Sony delivered a surprise one-two punch for God of War fans today, . Alongside announcements of a remake of the original Greek trilogy, the company simultaneously released God of War Sons of Sparta, a new 2D action platformer developed in collaboration with Mega Cat Studios.
New God of War Trilogy Remake
The announcement of a full remake of the foundational God of War trilogy – originally released on the PlayStation 2 beginning in – marks a significant moment for the franchise as it approaches the 20th anniversary of the first game in . The project is currently in early development, with Sony requesting patience from fans while work progresses. Notably, the announcement featured TC Carson, the original voice actor for Kratos, signaling a potential return to the character for at least some capacity in the remake.
Details regarding the scope and fidelity of the remake remain scarce. Sony has not yet provided a timeline for release or specific details about the technologies being employed. However, the involvement of TC Carson suggests an effort to maintain a connection to the original games for long-time fans.
God of War Sons of Sparta: A New Perspective on Kratos’s Origins
In a move that deviates from the more recent 3D action-adventure style of the series, God of War Sons of Sparta takes the franchise in a new direction. Developed by Santa Monica Studio and Mega Cat Studios, the game is a 2D action platformer that explores Kratos’s youth and training at the Agoge alongside his brother, Deimos. This places the game chronologically before all other entries in the God of War series, offering a prequel story that expands on Kratos’s backstory.
The game’s narrative is being penned by the same writing team behind the critically acclaimed God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök, ensuring a canon story that aligns with the established lore. TC Carson also reprises his role as the adult Kratos, serving as the game’s narrator. This provides a framing device for the story, offering perspective on the events unfolding during Kratos’s formative years.
Sons of Sparta aims to translate the series’ signature kinetic combat into the 2D platformer genre. Players will utilize Kratos’s spear and shield, as well as “Gifts of Olympus” – powerful divine artifacts – to overcome a variety of enemies. The game features both reimagined classic creatures and entirely new foes inspired by Greek mythology, brought to life with hand-drawn pixel animation.
The release of Sons of Sparta is particularly notable for its “shadow drop” – meaning it was announced and released simultaneously. This unexpected launch strategy underscores Sony’s commitment to surprising and delighting fans, and provides an immediate offering while the larger-scale Greek trilogy remake is in development.
Availability and Pricing
God of War Sons of Sparta is available now on the PlayStation 5 in two editions:
- Standard Edition: $29.99
- Digital Deluxe Edition: $39.99
The simultaneous release of a new game and the announcement of a major remake demonstrates Sony’s continued investment in the God of War franchise. The shift to a 2D platformer with Sons of Sparta represents a bold creative choice, while the remake of the original trilogy promises to revisit the series’ roots with modern technology and potentially updated gameplay mechanics. The combination of these two projects suggests a multi-faceted approach to satisfying both long-time fans and newcomers to the world of Kratos.
