New 'God of War' Spinoff 'Sons of Sparta' Fails to Impress

The latest entry in the acclaimed franchise is a clunky, repetitive disappointment, say critics.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Sony's surprise release of 'God of War: Sons of Sparta' for the PS5 has left many fans and critics underwhelmed. The game, which serves as an origin story for the iconic character Kratos, is plagued by slow pacing, shallow gameplay, and a story that fails to captivate. While the visuals have their moments, the overall experience is described as a 'clunky footnote' in the legacy of the acclaimed 'God of War' franchise.

Why it matters

The 'God of War' series is one of Sony's most beloved and successful game franchises, with the latest mainline entry, 'God of War: Ragnarok,' being a critical and commercial hit. 'Sons of Sparta' was seen as an opportunity to expand the lore and provide fans with a new adventure. However, the game's lukewarm reception raises concerns about the franchise's future, especially as Sony prepares to adapt it for a TV series on Amazon Prime.

The details

Set before the events of 'God of War: Ascension,' 'Sons of Sparta' follows a young Kratos and his brother Deimos as they venture outside the walls of Sparta to investigate a missing ally. The game is structured as a Metroidvania, with players backtracking and unlocking new areas as they acquire new abilities. However, this repetitive gameplay loop is criticized as feeling more like a chore than an engaging experience. The combat, while featuring the signature 'God of War' style, is described as shallow and button-mashing, lacking the epic, satisfying feel of previous entries.

  • The game was surprise-released on February 24, 2026.

The players

Kratos

The protagonist of the 'God of War' series, known for his brutal combat style and Greek mythology-inspired adventures.

Deimos

Kratos' brother, who accompanies him on the journey in 'Sons of Sparta.'

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What they’re saying

“It's a game with moments that never becomes a sum as interesting as its parts.”

— Brian Tallerico, Critic (rogerebert.com)

What’s next

Sony has not yet announced any plans for the future of the 'God of War' franchise beyond the upcoming TV adaptation, leaving fans to wonder if 'Sons of Sparta' is a one-off experiment or a sign of the series' direction.

The takeaway

While 'God of War' is one of gaming's most acclaimed franchises, 'Sons of Sparta' serves as a disappointing spinoff that fails to capture the magic of the mainline entries. The game's clunky execution and lack of engaging gameplay may raise concerns about the long-term health of the franchise, especially as it transitions to a new medium with the upcoming TV adaptation.