Why God of War: Sons of Sparta’s Kratos Has ‘We Have Kratos at Home’ Vibes

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The surprise release of God of War: Sons of Sparta on PS5 during Sony’s February 2026 State of Play shocked fans with a completely new take on Kratos. Instead of the tough, battle-worn warrior everyone expected, players saw a younger, slimmer Kratos presented in a retro 2D pixel art style. It’s a jarring change, and the game’s lighter tone feels very different from the Kratos players have known for almost twenty years.

It’s understandable to be disappointed with Kratos’ appearance in God of War: Sons of Sparta. His look in the original trilogy and the Norse games – the pale skin, chained blades, and powerful build – is iconic. Fans naturally expected to see something similar. However, the game’s version feels like a simple re-skin of the classic character. But this isn’t just a matter of poor design; it’s a deliberate choice that aligns with the established story. While it might not be what players expected, Kratos’ new design actually fits the context of Sons of Sparta.

Why Kratos’ Design in God of War: Sons of Sparta Makes Sense

Many fans have been hoping for a direct sequel to God of War Ragnarok, but Sons of Sparta isn’t that. Instead, it’s a prequel that takes place when Kratos was young, growing up in Sparta with his brother Deimos. The game tells the story of Kratos before he became the legendary figure known for his tragic past and heroic deeds.

Understanding why this Kratos looks so different comes down to where he is in his story. He hasn’t gone through the events that turned him into the brutal ‘Ghost of Sparta’ or the more reserved father figure from the recent God of War game. He hasn’t yet experienced the loss of his family, fought the gods, or gained the scars and anger that define his iconic look. Therefore, a younger, less recognizable design fits the narrative perfectly.

Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment

It’s important to remember that the game’s visual style also plays a role in how things look. God of War: Sons of Sparta uses a pixelated, 2D art style, which simplifies details compared to the highly realistic 3D graphics of God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok. Pixel art often exaggerates features and hides subtle details, and this can be particularly noticeable with a well-known character like Kratos, making designs seem a bit off when compared to the 3D models. However, this style isn’t a mistake – it’s a deliberate artistic choice that helps set this game apart from the main God of War series and offers a different kind of experience.

This Kratos is different from the one players originally met in the 2005 God of War game, and also from the more thoughtful Kratos of the 2018 reboot. He hasn’t yet gone through the experiences that turned him into the fearsome Ghost of Sparta, or become the serious, fatherly figure we see in the Norse world.

Adding another interesting angle, the game God of War: Sons of Sparta includes narration from TC Carson, who originally voiced Kratos in the earlier God of War games. He plays an older, more thoughtful Kratos looking back on his past. This means Sons of Sparta doesn’t just show a younger Kratos – it shows him through the memories and reflections of his older self. While the older Kratos doesn’t physically appear, his narration emphasizes that the game tells the story of how Kratos became a legend, rather than who he ultimately became.

Honestly, the way people reacted to how Kratos looked was almost as interesting as the game itself. When a series has a strong look, any change feels…off, like they’re messing with something you love. But it actually makes sense within the story! This game isn’t about revisiting the same old Kratos; it’s about seeing how the legend of Kratos was built. Some people want that iconic look, but others – like me – appreciate how they stayed true to the narrative. It’s a bit of a debate, but that’s a good thing, right? It makes you think about what ‘real’ character design even means. Does a character have to look the same all the time to feel authentic? It’s a cool discussion, especially when it comes to God of War: Sons of Sparta.

It May Be Justified, But It Still Hurts

So far, the online reaction to the new pixel art of Kratos hasn’t been overwhelmingly positive, especially among fans discussing the God of War series. Many players have gone to forums and subreddits to share their disappointment. Some, like one Reddit user named PailDuck, were simply surprised – one even said they laughed at first glance, while another called it “lame.” The main issue isn’t necessarily how Kratos looks, but whether a 2D, side-scrolling style is a good fit for such a visually recognizable and iconic game franchise.

It’s actually fitting that some fans are skeptical of the new, younger Kratos design. The point is that he should look significantly different. A lot of the negative reaction stems from expectations, not necessarily the design itself. Players have become accustomed to the older, heavily detailed Kratos we’ve seen for years, and even the stark, brutal look from the original God of War games. Expecting a younger version, before he’s experienced tragedy and become a father, to already look like that older version is unrealistic – it’s like expecting a teenager to look like an adult. This clash between what fans expected and what was revealed was inevitable, and the negative response actually shows how strongly fans connect with Kratos’ visual identity, rather than simply disliking the new design.

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2026-02-15 02:04