Next up at PAX East was a stop to see Mega Cat Studios and their take on the God of War series, Sons of Sparta. This God of War game is a side scroller, Metroidvania-type game instead of the more modern 3D exploration/platfoming journey.
Sons of Sparta tells the tale of a young Kratos and how brother, Deimos, as they figure out their lives as well as their discovery of what it truly means to represent Sparta. They are also trying to discover duty and honor on their quest. This game has taken a few hits online through various reviews but I have to say that really enjoyed my time with the game at PAX East. I’m don’t really know all the lore surrounding the main God of War series but I think this change of pace works. Sons of Sparta does get a little too dialogue/cut-scene heavy at times but it does have to explain certain things to player. I’d rather have a minor cut scene do that rather than read a large text box.
The two brothers embark on a quest to find a missing cadet after no one will help. Along the way, we’ll have to discover all kinds of tools/equipment to finish our quest. You start out with a spear that you can upgrade after finding scrap/items to make it stronger. You also have different sub weapons and skills to use as well. In the demo, we got our hands on a slingshot-like weapon that used energy to hit switches. We had to time switch hits to more blocks that we could stand on and climb on. We also found a statue head that acted as a key that could be used to open gates.
The combat in the game felt strong/tight and any game that gives me a dodge roll early is ok in my book. I really like the idea of being able to use the dodge roll with attacks to make it a better combo. There are strong enemies as well as boss fights that you will need to learn new skills, strong moves and new weapons to win the day. The map is really big so you will need to master skills. There is a skill tree where you can use orbs collected to upgrade said skills. so make sure you attack everything as well as open chests you find. You never know when a new skill could be the difference in battle. God of War: Sons of Sparta is a different take on the God of War franchise. Does it deserve the flack it’s getting online, no. Fans of the Metroidvania genre should take a look at this one!