How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 64 | 40 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 62 | 431 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 51 | 346 |
| PlayStation store ratings | – | 65 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (75)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 75
“Is God of War: Sons of Sparta a bad game? No. Its systems work, the core gameplay is solid and manages to hold up throughout the adventure. The problem isn't the technical execution, but rather the lack of a distinct identity that sets it apart. As a Metroidvania, it doesn't redefine the genre, but it can serve as an entry point for those less familiar with this type of game.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“There is much to appreciate about Sons of Sparta. Given that it now takes six years or more to make a big game like God of War, this interlude is very welcome. What's more, Sony Santa Monica isn't taking the easy route by sending Kratos on an adventure in a genre that's new to him. Kudos for that! But within that genre, our favorite demigod suddenly finds himself in crowded company. The “Metroidvania” genre has been enjoying a revival in recent years thanks to Hollow Knight, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Prince of Persia. To compete with them, you have to come up with something special. Sons of Sparta is commendable and certainly has an edge for God of War fans, but it lacks that touch of magic to make it indispensable.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“God of War: Sons of Sparta is a tedious and garden-variety metroidvania that brings nothing interesting to show to the class. This prequel stretches over 20 hours, filled with unnecessary padding and the least interesting iteration of Kratos yet, relying on trite game design and utterly soulless execution. Young Kratos, stripped of his signature rage, is an utter dullard preaching honour amidst joyless obedience. There’s no fury, no peril, just persistent boredom, proving that some origins are best left as a mystery.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“God of War: Sons of Sparta is a fun spin-off that takes a series we all know and love and places it somewhere entirely different. It's a mostly successful experiment; the Metroidvania structure works well with the franchise's mechanics, and it looks and sounds the part. However, it takes too long to really come into its own, leaving the early parts of the game feeling a bit lacking compared to the richer experience found later on. If you have the patience to see it through, and can overlook some rough edges here and there, this is a worthwhile adventure for fans that delves into Kratos' history in a way we haven't seen before.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“Sons of Sparta should have been a slam dunk, but it just has too much holding it back to be a classic. I loved the idea; it was the execution that disappointed me. I want to know more about the Greek era of Kratos, really looking forward to the remakes, but this origin story falls flat at times and the simplified Metroid aspects are not tailored to the character or the game.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“The pixel art simply can’t do justice to the Kratos we’ve formed in our mind’s eye. There’s also something deeply grating about listening to teenage American accents attempting to capture the complexities of a Spartan wrestling with his conscience. Perhaps if you could overlook Sons of Sparta’s lineage, you might see it as a perfectly adequate Metroidvania. But Mega Cat Studios knowingly took on the burden of that name only to fall short of the stellar God of War pedigree.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Sons of Sparta ends up as an uneven effort that falls short in both story and gameplay. Neither a compelling spin-off nor a satisfying side-scrolling action title, it struggles under the weight of the God of War name and never quite lives up to it.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Overall, God of War: Sons of Sparta is a fun Metroidvania. It captures the feel of God of War, if in a somewhat more lighthearted way than usual. As a Metroidvania title, there's not much, either good or bad, that makes it stand apart from the pack. If you're a fan of the franchise and don't mind a look at the younger days of the Ghost of Sparta, then it's absolutely worth a shot, but the price tag might make it a heavy ask for more casual Metroidvania fans.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“God of War: Sons of Sparta really does try to tackle a different approach to the series while also retaining the feel of God of War. There was so much potential for a new perspective on the characters and their pasts that have yet to be properly explored, which made it all the more dissatisfying when the game came to an end and fell short on all these opportunities. The focus on the primary objective really didn’t leave much room for any other characters to be expanded upon, and the gameplay and storytelling weren’t compelling enough to keep me invested all the way to the end. If you really want to know what happens for yourself, or you’re desperate for a new Metroidvania, wait for some patches to fix the bugs and give it a go. If you don’t, then you will be fine to skip this one.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Sons of Sparta can and will bring in fans of the IP even if they are unfamiliar with the genre in order to experience part of Kratos’ beginnings. However, the way the game presents itself; its visuals, mechanics, and pacing could easily work against keeping these subset of gamers entertained long enough to enjoy and complete it.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“If you’re like me and have to play every Metroidvania out there, then yes, God of War: Sons of Sparta is decent enough. But in a genre this strong, 'decent' just means it’s below average and ultimately not worth your while. ”
read full review ↗ - 60
“God of War: Sons of Sparta is a competent 2D metroidvania that expands Kratos’ past with solid combat, familiar voices, and a decent amount of content. However, generic level design, forgettable bosses, heavy backtracking, and a lack of standout moments prevent it from feeling worthy of the franchise’s legacy. Functional, but surprisingly uninspired.”
read full review ↗
Cubed3
Push Square
ZTGD
INVEN
Worth Playing
Checkpoint Gaming
Gamer Social Club
Eurogamer
SECTOR.sk…and 63 more tracked reviews.