God of War Creator David Jaffe Slams 'Sons of Sparta' for Boring Kratos Portrayal

David Jaffe, the original creator of the God of War franchise, has launched a scathing critique of the newly released PS5 game God of War: Sons of Sparta, calling the portrayal of a young Kratos "boring" and questioning why the game exists at all.

In a YouTube video that has sparked considerable discussion among fans, Jaffe expressed his disappointment after playing the game for only an hour, declaring he is "never going back to it." The game, which was shadow-dropped during the latest State of Play presentation, takes players back to ancient Greece to chronicle the training of a youthful Kratos in a 2D metroidvania format.

The most significant criticism from Jaffe centers on the character portrayal itself. He argues that the "generic kid version" of Kratos bears little resemblance to the beloved character fans have come to know. "I question whether any fans wanted to see this interpretation," Jaffe stated, suggesting that the developers missed the mark on capturing what makes Kratos compelling.

Beyond the character concerns, Jaffe took issue with the game's tone and presentation. He noted that Sons of Sparta lacks the brutality and gore that the series is celebrated for, elements that were central to the franchise's identity during his tenure. This criticism extends to his views on the 2018 God of War reboot and its Ragnarök sequel, where he similarly disapproved of Kratos' evolution into a more even-tempered father figure, believing the writers took too many liberties with the character.

Another point of contention for Jaffe was the game's narrative approach. He criticized the overemphasis on storytelling, noting that dialogue often interrupts the faster-paced exploration and combat that metroidvania games typically offer. "The narrative isn't compelling," he admitted, though he conceded it could become more engaging as it develops.

Despite his lengthy list of complaints, Jaffe made an interesting distinction, declaring that Sons of Sparta "is not a bad game." However, he questioned whether it's worth the $30 price tag, suggesting that side-scrolling alternatives like Shinobi: Art of Vengeance offer superior production value for the same cost.

The gaming community appears divided on Jaffe's assessment. While the franchise creator expresses disappointment, Sons of Sparta enjoys solid user review scores of 7.5 on Metacritic. Some players suggest the game doesn't stand out enough in the crowded metroidvania genre, while others are embracing this new interpretation of Kratos.

This controversy highlights the ongoing tension between franchise creators and the evolution of their properties after they've moved on. Jaffe's criticism raises questions about creative ownership and whether original creators have the authority to judge reinterpretations of their work, especially when those reinterpretations find an audience despite the criticism.

For fans of the series, the debate underscores the challenge of balancing nostalgia for the original vision with the desire for fresh takes on beloved characters. While Jaffe's perspective carries weight given his foundational role in creating Kratos, the mixed reception suggests that Sons of Sparta may find its audience among players seeking something different from the mainline God of War experience.