Sony’s latest State of Play presentation delivered two major announcements for the God of War franchise: the long-awaited remake of the original Greek trilogy and the immediate release of a new 2D action platformer, God of War: Sons of Sparta.
Greek Trilogy Remakes in Development
Voice actor TC Carson, known for his role as Kratos in the early God of War games, confirmed that Santa Monica Studio is actively developing remakes of the first three God of War titles from the PlayStation 2 and 3 era. Details on release dates and specific features remain scarce, but the project signals a full-scale revival of Kratos’ original journey. This move aligns with a broader trend in the industry: remaking beloved classics for modern audiences, ensuring accessibility to new players and capitalizing on nostalgia.
Sons of Sparta : A 2D Spin-Off
Alongside the trilogy remake news, Sony surprised fans with the instant availability of God of War: Sons of Sparta. Developed by Mega Cat Studios (known for their side-scrolling titles) with narrative input from Santa Monica Studio, this installment reimagines Kratos’ youth as a Spartan warrior training alongside his brother, Deimos.
The gameplay deviates significantly from the series’ established third-person formula. Sons of Sparta centers around a spear-based combat system, emphasizing customization and strategic weaponization.
Combat and Customization
Instead of the signature Blades of Chaos or Leviathan Axe, Kratos relies on a versatile Spartan spear with modular components:
- Spear tips alter damage output and apply status effects like poison or burn.
- Grips unlock unique finishing moves to combos.
- Tails add special attacks to Kratos’ repertoire.
His shield provides defensive options, deflecting or parrying attacks, and can be upgraded for increased effectiveness. The game also introduces “Gifts of Olympus” – divine artifacts offering ranged attacks and melee combos – alongside collectible accessories (“Gouri”) to boost stats or reveal hidden treasures.
Pricing and Availability
God of War: Sons of Sparta is available now on the PlayStation Store:
- Standard Edition: $30
- Deluxe Edition: $40 (includes in-game items, a PSN avatar, a digital artbook, and the soundtrack).
The sudden release of Sons of Sparta demonstrates Sony’s willingness to experiment with established franchises, offering fans a fresh take on Kratos’ mythos while simultaneously preparing for the larger-scale remakes of the Greek trilogy. This dual-pronged approach ensures sustained engagement with the God of War universe in the years to come.
