David Jaffe is the person who made the first two God of War games. He helped start the series.

What is God of War: Sons of Sparta?

It is a new game in the God of War series. It is a different style of game than the main ones.

Why does David Jaffe not like the game?

He thinks the game is 'bad' and 'insulting.' He feels it is not true to the God of War series and that the story about a young Kratos is boring.

Do other people agree with David Jaffe?

Some people agree with him. But many players still like the game, and its score is okay.

God of War Creator Says New Game is 'Bad' and 'Insulting'

Franchise Creator Questions Game's Existence and Direction

David Jaffe, the creator of the acclaimed God of War series, has expressed significant dissatisfaction with the recently released side-scrolling spin-off, God of War: Sons of Sparta. Jaffe, who directed the initial two God of War titles, has described the game as "total crap," "insulting," and a "terrible first-party game," questioning the decisions behind its creation and its place within the franchise. His strong sentiments stem from his belief that Sons of Sparta misrepresents the core identity of God of War and fails to meet the expectations of long-time fans.

Background: A Prequel Emerges

God of War: Sons of Sparta, a 2.5D action-adventure title, was surprise-released following a State of Play presentation. The game is set before the events of the original God of War trilogy, focusing on a younger Kratos. This narrative choice, along with the game's side-scrolling gameplay, has been a primary point of contention for Jaffe. He argues that this direction deviates from what fans of the God of War franchise would expect, particularly in contrast to the established character and gameplay loops of the more recent, critically lauded entries in the series.

'This is Not God of War' — Franchise Creator David Jaffe Trashes Side-Scrolling Spinoff Sons of Sparta - 1

Jaffe's Core Criticisms

Jaffe's objections to God of War: Sons of Sparta are multifaceted, encompassing gameplay, narrative focus, and the overall vision for the franchise.

A Departure from Franchise Identity

A central theme in Jaffe's critique is that Sons of Sparta does not align with the established identity of the God of War series. He believes the game fails to "respect the license" and is not what players were seeking when they expressed interest in a different style of God of War game.

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Jaffe stated that the existence of Sons of Sparta is "offensive" and that the decision-makers at Sony and Santa Monica Studio appear out of touch with what the God of War audience desires.
He questions the reasoning behind the game's creation, remarking, "What were they thinking?" and suggesting that the game leaves a "bad taste" in fans' mouths.

Concerns Over Younger Kratos Portrayal

The depiction of a younger Kratos in Sons of Sparta has also drawn Jaffe's ire. He finds this interpretation unconvincing and dissimilar to the character he helped define.

Jaffe described the young Kratos as "boring" and likened him to a generic character from a children's television show, rather than the formidable figure known from the God of War games.
He suggests that the focus on Kratos's youth is a misstep, arguing that players are more familiar with and invested in the established, older Kratos.

Gameplay and Production Value Questions

While Jaffe has played for several hours, his initial impressions of the gameplay and production values remain largely negative. He has compared Sons of Sparta unfavorably to other 2D titles.

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Jaffe called the game "total crap" and "insulting," indicating a significant disappointment with its overall quality.
He has contrasted Sons of Sparta with other 2D action games like Blasphemous and Ninja Gaiden, suggesting that these titles offer superior gameplay and value.
Jaffe's critiques point to a perceived lack of identity in the game's mechanics and an insufficient level of action and intensity compared to the franchise's established tone.

Decision-Making and Studio Oversight

Jaffe places the blame for Sons of Sparta's perceived shortcomings on the decision-makers at both Santa Monica Studio and publisher Sony.

He directly criticizes those who "green-lit" the project, suggesting a fundamental misunderstanding of the franchise's appeal.
Jaffe also indicated that Santa Monica Studio should not have allowed such a game to be released under their banner, implying a failure in quality control or creative oversight.

Fan Reception and Game Scores

While Jaffe's views are prominent, the reception to God of War: Sons of Sparta among the wider player base appears mixed.

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User reviews on Metacritic show Sons of Sparta holding a score of 7.5, suggesting that many players have found it at least acceptable.
However, Jaffe's commentary, given his foundational role in the series, carries significant weight and has amplified discussion about the game's direction.

Expert and Developer Perspectives

The narrative of God of War: Sons of Sparta appears to be a subject of debate, with Jaffe’s strong opinions contrasting with the general reception and the developer's intent.

Jaffe's primary contention is that the game's narrative-heavy focus, potentially stemming from Santa Monica Studio's recent emphasis on storytelling, has come at the expense of the core gameplay identity of God of War.
He has acknowledged that Sons of Sparta might be technically "well-made" in some aspects, but this does not mitigate his core issue that the game is "boring and generic" and fails to respect the franchise.

Conclusion and Implications

David Jaffe's vocal criticism of God of War: Sons of Sparta highlights a potential disconnect between creators, developers, and segments of the player base regarding franchise evolution. His arguments suggest that while new directions are sometimes welcomed, they must still resonate with the fundamental appeal that established a property.

Jaffe's critique extends beyond just the game itself, questioning the broader strategy Sony and Santa Monica Studio are employing in managing the God of War IP.
The ongoing discussion about Sons of Sparta's identity and its place within the God of War legacy is likely to continue, particularly as more players experience the game and form their own opinions.
Future developments concerning the God of War franchise may need to carefully consider the balance between innovation and fidelity to the series' established strengths, especially in light of such prominent feedback from its original architect.

God of War Creator Says New Game is 'Bad' and 'Insulting'

Franchise Creator Questions Game's Existence and Direction

Background: A Prequel Emerges