God of War: Sons of Sparta, a 2D Pixel Art Action Prequel, Is Out Now

While Sony and Santa Monica Studio recently ignited excitement by confirming a reimagining of the iconic God of War trilogy, the finished product is still years away. To bridge that gap and satisfy fans eager for more carnage, the duo has unexpectedly launched God of War: Sons of Sparta today.

This surprising spin-off is the result of a collaboration between Santa Monica Studio and Mega Cat Studios, a developer largely recognized for its recent work in the retro-inspired sports genre. Together, they have crafted a title that leans heavily into nostalgic aesthetics while expanding the series’ lore.

Sons of Sparta is a stylized, 2D pixel-art action game that delves into the early years of Kratos and his brother, Deimos. According to the developers, the narrative follows the two siblings as they “confront formidable trials that push their combat training to the limit, ultimately forcing them to discover the true weight of duty and honor.”

This isn’t the first time the franchise has explored prequel territory or featured Kratos’ sibling; 2010’s Ghost of Sparta on the PSP famously centered on their tragic connection. Likewise, a pixelated Kratos appeared once before in the 2007 mobile title God of War: Betrayal. However, Sons of Sparta distinguishes itself by taking place earlier in the timeline than any previous entry, offering a rare glimpse into the Ghost of Sparta’s formative years.

God of War: Sons of Sparta is available for purchase today, exclusively on the PlayStation 5.