God of War Creator Criticizes 'Sons of Sparta', Says Game Doesn't Respect Franchise - Players For Life | Gaming News, Reviews & Creative Media Hub

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David Jaffe, the creator of the original God of War series, has criticized God of War: Sons of Sparta for falling short compared to other indie Metroidvanias and not doing justice to the franchise.
Jaffe found excessive dialogue interrupting gameplay in Sons of Sparta, with the voice acting also being questionable. He felt that the games focus on story over gameplay is evident.
Jaffe compared the gameplay variety and visual flair of other recent titles like Ninja Gaiden: Ragebounds and Neon Inferno to Sons of Sparta, which he deemed merely functional and lacking distinction.
Jaffe believes that high budgets arent always necessary for a good game and that interesting, violent, and original gameplay can compensate for lower production values and simpler animations. He expressed disappointment that the game, with a perceived low budget, disappoints God of War fans.

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David Jaffe, the creator of the God of War series, expressed disappointment with God of War: Sons of Sparta, the new 2D spinoff developed by Mega Cat Studios in collaboration with Santa Monica Studio. The game, which retails for R$170 (Brazilian real) and is exclusive to PS5, explores Kratos’s youth and his rigorous training alongside his brother, Deimos, using pixel art graphics and Metroidvania-style gameplay. After playing the game for an hour, Jaffe posted a YouTube review criticizing Sons of Sparta for falling short compared to other indie Metroidvanias and for not doing justice to the God of War series. He stated, “I bought this game, spent 30 [dollars], [and] didn’t like it,” and questioned the developers’ creative choices. Moreover, a former Santa Monica Studio employee told Jaffe that the studio now prioritizes story over gameplay. In Jaffe’s opinion, this focus is evident in Sons of Sparta, citing excessive dialogue that interrupts the gameplay. He elaborated, “It’s like they keep stopping everything for characters to chat, chat, chat. And the voice acting’s not great either.” Additionally, he found the portrayal of a bratty young Kratos unconvincing.

God of War Creator Jaffe Critiques Sons of Sparta’s Lackluster Gameplay and Dialogue-Heavy Approach

Jaffe felt that Sons of Sparta lacked the production quality of other recent titles. He cited Ninja Gaiden: Ragebounds’ gameplay variety and the visual flair of Neon Inferno as superior. “Shinobi in 2D—it’s got that classic feel, but it’s missing the punch of a real God Of War,” Jaffe remarked, summing up God of War: Sons of Sparta as merely functional and lacking distinction. He likened the game to “a John Wick movie where he just sits around chatting in cafes,” suggesting it doesn’t live up to the franchise’s standards. Jaffe stated that high budgets aren’t essential for a good game. Interesting, violent, and original gameplay can compensate for lower production values and simpler animations. He concluded by lamenting that the game, which he believes had a low budget, ultimately disappoints God of War fans, which he felt was unfortunate.

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