expertise combined with Santa Monica’s series stewardship helps the title maintain the franchise’s tone while taking a fresh mechanical approach.
  • Ambition: It’s a bold departure from the mainstream God of War formula and—despite the project’s smaller scale—shows real promise as a respectful and enjoyable side entry.

Source: Push Square

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